If you’ve been searching for an irresistible treat that’s naturally gluten-free, fudgy, and packs a chocolaty punch, then this Flourless Chocolate Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. These cookies combine the richness of cocoa with a perfectly crackled, shiny top that gives way to a soft, chewiness inside. Made with simple pantry staples and no flour in sight, they’re a quick, sophisticated dessert that feels just a little bit special every time you bake them.

Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s fantastic about this Flourless Chocolate Cookies Recipe is how straightforward the ingredient list is, yet each component plays a crucial role in delivering that luscious texture and intense chocolate flavor you crave.
- Powdered sugar (3 cups): Provides sweetness and helps create the delicate, melt-in-your-mouth structure of the cookie.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (3/4 cup): Infuses the cookies with deep, rich chocolate flavor and a beautiful dark color.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the chocolate notes and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Egg whites (2 large): Act as a binding agent, giving the cookies their fudgy but firm texture without the need for flour.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a warm, floral undertone that complements the cocoa brilliantly.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1/2 cup): Provide melty pockets of chocolate for extra indulgence with every bite.
How to Make Flourless Chocolate Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, ensuring it reaches the perfect temperature to bake these cookies evenly. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and to make clean-up easier. This setup sets the stage for cookies that bake beautifully and lift right off the pan without a fight.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt. This step distributes the flavors uniformly and prevents any clumps, which is key for a smooth cookie batter.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients and Stir
Pour in the egg whites and vanilla extract, then stir the mixture until it transforms into a thick, glossy batter. It should resemble a slightly looser brownie batter—rich, dense, and beautifully chocolatey. This glossy finish is a telltale sign of just how luscious these cookies will be.
Step 4: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, distributing them throughout the batter. These little bursts of chocolate add texture and extra flavor payoff with every bite and balance the fudgy base perfectly.
Step 5: Shape and Bake
Drop tablespoon-sized mounds of batter onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart. This spacing allows the cookies to spread just enough without sticking together. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, watching for shiny, crackled tops that signal perfection.
Step 6: Cool Completely
Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheets before moving them. This cooling time is essential because the cookies firm up as they rest, developing that ideal fudgy texture unique to this Flourless Chocolate Cookies Recipe.
How to Serve Flourless Chocolate Cookies Recipe

Garnishes
Enhance your cookies by dusting them lightly with powdered sugar or cocoa powder just before serving. If you’re feeling extra festive, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top right out of the oven adds a delightful contrast that will elevate every bite.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to create a simple yet elegant dessert. Fresh berries or a rich espresso also complement their intense chocolate flavor beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching dessert tray, arrange the flourless cookies alongside assorted nuts and dried fruits. You can also sandwich two cookies together with a layer of chocolate ganache or peanut butter for a decadent twist that will wow any guest.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your flourless chocolate cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and chewy for up to three days, making them a perfect make-ahead dessert for busy weeks or last-minute guests.
Freezing
If you want to keep these cookies longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a resealable freezer bag. When you’re ready to indulge, thaw them at room temperature for about 30 minutes—freshness preserved, with all the fudgy goodness intact.
Reheating
For that just-baked warmth, pop a cookie or two in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. This quick heat brings back the melty chocolate chips and soft texture, making each bite feel freshly baked.
FAQs
Are these flourless chocolate cookies really gluten-free?
Absolutely! This Flourless Chocolate Cookies Recipe uses no flour at all, making it a naturally gluten-free dessert perfect for those with gluten sensitivities or anyone looking for a tasty alternative.
Can I substitute the egg whites?
Egg whites are essential for binding and texture in this recipe, but if you need an alternative, aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) could work as a vegan substitute. However, results may vary slightly.
Why do the cookies crack on top?
The crackly tops are a hallmark of this flourless recipe, caused by the powdered sugar and egg whites reacting during baking. They’re a sign of perfect texture—crispy on the outside and fudgy inside.
Can I use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet?
Definitely! Dark chocolate chips will give a more intense chocolate flavor and slightly less sweetness, which can balance this dessert beautifully if you prefer a richer taste.
How long do these cookies last once baked?
Stored properly in an airtight container, these flourless chocolate cookies remain fresh and delicious for up to three days at room temperature.
Final Thoughts
This Flourless Chocolate Cookies Recipe is truly a gem to keep in your dessert arsenal. Whether you have dietary needs or simply crave a simplified, deeply chocolatey cookie, these are guaranteed to satisfy. Give them a try—you’ll be hooked on their fudgy texture and brilliant flavor in no time!
Print
Flourless Chocolate Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 18–20 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian
Description
These Flourless Chocolate Cookies are a deliciously fudgy and naturally gluten-free treat. Made with simple ingredients like powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and egg whites, these cookies have a rich chocolate flavor with a shiny, crackled top and a chewy texture. Perfect for those who crave chocolate without any flour, they are easy to make and ideal for any dessert occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large egg whites
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt until fully combined and smooth.
- Add wet ingredients: Add the egg whites and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Stir continuously until the batter becomes thick, glossy, and slightly looser than traditional brownie batter.
- Fold in chocolate chips: Gently fold the semi-sweet chocolate chips into the batter to distribute them evenly without deflating the mixture.
- Form cookies: Drop tablespoon-sized mounds of the batter onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the tops are shiny and develop a characteristic crackled appearance.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheets before removing them. This step is important as the cookies will firm up as they cool, maintaining their fudgy texture.
Notes
- These cookies are naturally gluten-free, making them perfect for those with gluten sensitivities.
- For added texture and flavor, you can substitute mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts in place of the semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.

