These Almond Flour Christmas Cookies aren’t just about inclusive eating; they’re a testament to the idea that holiday treats can be both delicious and nourishing. Rich with the nutty, buttery flavors of almond flour and customizable with your favorite festive spices, this recipe is set to become a new tradition in my household.
How to make Almond Flour Christmas Cookies
Almond Flour Christmas Cookies are a type of holiday cookie made using almond flour instead of traditional wheat flour. Almond flour is made from ground almonds and is naturally gluten-free, making these cookies a great option for people who follow gluten-free or grain-free diets. The cookies typically have a slightly nutty flavor and a tender, chewy texture due to the almond flour.
Ingredients
2 ½ cups almond flour
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ cup unsalted butter at room temperature
¼ cup coconut oil, solid form
¾ cup granulated sugar or coconut sugar for a healthier option
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Optional: ½ teaspoon almond extract for an extra nutty flavor
Optional for decoration: sliced almonds, festive sprinkles, melted chocolate for dipping or drizzling
Instructions
Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the cookies from sticking.
Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the almond flour, baking soda, and salt to eliminate any clumps and ensure the mixture is well combined.
Creaming: In a larger bowl, mix the butter, coconut oil, and sugar together using a hand or stand mixer until creamy and well blended. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes on medium speed.
Add Egg and Extracts: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and if using, the almond extract until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing after each addition just until incorporated. It’s important not to over-mix to ensure the cookies have the best texture.
Chill the Dough: Although not always necessary, chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator can make it easier to handle and help the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
Shape: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, form the dough into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Gently flatten the balls with the back of a spoon or the bottom of a glass to your desired thickness since they will not spread much during baking.
Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges start to turn golden brown. Almond flour cookies can burn easily, so keep an eye on them.
Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. They will firm up as they cool.
Decorate (Optional): Once cooled, decorate with melted chocolate, sliced almonds, or festive sprinkles to add a holiday touch.
Tips for Perfect Almond Flour Christmas Cookies
Measure Carefully: Almond flour can be tricky. For the most accurate measurements, use the spoon and level method or a kitchen scale.
Avoid Over-Mixing: Mix until just combined to keep a tender texture.
Monitor Baking Time Closely: Almond flour cookies can go from perfectly golden to overcooked in a matter of minutes. Start checking them early.
Cool Completely Before Decorating: Ensure the cookies are completely cool to prevent any icing or chocolate from melting off.
What to serve with
Serving Almond Flour Christmas Cookies during the holiday season opens up a delightful array of pairing possibilities.
Warm Beverages
Hot Chocolate: A classic choice, rich and creamy hot chocolate pairs wonderfully with almond flour cookies, especially those dipped or drizzled in chocolate. For an adult version, a dash of peppermint schnapps or Baileys can add a festive kick.
Mulled Wine: The spices in mulled wine, such as cinnamon, cloves, and orange zest, beautifully complement the nutty and subtly sweet flavors of almond flour cookies. It’s a perfect pairing for a chilly evening.
Coffee and Espresso: The robust flavors of coffee or a shot of espresso are excellent with almond cookies. Try spicing up your coffee with a hint of nutmeg or cinnamon to mirror holiday flavors.
Chai Tea: The warming spices of chai—like ginger, clove, and cardamom—match well with the spice notes that can be incorporated into almond flour Christmas cookies, offering a comforting and aromatic pairing.
Cold Beverages
Eggnog: This rich, creamy holiday staple, either store-bought or homemade, is wonderful with almond flour cookies. The combination of eggnog’s sweetness and the cookies’ nuttiness is truly festive.
Milk: Sometimes, nothing beats the classic pairing of cookies and milk. Choose from full-fat, skim, or even almond milk to dip your cookies for a nostalgic and satisfying treat.
Cider: Sparkling apple cider provides a refreshing and slightly tangy contrast to the sweetness of Christmas cookies. For an adult version, hard cider is an excellent option.
Ingredients Substitutes
Making Almond Flour Christmas Cookies allows for a great deal of creativity, especially when it comes to substituting ingredients. Whether you’re accommodating dietary preferences, managing allergies, or simply using what you have on hand, almost every component in a traditional almond flour cookie recipe can be swapped out for an alternative.
Coconut Flour: It’s a popular gluten-free alternative but absorbs more moisture than almond flour, so you’ll need to use less of it. Start with about 1/4 to 1/3 cup of coconut flour for every 1 cup of almond flour called for, and you may need to increase the number of eggs or add more liquid to compensate for the dryness.
Oat Flour: While not grain-free, it’s an excellent gluten-free option if processed in a gluten-free facility. You can make your own by grinding rolled oats in a food processor. Use a 1:1 substitution ratio.
Hazelnut Flour: This can directly substitute almond flour and will keep the nutty flavor profile.
Sugar
Coconut Sugar: A less processed alternative that provides a caramel-like flavor. It can replace white sugar in a 1:1 ratio but may darken the color of your cookies.
Maple Syrup or Honey: For a refined sugar-free option, try liquid sweeteners. Because they add moisture, you’ll need to reduce other liquid ingredients in your recipe. Start with 3/4 cup of syrup or honey for every 1 cup of sugar.
Stevia or Monk Fruit Sweetener: Both are great for reducing sugar intake. The conversion rate depends on the product, so check the packaging for guidance.
Eggs
Flax Eggs: A mixture of ground flaxseed and water can act as a binder, just like eggs. To replace one egg, use 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water.
Applesauce: Using 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce can replace one egg in cookie recipes, offering moisture and a slight sweetness.
Butter
Coconut Oil: A dairy-free option that can be used in a 1:1 ratio for butter. It will add a slight coconut flavor.
Vegan Butter: Another excellent dairy-free substitute. Use it just like regular butter in a 1:1 ratio.
Vanilla Extract
Almond Extract: While also nutty, almond extract is much stronger than vanilla. Use it sparingly, starting with half the amount of vanilla called for.
Maple Syrup: In recipes with no central vanilla flavor, maple syrup can add depth with its rich caramel notes. Use equal parts as a substitute.
Spices
Customize your cookies with different spices if traditional ones like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger aren’t to your liking or if you’re simply looking to try something new.
Cardamom: For a unique flavor, cardamom can bring a citrusy and slightly sweet note.
Pumpkin Spice: A premixed blend that’s perfect for capturing the essence of the holiday season, easily substituted for any combination of classic holiday spices.
Final Thoughts
These Almond Flour Christmas Cookies are not only a joy to make but also a delightful way to add a gluten-free option to your holiday treat spread. The nutty flavor of almond flour blended with traditional holiday spices can create new memories and traditions for years to come.
Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the cookies from sticking.
Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the almond flour, baking soda, and salt to eliminate any clumps and ensure the mixture is well combined.
Creaming: In a larger bowl, mix the butter, coconut oil, and sugar together using a hand or stand mixer until creamy and well blended. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes on medium speed.
Add Egg and Extracts: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and if using, the almond extract until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing after each addition just until incorporated. It’s important not to over-mix to ensure the cookies have the best texture.
Chill the Dough: Although not always necessary, chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator can make it easier to handle and help the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
Shape: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, form the dough into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Gently flatten the balls with the back of a spoon or the bottom of a glass to your desired thickness since they will not spread much during baking.
Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges start to turn golden brown. Almond flour cookies can burn easily, so keep an eye on them.
Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. They will firm up as they cool.
Decorate (Optional): Once cooled, decorate with melted chocolate, sliced almonds, or festive sprinkles to add a holiday touch.
With a background rooted in both classic techniques and modern twists, Kate brings a fresh perspective to the kitchen. Her recipes are a harmonious blend of creativity and simplicity, designed to inspire both seasoned chefs and home cooks alike.
