Almond cookies are an enduring classic in the world of baked goods. Crispy yet tender, with a distinct nutty flavor and a slight sweetness, they strike that perfect balance between indulgence and subtlety. What’s more, they’re incredibly versatile – you can make them crunchy or chewy, spiced or simple. While traditional almond cookies usually include eggs and butter, a vegetarian version takes advantage of plant-based alternatives without compromising on taste or texture.
In this post, we’ll dive deep into making Vegetarian Almond Cookies. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe will walk you through each step and offer expert tips, ingredient science insights, and ideas for variations to suit different dietary needs or personal preferences.
Vegetarian Almond Cookies Recipe
Let’s get into it! This vegetarian version of almond cookies is not only easy to prepare but also delicious. Perfect as a snack with your afternoon tea, a sweet gift for loved ones, or even a treat for a special occasion, these cookies are bound to impress.
Ingredients Needed
To create these delectable cookies, you’ll need a blend of basic pantry ingredients and a few special additions for that signature almond flavor. Here’s the full list:
- Almond flour (1 cup) – This will be the primary base for your cookie dough, providing that rich almond taste and contributing to the soft, tender texture.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup) – For structure and to help bind everything together.
- Sugar (½ cup) – You can use granulated sugar or substitute with coconut sugar or maple syrup for a healthier option.
- Baking soda (1 tsp) – This gives the cookies a slight rise and a chewy texture.
- Salt (¼ tsp) – Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance the almond flavor.
- Almond extract (1 tsp) – For an added punch of almond flavor. This is essential for getting that deep, nutty taste.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp) – This adds a smooth and comforting undertone.
- Vegetable oil (½ cup) – A vegan-friendly fat that helps to provide moisture and richness.
- Non-dairy milk (2 tbsp) – To bind the dough together. Almond or oat milk works best.
- Whole almonds (½ cup) – Whole or sliced almonds for a little extra crunch and a visual nod to the almond theme.
- Optional: Cinnamon (¼ tsp) – For a warm spiced note.
Cooking Instructions
Making these cookies is simple, and the steps are straightforward. Here’s how you can bake your way to almond cookie perfection:
- Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your cookies don’t stick.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the almond flour, all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if you’re using it). This ensures that your dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, vegetable oil, almond extract, vanilla extract, and non-dairy milk until smooth. If you prefer a softer texture, you can warm up the oil a little before mixing to make it easier to incorporate with the other liquids.
- Form the dough: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until a dough forms. It should be soft, but not too sticky. If it feels too wet, add a little more flour; if it feels too dry, add a splash more milk.
- Shape the cookies: Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each ball. Gently press each ball down with the back of a spoon or your fingers to flatten them slightly.
- Top with almonds: Place one whole almond on top of each cookie for that extra almond crunch and visual appeal.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Keep an eye on them as baking times can vary depending on the size and thickness of the cookies.
- Cool down: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
Let’s break down some of the key ingredients in this recipe to understand what they do for the cookies:
- Almond flour: This is the star of the show. Almond flour is made from finely ground almonds and is high in healthy fats, protein, and fiber. It gives the cookies a moist, tender crumb. It also adds the signature nutty flavor. Since almond flour is gluten-free, it helps create a soft and dense texture, unlike traditional cookies made with wheat flour.
- Vegetable oil: While butter is traditionally used in cookies, vegetable oil (or another plant-based fat like coconut oil) is a great substitute in vegetarian baking. It provides moisture and a rich texture without the dairy, keeping the cookies soft while also contributing to their lightness.
- Baking soda: This leavening agent helps the dough rise and gives the cookies a chewy texture. Baking soda reacts with the acid in the dough (in this case, the non-dairy milk) to create bubbles, which makes the cookies puff up slightly while they bake.
- Almond extract: This is the concentrated form of the natural almond flavor. A little goes a long way, so don’t overdo it. It infuses the dough with a fragrant, sweet aroma that elevates the overall taste of the cookies.
- Non-dairy milk: The non-dairy milk serves as a binding agent for the dough, helping it come together and giving the cookies a smooth texture. Almond milk is an excellent choice for an added almond flavor, but oat milk or coconut milk would work beautifully as well.
Expert Tips
To make sure your vegetarian almond cookies turn out just right, here are some tips from the pros:
- Room temperature ingredients: If you use oil or a different fat, make sure it’s at room temperature before mixing. This ensures even distribution throughout the dough.
- Don’t overmix: When you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix only until the dough comes together. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Use parchment paper: Always use parchment paper to line your baking sheet to prevent sticking and to make cleanup easier.
- Chill the dough: If the dough feels too soft or sticky, refrigerating it for 30 minutes before baking can help. It firms up the dough and can also help prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Watch the edges: These cookies can go from golden to overdone quickly, so keep an eye on them towards the end of baking. The cookies are ready when the edges are golden brown, even if the center is still soft.
Recipe Variations
This base recipe is versatile and can be easily adapted to suit your personal tastes or dietary preferences. Here are a few variations to try:
- Gluten-free: If you’re gluten-sensitive, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or oat flour. Make sure to check that your almond flour is certified gluten-free as well.
- Low sugar: If you’re looking to cut back on sugar, you can reduce the amount of sugar to ¼ cup or use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener.
- Chocolate almond cookies: Add cocoa powder (2 tablespoons) to the dry ingredients and fold in some dairy-free chocolate chips for a decadent twist.
- Cranberry-almond cookies: Fold in a handful of dried cranberries along with the whole almonds for a sweet and tart contrast.
- Cinnamon spice: Amp up the spiced flavor by adding 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to the dry ingredients.
Final Words
Vegetarian almond cookies are a great way to enjoy a delightful, plant-based treat without sacrificing flavor or texture. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a batch of crispy, nutty, and utterly delicious cookies in no time.
Whether you stick with the classic version or try one of the variations, these cookies are sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire. Plus, they make a wonderful homemade gift or snack to share with friends and family.
FAQs
What Ingredients Do I Need To Make Vegetarian Almond Cookies?
To make vegetarian almond cookies, you will need the following ingredients: all-purpose flour, almond meal or ground almonds, sugar (white or brown), butter or a plant-based butter substitute, baking powder, a pinch of salt, vanilla extract, and sliced or chopped almonds for garnish.
Can I Make Vegetarian Almond Cookies Without Butter?
Yes, you can substitute butter with plant-based alternatives like margarine, coconut oil, or a vegan butter substitute. Make sure the substitute is solid at room temperature to maintain the texture of the cookies.
How Can I Make Vegetarian Almond Cookies Gluten-free?
To make gluten-free vegetarian almond cookies, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Additionally, ensure that the almond meal you use is certified gluten-free.
Can I Use Almond Flour Instead Of Almond Meal In The Recipe?
Yes, you can use almond flour instead of almond meal. However, almond meal tends to have a coarser texture, while almond flour is finer, so it may result in a slightly different texture in the cookies.
Do I Need To Chill The Dough Before Baking?
Chilling the dough is optional, but it can help the cookies maintain their shape and prevent spreading too much while baking. If you have time, chill the dough for 30 minutes before forming and baking the cookies.
Can I Add Other Ingredients To Customize My Almond Cookies?
Yes, you can customize your almond cookies by adding ingredients like chocolate chips, dried fruits (such as cranberries or raisins), or spices like cinnamon or cardamom. These additions can enhance the flavor and texture.
How Do I Store Leftover Vegetarian Almond Cookies?
Store leftover vegetarian almond cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you’d like them to last longer, you can freeze them for up to three months.
What Can I Use To Sweeten The Almond Cookies Besides Sugar?
You can substitute sugar with natural sweeteners such as maple syrup, agave nectar, or coconut sugar. Keep in mind that liquid sweeteners like maple syrup may slightly alter the dough’s texture, so you might need to adjust the flour content.
How Can I Make My Vegetarian Almond Cookies Crispier?
To make your almond cookies crispier, you can increase the baking time by a few minutes or reduce the moisture content in the dough by using less butter or oil. You can also flatten the dough slightly before baking for a thinner, crispier texture.
What Temperature Should I Bake Vegetarian Almond Cookies At?
Bake vegetarian almond cookies at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Keep an eye on them as baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven and the thickness of the cookies.