These Buckwheat Chocolate Chip Cookies, adapted from David Lebovitz’s L’Appart, offer a delightful twist on the classic treat. The inclusion of buckwheat flour imparts a nutty depth and a rustic texture, distinguishing them from traditional cookies. Whether you opt for refined French buckwheat flour or the whole-grain variety common in North America, these cookies promise a unique and satisfying flavor experience.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (90g) packed light brown sugar
• 1/3 cup (65g) granulated sugar
• 8 tablespoons (115g) salted or unsalted butter, melted and cooled to room temperature
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup (140g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (35g) whole-grain buckwheat flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, preferably aluminum-free
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
• 1 1/2 cups (230g) coarsely chopped semisweet or bittersweet chocolate
• 3 tablespoons roasted buckwheat groats or cocoa nibs (optional)
• 3/4 cup (75g) walnuts, almonds, or pecans, toasted and coarsely chopped
• Flaky sea salt, such as fleur de sel or Maldon, for sprinkling

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix until smooth. Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract, stirring until well combined.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, buckwheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
4. Fold in the chopped chocolate, roasted buckwheat groats or cocoa nibs (if using), and toasted nuts.
5. Cover the dough and refrigerate overnight to allow flavors to meld and improve texture.
6. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
7. Scoop 1 1/2-inch (4cm) balls of dough and place them 2 1/2 inches (6cm) apart on the prepared baking sheets. Slightly flatten the tops and sprinkle lightly with flaky sea salt.
8. Bake for approximately 12 minutes, rotating the baking sheets halfway through, until the cookies are just set in the center and still soft.
9. Remove from the oven and gently tap the top of each cookie with a spatula to compact them slightly. Let cool on the baking sheets.

Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Dough can be frozen for up to two months.

Nutritional Facts (Per Cookie, Approximate)

• Calories: 133 kcal
• Total Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 18mg
• Sodium: 73mg
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 7g
• Protein: 1g
• Calcium: 12mg
• Iron: 0.8mg

Health Benefits of Buckwheat

One of the reasons buckwheat chocolate chip cookies are increasingly popular is because of the health benefits associated with buckwheat. Despite its name, buckwheat is not related to wheat and contains no gluten, making it an excellent alternative flour for people with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Buckwheat is rich in essential nutrients, including fiber, protein, iron, magnesium, and antioxidants, which support overall health.

Fiber in buckwheat helps promote digestive health and can aid in maintaining steady blood sugar levels. Magnesium, abundant in buckwheat, plays a critical role in muscle and nerve function, as well as heart health. The presence of antioxidants such as rutin may contribute to reducing inflammation and improving circulation. Therefore, when buckwheat flour is used in baking, the resulting cookies not only taste delicious but also offer more nutritional value than cookies made solely with refined wheat flour.

Culinary Versatility and Flavor Profile

Buckwheat flour has a distinctively earthy, nutty flavor that can vary depending on the type of buckwheat flour used. In this recipe, a combination of all-purpose flour and buckwheat flour creates the perfect balance of lightness and heartiness. Pure buckwheat flour, especially the whole-grain variety, can be quite intense and may produce a denser cookie if used alone. The use of some all-purpose flour ensures the cookies remain tender and have a desirable texture.

Moreover, the addition of roasted buckwheat groats or cocoa nibs adds even more complexity and a pleasing crunch. Roasted buckwheat groats, sometimes called kasha, provide a toasty flavor reminiscent of toasted nuts, enhancing the sensory experience of the cookie. Cocoa nibs, on the other hand, offer a deep, bittersweet chocolate bite that contrasts with the cookie dough’s sweetness.

This recipe’s inclusion of browned butter also adds a subtle caramelized flavor, which is an understated yet important component. Browned butter has a nutty aroma and a rich taste that enhances the buckwheat and chocolate’s earthiness, tying all the flavors together beautifully.

The Role of Texture in Enjoyment

Texture is crucial in cookie baking, and buckwheat chocolate chip cookies offer an interesting blend of textures that keep each bite delightful. The slightly crumbly nature of buckwheat flour combined with the chewiness from melted butter and eggs results in a cookie that is tender but not fragile. The toasted nuts and chocolate chunks add layers of crunch and melt-in-your-mouth softness.

The dough’s chilling time is another critical factor contributing to the cookie’s texture and flavor development. Refrigerating the dough overnight allows the flavors to meld and the buckwheat flour to absorb moisture, resulting in a more cohesive dough that bakes evenly. This step also helps control spreading, ensuring the cookies maintain a pleasing thickness and chewy center.

Sprinkling flaky sea salt on top before baking further enhances the cookie’s overall texture and flavor profile. The salt balances the sweetness while adding subtle bursts of flavor that awaken the palate and highlight the chocolate and buckwheat notes.

Cultural and Culinary Context

Buckwheat has been a staple ingredient in various cuisines around the world, particularly in Eastern Europe, Japan, and France. In France, buckwheat is commonly used in savory galettes, while in Japan, soba noodles made from buckwheat are a beloved comfort food. Incorporating buckwheat into cookies is a wonderful way to merge traditional baking techniques with global culinary influences.

David Lebovitz, the creator of this recipe, is a renowned pastry chef and cookbook author known for his approach to blending classic French baking with innovative ingredients. This cookie recipe is a perfect example of his ability to take familiar favorites and elevate them using less conventional flours and ingredients, making the recipe exciting and accessible for home bakers who want to try something a little different.

Practical Tips for Baking Buckwheat Chocolate Chip Cookies

To achieve the best results with these cookies, a few practical baking tips are helpful. Firstly, ensure your butter is melted but not hot to prevent cooking the eggs when mixing. Using room temperature eggs ensures better emulsification and helps create a smooth cookie dough.

When measuring buckwheat flour, it’s important to spoon it lightly into the measuring cup and level it off, rather than scooping directly, to avoid compacting the flour and ending up with too much, which could make the cookies dry or dense.

Chilling the dough is key for flavor development and texture, so don’t skip this step. If pressed for time, chilling for at least an hour will still improve the dough compared to baking immediately. During baking, keep a close eye on the cookies because buckwheat flour can brown faster than wheat flour. Removing the cookies when they are just set in the center ensures they stay soft and chewy rather than becoming hard or overbaked.

Conclusion

Buckwheat Chocolate Chip Cookies represent a delightful and wholesome variation on the classic cookie. The incorporation of buckwheat flour not only introduces a distinctive nutty flavor and appealing texture but also enhances the nutritional profile, making these cookies a smarter choice without sacrificing indulgence. They are ideal for those who seek new taste experiences or need gluten-free alternatives.

By combining traditional cookie elements with innovative ingredients, these cookies strike a perfect balance between comfort and sophistication. Their rich flavor complexity, satisfying texture, and subtle health benefits make them a standout treat for any occasion—from casual snacking to serving at special gatherings.