Giant Vegan Gluten-Free Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Cookie: The Ultimate One-Bowl Recipe

The ultimate giant vegan, gluten-free, and grain-free almond flour chocolate chip cookie, perfectly sized for two (or a truly indulgent solo treat)! Lightly sweetened with pure maple syrup and loaded with delicious dairy-free chocolate chunks.

If someone had told me just a year ago that I would be navigating a global pandemic while living alone, I probably would have reacted with a mix of disbelief, a few tears, and then a hearty laugh, followed by more tears. That version of me in 2019 had absolutely no idea what challenges lay ahead, or the unexpected lessons I was about to learn.

However, these unprecedented times have, if anything, profoundly taught me about my own resilience, inner strength, and unwavering perseverance in the face of immense uncertainty. We all just keep going, adapting, and finding new ways to cope, friend. I genuinely hope that you, too, have discovered a newfound capability within yourself to navigate difficult situations and emerge stronger than you ever thought possible.

Because we truly are all in this together, and today, we’re going to find some comfort and joy by baking together. These current events have also serendipitously transformed me into something of an expert in crafting a truly exceptional vegan cookie. And guess what? These Giant Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Cookies are just as resilient and comforting as we need to be right now.

They offer the perfect balance of chewy and sweet, bursting with dairy-free chocolate chunks in every single bite. The best part? You can whip them up in a single bowl using simple, pantry-friendly ingredients you likely already have on hand. Plus, they only require about 15 minutes to bake to golden perfection in your oven, making them an ideal treat for any occasion, or no occasion at all. So, let’s embark on this delicious adventure and bake a BIG cookie!

My inspiration for this magnificent creation struck a few weeks ago after watching my friend Nicole from Kale Junkie demonstrate her “big-ass cookie” on an Instagram live session. From that moment, a powerful craving for chocolate chip cookies took root – but not just any chocolate chip cookies. I yearned for a colossal cookie, something grander than the usual, a true showstopper that could truly lift spirits.

I envisioned Giant Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Cookies. The kind that are so impressively large they barely fit in your hand, capable of covering your entire face for a fun photo op. This vision propelled me into the kitchen, determined to create my own “large and in charge” cookie, one whose flavor profile was as expansive and satisfying as its sheer size. I wanted a cookie that felt like a warm hug, a little piece of joy that could be easily made and enjoyed.

What I developed is more than just a cookie; it’s the ultimate treat you deserved yesterday, need today, and will crave tomorrow. This vegan, gluten-free, and grain-free delight is thoughtfully crafted to be not only incredibly delicious but also nourishing. It’s packed with wholesome plant-based protein from almond flour and almond butter, provides beneficial nutty healthy fats, and boasts plenty of refined sugar-free sweetness courtesy of pure maple syrup. This thoughtful combination makes it a treat you can feel good about indulging in.

While this recipe is officially designed to serve two, please do not let that specification deter you from making it for yourself. Living alone, I’ve already happily managed to devour several of these giant cookies entirely on my own during my recipe testing phases! It’s the perfect guilt-free indulgence, whether you’re sharing with a loved one or savoring every bite solo as a well-deserved personal treat. This cookie is all about embracing comfort, however you choose to enjoy it.

Essential Ingredients for Your Giant Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Cookie

Crafting this magnificent cookie requires a surprisingly short list of readily available ingredients, making it accessible even on busy days. Each component plays a vital role in achieving its perfect taste and texture. Here’s exactly what you’ll need to create this vegan, gluten-free, and grain-free masterpiece:

• **Ground Flaxseed + Filtered Water:** This dynamic duo forms our “flax egg,” a quintessential plant-based binder. It’s a perfect replacement for traditional eggs, ensuring the cookie holds together beautifully while adding a nutritional boost of omega-3s and fiber.
• **Creamy Almond Butter:** The secret to the cookie’s rich, decadent flavor and wonderfully chewy texture. Opt for a smooth, natural almond butter with no added sugars or oils for the purest taste and best results. It provides healthy fats and a delightful nuttiness.
• **Pure Maple Syrup:** Our natural sweetener of choice, pure maple syrup offers a delicate, caramel-like sweetness without the need for refined sugars. It also contributes to the cookie’s moistness and helps achieve that golden-brown finish.
• **Baking Powder:** Essential for a slight lift during baking, giving the cookie a tender, soft interior without making it cakey. It ensures a light and airy crumb.
• **Almond Flour:** The star of our grain-free base! Fine-ground almond flour lends a rich, buttery, nutty flavor and a tender, melt-in-your-mouth crumb. It’s naturally gluten-free and provides a good source of protein and healthy fats.
• **Coconut Flour:** A highly absorbent and nutrient-dense flour that we use sparingly to help achieve the perfect cookie dough consistency. Its unique properties help thicken the batter without adding too much bulk or overwhelming the flavor.
• **Dairy-Free Chocolate Chips (or Chunks):** Because what’s a chocolate chip cookie without chocolate? Choose your favorite high-quality dairy-free variety for those irresistible pockets of melted, gooey goodness that make every bite extraordinary.

That’s truly it! Just a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients come together in one bowl to create something truly extraordinary and deeply satisfying. This minimal ingredient list proves that healthy and delicious can indeed go hand-in-hand.

Why I Swear by If You Care Unbleached Parchment Baking Paper

Just like with all my baking endeavors, we begin with a properly lined baking sheet. For this Giant Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Cookie, establishing the perfect foundation is key, and that’s why I always reach for If You Care Parchment Baking Paper. You’ve probably noticed these distinctive, beautiful beige sheets gracing countless images across my blog posts, and for excellent reason.

These incredibly handy baking sheets are not only exceptionally practical but also deeply committed to environmental consciousness. They are expertly crafted from unbleached, totally chlorine-free, and greaseproof paper. This means that unlike many conventional parchment papers, no harmful chlorine or chlorine derivatives are released into our precious lakes, rivers, and streams during their production process. This makes them a significantly more sustainable and eco-friendly choice for your kitchen and for the health of our planet.

If You Care sources its paper exclusively from FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified forests. This certification is a robust guarantee that the paper comes from forests managed responsibly, adhering to the most rigorous environmental, social, and economic standards. Furthermore, these sheets are proudly vegan, gluten-free, all-natural, non-GMO, and allergen-free, providing complete peace of mind that the paper touching your precious food is 100% safe, clean, and free from any undesirable chemicals or common allergens.

The convenience factor of these pre-cut parchment sheets cannot be overstated; they are perfectly sized to fit standard metal baking pans, completely eliminating the hassle of tearing and trimming, which saves valuable time and effort. Using them significantly cuts down on post-baking cleanup, as sticky messes and cookie crumbs are neatly contained on the paper, rather than baked onto your pans. They also inherently reduce the need for excessive greasing and oiling in your recipes, contributing to a healthier bake and an effortlessly easy release of your delicious creations. I find If You Care Parchment Baking Paper to be an indispensable tool for a wide array of kitchen tasks, including baking cookies, roasting vegetables, reheating leftovers, neatly wrapping food, and even for various no-bake creations. It truly is a versatile and essential kitchen staple that aligns with mindful living.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Your Giant Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Cookie

Once your oven is preheating to the correct temperature of 350°F and your baking sheet is perfectly lined with If You Care Parchment Paper, you’re ready to begin the simple and satisfying process of mixing your ingredients. This recipe is wonderfully straightforward, requiring just one bowl for all the magic to happen, which means less cleanup!

1. **Preheat & Prep:** Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with your chosen parchment paper. This ensures a non-stick surface and easy cleanup.
2. **Prepare the Flax Egg:** In a medium-sized bowl, combine the ground flaxseed and filtered water. Give it a quick whisk and then allow it to sit undisturbed for approximately 5 minutes. During this crucial time, the mixture will thicken and develop a gel-like consistency, forming our essential plant-based binder, often referred to as a “flax egg.”
3. **Combine Wet Ingredients:** Add the creamy almond butter, pure maple syrup, and baking powder to the bowl with the flax egg. Stir these ingredients thoroughly with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon until they are well combined and smooth, creating a cohesive wet mixture.
4. **Introduce Almond Flour:** Gently incorporate the almond flour into the wet mixture. Stir until just combined. At this stage, your batter will likely be quite creamy and a little on the runny side. This is perfectly normal and expected, and it sets the stage for our next step.
5. **Achieve Perfect Consistency with Coconut Flour:** This is the crucial step for achieving the ideal cookie dough texture. Begin by adding 1 tablespoon of coconut flour and mixing it in well. Coconut flour is incredibly absorbent, so it will quickly start to stiffen the batter. If, after mixing, the batter is still too runny and doesn’t resemble a pliable cookie dough (it should be thick enough to hold its shape), add up to 1 more tablespoon of coconut flour, mixing thoroughly after each addition, until you reach the desired firm yet sticky consistency.
6. **Fold in the Chocolate:** Finally, gently fold in your dairy-free chocolate chips or chunks. Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough, ready to create delightful pockets of melted chocolate in every bite.
7. **Shape Your Giant Cookie:** Scoop the entire cookie dough mixture onto the center of your parchment-lined baking sheet. Using your hands (you can lightly wet them to prevent sticking to the dough, as it can be a bit tacky) or a spatula, carefully spread and shape the dough into a large, flat, circular form. Aim for a diameter of about 6 inches and a consistent thickness of approximately 1/2 inch. Remember, this specific cookie recipe is designed not to spread much during baking, so the shape you create now is largely what you’ll get after it’s baked. For an extra touch of indulgence, don’t be shy about adding a few additional chocolate chunks on top at this point, gently pressing them into the dough for a visually appealing and extra chocolatey finish – I certainly did!
8. **Bake to Golden Perfection:** Place your baking sheet with the giant cookie into the preheated oven. Bake for 14-16 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn a beautiful golden brown and the top appears slightly puffed up. My cookie usually hits perfection right around the 15-minute mark in my oven. For those who prefer a slightly crunchier, crispier cookie, you can extend the bake time by an extra minute or two. Conversely, for an extra soft and wonderfully chewy texture, aim to remove it from the oven a minute earlier than the recommended range.
9. **The Critical Setting Period:** This is perhaps the most critical step for a perfect cookie. Your giant cookie WILL appear underdone and very soft when you first remove it from the oven. DO NOT, and I repeat, DO NOT attempt to touch, move, or cut the cookie immediately after baking. This is a common mistake that can lead to a crumbled or broken cookie. Instead, allow the freshly baked cookie to rest and set undisturbed on the baking sheet for a full 10-15 minutes. During this vital cooling period, it will continue to firm up and become perfectly structured. Once adequately cooled and set, you can proudly serve and enjoy your magnificent creation immediately (it’s divine warm and gooey!) or carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely for later enjoyment.

The Critical Step: Your Cookie Will Appear Underdone!

Place the baking sheet containing your carefully shaped cookie in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 14-16 minutes. Your giant cookie is finished baking when its edges have started to achieve a beautiful golden brown color and the top appears lightly puffed up and set. For my oven, the cookie consistently reaches its perfect state right around the 15-minute mark, yielding a wonderfully soft interior and slightly crisp edges.

If you have a preference for a cookie with a bit more crunch and crispiness, particularly around the edges, consider extending the bake time by an extra minute or two. Conversely, if you desire an exceptionally soft and wonderfully chewy cookie, aim to remove it from the oven a minute earlier than the recommended range to preserve its tender texture.

A CRUCIAL ATTENTION POINT: It is absolutely normal and expected for your giant cookie to appear significantly underdone and very soft when you first remove it from the oven. This is part of the process, so don’t be alarmed!

DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT attempt to touch, move, or slice into the cookie immediately after it comes out of the oven. This is a common mistake that can lead to a crumbled, broken, or misshapen cookie, as it needs time to solidify.

Instead, allow the freshly baked cookie to rest and set on the baking sheet for a minimum of 10-15 minutes. This vital cooling period allows the cookie to continue cooking slightly from residual heat, firm up, and become structurally sound. This setting time is essential for its integrity. Once this crucial setting time has passed, you can proudly serve and enjoy your magnificent creation immediately, perhaps still warm and gooey, or transfer it carefully to a wire rack to cool completely if you prefer it at room temperature. Patience here will be greatly rewarded!

Perfect Pairings & Serving Suggestions for Your Giant Cookie

This Giant Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Cookie is designed to satisfy those deep, undeniable cravings for a truly clean, wholesome, and utterly delicious treat. Its simplicity in preparation means it’s easy enough to whip up on a whim, any time the mood strikes, turning an ordinary moment into something special. Gather your family, call your roommates, invite your closest friends, or cozy up with your better half – this single, impressive cookie is perfect for sharing, creating sweet memories together. I imagine it would be absolutely fantastic as a unique and memorable dessert for a special date night or a fun, engaging baking session with kids on a lazy weekend afternoon, providing a delightful activity and a tasty reward.

My personal favorite way to enjoy this masterpiece is sliced into halves, accompanied by a tall, frosty glass of creamy almond milk. The cool, nutty milk provides a delightful contrast to the warm, chewy, and chocolatey cookie, making for an unforgettable and incredibly comforting snack or dessert experience. It’s a classic pairing that never disappoints.

Feeling adventurous or simply prefer a different flavor profile? This recipe is incredibly versatile and encourages customization! If chocolate chunks aren’t quite what you’re in the mood for, consider swapping them out for other delicious additions. You could try adding plump raisins for a classic and comforting twist, crunchy chopped walnuts or pecans for extra texture and healthy fats, or tart dried cranberries for a burst of fruity flavor that brightens the whole cookie. Each variation offers a distinct and equally delicious experience, allowing you to tailor it to your preferences.

Furthermore, the almond butter in this recipe, while fantastic, is also quite flexible. While almond butter offers a wonderful flavor and tender texture, you can easily substitute it with any other creamy nut or seed butter you prefer or happen to have on hand. Cashew butter would make it even creamier and slightly sweeter, peanut butter would lend a more robust, earthy flavor (though it would no longer be “almond flour” specific in name, it would still be undeniably delicious!), and for those with nut allergies, sunflower seed butter is an excellent, safe, and flavorful alternative. Don’t hesitate to experiment and make this cookie truly your own unique creation. Enjoy every delightful and satisfying bite!

More Delicious Vegan Cookie Recipes to Explore

• Cashew Butter Chickpea Snack Cookies

• Blood Orange Chocolate Chickpea Cookies

• 4-Ingredient Maple Sesame Tahini Cookies

• Zucchini Tahini Breakfast Cookies

• Cacao Chickpea Cookie Dough “Snackwiches”

• Chocolate Tahini No-Bake Cookies

• Pumpkin Spice Chickpea Cookies

• Banana Walnut Chocolate Chip Protein Cookies

• Blueberry Almond Protein Cookies

• Banana Bread Breakfast Cookies

• Grain-Free Sweet Potato Breakfast Cookies

• Apple Butter Oatmeal Cookies

• Cranberry Almond Breakfast Cookies

I Would Love to Hear From You!

If you decide to make this delightful Giant Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe, please don’t hesitate to let me know how it turns out! Your feedback is incredibly valuable and helps me continue to create recipes you’ll love.

Be sure to leave me a comment, a star rating, and a review below so I can use your wonderful insights to create even more delicious and exciting recipes for you and our community.

You can also give me a shout-out on Instagram and use the hashtag #floraandvino to proudly showcase your baking creations. I absolutely love seeing what you make in your kitchens!

Don’t forget to check out my Pinterest page to pin more delectable recipes like this one, saving them for your next baking adventure or meal planning inspiration.

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XO Lauren

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