Step 1

Preheat oven to 375° F.

Step 2

Line baking sheet with parchment. If you don’t want to use parchment, no worries, just don’t grease the baking sheet.

Step 3

In medium bowl, whisk together flour, almond meal, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and chile powder. In large bowl, whisk together Earth Balance, maple syrup, sugars, applesauce and vanilla.

Step 4

Stir flour mixture into butter-sugar mixture until combined.

Step 5

Stir in chocolate chips.

Step 6

Stir in almonds, if using.

Step 7

Drop rounded teaspoonfuls of dough onto baking sheet.

Step 8

Bake 8-10 minutes.

Step 9

Let cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes then transfer to cooling rack.

Step 10

When completely cooled, store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.