Simple Ancient Einkorn Chocolate Chip Cookies for Traditional Baking

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Einkorn flour is gaining popularity as a healthier and more digestible alternative to modern wheat. Einkorn is one of the oldest cultivated ancient wheat grains. There is evidence of its use far before Christ’s birth. It is often referred to as “nature’s original wheat.”

Einkorn’s Genetic Makeup

Unlike modern wheat, einkorn has never been hybridized for higher yields and easier processing. Einkorn has remained genetically unchanged for thousands of years. Einkorn has only 14 chromosomes, whereas modern wheat has 42 chromosomes. This simpler genetic makeup is thought to contribute to its lower gluten structure.

Einkorn’s Nutritional Benefits

Einkorn is considered more nutritious than modern wheat and offers several health benefits. It generally has a higher protein content than modern wheat. Einkorn is also richer in various nutrients, including beta-carotene (3 to 4 times modern wheat). Beta-carotene is known for its antioxidant benefits. Lutein is also high in this ancient grain, which is beneficial for eye health. Einkorn has higher B vitamins and minerals, including B6, thiamin, riboflavin, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, manganese, magnesium, and iron. Einkorn contains significantly less phytic acid (over 50% less) than regular wheat. Phytic acid can inhibit the absorption of nutrients, so einkorn’s lower content means its nutrients are more bioavailable. Compared to modern wheat, einkorn has a lower carbohydrate content.

Einkorn’s Gluten and Digestibility

While einkorn does contain gluten, its gluten structure is different from that of modern wheat. Many people with gluten sensitivities (though not celiac disease) report being able to eat einkorn without the digestive issues. This is because research has found that einkorn lacks certain groups of gliadin proteins that are present in other wheat varieties. These gliadin proteins trigger gluten sensitivities. Einkorn also has weaker gluten and less elasticity than modern wheat, making it easier to digest for some.

Baking with Einkorn Flour

Baking with einkorn flour requires some adjustments due to its unique characteristics. It often produces baked goods with a delicious nutty flavor and a buttery yellow color (due to its high beta-carotene content).
Einkorn tends to absorb more liquid than regular flour, so you may need to adjust the hydration in recipes. While it can be used cup-for-cup in recipes calling for whole wheat flour in quick batter-type recipes (like muffins, pancakes, cookies, and cakes), for recipes requiring shaping or extensive kneading, it’s best to use recipes specifically developed for einkorn.

Where to Buy Einkorn Flour

I buy my einkorn berries from Azure Standard. I have also bought small bags of einkorn flour from Thrive Market. Other places to look include.

• Health food stores: Many natural and organic grocery stores carry einkorn flour.
• Online retailers: Websites like Janie’s Mill, Camas Country Mill, Hayden Flour Mills, Bluebird Grain Farms, and Jovial Foods (a large grower of einkorn) are popular sources.

Tips for Making Einkorn Cookies

• I used chocolate chunks for this recipe, but you can substitute for any chocolate chips.
• I used einkorn grains that I grind with a grain mill, but you can use einkorn flour.
• To make cookies all the same size, use a cookie scoop. It’s like a mini ice cream scoop that will give you evenly sized cookies, and that means more consistent results.
• These are delicious when you add a little touch of salt to the top before baking. I used Celtic Sea salt.

How to make Chocolate Chip Einkorn Cookies

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

In a mixer, cream together butter and coconut sugar.

Add in egg and vanilla. Mix until well combined.

In a separate bowl, mix together dry ingredients and add to the wet ingredients. 

Mix together until just incorporated.

Fold in chocolate chips.

Spoon cookies onto a parchment lined cookie sheet, top with salt, and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges start to turn golden brown.

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