Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Step 2

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, coconut sugar, almond butter, egg, and vanilla extract on medium-high speed, until smoothly combined.

Step 3

Sprinkle the baking soda and salt evenly over the top, then sprinkle in the almond flour. With the mixer on low speed, beat until the mixture is well combined. By hand, fold in the chocolate chips.

Step 4

With a cookie scoop or spoon, portion the dough by 2 tablespoonfuls and roll into balls (each ball will be about 2 inches in diameter). Arrange on the baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each.

Step 5

With your fingers, lightly flatten the tops of the cookies. Sprinkle with salt, if using. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are just beginning to brown. The cookies will feel dry on the top and edges but slightly molten and underbaked beneath the surface when touched. Place the sheet on a cooling rack. Allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to the cooling rack and let them finish cooling for as long as you can stand the suspense.