Flourless Chocolate Cookies! Easy, naturally gluten-free and so decadent! Rich and fudgy chocolate cookies with a crackly top and soft center. Add marshmallows and walnuts to make these Rocky Road Cookies!

Bring these cookies to your next party or bake sale! They are EASY to make but seem fancy. These cookies are always a crowd-pleaser and perfect for a gluten-free option!

overhead shot of cookies with one broken in half

If you love rich, decadent chocolate desserts like flourless chocolate cake – these cookies are for you! They are soft and fudgy with the perfect amount of chew.

These were some of the first cookies I ever made when I was diagnosed with celiac disease back in 2012. Back then I figured anything “flourless” would be naturally gluten-free. I also thought I couldn’t go wrong translating something as delicious as flourless chocolate cake to a cookie. And I was right!

You also might like this flourless chocolate torte or gluten-free chocolate lava cake.

how to mix together dry ingredients for flourless chocolate cookies

How to Make Them

Flourless cookies! How can it be? Flourless cookies often rely on nut butter for structure and texture. However, these cookies get their distinctive crackly top (almost like a brownie!) and gooey center from a base of egg whites and powdered sugar. These cookies are super easy to make with just 6 pantry-staple ingredients!

STEP ONE – Mix the powdered sugar, cocoa powder and salt together in a bowl. Whisk everything together until incorporated.

STEP TWO – Add the egg whites and vanilla. You’ll want to start with 2 egg whites and add more if needed after mixing.
adding wet ingredients to flourless chocolate cookie dough

STEP 3 – See the consistency in this photo? It’s not quite right – a little too thick. Adding one more egg white should do the trick! You want the dough to resemble thick brownie batter.

STEP 4 – This looks like the right consistency! Now you’ll fold in the chocolate chips. After that let the batter rest for 15 minutes.

You also might like this gluten-free brownie recipe.

Scooping out Flourless Chocolate Cookie Dough

STEP 5 – Scoop the dough out onto parchment-lined baking sheets. I like to lightly spray the parchment with a little cooking spray before baking so the cookies don’t stick. Then bake the cookies at 350F for 12-14 minutes.

STEP 6 – One of my favorite ways to make these cookies is to do a Rocky Road version! Add some marshmallows and walnuts to the dough. The marshmallows get all toasted and melty and the crunch of the walnuts is just perfect. Try it!

TIP: Add marshmallows and walnuts to take these cookies to the next level!

If you love rocky road try this homemade rocky road ice cream! You also might like this chocolate drizzle popcorn or gluten-free chocolate crinkle cookies.

close up shot of flourless chocolate cookie with marshmallows

See what I mean? That toasted marshmallow is delicious! Either version is delicious – but I prefer the Rocky Road!

These naturally gluten-free cookies seem like they’re made in a fancy bakery, but they’re secretly so easy to make. I love bringing them to bake sales for this reason!

close up shot of flourless chocolate cookies

Tips for Flourless Chocolate Cookies

Spray the parchment: Lightly greasing the parchment will help these cookies come off the pan easily.
Start with 2 egg whites: Start with 2 and add more eggs whites if needed to get the desired thickness. You should have the consistency of brownie batter!
Let the batter rest for 15 minutes: This will help the cookies have the perfect texture!
Add mix-ins: Chocolate chips, marshmallows and walnuts really take these cookies to the next level!

More Flourless Cookie Recipes:

Flourless Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies – The easiest peanut butter cookies you’ll ever make! Only 5 ingredients needed.

Peanut Butter Monster Cookies – These cookies use ground up oats instead of flour. Add your favorite mix-ins like mini PB cups or M&Ms!

Chocolate Coconut Cloud Cookies – Easy to make with egg whites, coconut, and sugar. Smothered in melted chocolate and sprinkled with macadamia nuts!

Gluten-Free Vegan Brownie Cookies from Sarah Bakes Gluten-Free

For another dairy-free chocolate treat – try this Dairy-Free Hot Chocolate!
chocolate cookie broken into two on marble surface
4.88 from 8 votes

Flourless Chocolate Cookies

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings 18 cookies
Easy, naturally gluten-free and so decadent! Rich and fudgy chocolate cookies with a crackly top and soft center. Add marshmallows and walnuts to make these Rocky Road Cookies!

Ingredients

  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 2/3 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 4 egg whites at room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup marshmallows + 1/2 cup walnuts optional

Instructions 

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line two rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper. Spray the parchment paper lightly with cooking spray.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. Beat in two egg whites and the vanilla extract until the batter is moistened. You're looking for a brownie-like, thick and fudgy batter consistency. If it seems too thick, add another egg white - then a 4th one if it still seems too thick. Fold in chocolate chips. Let the batter rest for 15 minutes.
  • Spoon batter onto the prepared baking sheets in 12 evenly spaced mounds per cookie sheet. Bake for 12-14 minutes, until the tops are glossy and lightly cracked. Slide the parchment paper (with the cookies) onto wire racks. Cool completely. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Make it DAIRY-FREE: Use dairy-free chocolate chips like Enjoy Life Foods to keep these cookies dairy-free.
  • The 15 minute rest helps these cookies have the perfect texture and consistency.

Nutrition

Calories: 146kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 52mg | Potassium: 59mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 27g | Vitamin A: 20IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 16mg | Iron: 0.6mg

overhead shot of cookies

Original pictures from 2012:

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

Categories: , , , , ,

Hi, I’m Erin!

BS Food Science,

MS Nutrition

I believe you can make amazing, gluten-free food with everyday ingredients that everyone will enjoy. I’m here to share my tried-and-true recipes with you!

You may also like

image for website to buy cookies cookbook

Comments

  1. Loving these. Making them for the second time today. My partner does not usually like chocolate cookies, but he liked them so much he requested them again. Also making the flourless peanut butter today, also at his request. Thank you for sharing all these great recipes with us!

  2. How long will these cookies keep? I want to use this recipe for wedding favours for my gluten free guests.

    1. I’m not 100% sure (these don’t last long at my house!), but I think they will be good for up to 2 days. Good luck!

  3. I made these and shared a few at school. They were a huge hit with friends and family. Now I’m so popular!!! 😉

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating