Who doesn’t love rich, buttery, shortbread cookies? Simple and elegant, these timeless treats are a common sight at parties. These Gluten Free Shortbread Cookies use tigernut flour and coconut flour for a healthier spin on this classic dessert. It also uses flax egg and coconut butter, making it egg free, dairy free, and guilt free!

There are so many ways to enjoy gluten free shortbread cookies. Some people add a dollop of fruit preserves to create thumbprint cookies. I like mine dipped in chocolate! This chocolate coating uses Double Chocolate Paleo Protein to add a boost of protein to these tigernut flour cookies.

Gluten Free Shortbread

Shortbread cookies date back to medieval times. Originally made using leftover bread dough, these “biscuit breads” quickly became a special treat. Over time, the Scottish incorporated butter into the recipe. This is what gives it that flaky, crumbly texture we know and love. These gluten free shortbread cookies still give you that nostalgic feeling. However, they come without any gut or immune triggering ingredients!

In this recipe, I swap out wheat flour for coconut flour and tigernut flour. Coconut flour comes from dried, ground up coconut meat. This low-carb alternative to wheat flour offers a mildly sweet flavor. It complements these gluten free shortbread cookies well. In addition, coconut flour contains fiber to support optimal gut health. Tigernut flour is less common but no less wonderful. It’s light, fluffy texture also adds moisture to these gluten free shortbread cookies. It also adds a touch of natural sweetness!

Many egg free recipes use a flax egg to add moisture and hold all the ingredients together. However, if you don’t get the consistency right, these tigernut flour cookies may seem a bit dry. Make sure to let the flax egg sit for a few minutes to help it gel up. This helps create a smooth batter as you add the softened coconut butter. Coconut butter is a tasty alternative to dairy butter that also carries a similar consistency.

Chocolate Coating

I don’t know about you but chocolate is one of my love languages. However, most conventional chocolates contain milk, eggs, and sometimes gluten. Those following The Myers Way®

know to avoid these gut-triggering ingredients. What I love about this chocolate coating is that it uses gut-nourishing ingredients. Coconut oil and chocolate protein powder are great examples. These key ingredients play a powerful role in supporting gut and overall health. 

Coconut oil contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). Research shows MCTs may encourage healthy metabolism and weight loss. Coconut oil also contains caprylic acid, which helps fight against candida overgrowth. 

Making the chocolate coating is easy. First, chop up your favorite dairy free dark chocolate and melt it into the coconut oil. Then, sprinkle a scoop of my Double Chocolate Paleo Protein for added richness and health benefits!

Chocolate Protein Powder

You might think adding a chocolate protein powder would make our chocolate coating grainy. Not so with my Double Chocolate Paleo Protein! This hydrolyzed formula breaks down the protein so it’s smaller and easier to digest. It also makes it easier to mix. 

Sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine, this chocolate protein powder nourishes and protects your cells against daily wear and tear. Each scoop provides 21 grams of clean, quality protein to fuel your day. It also turns any dessert into a nutritional powerhouse. 

This chocolate protein powder enhances the flavor and texture of the chocolate coating. You’ll want to dip every inch of your tigernut flour cookies into this rich, chocolatey goodness!

How To Make Gluten Free Shortbread Cookies

We’re going to make these delightful gluten free shortbread cookies in a few simple steps. First, let’s make the flax egg. Combine a tablespoon of ground flaxseed with two and a half tablespoons of filtered water. Gently stir and allow to sit for at least five minutes.  

As the flax egg sets, grab a mixing bowl and cream together the coconut butter, coconut oil and coconut sugar. You can use a whisk or stir by hand. If you have little ones, recruit their help! They’ll love getting to be part of the process. When the flax egg is ready, add it to the bowl. Follow up with the vanilla extract and stir until well incorporated.

Next we’ll prepare our dry ingredients. In a medium sized bowl, whisk together the tigernut flour, coconut flour, and tapioca flour. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until a slightly crumbly dough forms. 

Lay out a piece of parchment paper on your counter. You want at least 12 inches long to fully cover the dough. Place the gluten free shortbread cookie dough in the center. With your hands, gently shape the dough into a log about three inches wide. Wrap the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step is key if you want the perfect texture for these gluten free shortbread cookies. If you’re concerned the tigernut flour cookies will dry out, feel free to place them in an airtight container while they chill.

When time is up, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and remove the gluten free shortbread cookie dough from the fridge. Slowly unwrap it. Use a sharp knife to slowly slice the dough into 1/3–1/2 inch thick slices. Arrange the pieces onto the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to leave a little space between each cookie. Bake for  about 10 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown. 

Allow the gluten free shortbread cookies to cool completely before handling. While the cookies cool, let’s make the chocolate coating!

Chocolate Coating 

In a double boiler or heat-proof bowl, melt the dairy free dark chocolate and coconut oil together. Once the chocolate melts, stir in a scoop of Double Chocolate Paleo Protein. No judgement if you want to lick the spoon clean while the tigernut flour cookies cool!

Once the cookies have completely cooled, dip a portion into the chocolate mixture. You could also drizzle the chocolate coating over the gluten free shortbread cookies for a fun, patterned effect.

After applying all the chocolate coating, place the cookies on parchment paper. Let the chocolate coating set at room temperature or in the fridge. Enjoy these simple, scrumptious, and oh-so-good-for-you desserts!

Chocolate for breakfast? Yes, please! Now you can when you add Double Chocolate Paleo Protein to your favorite gluten free pancakes or waffles. For added flair and flavor, consider plopping a dollop of coconut cream on top.