When you’re craving rich, chocolatey cookies but want to skip the flour, this recipe is exactly the answer. These warm, chewy chocolate walnut cookies combine toasted walnuts with deep cacao powder, powdered sugar, sea salt, and egg whites—no wheat flour in sight. With every bite, you’re greeted by the crunch of walnuts, the crackle of glossy chocolate tops, and the subtle pop of sea salt.
Because this recipe uses only walnuts, powdered sugar, cacao powder, large-flake sea salt, egg whites, and vanilla extract, it’s naturally gluten-free—there’s no flour or wheat-based binders. That makes these treats a reliable choice for gluten-sensitive households without compromising on indulgence.
Easy and fast to mix (just 8 minutes of active time), these cookies bake in about 14 minutes after toasting the walnuts. They arrive chewy, deeply chocolate-rich, and wrapped in simplicity. Whether you’re making them for an afternoon snack, a giftable dessert, or a gluten-free treat tray, they deliver the best homemade cookie experience.
Chocolate Walnut Cookies
Recipe Details
Yield: 24 cookies
Active Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Chocolate Walnut Cookie Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups walnuts, chopped
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup plus 3 tablespoons cacao powder
- 3/4 teaspoon large-flake sea salt
- 4 large egg whites
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
How to Make Chocolate Walnut Cookies
- Preheat oven to 350 and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Spread chopped walnuts on another baking sheet and toast in the oven, about 8 minutes, until they are golden and fragrant. Let cool slightly.
- Turn oven down to 325 degrees.
- In a large bowl, whisk together powdered sugar with the cocoa powder and salt, then whisk in chopped walnuts.
- Whisk in egg whites and vanilla extract and beat just until the batter is moistened. (Beating too much will make the cookies stiff.)
- Spoon batter in mounds onto the prepared baking sheets and bake for 14 minutes, until the tops are glossy and lightly cracked. Rotate pans halfway through to ensure even baking.
- Slide cookies and parchment paper onto two wire racks. Sprinkle cookies with additional large-flake sea salt if desired. Let cookies cool completely before serving.
Chocolate Walnut Cookie Nutrition Facts
*Estimated per cookie (recipe yields 24 cookies). Based strictly on Thrive Market’s ingredient amounts.
| Serving Size | 1 cookie |
|---|---|
| Calories | ≈ 165 kcal |
| Protein | ≈ 4 g |
| Carbs | ≈ 20 g |
| Sugar | ≈ 15 g |
| Fiber | ≈ 3 g |
| Fat | ≈ 10 g |
Chocolate Walnut Cookie Variations & Tips
- Nut swap: Use pecans or hazelnuts in place of walnuts for a different nutty profile.
- Chocolate intensity: Boost the cacao powder by an additional 1-2 tablespoons for a darker, more intense chocolate flavor.
- Salt finish: Sprinkle extra large-flake sea salt on top immediately after baking for sweet-and-savory contrast.
- Mini bites: Use a small cookie scoop to create bite-sized cookies—reduce baking time by 2-3 minutes.
- Dairy-free tweak: Ensure your powdered sugar and vanilla extract are certified dairy-free if needed for full allergen compliance.
- Transfer tip: Slide cookies and parchment onto cooling racks right after baking to prevent steaming and maintain crisp edges.
Best Chocolate Walnut Cookie Pairings
- Black coffee or espresso: The deep bitterness complements the rich chocolate and nutty walnuts.
- Almond milk or oat milk latte: A creamy, dairy-free companion that echoes the nut profile.
- Fresh raspberries or strawberries: Tart fruit lifts the sweet cookies and keeps the flavor balanced.
- Sea salt caramel sauce: Drizzle a tiny bit for extra indulgence or let guests dip halves.
- Vanilla bean coconut whipped cream: For a touch of luxury and contrast to the dense cookie texture.
When to Make Chocolate Walnut Cookies
- Gluten-free dessert trays: Perfect for gatherings where guests may avoid gluten but still want decadent sweets.
- Holiday cookie swaps: Bring homemade cookies that stand out without common allergens.
- Caffeinated break-room treats: Set out with coffee for a midday pick-me-up that feels more elevated than average cookies.
- Gift boxes or care packages: Pack a dozen in cellophane with ribbon for a thoughtful, homemade touch.
- After-dinner treats: Serve alongside digestifs or dessert wines—rich, chewy, and satisfying.
Photo credit: Paul Delmont
This article is related to:
Chocolate Recipes, Cookie Recipes, Gluten-Free Cookies, Gluten-Free Foods, Gluten-Free Recipes, Walnut RecipesShare this article
Merce Muse
Thrive Market Food Editor