Gluten-free Chocolate Cookies, very chocolaty!

With the disturbing increase in food allergies these days, more people are asking for gluten-free recipes. My friend came up with this one for chocolate cookies. Anything with chocolate works for me!

Hope you enjoy....

RECIPE: Gluten Free Dark Chocolate Cookies

Makes 2 dozen cookies

Ingredients:

1 ½ cups bittersweet chocolate chips (about 9 ounces), divided

3 large egg whites, room temperature

1 cup powdered sugar, divided

½ cocoa powder

2 tablespoons cornstarch

½ cup maple syrup

Vegetable spray

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Lightly coat 2 baking sheets with cooking spray. 

Melt one cup of the chocolate chips for about 2 minutes in a microwave, stopping to stir twice.  Be careful not to overcook or burn the chocolate.  Cool slightly.

Meanwhile, whip egg whites in a large bowl to soft peaks.  Gradually beat in ½ cup powdered sugar.  Continue to beat until mixture resembles soft marshmallow cream.

Whisk cocoa and cornstarch in a medium bowl to blend.  On low speed, mix dry ingredients into egg white mixture.  Add melted chocolate, maple syrup and remaining chocolate chips. 

Form dough into 1-inch rounded balls, and roll in remaining powdered sugar.  Arrange on prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart. 

Bake until puffed and tops cracked, about 10 minutes.  After removing from oven, place baking sheets on racks to cool for about 10 minutes.  Carefully remove from sheets and cool completely on racks.