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GET IT NOWIt’s cookie season, and I want you to meet my favorite almond flour cookies! After you try them, I think they might be yours, too. They’re buttery and sweet, a little soft, a little crunchy, and taste just like shortbread. They are wonderful around the holidays in particular, but honestly, I make them year-round. Whether you’re looking for a low carb dessert or heathy dessert, or just want that buttery texture with a nutty flavor, my almond flour cookie recipe is for you. Bake them with me and see why I love them so much!
Why You Need My Almond Flour Cookies

- Sweet and buttery, with a melt-in-your mouth texture – These turn out soft and slightly chewy, with a slightly crisp outside. The classic buttery taste and sweetness reminds me of the perfect shortbread cookie!
- Versatile base recipe – I’ve made many types of cookies with almond flour over the years, but this one is by far my favorite. I’ve been baking it for almost a decade, and still come back to it multiple times a year. In fact, it’s the base for most of my other almond flour cookie recipes — I’ve got variations for you below.
- Super easy to make – You need just 4 simple ingredients and one bowl, and you’ll be enjoying these almond flour cookies in around 20 minutes.
- Gluten-free, with no refined sugar – My recipe is grain-free, egg-free, and if you use my Besti sweetener, low carb and keto friendly. Much healthier than regular white flour cookies!
- Perfect for holidays – They are great for any occasion, but I especially love making these for holiday cookie trays. They always disappear fast!


Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for my almond flour cookies recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
Basic Almond Flour Cookies:
- Wholesome Yum Almond Flour – I use this one because it’s super finely ground and blanched, which gives the cookies the best texture. Many brands of almond flour, and especially almond meal, can make them grainy or gritty. If you need a nut-free version, make coconut flour shortbread cookies instead.
- Butter – I love this brand. I usually use salted for balance, or you can use unsalted and add a pinch of salt. Just make sure it’s softened before starting! If you need a dairy-free option, you can substitute coconut oil — I recommend butter flavored coconut oil to get a similar taste.
- Besti Monk Fruit Allulose Blend – Along with sweetness, it prevents the cookies from turning out too dry. It also has 0 net carbs and no aftertaste. Notes on other options:
- Other granulated sweeteners – You can use another granulated sugar substitute by converting it using my sweetener conversion chart, but keep in mind the texture may vary and you might detect a bitter aftertaste.
- Sugar – White sugar or coconut sugar does work if it fits your lifestyle — just not mine.
- Liquid sweeteners – Avoid using liquid options like honey or maple syrup, as they’ll mess up the wet/dry ratio.
- Vanilla Extract – With just a few ingredients in these almond flour cookies, quality really matters. I like this brand.

Optional Chocolate Dip:
- Sugar-Free Chocolate – Any kind works, but I’m a big fan of this brand of sugar-free chocolate chips!
- Coconut Oil – It helps the chocolate harden nicely as it cools and gives it a beautiful, glossy finish.
- Chopped Nuts – I used pecans, but any other nuts will work.

How To Make Cookies With Almond Flour
I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card.
Basic Almond Flour Cookies:
- Cream the butter and sweetener. In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat together the butter and Besti, until it’s fluffy and light in color.
- Beat in the other ingredients. Mix in the vanilla, then gradually add the almond flour, about half a cup at a time. The dough will be a bit crumbly — this is normal!


- Form the cookies. Use a cookie scoop to place rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto a lined cookie sheet. Flatten to about 1/3 inch thick—they won’t spread much, so make them as thin or thick as you like! Prick with a fork.
- Pop in the oven. Bake the almond flour cookies until golden. Cool completely before removing from pan, as they will be fragile at first.


Optional Chocolate Dipped Edges:
- Melt the chocolate and coconut oil. You can do this in short spurts in the microwave at low power, or use a double boiler on the stove. Stir occasionally.
- Dip your almond cookies. Cover them halfway in chocolate, then place them on a small baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Quickly sprinkle with chopped nuts while the chocolate is still wet, then chill in the fridge until the chocolate is set.

My Recipe Tips
- Start with butter that’s soft, but not too soft. If your softened butter is too warm, it won’t form air pockets when you beat it, but if it’s too cold, it won’t get fluffy at all. I cut the butter into small pieces to help it soften faster at room temperature. You can also take a shortcut by filling a stainless steel boil with boiling water, dry well, then invert over the butter on a plate — it’ll soften from the residual heat.
- Cream the butter correctly. I always start with my hand mixer at a lower speed, so that butter and sweetener don’t fly everywhere, then increase as it starts to incorporate. This method creates little pockets of air, which will give your almond flour cookies a more delicate tender crumb.
- Don’t over-beat the butter. If you go too long, the air breaks down. I’ve found that 5 minutes is just right. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s light and fluffy!
- Use blanched almond flour. I can’t emphasize this enough! It needs to be blanched almond flour to be the right texture for almond flour cookies.
- Don’t have quite enough almond flour? You can replace up to half of it with other ground nuts, like I did with my pistachio cookies! I wouldn’t replace all of it, though, because it’s finer than other types.
- Add the almond flour gradually. If you dump it in in at once, it won’t mix as well and you’ll end up mixing it too long, affecting the final texture.
- Scrape the sides of the bowl. Do it while you’re creaming the butter and again after adding the almond flour. Skipping this step can leave some spots denser than others.
- Gently pack the dough into the cookie scoop. If it’s too loose, it won’t hold together when released. But worst case, if your cookies crumble when you flatten them, you can press them back together.
- Keep an eye on your baking time. Lots of factors can affect it, so check after 10 minutes and every couple of minutes after. Use your oven light or just crack the door slightly to avoid losing heat.
- Be patient after baking. These almond flour cookies will be super soft and crumbly right out of the oven. Let them cool completely to firm up.

More Almond Flour Cookie Recipes
Like I mentioned above, I’ve used these almond flour cookies as a base for so many of my other cookie recipes using almond flour! Here are some variations you can try:
- Chocolate chip – Just fold the chocolate chips into the dough before baking, instead of dipping. If you’re craving a more classic chocolate chip cookie, I’ve got keto chocolate chip cookies already, and a new version of almond flour chocolate chip cookies coming soon!
- Thumbprint – Press a thumbprint into the dough before baking and fill it with your favorite jam. I love this brand, or sometimes I make my own sugar-free chia jam! I’ve also filled the prints with dried fruit and nuts, like my rugelach recipe.
- Extracts – Instead of vanilla, you can try almond extract (the almond flavor in these cookies is pretty mild without it), or go with other favorites like lemon, orange, or hazelnut. 1/2 teaspoon is a good amount.
- Cream cheese – My keto cream cheese cookies are a variation of these almond flour cookies, except with cream cheese added.
- Spices – Try my keto gingerbread cookies with warming spices, keto pumpkin cookies with pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice, or simple sugar-free snickerdoodles.
- Oats – My healthy oatmeal cookies use almond flour as a binder instead of white flour.
- Cookie dough – Since it doesn’t contain any eggs, feel free to sneak some dough while you’re making these! I also have a keto cookie dough recipe that’s very similar.
Tools I Use For This Recipe
- Cookie Sheet – I used this size for baking the cookies and this smaller one for cooling them in the fridge after dipping them in chocolate. As you can tell, I love these pans—I have them in every size!
- Mixer – I love my hand mixer with built-in storage. A stand mixer works, too.
- Cookie Scoop – I’ve had this one for as long as I’ve been making these almond flour cookies, and it’s still like new! It releases cleanly and makes your cookies all the same size.
- Double Broiler – Convenient for melting the chocolate without the risk of burning.

Almond Flour Cookies (4-Ingredient Recipe)
My almond flour cookies recipe makes buttery shortbread cookies, with 4 ingredients and no refined sugar. A gluten-free, healthy dessert!
Ingredients
[ See substitutions ]Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.
Basic Almond Flour Cookies
Optional Chocolate Dip
Instructions
[ See step photos See my tips ]Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.
Basic Almond Flour Cookies
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C). Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
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Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat together the butter and Besti, until it's fluffy and light in color.
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Beat in the vanilla extract. Beat in the almond flour, 1/2 cup (64 g) at a time. (The dough will be dense and a little crumbly, but should stick when pressed together.)
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Scoop rounded tablespoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared cookie sheet (I use this cookie scoop). Flatten each cookie to about 1/3 in (.8 cm) thick. (You can make them thicker or thinner to your liking. Keep in mind they will not spread or thin out during baking, so make them as thin as you want them when done.)
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Bake for about 12 minutes, until the edges are golden. Allow to cool completely in the pan before handling (cookies will harden as they cool).
Optional Chocolate Dip
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Allow almond flour cookies to cool and harden completely before dipping in chocolate. Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper (one that will fit in your fridge).
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Melt sugar-free chocolate and coconut oil in a double boiler. Once melted, dip the cookies halfway into the chocolate and place onto the lined pan. Immediately sprinkle with chopped nuts before the chocolate sets.
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Chill in the refrigerator before handling, until the chocolate is firm.
Did you make it? Leave a review or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram!
Maya’s Recipe Notes
Serving size: 1 cookie
- Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you get the perfect texture in your almond flour cookies!
- Variations: Want to make these chocolate chip, fall flavored, as thumbprints, or in other ways? I’ve got lots of variations here!
- Store: These almond flour cookies will last a few days on the counter in an airtight container, or you can keep them in the fridge for over a week. I find that the chocolate-dipped ones keep better refrigerated.
- Freeze the dough: You can freeze the dough for up to 6 months, either in a ball wrapped in plastic wrap, or after forming the cookies. For formed ones, just place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag. Thaw on the counter before baking.
- Freeze the cookies: Pop them in a zip lock bag and keep frozen for up to 3 months. I line parchment paper between them to prevent sticking, or flash freeze on a baking sheet before placing in the bag.
- Note on nutrition info: The optional chocolate dip and pecans are not included in the nutrition facts below.
- Want to make these with coconut flour? Make my coconut flour cookies instead.
📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Low Carb Holiday Cookbook and Keto Ebook Bundle!
I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy.
Add Your Notes Your Notes
© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.
Almond Flour Cookies

Gratitude Moment

I’ve been baking these almond flour cookies for so many years, but in 2020 when I created my Besti sweeteners and Wholesome Yum Blanched Almond Flour, they were a total gamechanger for me. They made this recipe and so many other sweet baked goods so much better, because they improve the flavor and texture, without the aftertaste that so many sweeteners have.
Here I am with these cookies and my 3 Bestis, as well as my almond flour biscuits I make with the same flour. I’m so grateful to have these products to make recipes with! I hope you’ll give them a try and let me know what you think.
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563 Comments
GMS
0These are one of my favorite cookies. I have made them many times. I sometimes add almond, orange or peppermint extract to make them a little different. I don’t add the chocolate or pecan toppings because it takes longer to enjoy them (😊) They are always my snack with a cup of herbal mint tea. Easy to make.
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Thank you! They’re my favorite, too. Those extracts are all wonderful additions.
Melissa Keichline
0Could these be made lemon flavored? Thanks!
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Hi Melissa, Yes, and that would be delicious! Try adding a teaspoon or two of lemon zest, or you can do lemon extract.
Happy Girl
0L❤️VE the C🍪🍪KIES!!!!!😋😋
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed these.
Jen Prendergast
0I just made this recipe and I absolutely love it. I did make a couple alterations to the recipe when I made it. First off, I doubled the recipe and when I did that I only used four cups of almond flour instead of five. I also added one cup of finely chopped dried cranberries. I too like other people noticed that this is a very crumbly mixture even when it comes out of the oven but I found that if I reshaped them with a butter knife as soon as they come out of the oven while they are still soft that when they cool it’s a nice circular cookie. Thank you again so much for your recipe!
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0I’m so glad you loved these cookies, Jen! Thank you for sharing your variation and tips. Enjoy!
Rochie Pinson
0Excellent!
Victoria
0So easy and so yummy! Made with my toddler. They were all gone within 24 hours 😅
Sheri Earle
0Made two batches of these in the past week. Took them to a holiday party and they got rave reviews, so then I made a batch for my neighbour. The only remotely negative thing I can say is that when stored in the fridge (because I dipped mine in chocolate and sprinkled nuts on them) I found the texture a bit soft compared to when they were not in the fridge. I preferred them at room temperature, not as much moisture. Excellent healthy option, no matter which way you store them. Much appreciated!!
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0I’m happy you and your holiday party guests liked them, Sheri! Feel free to store them on the counter. They just last a bit longer in the fridge, but the counter is fine for a few days – or sometimes longer, you can just keep an eye on them and see.
Brenda Roccucci
0I made these cookies for the holidays, they are delicious and will be making more again, thank you for a great recipe!
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0I’m so glad you liked them, Brenda! Happy holidays!
Cindy
0I am searching for this recipe with a cream cheese filling, topped with raspberry sauce. Does anyone have this recipe from a few years back? Thanks!
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Hi Cindy, Those are my raspberry cheesecake cookies, and that recipe is in the Wholesome Yum App. 🙂
Deb D
0Wow!!!!!!!! Made a double batch today and going to make another double batch tomorrow to give as Christmas presents. Best cookie ever!!!! They are absolutely delish!! (Like all your recipes!)
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Awww, thank you, Deb! I’m so glad you loved these so much to gift them, and that’s so sweet of you to do. I’m happy you like my recipes. Enjoy!
Aga
0Delicious and so easy to make. I’ve been coming bak and sharing this recipe for several years now. I do make substitutions with regular sugar and almond extract instead of vanilla. These are so yummy and that’s coming from a person who does not love cookies. Thank you! 😊
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0I’m so glad you like these cookies, Aga! And that means a lot coming from someone who doesn’t love cookies, lol. Thank YOU!
Shannon Curtin
0Delicious! I’m a cottage banner and thinking of adding these to my menu.
Beth
0I am SO GLAD I made these! They are FABULOUS and so low carb! I’m doing total carbs, not net, so these are a real find. I love the taste even without the chocolate, but I did a drizzle on top for extra yumminess. I am literally buying more almond flour from you JUST for these (and a cake I make for MDH who is GF but not SF/Keto)!
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0I’m so glad to hear that, Beth! Thank you so much for the support.
Sarah Gregg
0You had a recipe here for Raspberry Cream Cheese Thumb Print cookies and I can’t find it now, is there any way you could link it to me or post it again PLEASE ?!?!?!?! My husband loved those and would love to have them again.
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Hi Sarah, That recipe is in the Wholesome Yum App! It uses a similar shortbread base, and a raspberry cream cheese swirl in the thumbprint.
Terri Kendall
0Family fave! So so so good and so easy to make.
Tee Santos
0Love these cookies! So versatile and easy to make. I put a depression on top of them with a dollop of keto jam on top. Yum! Not all online keto recipes are winners, but this website is my “go to”. Thanks!
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Thank you so much, Tee! Yes, this cookie dough is perfect for making thumbprint cookies like you described. Really appreciate the kind words!
Lees
0Delicious! I added diced pecans to the batter because my husband loves pecan sandies. Perfect!! Just enough sweetness for satisfaction. Very pleased and will make again (and add the chocolate dip). Thank you Maya!!
Diane
0Can this be baked as a bar and cut into squares?
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Hi Diane, Yes, that should work!
Kathy Keegan
0Made these for a friend, who is a diabetic. They are good. I used monkfruit with Erythritol. He likes a mixture of almond and vanilla extract. I did half and half. Have not dipped them yet. Only have unsweetened carob. I use carob quite a bit and nobody knows it unless I tell them. Dropped one cookie. My dog loved it. He is not too picky though. This is much better than other almond cookie I have made. Will make it again. Thanks.
MichelleW
0Made these for a girls night – wanted something sweet without too much sugar – these were excellent – I did not have unsweetened chocolate so used dark chocolate sugar free chips – these turned out great.