If you’re looking for a simple cookie that delivers big on flavor, almond cookies are the answer. They’re naturally gluten-free, have just a handful of ingredients, and come together in under 30 minutes. Crisp on the edges with a chewy middle, these cookies strike the perfect balance of texture and taste.
The star of this recipe is almond flour, finely ground almonds that give the cookies their signature nutty flavor and soft bite. Paired with a touch of sugar, egg whites for structure, and almond extract to amplify the flavor, you end up with a cookie that’s both delicate and satisfying.
You don’t need fancy tools or mixers to whip up a batch. Just mix everything in one bowl, shape into small rounds, and top each cookie with a whole almond for a little crunch and visual appeal. A quick bake in the oven, and your kitchen will be filled with the warm, sweet aroma of toasted almonds.
These almond cookies are great with a cup of tea or coffee, and they store well too, making them ideal for gifting or preparing ahead for parties or holidays. You can also get creative, dip the edges in melted chocolate, roll them in slivered almonds, or add a hint of orange zest to the dough for a citrusy twist.
Another bonus? These cookies are naturally gluten-free and can easily be made dairy-free, making them perfect for a variety of dietary needs. And despite their short ingredient list, they taste like something you’d find in a bakery.
Whether you’re craving something sweet but not too sugary, need a quick treat for guests, or want a cookie that feels a little more refined, almond cookies are a go-to you’ll want to keep in rotation. They’re simple, elegant, and always a crowd-pleaser, proving once again that less really can be more.
Ingredients
- 2 cups almond flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the almond flour, powdered sugar, and salt.
- Add the almond extract and softened butter to the bowl. Mix until well combined and a dough forms.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the baking sheet.
- Gently press down on each ball with the palm of your hand to flatten slightly.
- Top each cookie with a few sliced almonds.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Enjoy your delicious almond cookies!
These are so good, my kids devoured them! Love the almond flavor!
Super easy and the dough smelled amazing while mixing. Mine needed the full 15 minutes for browning, but otherwise exactly like the description.
Why almond? Pecans are way better! Just saying…
Too much sugar for my taste. Next time, I’ll use less for sure.
I don’t know, mine came out kinda crumbly. Maybe I did something wrong? What am I missing?
Idk i think 12-15 min is too vague 😅 I pulled them at 13 and they were underdone in the middle, but the next batch at 15 was better.
I don’t like almonds but my friend made these and I ate two. They were okay.
Soo easy to make! I made these for my kids and they devoured them in minutes! Thank you for this recipe.
I don’t know about almond extract. Chocolate is better. ??
WOW! Best cookies ever!!!
I followed it pretty closely, but my cookies spread more than expected even though I used softened butter. Still tasty though—just flatter than I wanted.
Great for a tea party! I added some lemon zest for a twist and everyone loved them. Will share the recipe!
Mine were a bit dry even though I followed the times. Maybe I packed the almond flour too tightly? Still tasted good, just not as tender.
These almond cookies are way too sweet for me. I guess I’m just not a fan of powdered sugar. 😕
I find them sweet too, but maybe you can reduce the powdered sugar next time? 😊
350°F seems high for cookies this size? Mine got golden too fast on the edges, before the middle looked set. I’d bake a few minutes less next time.
These cookies were a hit at the party! So buttery and delicious. Will definitely make again.
I’m glad to hear that! These cookies are super easy and taste amazing! What did your guests think?
Delicious! 🤤 I added some chocolate chips and they turned out bomb!
Yum cookies!! Do they have to be almond flour? Can I use just regular flour too?
These came out so buttery and fragrant! I used a little extra almond extract because I’m weak for almond flavor, and it was perfect. Great with coffee.
Cookies came out burnt! 😠 I must’ve left them in too long. Sadface.
Oh no! I’ve done that before too. Maybe try setting a timer next time? I hope your next batch turns out better! 👍
These cookies are amazing! Perfectly crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. I used a bit of vanilla extract too, yum! Will definitely make again.
They sound good, but I’m not sure about almond flour. Can it really taste good? I usually stick to regular flour.
I totally agree! These cookies are the best! I love the crunchiness too. Did you try adding chocolate chips? That makes them even better!
They’re good, but 1/2 cup sliced almonds on top felt like not enough crunch. Next time I’ll press more on and maybe toast them first.
Totally agree—half a cup can disappear fast once the cookies spread. Toasting the almonds first sounds like a great upgrade too.
I thought the almonds were plenty, but I guess everyone’s craving different crunch. Pressing them in more would probably help. Mine came out fine though.
These cookies were amazing! They melted in my mouth! Definitely making them again.
I found them too sweet. Maybe cut down on the powdered sugar next time.
I actually thought they were perfect sweet! But I guess everyone has their own taste. Maybe try less sugar next time if you prefer that? 🍪
Too sweet?! Nah, I loved them just the way they are. Just gotta enjoy the dessert part, right?
Easy recipe, but I think using real almonds instead of sliced would be better.
These turned out super buttery and the almond flavor is spot on. I chilled the dough for 20 minutes and they didn’t spread much—perfect little cookies.
Not sure why everyone loves these so much. They were kinda bland for my taste. I added chocolate chips but it didn’t help much.
10/10 would make again!!! Also I didn’t have parchment so I greased the sheet and it still worked. Yum.
Shouldn’t there be an egg in here??
They taste AMAZING. Like bakery cookies. Will make again!
Not convinced by 1-inch balls—mine came out weirdly flat? Also I accidentally used salted butter and adjusted nothing, so… yeah, too salty for me.
Not sure about the almond flour amount. I mean, 2 cups is a lot… dough was crumbly at first, so I added a tiny bit more butter and it worked.
Um, can you really bake cookies with just almond flour? I thought you needed regular flour!
I used coconut flour instead of almond flour by mistake. Didn’t turn out great, but they still tasted okay. Maybe I’ll try it again with the right flour.
Easy recipe, love that it’s no-fuss. I baked mine closer to 12 minutes because my oven runs hot, and the edges browned just right.
I tried them but mine never really turned into dough, like it was more crumbly. I might’ve used margarine instead of butter? Still tasted good though.
Yes!! I love that these are no-fuss. I also do like ~12 minutes—once the edges go golden it’s perfect in my oven too.