Almond Flour Shortbread Cookies | Kitchen At Hoskins (2024)

Why this recipe works?

Mixing the almond flour and sugar first before adding the fat, creates less aeration. Also, I adopt the reverse creaming method of combining the coconut oil and water with the flour mixture, where the liquid coats the flour, resulting in the water evaporating in the oven, producing an amazing crisp texture.

The 3 ingredients

Scroll down to the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and amounts.

• Almond flour - I like to use super fine almond flour in all my baking recipes like in almond flour cake and almond flour dessert recipes.
• Brown sugar - Adds caramelly flavor, and moisture and promotes browning.
• Coconut oil - Imparts a subtle, pleasant coconut flavor that compliment the nutty almonds like in almond butter balls.

1.Add almond flour, golden brown sugar, and salt into a medium bowl and whisk to combine, making sure to break any lumps.

2 & 3. Add liquid coconut oil and water, and stir with a rubber spatula until the dough is thoroughly combined.

Pro tip: Unlike the candle cookies dough, this dough should feel wet yet be crumbly. Perform a test - Roll a tablespoon of measured dough into a ball and then flatten. If it breaks apart or feels dry, then stir in 1 or 2 teaspoons of additional water. If it feels too wet or greasy, then mix in 1 or 2 tablespoons of additional almond flour.

4 to 7. Scoop up a tablespoon of measure dough, gently roll it into a smooth ball and flatten them to a ½-inch thickness. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing about an inch apart.

8. Optional step - Place one sliced almond on the middle of each cookie, pressing it slightly into the dough (this helps it to stay intact after baking).

Bake cookies for 18 to 21 minutes at 350 degrees (rotating pan halfway through baking), until the almond flour shortbread cookies are deep golden in color. Place the pan on a wire rack to cool completely.

Tip: To achieve perfect crispiness, it is crucial not to remove the cookies from the oven when they are pale golden or lightly colored. Allowing them to develop a deeper golden color is essential for achieving the desired level of crispness. But, don't make them turn dark brown.

How to store?

Store almond flour shortbread cookies in a sealed container at room temperature for 4 to 5 days. They tend to lose some of the crispness after about a couple of days, but still delicious!

How to freeze?

Place in a ziplock bag, seal andfreeze for up to 3 months. Leave almond flour shortbread cookies at room temperature for a few hours to thaw completely.

Helpful tips

• Use super fine almond flour and not meal.
• Don't use hot coconut oil. If your coconut oil is solid, then melt it in the microwave and cool it to lukewarm before making almond flour shortbread cookies.
• Bake until it develops a deep golden brown color.
• Flattening them to ½-inch will result in a crispier cookie.

Can I use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar?

While coconut sugar offers its own unique qualities, such as subtle caramel notes, it does not impart the same level of moisture and rich molasses flavor as brown sugar. Thus resulting color and texture might differ from those achieved with brown sugar.

Why is there no vanilla extract in the ingredients?

The pairing of almonds and coconut oil creates a sensational flavor combination that requires no additional flavorings. However, feel free to add vanilla or almond extract to the almond flour shortbread cookies.

What is the difference between almond flour and all-purpose flour?

Almond flour is made solely from ground almonds, while all-purpose flour is made from wheat grains, often with the bran and germ removed, and has a smooth texture. All-purpose flour, also has gluten, contributing to a more chewy baked product.

What is the difference between almond flour and almond meal?

Almond flour is typically made from blanched almonds (almonds with the skin removed) and is finely ground into a powdery texture, thus resulting in a light and smooth texture, similar to traditional wheat flour. On the other hand, almond meal is made from almonds that still have their skin intact, resulting in a coarser texture with a natural brown color.