Sugar-Free Almond Cookies
Are you ready to indulge in a delightful treat that checks all the boxes for flavor and health? These Sugar-Free Almond Cookies are just what you need to satisfy your sweet tooth without the guilt. Made with wholesome ingredients, they offer a nutty flavor and a satisfying crunch, making them perfect for an afternoon snack or a cozy dessert. Let’s dive into this simple yet delicious recipe that will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
What Makes This Recipe Special
This recipe for Sugar-Free Almond Cookies stands out because it doesn’t compromise on taste while being mindful of sugar intake. By using monkfruit sweetener, these cookies provide a naturally sweet flavor without the calories and blood sugar spikes associated with traditional sugar. The combination of almond flour and almond butter creates a rich, chewy texture that is sure to please both nut lovers and those exploring a sugar-free lifestyle. Plus, they are easy to make, requiring only a handful of ingredients!
Ingredient List
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup + 2 tablespoons monkfruit sweetener (or sweetener of your choice)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional for a stronger almond flavor)
- 1 cup blanched almond flour
- 1 cup almond butter
- 3/4 cup chopped almonds
- 20 whole almonds for topping
Hardware & Gadgets
- Mixing bowls – for combining ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate measurements.
- Baking sheet – to bake the cookies.
- Parchment paper – for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Cookie scoop or spoon – for portioning out the dough.
- Oven – to bake your cookies to perfection.
Sugar-Free Almond Cookies: From Prep to Plate
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial to ensure your cookies bake evenly.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, monkfruit sweetener, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using). Make sure the mixture is well combined and slightly frothy.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the baking powder, kosher salt, and almond flour. Mix well to ensure the baking powder is evenly distributed.
Step 4: Incorporate the Almond Butter
Add the almond butter to the wet ingredients and mix until smooth. Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
Step 5: Fold in the Chopped Almonds
Gently fold in the chopped almonds to add a delightful crunch to your cookies.
Step 6: Scoop and Shape the Cookies
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion out the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Space them about 2 inches apart. Press a whole almond into the center of each cookie for a beautiful presentation.
Step 7: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them, as almond cookies can go from perfect to overbaked quickly!
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your Sugar-Free Almond Cookies with a cup of tea or coffee!
Texture-Safe Substitutions
- For a lower-fat option, consider using natural peanut butter instead of almond butter.
- If you prefer a different flavor, use sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version.
- Swap out chopped walnuts for a different nutty flavor if you’re not a fan of almonds.
Steer Clear of These
When making your Sugar-Free Almond Cookies, avoid the following:
- Using regular sugar or high-fructose corn syrup, as these will negate the sugar-free aspect of the recipe.
- Substituting almond flour with regular wheat flour, as it will change the texture and flavor dramatically.
- Overbaking the cookies, which can lead to a dry and crumbly texture instead of the desired chewy goodness.
Make Ahead Like a Pro
Want to prepare your Sugar-Free Almond Cookies ahead of time? Here are some tips:
- Prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking.
- Freeze the cookie dough in portioned balls. Just pop them in the oven directly from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the bake time.
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.
Troubleshooting Q&A
Why are my cookies flat?
If your cookies are spreading too much, it may be due to the almond butter being too warm. Ensure it’s at room temperature, and try chilling your dough before baking.
Can I use a different sweetener?
Absolutely! You can substitute monkfruit sweetener with erythritol or another sugar substitute that measures like sugar. Just be aware that different sweeteners can yield different textures.
Why do my cookies feel crumbly?
Crumbly cookies could be a result of too much flour or not enough binding ingredients. Make sure to measure your almond flour accurately and ensure you’re adding both eggs.
How can I make these cookies more chocolatey?
For a chocolate twist, consider adding cocoa powder to the batter or folding in sugar-free chocolate chips for a delicious addition!
Bring It Home
With a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create these delightful Sugar-Free Almond Cookies that are sure to impress. Whether you’re baking for yourself or for friends and family, these cookies provide a delicious way to enjoy a guilt-free treat. Their chewy texture combined with the rich almond flavor makes them irresistible. So, roll up your sleeves, grab those ingredients, and get ready to bake something truly special. Your taste buds will thank you!
Sugar-Free Almond Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, monkfruit sweetener, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using).
- In a separate bowl, combine the baking powder, kosher salt, and almond flour. Mix well.
- Add the almond butter to the wet ingredients and mix until smooth. Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Gently fold in the chopped almonds.
- Scoop and shape the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Press a whole almond into the center of each cookie.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Consider using natural peanut butter for a lower-fat option.
- For a nut-free version, use sunflower seed butter.
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container for up to a week.
