Name: Almond Flour Sugar Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 57 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 tablespoons room temperature butter; 3/4 cup granulated cane sugar; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups blanched almond flour; 3 tablespoons coconut flour; 2 tablespoons tapioca starch; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup softened/room temperature butter; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 tablespoon milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 59 reviews

If you have a soft spot for classic sugar cookies but want a gluten-free twist that still feels just as indulgent, you are going to love this Almond Flour Sugar Cookies Recipe. It’s a delightful balance of buttery richness and subtly sweet almond flavor, with a tender crumb that melts in your mouth. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies bring cozy comfort with a sophisticated touch, making them an instant favorite you’ll come back to again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image is split into two parts: on the left, there is a clear glass bowl containing a thick, pale yellow dough with a soft, slightly rough texture; a wooden spoon with a pink silicone spatula head is partly embedded in the dough, resting at an angle inside the bowl. On the right, there is a white marbled surface with five round, flat dough pieces evenly spaced, each with a smooth, pale yellow color and slightly raised edges, resembling shaped cookies before baking. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Almond Flour Sugar Cookies Recipe plays a starring role, combining simple pantry staples to create irresistible texture and flavor. Each addition is thoughtfully chosen to give you that perfect balance of softness, subtle sweetness, and the slightly nutty undertone that almond flour offers.

Butter (6 tablespoons, room temperature): The base for a rich, tender cookie—room temperature butter creamily blends with sugar for that classic texture.
Granulated cane sugar (¾ cup): Adds sweetness while helping to create a delicate crunch on the cookie’s edges.
Egg (1): Provides structure and moisture, helping the dough hold together beautifully.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): A flavor enhancer that deepens the profile with warm, aromatic notes.
Blanched almond flour (2 cups): The gluten-free star ingredient that imparts a wonderfully moist, tender crumb and subtle nutty taste.
Coconut flour (3 tablespoons): Absorbs extra moisture, balancing out the dough without altering the flavor.
Tapioca starch (2 tablespoons): Adds chewiness and a slight springiness that lifts these cookies just right.
Baking powder (½ teaspoon): Introduces gentle rise, keeping the texture light and tender.
Salt (¼ teaspoon): Enhances all the sweet flavors and balances the dough perfectly.

How to Make Almond Flour Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar

Start by beating the room temperature butter and granulated cane sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the dough, giving the cookies their light texture. Make sure to scrape down the sides of your bowl so everything blends evenly.

Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla

Next, add the egg and vanilla extract to your creamed butter and sugar. Beat them in until fully combined. The egg will help bind the dough and add moisture, while vanilla brings a lovely warmth to the overall flavor.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the blanched almond flour, coconut flour, tapioca starch, baking powder, and salt. This ensures all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, which will prevent any uneven texture or lumps in your cookies.

Step 4: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients

Slowly add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently but thoroughly. You want a dough that holds together well but isn’t too sticky. This is where the almond flour’s moist quality really shines, giving you a dough that’s easy to handle and shapes effortlessly.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Wrap your dough in plastic wrap or pop it in an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the dough firm up, which prevents spreading during baking and enhances the flavors as they meld together overnight if you want to prep ahead.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper. Scoop or roll your dough into uniform balls and place them a couple of inches apart. Bake for about 10-12 minutes until the edges are just golden. These cookies should be slightly soft when warm but will firm up as they cool.

Step 7: Prepare the Icing

While the cookies cool, whip up the icing by beating softened butter with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This sweet, buttery icing accents the almond cookies beautifully without overpowering them.

Step 8: Decorate and Enjoy!

Once your cookies are completely cooled, spread or pipe the icing onto each cookie. Let them set for a bit before digging in, or get creative with colors and sprinkles for special occasions!

How to Serve Almond Flour Sugar Cookies Recipe

Several round sugar cookies with a soft beige base are topped with a thick layer of smooth, light pink frosting that spreads unevenly to the edges. Each cookie is sprinkled generously with small, colorful, rod-shaped sprinkles in red, green, blue, white, orange, purple, and yellow scattered both on the frosting and around the cookies. The cookies rest on a silver cooling rack placed on a white marbled surface, with some sprinkles scattered loosely nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The almond flour sugar cookies provide a perfect canvas for garnishing. Consider a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted almonds for added crunch, or a dusting of edible gold powder for a festive touch. A few colorful sprinkles or small berries can also brighten up the presentation and add visual appeal.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a cozy cup of tea, freshly brewed coffee, or even a glass of cold milk for a classic treat. For an elevated dessert plate, serve alongside fresh fruit compote or a dollop of whipped cream. These combos complement the almond flavor and add pleasant contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation can turn these simple cookies into a showstopper. Arrange them in layers on a decorative platter, or stack a few tied with a pretty ribbon to give as a heartfelt gift. For holiday celebrations, use cookie cutters to shape the dough before baking, transforming the Almond Flour Sugar Cookies Recipe into edible art that delights both the eyes and palate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store your Almond Flour Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This keeps them tender and flavorful while preventing them from drying out. Placing a slice of bread in the container can help maintain moisture.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully! After baking and icing, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. Just thaw them at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

If you want to warm them up, gently heat the cookies in a preheated 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes. This restores a freshly baked texture without melting the icing. Be careful not to overheat, or they might dry out.

FAQs

Can I substitute almond flour with another flour?

Almond flour is key to this recipe’s texture and flavor, so swapping it will change the outcome significantly. However, if needed, finely ground hazelnut or cashew flour can offer a similar nutty taste but expect slight differences in moisture and crumb.

Is this recipe suitable for someone with gluten intolerance?

Absolutely! This Almond Flour Sugar Cookies Recipe uses almond flour and coconut flour, making it naturally gluten-free and ideal for those avoiding gluten. Just ensure your other ingredients like baking powder are certified gluten-free.

How do I make the cookies less sweet?

You can reduce the sugar amounts slightly, especially in the icing, but keep some sweetness to balance the nutty flavors. Experimenting with a bit less powdered sugar in the icing (try 1 ½ cups instead of 2) can do the trick without compromising texture.

Can I make these cookies dairy-free?

Yes, by swapping the butter with a dairy-free alternative like vegan butter or coconut oil, you can make these cookies dairy-free. Just note the flavor will be slightly different, and coconut oil may affect dough consistency, so chill the dough well.

Why does the recipe use tapioca starch and coconut flour together?

The combination of tapioca starch and coconut flour balances moisture and texture. Tapioca starch adds chewiness and lightness, while coconut flour absorbs excess moisture to keep the cookies from getting cakey or too dense, creating the perfect tender bite.

Final Thoughts

This Almond Flour Sugar Cookies Recipe is such a delightful way to enjoy a classic treat without gluten or heaviness. The combination of simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and that tender almond-infused crumb truly makes it a keeper. I can’t wait for you to try baking these yourself and discover just how comforting and delicious a homemade sugar cookie can be when made with a little twist. Happy baking!