Almond Flour Cookies Recipe – Easy Gluten-Free Indian Baking

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Almond Flour Cookies Recipe – Easy Gluten-Free Indian Baking

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you love a good cookie. But sometimes, you want something a little…different. Something that fits a gluten-free lifestyle, or maybe just feels a bit lighter and healthier. That’s where these almond flour cookies come in! I first stumbled upon this recipe when I was looking for a quick treat to bake with my niece, and we’ve been making them ever since. They’re seriously so easy, and the nutty flavour is just divine.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These aren’t your average cookies. They’re wonderfully simple to make, requiring just a handful of ingredients. Plus, they’re naturally gluten-free, making them perfect for those with dietary restrictions. But honestly, even if you don’t need to avoid gluten, you’ll love how light and flavourful these cookies are. They’re a little bit different, a little bit special, and totally addictive! They come together in under 20 minutes – perfect for a quick afternoon treat.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these beauties:

• 1.5 cups (approximately 168g) blanched almond flour
• 3 tablespoons (approximately 45ml) honey or maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon (approximately 2.5ml) baking powder
• 1 tablespoon (approximately 15ml) water

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec, because a few little things can make a big difference!

Almond Flour: This is the star of the show! I always recommend using blanched almond flour – it gives the cookies a much lighter texture. You can usually find it in the baking aisle or health food section of most supermarkets. Sourcing good quality almond flour really impacts the flavour.

Honey vs. Maple Syrup: This is totally up to you! Honey will give a slightly floral flavour, while maple syrup adds a warmer, caramel-like note. I personally love maple syrup in these, but my friend swears by honey. Feel free to experiment!

Gluten-Free Baking Considerations: Gluten-free baking can sometimes be tricky, but almond flour is a pretty forgiving ingredient. The key is to not overmix the dough, as that can make the cookies tough. A little patience goes a long way!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get baking!

1. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper – this prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the almond flour, baking powder, and your chosen sweetener (honey or maple syrup). Give it a good mix until everything is nicely combined.
3. Now, add the water and start kneading the dough. It might seem a little dry at first, but keep going! If it’s really dry, add a tiny bit more water, a teaspoon at a time, until it comes together into a soft, pliable dough.
4. Roll the dough into 9 equal-sized balls. Don’t worry about making them perfect! Then, flatten each ball with a fork, creating a pretty crisscross pattern.
5. Pop the cookies onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown. Let them cool completely on the tray before serving – they’ll firm up as they cool.

Expert Tips

• Don’t overbake! Almond flour cookies can dry out quickly. Keep a close eye on them in the oven.
• Parchment paper is your friend. Seriously, don’t skip it.
• Let them cool completely. This is crucial for getting the right texture.

Variations

Want to get creative? Here are a few ideas to spice things up:

Vegan Adaptation: Swap the honey for maple syrup or agave nectar. It works beautifully!
Spice Level – Cardamom/Elaichi Addition: My grandmother always added a pinch of cardamom (about 1/4 teaspoon) to her cookies. It adds a lovely warm, fragrant flavour that’s so comforting.
Sweetness Level Adjustment: Adjust the amount of honey or maple syrup to your liking. Start with 3 tablespoons and add more if you prefer a sweeter cookie.
Festival Adaptations – Diwali/Holi gifting: Package these up in pretty boxes or cellophane bags with ribbons for a thoughtful homemade gift during festivals. They’re always a hit!

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are delicious on their own with a cup of chai, or alongside a glass of cold milk. They also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple dessert.

Storage Instructions

Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage – just pop them in a freezer-safe bag or container.

FAQs

Can I use almond meal instead of almond flour? You can, but the texture will be a bit different. Almond meal is coarser than almond flour, so the cookies will be a little more grainy.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much? Make sure your oven is properly preheated, and don’t flatten the cookies too much with the fork.

Can these cookies be made ahead of time? Yes! You can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just roll and bake when you’re ready.

What is the best way to store these cookies to keep them fresh? An airtight container at room temperature is best.

Can I add any Indian spices to enhance the flavour? Absolutely! Cardamom, nutmeg, or even a tiny pinch of saffron would be lovely additions.

Enjoy baking (and eating!) these delicious almond flour cookies. Let me know how they turn out in the comments below!