The Best Almond Flour Sugar Cookies! Soft in the middle and crispy on the edges. Easy to roll out and perfect for cut-outs!

Hundreds of reviewers agree these cookies are the most delicious almond flour sugar cookie recipes around! This tried-and-true recipe was originally published in 2013 and is one of my #1 recipes today!

almond flour sugar cookies topped with white frosting and sprinkles


 

Original photo from 2013. I thought it was very cool with the bright pink background – ha!

sugar cookies on white plate with sprinkles on pink napkin
Holiday baking just isn’t complete without making sugar cookies!

One of my favorite Christmas traditions is making Christmas cookies in all different holiday shapes and decorating them with colored icing and sprinkles. (But these cookies are equally great for any time of year. If you like to make cookies for Valentine’s Day or Halloween, this is the perfect cookie!)

I don’t use the term “the best” lightly. These cookies roll out like a dream and hold their shape really well during baking. They are crispy and buttery on the outside, and soft on the inside!

I originally published the recipe way back in 2013. It continues to be a reader (and family) favorite year after year!

Every holiday season thousands of people come back to this post to make this recipe! Be sure to check the comments if you have any questions about substitutions!

Table of Contents

These are made with almond flour, which gives the cookies a delicious taste and keeps them soft. Soft is definitely a requirement when it comes to sugar cookies!

Almond flour cookies are awesome because they are soft, without being doughy. (One of the most popular recipes on my site is these almond flour chocolate chip cookies – always with great reviews!)

You also might like these amazing gluten-free sugar cookies.

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

  • Soft interior + crisp and buttery edges
  • Tender crumb
  • Easy to work with
  • Great for decorating for holiday
  • Simple ingredients

For more almond flour baked goods, try these almond flour snickerdoodles, almond flour oatmeal cookies and almond flour blondies.

You also might like this collection of gluten-free dinner recipes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these amazing cookies!

ingredients needed to make almond flour sugar cookies on white background
  • Almond flour: Be sure to use blanched almond flour rather than almond meal for the right consistency. Blanched almond flour is made from almonds with the skin/tough coating removed so it’s extra fine. Almond meal is made from the whole almond and won’t create the ideal results in baking.
  • Coconut flour: Grain-free flour can be hard to work with, but coconut flour makes these cookies easier to roll out and helps them bake up nice and crisp!
  • Sugar: I usually use organic cane sugar in these cookies. However many commenters have reported great results using coconut sugar! A liquid sweetener like maple syrup or honey won’t work.
  • Baking soda: Baking soda helps rise and lift these perfect cookies.
  • Salt: Fine sea salt balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor of this gluten free cookie recipe.
  • Vanilla: I always use real vanilla extract for my gluten free baking!
  • Butter: You can use a dairy-free butter substitute such as Earth Balance buttery sticks to keep these cookies dairy-free. I don’t recommend using all coconut oil in place of the butter. Real butter or Earth Balance is important for the right texture.
  • Coconut oil: I love using part butter and part coconut oil in cookies for a nice soft texture. I also use this trick in these favorite gluten-free oatmeal chocolate chip cookies.
  • Eggs: Use room temperature large eggs to help bind the dough of these gluten free cookies.
  • Almond extract: Almond extract compliments the slightly nutty flavor of the almond flour and takes these cookies to the next level of deliciousness!

Coconut Flour

I am not usually a fan of coconut flour, but it works wonderfully in this recipe. The addition of coconut flour makes these cookies easier to roll out and helps them bake up nice and crisp.

For more gluten-free Christmas cookies, be sure to try these gluten-free almond cookies, gluten-free almond biscotti, gluten-free molasses cookies and gluten-free coconut macaroons.

How to Make Almond Flour Sugar Cookies

how to mix together eggs and sugar in metal bowl
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer (or using a large bowl and hand mixer) cream together the room temperature butter, coconut oil, and sugar.
  • Add the eggs, almond and vanilla extract, mix until incorporated.
how to make almond flour sugar cookie dough
  • In a separate bowl, combine the baking soda, salt, almond flour, and coconut flour.
  • With the mixer running on low, add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients 1 cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
  • Form the dough into a ball with your hands and place on a piece of plastic wrap. Form the dough into a disc and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to overnight.
cut out and baking almond flour sugar cookies on baking sheet
  • Preheat the oven to 350F. Line a 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • Sprinkle a clean, flat surface with coconut flour and roll the dough out until it is 1/4 thick. I like laying it on a piece for parchment paper and placing another sheet on top to roll it out. Or you may have to rub the rolling pin with coconut flour to do this. Make your cut-out cookies using your choice of cutters. Work somewhat quickly so the dough stays cold. Using a spatula, transfer the cut cookies to the baking sheets.
  • Gather the remaining scraps back up into a ball and roll out again. Repeat rolling and cutting out cookies until you use all the dough. If the dough gets too warm while you work with it you may need to chill it again.
  • Bake the cookies for 13-15 minutes, until lightly golden brown. These cookies need to bake longer than a traditional sugar cookie recipe. They will stay soft and just get a little crispy, which is just what you want! Cool on a cookie sheet for 2 minutes then transfer to a cooling rack. Cool completely before frosting. Enjoy these traditional sugar cookies!
almond flour sugar cookies on baking sheet decorated with frosting and sprinkles

Storage Instructions

These cookies stay good for a few days! You can store these cookies (frosted or unfrosted) in an airtight container (in the refrigerator or at room temperature) for up to five days. You can also store these cookies in the freezer for up to 3 months.

sugar cookie with frosting leaning against jug of milk

Recipe FAQs

Here are some answers to some frequently asked recipe questions. You can also search the comments for more substitute recommendations!

Can I use more almond flour in place of the coconut flour?

Unfortunately no. Coconut flour and almond flour have very different properties. The dough really needs to coconut flour to hold together. The cookies will not turn out properly without it.

CAn i use all coconut oil?

No. If you’re looking to substitute the butter, use Earth Balance buttery sticks. Do not use more coconut oil in place of the butter or you won’t get the right consistency. 

How long do these cookies keep?

These cookies stay good for a few days! You can store these cookies (frosted or unfrosted) in an airtight container (in the refrigerator or at room temperature) for up to five days. I like keeping them in the fridge! You can also store these cookies in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Can i use gluten-free all purpose flour in this recipe?

This recipe is specifically designed to use almond flour. You can try these gluten-free sugar cookies (they’re SO good too!) if you want a recipe that uses gluten-free 1:1 baking flour or gluten-free all purpose flour.

Almond Flour in General FAQs

Can I substitute almond flour for regular flour in sugar cookies?

Almond flour can be used to make sugar cookies, but I don’t recommend doing a 1:1 swap in a regular sugar cookie recipe. Instead, it’s best to use a recipe that is specifically made using almond flour (like this recipe!)

What happens if you use almond flour in cookies?

Almond flour adds texture and flavor to gluten-free sugar cookies. It also keeps the cookies soft and gives them a great chew, which is essential for a delicious sugar cookie!

How do you make almond flour rise?

Almond flour needs a leavening agent in order for it to rise. This recipe uses baking soda to help the dough rise and achieve a light and tender crumb.

close up of cookie with bite taken out of it

Expert Tips & Tricks

  • I highly recommend using Honeyville Blanched Almond Flour Super Fine Grind or Wellbee’s Super Fine Blanched Almond Flour for this recipe. I’ve also used Costco’s almond flour with great results. Be sure to use blanched almond flour rather than almond meal for the right consistency.
  • To make sure these cookies turn out, scoop and kind of pack the almond flour down when measuring it.
  • Chilling the dough is very key so you’re able to work with it!
  • When rolling and cutting the dough, work quickly so the dough stays cold.
  • I like rolling it out in-between sheets of parchment paper dusted with coconut flour.If you have trouble cutting them out, try rolling out the dough then placing it in the freezer for 10 minutes before cutting the shapes out.
  • Finally – DO NOT substitute the coconut flour for more almond flour. The dough really needs to coconut flour to hold together.

What type of almond flour?

Be sure to use blanched almond flour rather than almond meal for the right consistency. Blanched almond flour is made from almonds with the skin/tough coating removed so it’s extra fine. Almond meal is made from the whole almond and won’t create the ideal results in baking.

close up of almond flour sugar cookies topped with white frosting and sprinkles

YOU ALSO MIGHT LIKE

I hope you enjoy these almond flour sugar cookies as much as we do! If you try this recipe, be sure to leave me a comment/rating below. I’d love to hear from you!

almond flour sugar cookies topped with white frosting and sprinkles
4.94 from 98 votes

The Best Almond Flour Sugar Cookies

Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 24 cookies
The Best Almond Flour Sugar Cookies! Soft in the middle and crispy on the edges. Easy to roll out and perfect for cut-outs!
Hundreds of reviewers agree these cookies are the most delicious almond flour sugar cookie recipes around! This tried-and-true recipe was originally published in 2013 and is one of my #1 recipes today!

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup butter ghee, or palm shortening, softened
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil softened, not melted
  • 3/4 cup sugar*
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
  • 2 1/4 cups blanched almond flour scoop and slightly pack it down when you measure it
  • 1/2 cup coconut flour

Instructions 

  • In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the butter, coconut oil, and sugar. Add the eggs, vanilla and almond extract, mix until incorporated.
  • In a separate bowl, combine the baking soda, salt, almond flour, and coconut flour. With the mixer running on low, add the flour mixture to the creamed ingredients 1 cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
  • Form the dough into a ball with your hands and place on a piece of plastic wrap. Form the dough into a disc and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to overnight.
  • Preheat the oven to 350F. Line a 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • Sprinkle a clean, flat surface with coconut flour and roll the dough out until it is 1/4 thick. I like laying it on a piece for parchment paper and placing another sheet on top to roll it out. Or you may have to rub the rolling pin with coconut flour to do this. Cut out the cookies using your choice of cutters. Work somewhat quickly so the dough stays cold. Using a spatula, transfer the cut cookies to the baking sheets.
  • Gather the remaining scraps back up into a ball and roll out again. Repeat rolling and cutting out cookies until you use all the dough. If the dough gets too warm while you work with it you may need to chill it again.
  • Bake the cookies for 13-15 minutes, until lightly golden. These cookies need to bake longer than typical sugar cookies. They will stay soft and just get a little crispy, which is just what you want! Cool on a baking sheet for 2 minutes then transfer to a wire rack. Cool completely before frosting. Enjoy!

Notes

MAKE IT DAIRY-FREE: Use Earth Balance buttery sticks in place of the butter. Do not use more coconut oil in place of the butter or you won’t get the right consistency. 
STORAGE: These cookies stay good for a few days! You can store these cookies (frosted or unfrosted) in an airtight container (in the refrigerator or at room temperature) for up to five days. I like keeping them in the fridge! You can also store these cookies in the freezer for up to 3 months.
RECIPE NOTES
  • I highly recommend using Honeyville Blanched Almond Flour Super Fine Grind or Wellbee’s Super Fine Blanched Almond Flour for this recipe. I’ve also used Costco’s almond flour with great results. Be sure to use blanched almond flour rather than almond meal for the right consistency.
  • To make sure these cookies turn out, scoop and kind of pack the almond flour down when measuring it.
  • Chilling the dough is very key so you’re able to work with it!
  • When rolling and cutting the dough, work quickly so the dough stays cold.
  • I like rolling it out in-between sheets of parchment paper dusted with coconut flour.If you have trouble cutting them out, try rolling out the dough then placing it in the freezer for 10 minutes before cutting the shapes out.
  • Finally – DO NOT substitute the coconut flour for more almond flour. The dough really needs to coconut flour to hold together.

Nutrition

Calories: 153.89kcal | Carbohydrates: 9.96g | Protein: 3.08g | Fat: 12.01g | Saturated Fat: 5.23g | Cholesterol: 23.81mg | Sodium: 115.59mg | Potassium: 5.06mg | Fiber: 1.99g | Sugar: 6.84g | Vitamin A: 137.98IU | Calcium: 25.24mg | Iron: 0.53mg

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Hi, I’m Erin!

BS Food Science,

MS Nutrition

I believe you can make amazing, gluten-free food with everyday ingredients that everyone will enjoy. I’m here to share my tried-and-true recipes with you!

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Comments

  1. 5 stars
    This recipe was amazing! I substituted the two eggs for two flax eggs (2 tbsps ground flax, 6 tbsps water) and it worked perfectly. The taste and texture of these cookies are so delicious and it was all-around very satisfying! Thank you! 🙂

    1. This is so helpful to know the cookies turned out well with flax eggs! Thanks for the comment because it helps others 🙂

  2. Have you ever tried using this recipe for one big sugar cookie cake, like for making fruit pizza? Would the baking temp or time change?

  3. 1. Can I used criso instead of palm shortening?
    2. Can I use regular butter instead of butter ghee?

  4. 3 stars
    Recipe absolutely needs more than 30 minutes chill time. The dough is much more workable the longer it chills.

    Cookies rolled to a quarter inch will come out quite crispy; I rolled the second half of my dough to nearly a half inch, and the results were pleasantly chewy on the insides.

    1. Yes this dough can be frozen! I would cut it into the desired shapes or scoop it into balls before freezing though.

  5. 5 stars
    I’ve been wanting to try these for a while and today was the day. Just the Christmas cookie that I was looking for. I didn’t and wouldn’t change anything.

  6. 5 stars
    YUM!!! I made this with half coconut sugar and half erythropoietin/monk fruit extract (from Costco) and they are perfect. Perfect sweetness, crisp edges and soft in the center. Thank you for sharing!

    1. Hooray! That’s great to know the recipe worked well with those sugar substitutes. Thanks for the helpful comment!

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