Introduction
There’s nothing quite like the aroma of fresh baked cookies wafting through the kitchen. And when those cookies are made with nutritious ingredients like almond flour, you can feel good about enjoying this tasty treat. Almond flour cookies are a delicious option for anyone following a gluten-free, paleo, or low-carb diet. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make these easy, no-fuss cookies that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Made primarily with almond flour instead of regular wheat flour, these cookies have a delightful nutty flavor and crispy texture on the outside while remaining soft and chewy on the inside. The almond flour provides a boost of protein and healthy fats, keeping you feeling full and energized. No need to shy away from dessert when you can make cookies that are gluten-free and packed with nutrients! Follow this simple recipe below for scrumptious almond flour cookies to enjoy on their own or dip in milk, coffee, or tea.
Health Benefits of Almond Flour
Almond flour, a popular alternative to traditional wheat flour, offers a range of health benefits. According to WebMD, almond flour is known for its nutritional value, including high protein content, healthy fats, and low carbohydrates. It’s also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it an excellent choice for those looking to maintain a healthy diet. Some key benefits include aiding in heart health, managing blood sugar levels, and being an excellent option for gluten-free diets. Incorporating almond flour into recipes like our almond flour cookies not only adds a delicious nutty flavor but also contributes to a healthier lifestyle.
For more detailed information on the health benefits of almond flour, visit WebMD.
Ingredients
- 2 cups blanched almond flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 cup butter or vegan butter, softened
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (dairy-free options available)
Almond flour, which is simply ground blanched almonds, serves as the base flour in this recipe instead of wheat flour. Using almond flour yields cookies with a slightly dense, cake-like texture and potent almond taste. Make sure to use blanched almond flour rather than almond meal, which has a coarser grind and may result in gritty cookies.
The baking powder helps the cookies rise and develop the signature slightly puffy shape. Using butter or vegan butter adds rich flavor while also helping bind the dough. For sweetness, maple syrup lends its distinctive, earthy taste. The vanilla extract enhances the vanilla notes and complements the almond flour. And no classic cookie would be complete without chocolate chips! Mini chocolate chips work particularly well to add pockets of chocolate throughout the cookie.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180C/350F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine almond flour and baking powder. Add melted butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Fold chocolate chips into the mixture.
- Form the dough into 6 large or 12 small balls and place them on the baking sheet. Press them down into cookie shapes.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges start to turn golden.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet.
This easy 6-step method yields a simple dough that bakes into perfect almond flour cookies. Start by preheating your oven and preparing the baking sheet with parchment paper for easy removal later. In a large bowl, whisk together the almond flour and baking powder to eliminate any lumps in the flour.
Next, pour in the melted butter, maple syrup, and vanilla and mix thoroughly with a spatula or wooden spoon. The butter and maple syrup should bind the dry ingredients together. Then, gently fold in the chocolate chips, being careful not to overmix.
Scoop up tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Space them out on the prepared baking sheet and flatten each ball into a disk shape. This helps the cookies bake into the classic round shape versus muffin-top domes.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, keeping an eye on them towards the end as almond flour cookies can brown quicker than regular cookies. Let them cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these wholesome, gluten-free almond flour cookies!
Tips
Follow these tips for perfect almond flour cookies every time:
- Ensure your butter is softened for easier mixing into the dry ingredients. Cold, hard butter leads to a crumbly dough.
- For a crisper cookie, leave them in the oven for an additional 2-3 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- If your dough seems dry, add 1 tablespoon milk or water until it comes together.
- For best results, use blanched almond flour. Almond meal makes the texture grittier.
- Let the formed dough balls chill in the fridge for 30 minutes for thicker, chewier cookies.
- Bake a test cookie first to determine ideal baking time based on your oven.
- Store leftover cookie dough in the fridge for up to 1 week. Freeze for 1-2 months.
Variations
One of the great things about this cookie recipe is how versatile it is. Try out different add-ins or spices to customize your own signature almond flour cookies:
- Substitute chocolate chips with nuts like pecans, walnuts, or almonds for crunch and flavor.
- Swap chocolate chips for dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, cherries, or apricots.
- Add 1⁄4 cup shredded coconut for tropical flair.
- Use vanilla or chocolate protein powder instead of part of the almond flour.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger for a spiced cookie.
- Mix in lemon or orange zest for citrus almond cookies.
- Top with coarse sugar before baking for a sweet crunch.
The options are endless when it comes to remixing these almond flour cookies. Feel free to get creative and make this classic recipe your own!
Storage
Properly stored, these almond flour cookies will stay fresh for up to 1 week at room temperature in an airtight container. To extend their shelf life, store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Here are some storage tips:
- Let cookies cool completely before storing to prevent condensation.
- Place cookies in an airtight container, plastic bag, or freezer-safe zip top bag.
- When freezing, divide dough into portions so you can thaw only what you need.
- Use parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking if freezing baked cookies.
- Let frozen cookies thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.
- Cookies may become harder after freezing; they will soften up as they come to room temperature.
Nutrition
One of the health benefits of using almond flour is that these cookies deliver a boost of nutrition compared to regular flour cookies. Here is the nutrition breakdown for one almond flour cookie:
| Nutrient | Amount per Cookie |
|---|---|
| Calories | 192 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 13g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Sodium | 60mg |
| Potassium | 11mg |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Vitamin A | 135IU |
| Calcium | 66mg |
| Iron | 1mg |
| Net Carbs | 11g |
With 4g of protein and 2g of fiber per cookie, this treat will help curb hunger while keeping your blood sugar stable. The healthy fats from the almond flour will also keep you feeling satisfied. Plus, you get a dose of bone-building calcium. Enjoy these gluten-free, high protein cookies without guilt!
The Bottom line
These easy almond flour cookies prove that you can indulge your sweet tooth while still sticking to a healthy diet. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a batch of delicious gluten-free, naturally sweetened cookies that the whole family will devour. With a few tweaks, you can customize the recipe and create your own signature cookie. Let your creativity run wild!
Whichever variation you choose, take comfort in biting into a cookie packed with nutrient-dense ingredients that nourish your body. So preheat that oven and get ready to treat yourself to these irresistible almond flour cookies today!
FAQs About Almond Flour Cookies
Can I use regular flour instead of almond flour?
No, this recipe is specifically designed for almond flour which has a much denser texture than regular wheat flour. Replacing it would significantly alter the finished cookie’s taste and texture.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, these cookies are completely gluten-free as long as you ensure all ingredients used, including the chocolate chips and baking powder, are certified gluten-free. Almond flour has no gluten naturally.
Can I make substitutions for nut allergies?
Yes, you can substitute the almond flour with an equal amount of sunflower seed flour, coconut flour, or cassava flour. Just keep in mind the texture may vary slightly.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Properly stored in an airtight container, the cookies will stay fresh for up to 1 week at room temperature. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
What can I add instead of chocolate chips?
Some ingredient swap ideas include chopped nuts, granola, shredded coconut, dried fruit like raisins, or gluten-free oats. Get creative with mix-ins!
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