Imagine sinking your teeth into a decadent, gluten-free cookie that not only looks adorable but tastes absolutely divine! These Chocolate Almond Meal Valentine Heart Cookies are the ultimate treat that combines rich chocolate flavor, wholesome almond meal, and a touch of romance. Perfect for your Valentine's Day celebration or any moment you want to sprinkle a little love into your baking, these cookies are guaranteed to impress both your sweetheart and your taste buds. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you'll create a batch of irresistible heart-shaped delights that are as fun to make as they are to eat!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups almond meal
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the almond meal, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, and salt until well combined and no lumps remain.
- In a separate small bowl, mix the melted coconut oil, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly using a spatula or wooden spoon until a cohesive dough forms. The mixture should be slightly sticky but able to hold its shape.
- If the dough seems too soft, refrigerate for 15 minutes to firm up slightly.
- Dust a clean work surface with cocoa powder or almond meal to prevent sticking.
- Roll out the dough to approximately 1/4 inch thickness using a rolling pin.
- Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookie shapes, pressing firmly and carefully transferring to the prepared baking sheets.
- Re-roll any remaining dough scraps and continue cutting out heart shapes until all dough is used.
- Place cookies about 1 inch apart on the baking sheets to allow for slight spreading.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are slightly firm and the tops look set.
- Remove from the oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional: Once cooled, decorate with melted white chocolate, sprinkles, or dust with powdered sugar for a festive Valentine's Day touch.
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Tips
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best dough consistency.
- Chill the dough if it feels too soft - this helps prevent spreading and maintains the heart shape.
- Use a high-quality cocoa powder for intense chocolate flavor.
- Don't overmix the dough to keep the cookies tender.
- For clean cookie cut-outs, dip your heart-shaped cookie cutter in cocoa powder between cuts.
- Allow cookies to cool completely before decorating to prevent melting.
- For a festive touch, try drizzling white chocolate or adding red sprinkles.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and soft texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 95kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 10mg
