Almond Flour Cookies Recipe
Soft, chewy, and just the right amount of sweet, these Almond Flour Cookies are proof that indulgence and wholesome ingredients can happily coexist. With a golden exterior and melt-in-your-mouth centers, this recipe highlights the magic of almond flour, creating a treat that’s naturally gluten-free, easy to adapt for different diets, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want something homemade to brighten your afternoon, these cookies are sure to find a permanent spot in your baking rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of essential pantry items, you can whip up a batch of cookies that taste like they came straight from a bakery. Each ingredient in Almond Flour Cookies plays a delicious role, whether it’s providing that tender texture or infusing the dough with a hint of natural sweetness.
- Almond Flour: Choose finely ground, blanched almond flour for the softest cookies and a delicate, buttery crumb.
- Baking Soda: This gives the cookies just enough lift, so they stay soft and light rather than dense.
- Salt: Don’t skip the salt! A pinch balances sweetness and brings out the almond flavor.
- Coconut Oil or Unsalted Butter (melted): Adds richness, moisture, and a hint of toasty flavor; choose coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
- Maple Syrup or Honey: The natural sweetener keeps Almond Flour Cookies moist and gives a subtle caramel note.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: Deepens the flavor and gives the classic aroma that makes your kitchen smell amazing.
- Mini Chocolate Chips or Chopped Nuts (optional): Stir in for added texture and a touch of indulgence!
How to Make Almond Flour Cookies
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to ensure your cookies bake evenly. Prepping the oven and sheet at the start means you’ll be ready to slide your cookie dough straight in with no delay.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the almond flour, baking soda, and salt. Be sure to break up any clumps—the almond flour’s fine texture ensures your cookies are tender, but only if everything is well-mixed.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, stir together the melted coconut oil or butter, maple syrup or honey, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and glossy; this will become the flavor-packed backbone of your batter.
Step 4: Make the Dough
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir until you form a soft, cohesive dough. At this point, if you’re adding chocolate chips or nuts, gently fold them in—this is what makes every bite of Almond Flour Cookies a delightful surprise.
Step 5: Shape and Flatten
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into smooth balls. Place each one on your lined baking sheet, then use your fingers or the bottom of a glass to gently flatten them. These cookies don’t spread much, so shaping is key!
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 10–12 minutes, keeping a close eye out for edges turning lightly golden. Resist the urge to overbake; the cookies will firm up as they cool on the baking sheet. Let them rest for 5 minutes, then move to a wire rack to cool completely and achieve that irresistible chewy texture.
How to Serve Almond Flour Cookies
Garnishes
For a touch of elegance, sprinkle the tops with a pinch of flaky sea salt right after baking—this adds a pop of flavor. A drizzle of melted dark chocolate can dress up Almond Flour Cookies for special occasions, or dust a bit of powdered sugar for a festive look.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a steaming mug of herbal tea, a frothy oat milk latte, or a tall, cold glass of almond milk to echo the nutty flavors. For dessert platters, they sit beautifully alongside fresh strawberries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your Almond Flour Cookies into a cellophane bag and tie with ribbon for a charming homemade gift. For kids, sandwich two cookies around nut butter or fruit preserves for a fun, wholesome twist. Hosting a brunch? Plate alongside petite bowls of mixed berries and citrus wedges.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, keep Almond Flour Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. The almond flour helps them stay moist, so they won’t dry out quickly.
Freezing
To freeze, simply arrange baked cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment. They’ll stay fresh for up to three months—just bring to room temperature before serving.
Reheating
If you love your cookies a little warm and gooey, just pop a cookie in the microwave for 8–10 seconds. This gently restores that fresh-from-the-oven softness without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I make Almond Flour Cookies vegan?
Definitely! Use coconut oil and maple syrup to keep the recipe entirely plant-based, and make sure any chocolate chips are dairy-free.
Can I use almond meal instead of almond flour?
Almond meal will give the cookies a slightly coarser texture and more rustic look. For the softest, most tender cookies, finely ground blanched almond flour is best, but both will work in a pinch.
Why don’t my cookies spread much during baking?
Almond flour lacks the gluten that helps traditional cookie doughs spread, so these cookies hold their shape. That’s why flattening dough balls before baking is so important—the cookies finish pretty much as you shape them!
Can I substitute the sweetener?
Yes, you can use agave nectar or date syrup instead of honey or maple syrup, though it might subtly change the flavor and moisture. Avoid granulated sugar, which doesn’t offer the same texture here.
Are these cookies suitable for paleo or gluten-free diets?
Absolutely! This recipe for Almond Flour Cookies is naturally gluten-free and grain-free; simply select honey or maple syrup and coconut oil for the paleo-friendly version.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a treat that’s as nourishing as it is delicious, you absolutely have to give these Almond Flour Cookies a try. They’re simple, versatile, and guaranteed to put a smile on your face and those you share them with. Happy baking!
Print
Almond Flour Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and easy almond flour cookies that are gluten-free and perfect for a healthy treat. These soft and chewy cookies are made with almond flour, coconut oil, and maple syrup, with optional chocolate chips for added sweetness.
Ingredients
Almond Flour Cookies:
- 2 cups almond flour (blanched, finely ground)
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup coconut oil or unsalted butter, melted
- 1/3 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together almond flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix melted coconut oil (or butter), maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Mix dough: Combine wet and dry ingredients, fold in chocolate chips or nuts if using, and stir until a soft dough forms.
- Shape cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, place on baking sheet, and flatten slightly.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Cool on sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- These cookies are naturally gluten-free and can be dairy-free and refined sugar-free.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg (if using coconut oil)
