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Gluten-Free Vegan Almond Cookies

These melt-in-your-mouth gluten-free vegan almond cookies are made from a base of oat and almond flour and naturally sweetened with maple syrup. An optional topping of chopped maple or candied almonds make these extra delicious, however, they are great without as well. Makes 16 cookies.

This post is sponsored by PRANA however all thoughts and opinions are my own.

overhead closeup image of cookies in a pie plate with parchment paper.
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Why This Recipe Works

The texture of these cookies is a cross between a sugar cookies and shortbread. They literally melt in your mouth and are so delicious you might want to double the batch—they'll probably go quick. Certified gluten free oat flour and fine almond flour create the gluten-free base for these cookies. Maple syrup provides a natural sweetness and a touch of caramel flavour.

These cookies are also vegan which means they are made without dairy and contain no eggs. Coconut oil works as the main fat component which lends buttery texture in conjunction with the natural oils from the almond flour. Moreover, as the cookies bake, they develop a beautiful crisp bottom because of the high fat content. The top of each cookie is sprinkled with PRANA's Amandine Maple Almonds for added texture and flavour, however, this is optional; they taste great without the topping as well.

It was a pleasure to work with PRANA to create this recipe. I've been a fan of their products for almost a decade because of their unwavering dedication to producing delicious organic, non-GMO foods and ingredients. Give these vegan almond cookies a go and be sure to check out their selection of organic ingredients and snacks.

overhead image of cookies in a pie plate with parchment paper.

Ingredients & Substitutions

This recipe contains just 8 simple ingredients. Keep in mind that, If you have a sensitivity to gluten, you'll want to source ingredients that are certified gluten free to keep this recipe true to its name. For the quantities of each, head down to the recipe card further along in the post.

  • unrefined coconut oil (or use vegan butter)
  • pure maple syrup (or liquid honey if you are not opposed to it)
  • vanilla extract
  • almond flour, finely ground (store bought or homemade)
  • oat flour, finely ground (store bought or homemade)
  • baking powder
  • sea salt
  • maple almonds (or finely chopped candied almonds)

Step by Step Guide

This recipe takes roughly 25 minutes to make from start to finish, however, if you plan to make your own almond and oat flour, add an additional 5-10 minutes. For the full detailed instructions, please see the recipe card.

  1. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Mix together the coconut oil, maple syrup and vanilla extract
  3. Sift together the almond flour, oat flour, baking powder and sea salt.
  4. Add the flour mixture to the coconut oil mixture and stir well until combined.
  5. Portion the dough onto the prepared baking sheet then, gently flatten each ball with the palm of your hand
  6. Sprinkle each cookie with the chopped candied almonds if using.
  7. Gently press the almonds pieces into each cookie.
  8. Bake for approximately 13-15 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before moving to a wire rack to cool completely.

Helpful Tips

  • Make your own oat and almond flour: I find a high speed blender works best for achieving the fine grind needed.
  • Portion the dough evenly on the baking sheet: the cookies spread somewhat and this ensures they won't bake into each other.
  • Use refined coconut oil: it has little to no taste of coconut.
  • Coconut oil should be soft: It needs to be scoopable yet hold a shape. It should not be liquid or fully solid.
  • Use a hand mixer or stand mixer: you can mix the dough by hand, however, I find a hand mixer or stand mixer works quickly and effectively.
  • Use a medium size cookie scoop: this recipe can be made into smaller cookies, but I prefer the size of the medium (1oz) cookie scoop size.
  • Cool on the baking tray first: letting them cool on the baking tray for 10 minutes before moving them to a cooling rack will prevent any cracking or breaking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between almond meal and almond flour?

Almond flour and almond meal are both made from ground almonds however, almond meal is typically made from almonds with their skin left on and it tends to be a bit coarser in texture. Almonds flour typically uses blanched almonds with their skins removed. Blanched finely ground almond flour is recommended for this recipe.

Can I make my own almond and oat flour?

Yes. I suggest using a high speed blender (I use a Vitamix) to get a fine enough grind. You can use either blanched or un-blanched almonds for the flour so long as they are ground finely.

Can I dust them in powdered sugar?

Yes! These are lovely with a dusting of powdered sugar after they've cooled. However, I would suggest leaving out the chopped candied almonds otherwise they will be too sweet.

overhead image of cookies on a marble surface.

More Recipes

If you love this recipe, be sure to check out these other favourite recipes:

Vegan Banana bread cookies

Chewy vegan chocolate chip cookies

Chewy Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies

If you made my Gluten-free vegan almond cookies please leave me a comment below with a star rating; it really helps others who are interested in making the recipe. For more from The Simple Green, follow me on Instagram, Facebook or Pinterest. Consider becoming a subscriber to receive emails of new recipes and posts

a closeup overhead image of cookies on a metal pie plate.

Gluten-free Vegan Almond Cookies

author nameHeidi Richter
These melt-in-your-mouth vegan almond cookies are made from a base of gluten-free fine almond and oat flour and naturally sweetened with maple syrup.
5 from 2 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 14 minutes
Total Time 24 minutes
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine North American
Servings 16 cookies
Calories 232 kcal

Ingredients

  • cup unrefined coconut oil, softened but not liquid
  • ½ cup pure maple syrup
  • 2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 cups fine ground almond flour, certified gluten-free
  • 1 ½ cups fine ground oat flour, certified gluten free
  • 2 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • cup maple almonds (or candied almonds), finely chopped

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • In a medium bowl, mix together the softened coconut oil, maple syrup and vanilla extract until smooth.
    ⅔ cup unrefined coconut oil, ½ cup pure maple syrup, 2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • In a small bowl, sift together the almond flour, oat flour, baking powder and sea salt. Add the flour mixture to the coconut oil mixture and stir well until combined. Note that the mixture will seem quite dry as you start mixing, however it will come together.
    2 cups fine ground almond flour, 1 ½ cups fine ground oat flour, 2 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • Using a 3 tablespoon scoop, portion the dough onto the prepared baking sheet allowing 2" between each dough ball. Then, gently flatten each ball with the palm of your hand so they are approx ½" thick and sprinkle each cookie with the chopped maple almonds if using. Gently press the almonds pieces into each cookie.
    ⅓ cup maple almonds (or candied almonds)
  • Bake for approximately 13-15 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before moving to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Storage: This recipe will store for up to 5 days covered in an airtight container. The texture of the cookies will change by the second day.

Nutrition

Calories: 232kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 5gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 9gSodium: 76mgPotassium: 115mgFiber: 2gSugar: 7gCalcium: 68mgIron: 1mg

This is an approximation of the nutrition offered in this recipe, and is created using a nutrition calculator. I am not a nutritionist and cannot guarantee accuracy. If your health depends on nutrition information, please calculate again with your preferred calculator.

Keywords | gluten free almond cookies, maple almond cookies, vegan almond cookies

Disclaimer

all recipes on The Simple Green are developed and tested in a Canadian kitchen, at normal elevation, using electric appliances and ingredients available in Canada. Results may vary.

6 Comments

    1. I'm so glad you like them, Jess! Yes, they're such a great company and I love that I can eat everything in their line lol!
      xo

        1. Hi Anna,

          That is a common misconception. Oats are naturally gluten free unless they have been in contact with other wheat products or processed in a facility that also produces products containing wheat/gluten. You can buy certified gluten free oats if you are concerned at all. Hope that helps clear up the confusion. All the best!!

5 from 2 votes (1 rating without comment)

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