These easy vegan almond flour cookies are delicious, easy, and nutritious! If you're on the hunt for a dessert that will satisfy your sweet tooth cravings while also being nutritious, these almond flour chocolate chip cookies are IT for you! These cookies are gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan. Whether you've been a vegan or simply looking to add more plant-based desserts to your menu, these vegan almond meal cookies are a great addition to your dessert or snack rotation.
Almond Flour in Vegan Baking
Almond flour adds incredible flavor and texture to vegan cookies but also brings health benefits. A key benefit of using almond flour in vegan baking is its ability to create a moist and tender texture in baked goods. Due to its higher fat content, compared to other flours, almond flour adds a richness and softness that makes every bite so good. Whether you're whipping up a batch of almond flour chocolate chip cookies or a fluffy almond cake, almond flour is a great addition that will give your treats that perfect crumb and irresistible melt-in-your-mouth feel.
The Health Benefits of Almond Flour
- Nutritients. One of the health benefits of almond flour is its high nutrient content. Packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E, magnesium, and potassium which play a crucial roles in promoting heart health, aiding digestion, and boosting immune function.
- Healthy Fats. Additionally, almond flour is a great source of healthy fats, which help to promote satiety, making you feel fuller for longer.
- Almond flour is also a low glycemic index (GI) food compared to refined wheat flour. This means that it causes a slower and steadier rise in blood sugar levels, preventing sudden spikes and crashes.
- Gluten-free. Lastly, almond flour is naturally gluten-free, making it an excellent choice for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
Tips for Perfecting Your Vegan Almond Flour Cookies
- Almond flour is not a one-to-one substitute for traditional wheat flour or other flour. Due to its high fat content, almond flour behaves differently in recipes and requires some adjustments. I don't recommend substituting other flours for almond flour.
- Almond flour tends to soak up more liquid than regular flour, so it's crucial to add enough moisture to keep your cookies from becoming dry. I use coconut oil and almond butter to retain the moisture and texture.
- Almond flour lacks the gluten found in wheat flour, it can result in crumbly or fragile cookies. Another tip for perfecting your almond flour cookies is to add a binding agent. To overcome this, I used almond butter but any nut butter would work well. Other options include flax egg or chia seeds soaked in water (just like a flax egg).
- Almond flour can brown quickly due to its high-fat content. To prevent your cookies from becoming too dark, it's recommended to watch cookies while baking them to prevent over-browning. Oven temperatures vary.
Ingredients for Vegan Almond Flour Cookies
- Almond Flour. Almond flour is made from finely ground, blanched almonds, giving it a light and fluffy texture. It provides a rich, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients in your recipe.
- Almond Butter. Almond butter is a great source of protein and gives these vegan cookies the perfect, soft texture.
- Maple Syrup. Other options include agave nectar, coconut sugar, or organic cane sugar. Keep in mind that the texture may vary between each type of sweetener.
- Coconut Oil. To bind the ingredients together, you'll need a vegan-friendly fat. Coconut oil is my personal choice for these cookies, as it adds a subtle coconut flavor while ensuring the cookies hold their shape.
- Baking Powder. This gives the almond flour cookies a good rise and adds an element of fluffiness to them. Make sure your baking powder is active and not expired.
- Flavors. A pinch of salt and some vanilla extract. The salt balances out the sweetness and brings out the flavors of the other ingredients, while the vanilla extract adds a warm and aromatic touch. I rarely go without vanilla in my baked goods!
- Chocolate Chips. This cookie isn't complete without some vegan chocolate chips. Feel free to get creative with add-ins such as dried fruits or chopped nuts. I also like to drizzle some melted chocolate on the finished product as well.
How to Make Almond Flour Cookies
Making almond flour cookies is a straightforward process. To start, gather all your ingredients and preheat your oven to the specified temperature. Take note that almond flour cookies tend to brown quickly, so it's crucial to keep a close eye on your cookies as they bake.
Combine Ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine your ingredients. Gently fold together the ingredients together until they are well combined.
Shape the Cookies. Scoop out portions of the dough and roll them into balls. Place these dough balls onto a lined baking sheet. Lightly press down on each dough ball to flatten them slightly (you can use the bottom of a measuring cup or bowl for a smooth finish).
Bake. Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and let the cookies bake. Keep a watchful eye on them to ensure they don't over-brown. Once they are golden brown and fragrant, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool for at least 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Almond flour is a remarkable ingredient that allows us to enjoy guilt-free vegan cookies without compromising on taste. By exploring the versatility of almond flour in vegan baking, understanding its impressive health benefits, and following some tips, you can perfect your vegan almond flour cookies.
If you'd like to try some delicious no bake desserts, check out these No Bake Peanut Butter Protein Bars or these amazing No Bake Granola Bars.
If you want something gluten-free but not vegan, check out this delicious gluten free shortbread!
More Vegan Desserts to Try
This recipe was inspired by Radhi's Almond Butter Cookies Recipe.
If you loved this Vegan Almond Flour Cookies recipe, let me know in the comments below! I’d love to connect with you on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest! Subscribe to my weekly emails so you never miss a new recipe!
📖 Recipe
Vegan Almond Flour Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 cups almond flour,, (not almond meal)
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ⅓ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup almond butter
- ¼ cup melted coconut oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- ½ cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F/176°C and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine the almond flour, baking powder, salt, maple syrup, almond butter, coconut oil, vanilla, and chocolate chips in a medium bowl. Combine until you form a sticky but formed dough.
- Roll the batter into one-inch balls (or use a small cookie scoop) and place them onto your baking sheet 2 inches apart. You should have about 17-18 cookies.
- Bake until the edges are lightly golden, approx. 10-12 minutes and remove them from the oven. Let the cookies cool for about 10 minutes then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Info
Jgohel
Thank you for uploading Vegan recipes
Shweta
Of course! So many benefits in these! I hope you like them!
Dina
Love this cookie
Shweta
Thank you!
jacquie
the cookies look delicious. I was wondering if i could swap out the coconut oil for additional nut butter to boost the protein a bit higher? thanks.
Shweta
Hello! I have not tried this but I'm thinking they might be a little dry. You can give it a go and let me know how it worked!