Gluten-Free Chocolate Coconut Cookies

Monday night, for the first time in weeks, I had nothing to do. I was caught up on reading. I had no upcoming deadlines for my jobs. I could have taken the time to get ahead on reading or work or house cleaning, but instead I made cookies. Story of my life. 

It was just one of those nights when I needed some chocolate. Have you been there?

There was one small problem--the only chocolate in my house was cocoa powder.

I had a fresh bag of almond meal, so I googled "cocoa powder almond meal cookies" and eventually found this recipe. Six ingredients? One bowl? No mixer required? I was sold. Within 7 minutes, I had combined the ingredients, formed the cookies, and popped them in the oven. I also added some shredded coconut because I found the remnants of a bag in the bottom of my pantry. (Frugal? Yes.)

And friends, these cookies--> the secret to a really happy Monday evening. The original author said they were the richest, chewiest, chocolatiest cookies she'd had in a while, but I was skeptical at first. Only cocoa powder? No butter or oil? How could they be that rich?

The secret here is the almond meal. Something magical happens in the oven between the almond meal, cocoa powder and eggs. These cookies are fudgy and chewy and intensely chocolate. I like to think of them as a cross between a brownie bite and a coconut macaroon. I'm hungry just typing that sentence.

I made these cookies on a Monday, and by the time Adam got home on Thursday, there was only 1 left for him. I make no apologies. They are that good.

I made them again this weekend, (for official testing purposes, of couse) and at Adam's request I added some mini chocolate chips.  They're not necessary, but when has adding more chocolate ever been a bad decision?

I hope you try these cookies and that they bring a little brightness to your week, friends!

Gluten-Free Chocolate Coconut Cookies

Ingredients:
2 cups almond meal
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp salt
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)

Directions: 
Preheat oven to 350 and prepare cookie sheet with parchment paper or spray liberally with non-stick cooking spray.

In a medium bowl, combine almond meal coconut, and brown sugar. Add eggs, vanilla, salt and cocoa powder. Stir to incorporate.

Roll dough into tablespoon sized balls and place on cookie sheet.

Bake at 350 for 15 minutes or until bottoms are just slightly brown.

Let cool. Cookies may stick to the bottom of the pan when warm.

Adapted from Heather's Dish.