If you’re a big fan of shortbread cookies (like we are), also try our melt-in-your-mouth shortbread cookies, our Scottish shortbread cookies, and our gluten-free shortbread cookies! It’s a really simple recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again. All you have to do is stir all the ingredients together in a bowl, scoop them into even-sized balls, roll them in powdered sugar, and pop ’em in the oven. Wrap them up in a cookie tin or box with some ribbon, and spread the love this holiday season. These almond shortbread cookies are perfect for cookie exchanges because they’re gluten-free and easy to make vegan. We always double or triple the batch to have some on hand throughout the holidays. They taste especially delicious dipped in hot chocolate or alongside a warm cup of tea, and kids will love them, too!
Almond flour – make sure to use almond flour, not almond meal, which can be more coarse and not ideal for baking. Unlike all-purpose flour, almond flour contains (healthy) fat resulting in cookies that are moist with great texture. Powdered sugar – powdered sugar gives that delicate, melt-in-your-mouth cookie texture we’re after. Plus, we use a little for rolling the cookies in to make them look like snowballs. Butter – unsalted butter is ideal because it allows you to control how much salt you add. If using salted butter, omit it from the holiday spice mix. You can easily make these cookies vegan by using a vegan butter alternative. Vanilla extract – for a subtle vanilla flavor. Holiday spice mix – for a little added festivity.
Here are the holiday spice mix ingredients:
Granulated sugar – for a little added sweetness. Pumpkin pie spice – we use our easy homemade pumpkin pie spice but feel free to use a mix of warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, and cloves. Or use a store-bought pumpkin pie spice blend. Sea salt – to enhance all the other flavors (omit if using salted butter).
Grate in some fresh orange or lemon zest. Swap the vanilla extract for almond extract for a more nutty flavor. Gently press a whole almond into the top for a decorative crunch! Toss in a handful of chopped dried cranberries. Add some fresh finely minced herbs like rosemary or thyme.
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