I shared a photo of these gluten-free Chocolate Bombs—grain free, too—on my personal Facebook page a few weeks ago and everyone just about pleaded for the recipe even though I had said up front that I would not be sharing the recipe until my Suite of Sweets for Sweethearts event. So here we are.

Gluten-Free Chocolate Bombs for Your Valentine(s)
Believe it or not, this recipe is based on the same recipe that the Pizza Bombs are … the “Chebe-style” Pao de Queijo rolls. All I did was omit the savory ingredients and substitute dairy-free chocolate chips for the cheese (in a slightly lesser amount).
Hot out of the oven, these babies are definitely what one might expect with the name Chocolate Bombs. The hot gooey chocolate contrasted to the chewy—but not very sweet—roll is quite nice.
Think more of a scone versus a chocolate chip cookie though. And when cooled, these Chocolate Bombs taste more like a cruller with chocolate filling. I like them served both hot and at room temperature.
In the second version, I decided to add some cream cheese to see what that would contribute to the texture and taste. I loved the combination of creaminess and chewiness, but the Chocolate Bombs are less sweet when cream cheese is included and are a bit firmer when cooled.
I’m sure that some sugar could be added to the recipe for either version but, again, I enjoy them less sweet. Either way, they are great with a nice hot beverage.
Get the kids to help make these treats and they will want to eat them even if these Chocolate Bombs might be less sweet than their usual treats. (You can find the gluten-free, grain-free—with dairy-free option—recipe at the bottom of the post.)
Now for today’s kid-focused offers and the giveaway …
UPDATE: All giveaways are now closed.
There will be two winners of each book. All giveaways are sponsored by the authors except for the giveaway of Cilie Yak Under Attack, which is sponsored by gfe.
~ Adam’s Gluten-Free Surprise or Hailey’s Gluten-Free Surprise—your choice~ (Note: You don’t need a Kindle to use the Kindle edition. It works on PC, iPad, or Smartphone.) Written and illustrated by Debbie Simpson, its goal is to educate all in the gluten-free world on how to support and keep a gluten-free child safe and happy. It is helpful to the gluten-free child as well.
Debbie shares this feedback from the mom of one child after reading her book: “My 8-year-old daughter was diagnosed with Celiac in July. I tried to buy her a copy of Adam’s Gluten Free Surprise for Christmas, but I couldn’t get a copy in our local bookstores, so I bought her a Kindle and the first book we downloaded was this one. She immediately read the whole book to me and we were shocked at how much her past 5 months mirrored Adam’s.
She has not yet met another Celiac child and it made her feel so good to read this and know she isn’t alone in this journey. Many times, she feels like she is the only child dealing with this and it was heart-warming to hear her read Adam’s story and know that other children are experiencing the same issues and feel the same as she does. Unfortunately, I think she is now hoping that on Valentine’s Day she will experience Hailey’s Gluten Free Surprise! Thank you for such an awesome book for children coping with Celiac. I can’t wait to get my hands on a hard copy for her to share at school. Every school should have a copy of this book!”
~ Bagels, Buddy, and Me ~ This book that talks about celiac and gluten sensitivity—and offers an element of surprise—was written and illustrated by Melanie Krumrey. From my earlier review: “This is a terrific book that offers an easy-to-read introduction to celiac and gluten intolerance. Both written and illustrated by Melanie, it offers her family’s personal story. While geared towards children, this book is also helpful for adults who don’t necessarily want to read about statistics or studies but want a simple understanding of celiac and gluten intolerance. As you can see from the cover, it’s a very appealing book.”
~ Barrett’s Unusual Ice Cream Party ~ This book was written and illustrated by Michelle King, a former kindergarten teacher and mom of four children. She and all her children are gluten intolerant.
Her book is a delightful tale that tells the story of a 6-year old with celiac disease and in addition, some food allergies. Michelle shared with me why she wrote her book: “As my children have grown I have watched them go through some very heart-wrenching situations because of their food intolerance. I looked for books or tools to help them cope emotionally and to help others understand them, but didn’t find much. I took matters into my own hands and wrote a children’s book and included some of their experiences (and those of other similar children) to help not only kids with allergies, but the children around them understand what they are going through.”
Barrett goes through the usual challenges, but there is a happy ending when he finds he is not alone in eating differently after all. Two gluten-free recipes are even included in this book, Mom’s Homemade Vanilla Coconut Ice Cream and Mom’s Delicious Banana Muffins.
Cilie Yack Is Under Attack by Caryn Talty
~ Cilie Yack Is Under Attack! ~ Written and illustrated by Caryn Talty, this book is a “chapter book” of 141 pages that tells the story of Cilie Yack, a 9-year old boy who lives on a dairy farm in County Clare, Ireland. His name Cilie Yack is, of course, a clever play on the pronunciation of celiac.
It’s a cute story, chronicling Cilie’s adventures before and after his celiac diagnosis, including learning that he can cook gluten-free versions of his favorite treats … and well. There’s even a recipe in the book for Cilie’s Famous Carrot Cake. Caryn believes that teaching kids with food intolerances and allergies empower them.
The foreword is written by Dr. Michelle Sullivan, who not only praises the book but also addresses how celiac disease presents in children. Dr. Sullivan, her husband, and two of their four children all have celiac disease so their whole family lives gluten free. Dr. Sullivan is a family physician who obviously knows this topic extremely well.
~ Eat Like A Dinosaur: Recipe and Guidebook for Gluten-Free Kids ~ Stacy Toth and Matt McCarry’s (of Real Everything, previously known as Paleo Parents) book is one of my favorites. Here’s the “takeaway” that I shared in my post: “This book is simply wonderful … it has everything!”
From a Foreword written by my good friend Elana (Elana’s Pantry, Gluten-Free Almond Flour Cookbook, Gluten-Free Cupcakes, and Paleo Cooking from Elana’s Pantry), to the family’s personal story (with appealing cartoon-style depictions); to information on their ingredients and tools; to symbols that quickly convey their meaning (e.g., a hand symbol beside a recipe indicates that a child may help with the step, a crab symbol highlighted on the right side of a recipe alerts you that the recipe includes shellfish); to recipes that cover all the required areas; to on-page “post-it notes” for you to add your notes (e.g., “Try with peanut butter vs almond butter next time”) to a section on packing lunches; to a food projects section (for those recipes that don’t always contain the same ingredients or fit into a pretty recipe card format); to info on U-Pick Farms, Farmers Markets, and gardening; Eat Like a Dinosaur really is one super packed, wonderful book!”
~ Mommy, What Is Celiac Disease? ~ Katie Chalmers is the author and illustrator of this book. I’ll reiterate what I shared in my first review. “Katie’s book is beautifully written and illustrated. Written for children who have been diagnosed with celiac, it focuses on the disease in simple terms as well as all the wonderful real food that those who are gluten free can eat. Of course, I don’t need to tell you that I love that approach. That’s the gluten free easily—gfe—way, and it works. Along with the text, Katie has created some truly captivating illustrations. I’ve never seen any others exactly like them before.”
~ Willie Vilie Meets Casey Kramps in Sprueville ~ I met the author of this book, Elena Torsiello, at a gluten-free conference last fall. Along with the illustrator, Eileen Rothsteen, Elena has created an entertaining tale of a child with celiac who meets someone from a gluten-free planet and has an extraordinary adventure that allows him to learn more about and enjoy living gluten free. Elena has been gluten free and dairy free since her celiac diagnosis a number of years ago. She’s a long-time teacher who has embraced her new way of living and the new foods/recipes and experiences it has brought into her life. That positive attitude shines through in her entertaining children’s book.
Gluten-Free Chocolate Bombs Recipe
Chocolate Bombs Packed for Work
Gluten-Free Chocolate Bombs (Grain Free)

There are two versions of these chewy and delicious gluten-free Chocolate Bombs--original and cream cheese. The original version is easily made dairy free if you wish, simply by using dairy-free chocolate chips and a dairy-free butter equivalent.
Ingredients
For Original Chocolate Bombs (with dairy-free options):
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ¼ cup tapioca flour/starch
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (dairy or non-dairy; I use these] or [these)
- ¼ cup melted butter (dairy or non-dairy)
For Cream Cheese Chocolate Bombs:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ¼ cup tapioca flour/starch
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (dairy or non-dairy; I use these] or [these)
- ¼ cup melted butter (dairy or non-dairy)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Line large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Add eggs to large bowl. Beat slightly. Add other ingredients in order shown, stirring some after each addition. (Stir gently when adding tapioca flour as it tends to “jump”—explode?---out of the bowl.) Once all ingredients have been added, stir well until ingredients are fully incorporated. I like to use a wooden spoon (gotta keep up one’s hand and arm strength).
- With lightly greased hand, form dough into balls about 1 ½ to 2 inches in diameter and place on the baking sheet about 2 inches apart. At this point, you can flatten the dough balls with your hands some if you wish, but I usually just leave mine “as is” to get more of the “bomb” effect (than roll effect). I also think that the centers turn out chewier this way.
- Bake for about 8 to 10 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool just a bit and then remove from baking sheet.
Originally published February 14, 2013; updated March 2, 2024.
Debra says
I didn’t know that these books existed, other than Eat Like a Dinosaur, which has been on my Amazon wishlist for a while. The best resource for me and my son with Autism has truly been the internet and blogs like this. When we went Gluten Free/ Casein Free, I bought several Allergy Free cookbooks and didn’t find many recipes that were simple enough for our busy lifestyle and that my kids would actually eat. GFE is my go to site! Along with some Paleo sites I’ve found through you! I’d love to have the free version of the William Edwards book to share with my son, who feels “different” far too often.
Shirley says
Hi Debra–Every time I share info on gluten-free children’s books, folks say that they didn’t know they existed. It’s such a shame. I wish the word would get out more. I am so glad that you have found resources that you need for gf/cf living. I’m honored to be included and especially to be your “go to” site! Adding you to the list for the William Edwards prequel. 🙂
Hugs,
Shirley
Michelle says
I’m relatively new to being GF/CF/EF/SF, and I’m learning so much every day. I think the Eat Like a Dinosaur book would be the best fit for me so I can get my kids to go GF with me.
BTW, is there a dairy-free/egg-free version of the above recipe? It sounds SO good, but I have to be CF/EF, too.
Thank you for such a great website. 🙂
Shirley says
HI Michelle–Thanks for entering the giveaway! If you take a closer look at the recipe it is already dairy free, but admittedly I have not made it egg free yet. The recipe that this one was based on is a Chebe-style roll/biscuit. Chebe has this info on egg substitution on their site. It seems that flattening the balls would be best if using egg substitutes. If I do try an egg-free version, I will update this post for sure. Thanks so much for the kind words!
Shirley
Stephanie says
Hi Shirley, I can’t wait to make these and will let you know how they turn out using an egg substitute. I’ve made Chebe-style/Brazilian Cheese Rolls with a chia-egg and they turned out great. Hoping these will too. As always, thanks for your wonderful recipes!
Becky says
Eat Like a Dinosaur is a great book, which I purchased as soon as it came out. I’d love any/all of these books to use with my clients who suffer from Celiac Disease, but I’ll start with the free version of Winkleberry: Waiting for William Edwards e-book. I just “purchased” Adam’s Gluten Free Surprise, too. Thanks!
Shirley says
Hi Becky–Thanks for entering the giveaway! I’m so glad that you are helping folks live gluten free and I’m glad your snagged your free version of Adam’s Gluten-Free Surprise. 🙂
Shirley
Rena says
My granddaughter and I have Celiac. These all look like great books. I will be looking for them to share with her. Please put me on the list for the free kindle book about William Edwards. Thank you.
Shirley says
Hi Rena–I’m happy to introduce you to all these great resources for your granddaughter. And I’ve got you down for the William Edwards prequel. 🙂
Shirley
lori says
I am trying to locate how to purchase the free kindle version of “Adam’s gluten Free Surprise” as I think this book and the one about Eating Like a Dinosaur would be two great books for introducing my children to Celiacs. I have Celiacs and they don’t always understand why mommy can’t share their cookie.
Shirley says
Lori–I updated all the links to take you right to the free Kindle version. Just click on the book title, first sentence, or the photo. That should work for you! Hope you will find it helpful. 🙂
Shirley
Christine says
My daughter is only 10 months old currently, but I’m already on the lookout for resources for explaining why our family eats the way we do (I’m allergic to wheat and corn and suspect either gluten intolerance or Celiac Disease, and hubby avoids what I can’t eat generally). I think the book Mommy What Is Celiac Disease will be most helpful for her to understand about food at first. But I’ll be looking into all these resources as she gets older. Currently waiting for the Amazon page to load Adam’s Gluten Free Surprise, and please put me down for a kidnle copy of Winkleberry: Waiting for William Edwards. Thanks so much for the giveaway!
katrina says
Amazing giveaway Shirley! Any of these books would be great for my three kids. Yet, if I had to pick one I’d pick Katie Chalmers book. I have three celiac kids, but my youngest will start preschool next year. I feel that this would be a great resource for her and I. It would give us an age appropriate story and simple illustrations that would hopefully give her a better understanding of her condition. Thanks for the opportunity!
katrina says
Also, I’ll take the free Willam Edwards Ebook as well 🙂
Karin Goodman says
I love hearing about these books. I have difficulty working with our public school. Treats cannot be homemade (which I understand) but makes it difficult for my gluten/ dairy intollerent daughter. The head cook at the school cafeteria has never heard of children with gluten intolernce. My children get sick, but it is not life threatening, so it is not a disability. I send lunches from home every day. I have celiac and both my oldest and youngest are gluten intollerent, but cannot be tested for celiac due to the fact they get so sick when eating gluten.
Shannon @ Enjoying Gluten-Free Life says
The cookies look great. I bet they’d be good with dates or raisins instead of chocolate when it isn’t Valentine’s Day. 🙂
Melanie says
Wow! So many wonderful books for kids now! And the “bombs” look absolutely delicious. Can’t wait to try!
Margaret Hoffman says
I guess I don’t get out much as I didn’t know about the children’s book about celiac disease.
They brought to mind a friend from church who has just recently found out her daughter needs to be GF. I will point her to your blog with the books listed so it will help her out. I have recommended you blog already!! The bombs look delicious and I can’t wait to make them. Please put me down for the kindle edition of Winkleberry: Waiting for William Edwards. Thank you for your blog, it has been such a blessing for me since I found out I am gluten intolerant.
Thank you also for the giveaway!
Alisa says
These look amazing Shirley! I bet Tony would love them. I’m torn myself as I’m not a big fan of chocolate with bread or in an environment that lacks other sweet, but hey, that’s just me 🙂 I’m weird anyway – I didn’t even like chocolate until I hit 30! Hmm, I’m wondering about some other add-ins though – they are so simple and this could get interesting …
Susan W. says
The books look great for families. I just made a batch of Chocolate Bombs. So good!! This is going to be another staple in my house!
Thanks for another great recipe!
Eileen says
I think Eat Like a Dinosaur would be so much fun for my daughter. And those chocolate bombs look like DA BOMB!
Nancy says
Wow!! I never knew any of these books existed. My son is three and was diagnosed almost a year ago. When he started nursery school this past fall it would of been wonderful to give a copy of Adams gluten free surprise to the teacher. We don’t know anyone who has a child with Celiac Disease. The only people we know with celiacs is my husband, sister-in-law, and father-in-law (all diagnosed after my son!). So I would love any resource to share with family, friends, daycare, and educators!!
Rebekah Shaver says
Barrett’s Unusual Ice Cream Party was SUCH a fun book for my children. Sometimes they feel so “weird” because they have to eat different than all their friends.
Cindy W. says
I have the Katie Chalmers book and use it in my preschool classes but would love to win any of the other choices to use in my classroom. The children all know I am celiac which I do to raise awareness of it as well as other food issues/allergies with the children in my care. Thank you for the giveaway.
Erica W says
WOW!!! I had NO IDEA these books existed. We’d especially LOVE Adam’s Gluten-Free Surprise or Barrett’s Unusual Ice Cream Party, although they ALL look wonderful!! Reading the feedback excerpt for Adam’s Gluten-Free Surprise made me cry… it has been a long, hard battle dealing w/this for our family… & the hardest part is lack of understanding from many others who act bothered or like my kids are a hassle when I have to bring our own snacks, food, etc. It is also hard on kids when they always have to be different than everybody else. Great resources!
Erica W says
PS I tried the non cream cheese recipe we aren’t super crazy about them… going to try cream cheese next time… or maybe peanut butter :).
T. Reinhardt says
We have two kids who are gluten and casein free. I would live any of the books. It is hard to keep things ” the same” for them when it comes to outings and parties so that they don’t feel excluded or different. We have used the special diets for special kids book a lot and of course the Internet for ideas.
Victoria Lynch says
I have just found your blog and cannot wait to explore it. My son (age 7) was diagnosed in October with celiac and we are trying to learn as much as we can about both the disease and the resources that are available to help him adapt to the world of gluten-free living. These books would be so very helpful in educating all of us about the physical, emotional and dietary aspects of living gluten free!
Sara Fink says
I love that you have compiled a collection of books for kids dealing with Celiac disease and going Gluten Free. I have 4 children (ages 6,9,11,13); 3 of which were diagnosed with Celiac disease last May. We have the Kindle version of Adams gluten free surprise. I have to say the most helpful resource so far has been Gluten Free on a Shoestring recipe book and website. I think that Eat like a Dinosaur would be a great addition to our Gluten Free resources.
Karen Williams says
My 8 year old daughter is just recently diagnosed. I didn’t know there were children’s books about Celiac Disease out there. She would definitely benefit from them to help her feel better about things. Currently she is feeling quite deprived.
Karen P says
Thanks so much for the tips about these books. My 5 year old has Eating Gluten Free with Emily and the one about Buddy & Bagels. He prefers to call the former “Eating Gluten Free-o with Theo”.
Amanda says
I would love any of these books. I read Peter Green’s book on celiac disease early on and found it helpful, but would like to be able to read age appropriate books to my kids.
Orla says
These books look like they would be perfect for my 6 year old with celiac. And he got a kindle for christmas. Please include me in the list if it is not too late
To date we have got most of our information through the CHOP yahoo community site. That’s where we got this link
Betty says
I didn’t know any books like this were around. My grandson has been sick ( we are still in process of diagnosis) but my guess is he is at the very least Gluten sensitive, because he broke out in a rash head to toe as soon as he began eating finger foods ( mostly Goldfish, and cereal). I just found your site today. Looking forward to learning all I can 🙂
The Healthy Apple says
OMG these chocolate bombs look AMAZING!!! Fabulous, Shirley. They are perfect looking cookies and I can’t wait to try these. They look like fluffly li’ balls and so chewy! Can’t wait to try them!
xoxo
Iris says
Thanks for sharing at 5-Ingredient Mondays, Shirley! I love the name for these and they look so decadent!
Linda says
Shirley, I’m just getting around to say that these look great. I love the idea, and before my diet changes I would have been all over these and your pizza bombs!
Amber says
Congratulations on being a reader favorite on AFW last week, Shirley! 🙂
These look great!
Hugs,
–Amber
Kathryn says
Thank you for the recipe. They look great! My 7-year old daughter has been GF for 4.5 years. She’ll appreciate these! I found you through Whole New Mom.
Kate @ Eat, Recycle, Repeat says
Love the name, love the simplicity, and these are just so dang cute! Going to make chocolate bombs for my family when they come to visit.
Katie says
I just made your chocolate bombs without the cream cheese. I thought I followed the directions as listed but I had a really difficult time mixing them – before I added the melted butter they were just a crumbly mess. In retrospect I probably should have let the butter cool because some of the chocolate melted and these don’t really look like your finished product at all. They still taste great! But the finished product is very crumbly. Thoughts on where I went wrong? Perhaps I didn’t mix enough. Thanks for all the amazing recipes!
Shirley says
Hi Katie–Good to see you again! Sorry you had difficulty, but yes, without the butter it would be a crumbly mess and then after the butter is added you do have to mix very well. I will take another look at the recipe instructions to see if they need adjusting. I probably let the melted butter cool some just out of habit and might not have added the chocolate chips until the very end, perhaps even after I’d mixed everything else together. The dough is most definitely thick and sticky. I’m never hesitant to use my hands in such situations, but in this case, I just got an arm workout with my wooden spoon. I know I noted that that’s why I use my wooden spoon i general, but I probably didn’t make it clear that the dough would definitely take some mixing. I’m glad yours still tasted great. Sometimes recipes will look a bit different each time you make them. Different brands of tapioca flour might yield different results, too. Thanks for the kind words and best of luck next time and with all my recipes! 🙂
Shirley
Daniele says
I love tapioca flour. Being from Brazil my mother often made cheese bread with it. When I came across you’re recipe for a sweet version I was inspired! I used coconut oil in place of butter, white chocolate chips and orange marmalade in the mix. Made it with my 7 year old son and we were delighted with the results. Thank you!
Shirley says
Welcome, Daniele! I love your version and that you had such success! 🙂 It’s nice to have a sweet alternative to a beloved favorite type of recipe, isn’t it? So glad you made them with your son and enjoyed them so much. I really appreciate you taking the time to let us all know!
Shirley
Tracey says
Made your pizza bombs today and a version of this one.
I added vanilla, blueberries and cranberries. Also substituted
Ghee. They both turned out wonderful and got rave reviews.
Can’t wait for more fruity ones at breakfast. Love that there
Is only natural sugar in them. Thanks Shirley.
Gonna post your recipe for my friends.
April J Harris says
Both versions of this recipe sound delicious! What a lovely treat, Shirley! I love how you adapted a savory recipe and made it sweet. What a great selection of books for kids about celiac disease as well! Thank you so much for sharing this post with us at the Hearth and Soul Link Party. Sharing. Hope you have a great weekend!
Shirley Braden says
Hi April–I love any kind of bombs! Lots more experimenting is in my future! So many don’t know that these children’s books exist. They can be so very helpful so I keep trying to get the word out!
Thanks so much. Have a great weekend!
Shirley
Vivian says
Just made these chocolate bombs this morning. They were great with my iced coffee. We loved that they weren’t too sweet. Thanks again for another great recipe. Merry Christmas.
Jen says
Hmm, I wonder if you could put bananas or pumpkin or applesauce or sub blueberries for the chocolate chips, for some kind of grain free muffin? Have you ever tried anything like that?
Shirley Braden says
Hi Jen–Good to see you here at gfe again! While I have not personally made these bombs that way, some readers have told me that they subbed in fruit for the chocolate chips with success. For example, one reader left this comment: “I added vanilla, blueberries and cranberries. They turned out wonderful and got rave reviews. Can’t wait for more fruity ones at breakfast.” I feel pretty certain that subbing in (or adding) berries will work but adding bananas, pumpkin, or applesauce are going to change the recipe significantly. If you do any such experimenting, please let us know how it turns out. Fingers crossed!
Shirley
Andrea Booth says
Wondering whether anyone has tried these with potato starch? I happen to have extra bags of it that somebody gave me. Thx
Shirley Braden says
Hi, Andrea–I have not heard of anyone doing that. Potato starch is a lot heavier than tapioca starch and doesn’t have the same binding ability. I wouldn’t recommend that substitution in this recipe but if you try it, please let us know your results.
Shirley