Thank you so much for stopping by today—I’m thrilled to share one of my favorite cookie recipes with you: Almond Flour Shortbread Cookies. These cookies are tender, buttery (without butter!), and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Made with just a handful of wholesome ingredients like almond flour, maple syrup, and coconut oil, they’re naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free—yet taste every bit as indulgent as traditional shortbread.
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Overview of Recipe Content
These almond flour shortbread cookies are the perfect balance of simplicity and elegance. They’re wonderful for holiday cookie trays, afternoon tea, or just when you’re craving something lightly sweet with your coffee.
Why you’ll love them:
- Only 6 basic ingredients
- Gluten-free and dairy-free
- Customizable with extracts or sprinkles
- Perfectly crisp edges with soft, tender centers
Flavor profile:
Nutty, slightly sweet, and oh-so delicate—these cookies have a richness from the almond flour and a subtle caramel note from the maple syrup.
Nutritional benefits:
- Almond flour provides protein and healthy fats.
- Coconut oil makes them dairy-free.
- Naturally sweetened with maple syrup.
Ingredients you’ll need:
- 1 ½ cups almond flour
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 3 tablespoons melted coconut oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt (optional)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- Sprinkles (optional, for fun!)
Tools needed:
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Substitutions:
- Swap maple syrup with honey or agave.
- Use butter instead of coconut oil for a more traditional shortbread flavor.
- Add lemon zest, cinnamon, or even chocolate chips for variation.
How to Make Almond Flour Shortbread Cookies
- Mix the dough: In a bowl, combine almond flour, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the dough holds together. Add vanilla or almond extract for extra flavor.
- Shape the cookies: Roll the dough into small balls, then flatten gently with your palm or the bottom of a glass. If using sprinkles, press them lightly into the tops.
- Bake: Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–12 minutes, until the edges turn golden.
- Cool & enjoy: Let cookies cool completely before removing from the tray (they firm up as they cool).
The smell of warm almond cookies filling your kitchen? Pure bliss.
What to Serve with Almond Flour Shortbread Cookies
These cookies pair beautifully with:
- A warm mug of chai tea or cappuccino.
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- A drizzle of melted dark chocolate for a decadent twist.
Tips for Making It Perfect
- Don’t overbake—remove them when edges are just golden.
- Chill the dough for 15 minutes if it feels too sticky to handle.
- Use superfine almond flour (not almond meal) for the best texture.
Storage Instructions
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months.
- To re-crisp, warm in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes.
General Information
Shortbread cookies date back centuries in Scotland, originally made with oats. My almond flour version keeps that crumbly, buttery charm but adds a modern, wholesome twist that’s perfect for today’s kitchens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use almond meal instead of almond flour?
Yes, but the texture will be grittier. Almond flour gives a finer crumb.
Do I need to chill the dough?
Not always, but if your kitchen is warm, chilling helps prevent spreading.
Can I make these vegan?
They already are! With coconut oil and maple syrup, no eggs or dairy needed.
Can I decorate them?
Absolutely—drizzle chocolate, dust powdered sugar, or add festive sprinkles.
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Conclusion
These Almond Flour Shortbread Cookies are proof that simple ingredients can create something truly magical. Whether you bake them for the holidays, a tea party, or just a Tuesday treat, they’ll win over everyone at the table.
If you loved these, you might also enjoy:
Happy baking, my friend!
Interactive Elements
I’d love to hear how these turned out for you! Leave a review below, share a photo on Pinterest (Poulef Recipes), or tag me on social media.
Nutritional Information
Per cookie (makes 12):
| Calories | Protein | Carbs | Sugar | Fat | Sat. Fat | Fiber | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 140 | 3g | 7g | 4g | 12g | 4g | 2g | 30mg |
Irresistibly Delicious Almond Flour Shortbread Cookies
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies 1x
Description
These Almond Flour Shortbread Cookies are gluten-free, dairy-free, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Made with almond flour, maple syrup, and coconut oil, they’re an easy, wholesome twist on a classic treat.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups almond flour
3 tablespoons maple syrup
3 tablespoons melted coconut oil
1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
1. Mix almond flour, coconut oil, maple syrup, and salt in a bowl. Add extracts if using.
2. Roll dough into balls, flatten, and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes until edges are golden.
4. Cool completely before serving.
Notes
Use superfine almond flour for the best texture.
Chill dough if too sticky to handle.
Don’t overbake; cookies firm up as they cool.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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Gianna Poulef
I’m Gianna Poulef from Poulef Recipes. I love sharing perfected dishes from my kitchen. I’m sure they’ll earn a spot in your heart. Let’s savor this journey together!.
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