SWEET LAUREL'S GF HAZELNUT CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

Photo Credit: Claire Thomas

Chocolate is one of my favorite Superfoods! Loaded with antioxidants and high in magnesium, it's the perfect option when your craving something tasty, rich, and deeply nourishing. Today, Sweet Laurel Bakery shares another sweet secret from their gluten free kitchen. A nutty twist on the traditional recipe that will please your palate and satisfy your sweet tooth. Enjoy!

L | Hazelnuts are the reason the world loves Nutella, right? Here is a healthy alternative to that tablespoon of Nutella you’re craving, and an all time favorite at Sweet Laurel. 

HAZELNUT CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

(grain-free, refined sugar free and dairy free)

Yields 12 cookies

2 cups Hazelnut flour (or Almond flour)

1/4 teaspoon Himalayan pink salt

1/4 cup coconut oil, melted

1/4 cup 100% maple syrup

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup homemade chocolate chips (recipe below)

Preheat oven to 350.  Stir together the dry ingredients in a medium bowl.  Separately, whisk together coconut oil, maple syrup and vanilla extract and stir into the dry ingredients.  Add chocolate chips and stir to combine. Place one to two inch balls of batter onto greased and parchment lined baking pans and lightly press down.  Bake for 7-9 minutes, until just golden brown around the edges. Remove from the oven and place the cookies on a cooling rack. 

Homemade Chocolate Chips

4 ounces unsweetened baking chocolate (100% cacao), (organic is preferable) 

2 tablespoons 100% maple syrup (or more depending on how dark you like it)

Break baking chocolate into one inch pieces and place in thick saucepan or double boiler.  Over a very low heat, melt baking chocolate   Once melted, take off heat and add maple syrup and stir.  Pour chocolate onto parchment paper and spread into a rectangle, about 8x12 inches.  Place parchment in freezer.  Once hardened (will take a few minutes), break of pieces and use as needed.