Over the next couple of weeks, I’m going to share some favorite treats made with real food ingredients. To start, we’re going to make a classic: chocolate chip cookies, then einkorn oatmeal cookies. I know the internet is full of chocolate chip cookie recipes. Today’s recipe is unique because we’re going to make the cookies with ancient einkorn flour. These are the absolute best chocolate chip cookies.
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What Readers Say
“These cookies are delicious! I have made them twice in the past couple days. I have just started cooking with einkorn flour this year and was excited to find this easy recipe.”
Melissa
What is Einkorn Flour?
I know einkorn flour is fairly new (although it’s very old) to most people (including myself just a few years ago). I thought it would be helpful to talk about what einkorn is before sharing this recipe. If you’ve never used einkorn before, this recipe is the perfect way to “test the waters” and fall in love with this ancient grain.
Einkorn is a variety of wheat. It’s known as the oldest variety of wheat, or the first wheat, making it an ancient grain. This particular species of grass grew wild for thousands of years before it was intentionally planted and harvested.
Einkorn hasn’t been hybridized (crossbred like modern day wheat) so it still holds to its original properties and nutritional values. In our effort to make modern wheat “better” and more efficient from a production standpoint, nutrients have been lost. Einkorn has a much higher protein content (30% more) and less starch (15% less) along with a higher concentration of minerals and flavor than modern wheat. This makes einkorn distinctly different than modern wheat.
Einkorn is NOT a gluten-free grain. This means einkorn is not safe if you have celiac disease (an autoimmune condition). According to celiac.org, about 1 in 100 people have celiac disease. If you have celiac disease or currently cannot consume gluten (there are times when gluten may need to be temporarily removed to heal the gut, etc.), this almond flour chocolate chip cookie recipe is the best.
Personally, I’ve found that I digest einkorn well (and this is one reason einkorn is gaining popularity as more people are sensitive to modern wheat), along with wheat breads and baked goods that have gone through the sourdough process (which makes grain easier to digest–a practice that has been around for thousands of years). This is why so many of the recipes on the blog feature this grain.
You can find einkorn at some Whole Foods and health food stores, Earth Fare, Vitacost, and Amazon. Definitely shop around as prices can vary based on the retailer.
My favorite brand is Jovial Foods since finding their products is fairly easy and I’ve come to respect this brand as a leader in the real food movement. Another fantastic source for einkorn (flour and berries) is einkorn.com. If you use a lot of einkorn, buying a large bag of flour from Jovial is the most economical option.
To learn more about einkorn, I recommend reading this post and listening to this podcast with Carla from Jovial (hearing her daughter’s story about gluten sensitivity is worth it).
How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookies with Einkorn Flour
Einkorn can be a bit finicky to work with. Due to the gluten structure of einkorn, when the flour is mixed into a batter (when you combine the flour with wet ingredients), the dough can be very sticky. This is particularly apparent with yeasted breads.
That said, drop cookies, like chocolate chip cookies, are easy to make with einkorn flour. Since chocolate chip cookies don’t require any handling, there’s no need to worry about a sticky dough that can be hard to handle.
All of that to say, these cookies are perfect for beginners or those experienced with einkorn flour. All levels of experience are welcome with this recipe.
To make the cookies, simply cream the butter and sugars together.
In this particular recipe, you’ll find that we use brown sugar and cane sugar. When it comes to sweets, I’m not opposed to sticking with sugar.
I’m definitely in the camp that sweets and treats are to be enjoyed as just that: treats. We don’t need to “healthify” these treats with avocados or black beans. (Black beans and brownies just don’t belong in the same sentence. I love both, just not together.)
So, we’re using sugar here. The amounts are reduced so the end result is a cookie that isn’t overly sweet but just right (the BEST, in my opinion).
Back to the steps…
Cream the butter and sugars together, then add two eggs one at a time. In a separate bowl, whisk together the einkorn flour and leavening agents (baking soda and baking powder). Finally, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients .
Once the cookie dough is ready, and you’ve enjoyed a few bites (because sampling homemade cookie dough is a must and since you’re using quality, pasture-raised eggs, there’s no need to be concerned IMO), bake the cookies for 12 minutes or until just slightly brown around the edges. The cookies will have a yellow tint which is the classic characteristic of a baked good made with einkorn flour.
The end result is a soft and slightly chewy homemade chocolate chip cookie that will wow everyone in the family (even the folks that still love cookies from a box). If you don’t want to eat all the cookies within a few days, I recommend freezing the extras.
What Else Can You Make with Einkorn Flour?
You can use einkorn flour for all your baking needs. After you make these cookies, here are a few other ways to use einkorn flour.
- 10 Einkorn Flour Recipes Ranked All-Time Best: 10 of the best foods to make with einkorn flour, plus tips for baking with einkorn flour.
- Einkorn Oatmeal Cookies: Make these cinnamon-flavored einkorn cookies with chocolate chips, raisins, or leave out any mix-ins for a classic oatmeal cookie.
- Einkorn Sugar Cookies: Perfect for the holidays or any time of the year. We use this recipe to make Halloween cookies, birthday cookies, Easter cookies, and Christmas cookies. Make the cookies and then decorate according to the season (you can now find natural dyes for decorating).
- Einkorn Cinnamon Rolls: Making this recipe at Christmas is now a tradition in our home and one that our family looks forward to every year.
- Homemade Einkorn Pancakes: This recipe is easy to make and perfect to make ahead for busy weekdays. Or, make einkorn pancakes on a sheet pan!
- Einkorn Muffins: This is a master recipe. With one recipe you can make multiple muffin variations, from blueberry to chocolate chip muffins. Or, make chocolate zucchini muffins, cinnamon swirl muffins, pumpkin spice, or banana muffins–all made with einkorn flour, of course.
Einkorn Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
- 8 TB unsalted butter softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar packed, 111g
- 1/4 cup organic cane sugar 54g
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose einkorn flour 290g
- 1 tsp salt I use fine Real Salt brand
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 9 oz chocolate chips My favorite brand is Enjoy Life
Special Equipment:
- large bowl
- hand mixer or stand mixer
- medium bowl
- cookie scoop
- parchment paper
- sheet pan
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- To a large bowl, add the butter and sugars (brown and cane sugar). Use a hand mixer (or stand mixer) to cream together the ingredients until light in color.
- Add the eggs one at a time and beat to combine, followed by the vanilla extract.
- In a medium-size bowl, combine the flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Whisk to remove any large lumps.
- With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until combined.
- Use a wooden spoon to stir in the chocolate chips. The dough will be stiff. Allow the batter to rest for about 10-15 minutes, as the einkorn needs this rest time to absorb the liquid ingredients.
- Use a medium-size cookie scoop to scoop the dough and place cookies about 2 inches apart on the parchment-lined sheet pan. They will spread some so be sure to leave room between the cookies.
- Bake for 9-12 minutes, or until barely beginning to brown around the edges. They should appear set on top but not browning. Einkorn produces yellowish baked goods, so a light golden/cream hue is normal.
- Let the cookies rest on the sheet pan for 5 minutes before removing to a rack to cool completely.
- Once cool, store in an air-tight container or bag on the counter for a couple of days, or freeze for a few months.
Video
Notes
- If the butter is too warm, this could be an issue. Try chilling the cookie dough for about an hour before baking or overnight. Personally, I love to make this cookie dough, roll it into a log on parchment paper and then freeze. Then just slice and bake the cookies later. That’s what I do a lot so we always have cookie dough in the freezer and the cookies always turn out great.
- Use the gram measurements (and a scale), not the cup measurement for flour. Grams will give you a precise measurements when baking, cups will not! My cup of flour will not be the same as your cup of flour, depending on how we scoop the flour, pack it in the measuring cup, etc. This is true for all cookie recipes. Using too much flour can and will result in overly cakey cookies.
- Another thought is to allow the dough about 10-20 minutes after mixing to rest on the counter before scooping and baking. Einkorn absorbs liquid very slowly.
Nutrition
In the video, you’ll notice the use of a whisk. This is because a clunky hand mixer or stand mixer takes up to much screen space, which wouldn’t allow me to show you how the cookie dough/ingredients look at each stage. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer is the best way to make the cookies.
I was somewhat disappointed. I followed the recipe to the letter. My dough was sticky and hard to mix in the last cup of flour. The cookies came out more like a bread texture than a cookie.
Sorry to hear that, Deb. Was this your first experience with einkorn? Did you use the gram measurement?
These were really good!! Cookies were slightly crunchy on outside and soft inside, family loved them too. I ended up baking them the full 12 minutes.
So glad everyone in your family loved them, Pepper! Thank you so much for sharing.
These were the best Einkorn chocolate cookies I’ve found! Great job! Love your recipes ?
Yay, Barb! So glad you’re enjoying the cookies. Thank you so much.
These came out better than expected! Thank you!
Awesome, Jessica! So glad you’re enjoying them.
Kristin, thank you for introducing me to Einkorn! I’ve tried several Einkorn recipes from Live Simply and am loving the results. These cookies are so good! I’m tempted to throw my other chocolate chip cookie recipes away. I followed your recipe exactly and did find pressing down on the cookie dough balls created a nice shape like your photos; otherwise they kept more of a ball, domed shape. Thanks again!
Thats great, Cari! Glad you love the recipe. It’s one of my favorites too.
lS Team
I was running low on All purpose, but had tons of Einkorn wheat berries. I ended up using half einkorn all purpose and half milled berries. These cookies came out perfect. Love your recipe.
That’s awesome, Lisa! So glad it worked out. Thank you for sharing.
These were absolutely divine! We didn’t have chocolate chips in stock, so I added 3 table spoons of cacao powder instead. And the extras kept well in the freezer = bonus!
Hello, thank you for another great recipe. Made these cookies today. They are delicious! I did not have light brown sugar so I substituted with organic sucanat sugar. The cook time of 12 minutes was just right for my oven. Love baking with einkorn flour.
Can you use only white sugar? I don’t have any brown in my cupboard and I don’t want to run to the store but I want yummy cookies 🙂 thanks!
The brown sugar is important since it adds to the flavor and also has more moisture content than white sugar. Both of these are key in cookies like this. If you have molasses you can make brown sugar with your white sugar. Here’s how to do that:
https://www.biggerbolderbaking.com/make-brown-sugar/
LS Team
Hi, this recipe was perfect and we really enjoyed it. One note – I used cold butter instead of room temp and cut it into tiny pieces before. mixing with sugar which helped the cookie hold its shape. Can you also share one for a double chocolate chip cookie recipe with einkorn flour? Would appreciate it!
Hey DK, So glad you enjoyed them!! Such a great idea. And I love the idea for double chocolate einkorn cookies. Adding to my list!
I only had salted butter and wasn’t going to risk my life in the stores of Washington to go get unsalted. I only used 1/4 tsp of salt to even things out. Excellent cookies! I cooked one batch for 9 and the other for 12 minutes. 9 minutes cook time was my preference. My husband also Prefered the 9 minutes cook time result and also gives them 5 stars!
Thank you for helping to make my 24th day of quarantine joyful and delicious! It also made the house smell delightful. God bless!
Great idea, Margie! A little extra salt could make them delicious too 😉
So happy they worked well for you, happy cookie eating!
LS Team.
Made these today. Great! Except cooking time too long. 1:30 less better
Hi Roseann,
All ovens are different. Thanks for letting us know!
LS Team.
Do you think there’s a possible substitute for butter in this recipe? Recently went vegan but a vegan einkorn cookie recipe is hard to find, thought I’d just play with this one! Already have a substitute for eggs.
Hey Kaitlyn, A vegan butter would be the best option, but most are filled with not-great ingredients. Mykonos brand is my recommendation. Coconut oil may work.
Hi Kristin,
I was wondering if and how I can substitute the sugar with maple syrup?
Thanks!
Hi Sana, Im sorry but you can’t substitute with maple syrup for this recipe.
LS Team.
I made these this evening and instead of cookies I spread the dough out into a 9×13 pan and made cookie bars! My husband was wanting some so thought I’d try it with your recipe! Turned out perfect and he didn’t know they were different than how I used to make them!
I’ve made these twice and they are delicious but mine are coming out done shaped for some reason and not spreading out. I used the same chocolate chips as you use the second time, thinking the ones I bought for the first try were too big, but I got the same result. Any thoughts or suggestions?
Hey Kaitlyn, Are you weighing the flour?
Yes ma’am
Any thoughts since I am weighing the flour and am not getting ideal results?
We have made this recipe twice and twice it came out dome shaped as well. I weighed everything.
Hey Kae, Are you weighing the flour (versus using the volume measurement)? If you’re getting too much dome, I recommend weighing the flour. The issue is probably that–too much flour is being added. My cup of flour can be very different than your cup, and vice versa. Weighing ingredients particularly when baking is critical.
mine did the same. I am an eexperienced baker. I looked at the jovial website at their cookie recipe and it has 1/2 cup less flour and 2 tbsp more butter. mine were very dry and gummy and did. ot rise. sad since I used so many good pricey ingredients. will not make again sadly.
Hey Andrea, I’m sorry you didn’t enjoy the cookies. Did you weigh the flour?
Another win! I am loving your einkorn recipes! Even my picky chocolate chip cookie loving hubby approves. Thank you! 🙂
So happy to hear that, Esther!
These turned out great! I love how smooth the batter is and the baked cookie texture was perfect. Looking forward to more einkorn treat recipes!
So glad you loved them, Karli! Thank you so much for coming back to share!
Is this a new recipe? I feel like I looked for an einkorn chocolate chip cookie recipe on your website a few months ago and couldn’t find one. Or did I just overlook it?
Hi Kaitlyn! Yes, it is!
Making them now while we decorate the tree ?
Awesome, I hope you loved them.
Yum! I can’t wait to try these! And the batter too which I love to eat. 😉 I heard somewhere that it isn’t the raw egg that can make you sick in batter, it’s the flour! I’m just going to say that maybe that’s less of a risk with Einkorn. 🙂
Let us know what you think when you do! ?
Oh interesting, Tamara! Enjoy!!