Gluten Free & Dairy Free Almond Flour Sugar Cookies Recipe

There’s something magical about the aroma of fresh-baked cookies wafting through the house, isn’t there? As someone who’s navigated the world of dietary restrictions for years, I’ve discovered that creating treats that everyone can enjoy – regardless of their food sensitivities – is both an art and a labor of love. These Gluten Free & Dairy Free Almond Flour Sugar Cookies transformed my holiday baking forever, proving that dietary limitations don’t mean sacrificing flavor or that perfect tender-crisp texture we all crave.

What makes this recipe truly special isn’t just its inclusive nature – it’s the way almond flour creates these incredibly delicate, melt-in-your-mouth cookies that rival any traditional sugar cookie. The nutty undertones from the almond flour paired with pure vanilla extract create a sophisticated flavor profile that’s both familiar and refreshingly unique. Whether you’re baking for someone with celiac disease, dairy intolerance, or simply want to explore healthier alternatives, these cookies deliver the classic comfort we associate with homemade sugar cookies.

Ingredients List

Base Cookie Ingredients:

• 2½ cups superfine almond flour (not almond meal)
• ¼ teaspoon xanthan gum (omit if your almond flour already contains it)
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
• ⅓ cup coconut oil, softened (or vegan butter substitute)
• ½ cup coconut sugar or organic cane sugar
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional, for enhanced nutty flavor)

For Rolling and Topping:

• ¼ cup coconut sugar or granulated sugar of choice
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

Smart Substitutions:
Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit 5 minutes) for vegan cookies. Coconut oil can be swapped with softened vegan butter or even applesauce for lower fat content, though texture will vary slightly. For those avoiding coconut, try avocado oil or melted dairy-free butter alternative.

Timing

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Chilling Time: 30 minutes (optional but recommended)
Baking Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
Total Time: 1 hour

The beauty of this recipe lies in its efficiency. While the dough comes together quickly, I recommend the optional chilling time – it makes rolling and shaping significantly easier and helps maintain the cookies’ shape during baking. Use this time to preheat your oven and prepare your baking sheets. You can even make the dough up to 2 days ahead and keep it refrigerated until ready to bake.

How to Make It

1. Prepare Your Workspace

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. Set up your rolling station with the extra coconut sugar in a shallow bowl – this will be your cookie coating station.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the almond flour, xanthan gum (if using), baking soda, and salt until completely combined. This step ensures even distribution of leavening agents, which is crucial for consistent texture in your Gluten Free & Dairy Free Almond Flour Sugar Cookies.

3. Create the Wet Mixture

In a large bowl, cream together the softened coconut oil and sugar using a wooden spoon or electric mixer until light and fluffy – about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until well incorporated and smooth.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a wooden spoon or rubber spatula. Mix just until a cohesive dough forms – overmixing can make almond flour cookies tough. The dough should hold together when squeezed but not be overly sticky.

5. Shape the Cookies

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls using your palms. Roll each ball in the coconut sugar coating, ensuring complete coverage. Place the coated balls on your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

6. Create the Classic Sugar Cookie Look

Using the bottom of a glass or your palm, gently flatten each cookie ball to about ¼-inch thickness. This creates that traditional sugar cookie appearance and ensures even baking.

7. Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden brown. The centers might look slightly soft – that’s perfect! They’ll continue cooking on the hot pan after removal.

8. Cool and Enjoy

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This prevents breaking while ensuring they don’t continue cooking from residual pan heat.

Nutritional Information

Per cookie (makes approximately 24 cookies):

• Calories: 95-105
• Protein: 3g
• Healthy fats: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 2g
• Natural vitamin E from almonds
• Beneficial monounsaturated fats

These Gluten Free & Dairy Free Almond Flour Sugar Cookies provide more protein and healthy fats than traditional wheat-based cookies, thanks to the nutrient-dense almond flour. The natural vitamin E and magnesium from almonds offer antioxidant benefits, while the absence of gluten and dairy makes them easier to digest for those with sensitivities.

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Lower Sugar Option: Replace half the coconut sugar with unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana for natural sweetness and added moisture. This reduces calories while incorporating beneficial nutrients.

Egg-Free Version: Use the flax egg substitute mentioned in ingredients, or try chia seed gel (1 tablespoon chia seeds soaked in 3 tablespoons water for 10 minutes) for added omega-3 fatty acids.

Reduced Fat Alternative: Substitute half the coconut oil with Greek-style dairy-free yogurt or pumpkin puree. This creates slightly softer cookies with fewer calories and additional nutrients.

Protein Boost: Add 1-2 tablespoons of vanilla protein powder (reduce almond flour slightly) to increase protein content, perfect for post-workout treats.

Spice Variations: Incorporate warming spices like cardamom, nutmeg, or ginger for antioxidant benefits and complex flavor profiles without adding calories.

Serving Suggestions

These versatile cookies shine in numerous settings. Serve them alongside herbal teas or dairy-free milk alternatives for afternoon refreshment. During holidays, arrange them on festive platters with fresh berries and dark chocolate pieces for an elegant presentation.

For special occasions, sandwich two cookies with dairy-free frosting or jam to create delightful cookie sandwiches. They also pair beautifully with dairy-free ice cream or sorbet for an indulgent dessert.

Consider packaging them in clear bags tied with ribbons for thoughtful gifts – they’re perfect for friends with dietary restrictions who often feel left out during treat-sharing occasions. Each batch yields approximately 24 cookies, ideal for sharing or meal prep snacking.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Over-mixing the dough leads to tough, dense cookies. Almond flour behaves differently than wheat flour, so mix just until ingredients come together.

Skipping the parchment paper often results in stuck cookies, as almond flour cookies can be more delicate when hot.

Using cold ingredients prevents proper creaming and can create uneven texture. Ensure your egg and coconut oil are at room temperature for best results.

Overbaking is easy with almond flour cookies since they brown quickly. Remove them when edges are just set – they’ll finish cooking on the pan.

Not measuring almond flour correctly can throw off the entire recipe. Spoon it lightly into measuring cups rather than scooping, which compacts it and creates dry, crumbly cookies.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Room Temperature Storage: Store completely cooled cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers for up to one week. They’ll maintain their tender texture beautifully.

Refrigerator Storage: These Gluten Free & Dairy Free Almond Flour Sugar Cookies keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to two weeks in sealed containers, making them perfect for meal prep or gradual enjoyment.

Freezer Storage: Freeze baked cookies for up to three months in freezer-safe containers or bags. Layer with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.

Make-Ahead Tip: The cookie dough can be shaped into balls, frozen on baking sheets, then transferred to freezer bags. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes to baking time.

Conclusion

These Gluten Free & Dairy Free Almond Flour Sugar Cookies prove that dietary restrictions don’t mean compromising on flavor or texture. With their delicate crumb, subtle nuttiness, and classic sugar cookie satisfaction, they’ve become a staple in my kitchen and a favorite among family and friends – regardless of their dietary needs.

The recipe’s simplicity makes it perfect for both novice bakers and experienced cookie enthusiasts looking to expand their repertoire. Every bite delivers that comforting, homemade goodness we all crave, while accommodating multiple dietary sensitivities with grace.

I encourage you to make this recipe your own by experimenting with different extracts, spices, or mix-ins. Share your creations and variations – there’s nothing quite like the joy of homemade cookies that everyone can enjoy together.

FAQs

Can I substitute other nut flours for almond flour?
While almond flour provides the best texture for these cookies, you can experiment with hazelnut or pecan flour using the same measurements. Coconut flour requires different ratios and additional liquid, so it’s not a direct substitute.

Why are my cookies spreading too much during baking?
Excessive spreading usually indicates the dough is too warm or the coconut oil was too soft. Chill the shaped dough for 15-30 minutes before baking, and ensure your coconut oil is softened but not melted.

Can I make these cookies without xanthan gum?
Yes, though the texture may be slightly more crumbly. The xanthan gum helps bind the ingredients since there’s no gluten present. If omitting, add an extra tablespoon of almond flour to help with structure.

How do I know when the cookies are properly done?
Look for lightly golden edges while the centers appear just set. They’ll seem slightly soft but will firm up as they cool. Overbaked almond flour cookies become dry and crumbly.

Can I double this recipe successfully?
Absolutely! This recipe doubles beautifully. Just ensure you have adequate baking sheet space and storage containers. You may need to bake in multiple batches depending on your oven capacity.

What’s the best way to achieve uniform cookie sizes?
Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon measure for consistent portions. This ensures even baking and professional-looking results. A kitchen scale can also help if you prefer weighing portions.

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