Name: Almond Flour Sugar Cookies with Simple Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 tablespoons room temperature butter; ¾ cup granulated cane sugar; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups blanched almond flour; 3 tablespoons coconut flour; 2 tablespoons tapioca starch; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ cup softened or room temperature butter; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 tablespoon milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 13 reviews

I’m so excited to share with you my Almond Flour Sugar Cookies with Simple Frosting Recipe. These cookies are my go-to treat when I want something sweet and satisfying without the typical flour base. The almond flour gives them a rich, nutty flavor with a soft, chewy texture, while the simple frosting adds just the right amount of sweetness and creaminess. They’re naturally gluten free, super easy to whip together, and always a crowd-pleaser no matter the occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Almond Flour Sugar Cookies with Simple Frosting Recipe

What really makes this recipe stand out for me is the delightful balance of textures and flavors. The almond flour creates a tender, slightly chewy cookie with a gentle crisp on the edges, which I find incredibly comforting. The hint of vanilla blends perfectly with the subtle nuttiness, and the simple frosting makes each bite decadently smooth without overpowering the cookie itself. It feels like a cozy hug in cookie form every single time.

Another reason I love making these cookies is how straightforward they are. With just one bowl and some basic ingredients you probably already have, I can quickly mix up a batch and refrigerate the dough while I get other things done. Plus, chilling the dough makes a huge difference in texture, so I promise it’s worth the wait! These cookies are perfect for holidays, casual get-togethers, or just treating yourself on a quiet evening. They’re naturally gluten free, so they’re even great if you’re baking for friends or family with dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A black baking tray holds six separate ingredients on a white marbled surface. In the top left corner, there is a pale yellow butter stick with measurement marks. Next to it on the right is a clear glass bowl filled with white sugar. Below the butter, a clear glass bowl contains a whole raw egg with a bright yellow yolk. To the right of the egg, there is a small dark liquid in a tiny clear bowl, labeled vanilla. Below the vanilla, a small clear bowl holds white baking powder. On the bottom right of the tray, a white bowl is full of a pale beige mix of almond, coconut, and tapioca flour, topped with some white powder. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this Almond Flour Sugar Cookies with Simple Frosting Recipe is simple but so crucial for creating the perfect cookie texture and flavor. From the rich butter to the blend of flours that give it that unique chewiness, everything has its place in this delicious treat.

Butter: Using room temperature butter means it creams perfectly with sugar, creating a light, fluffy base for your cookies.
Granulated cane sugar: This adds just the right amount of sweetness and helps with the cookie’s slight crisp edges.
Egg: Binds the dough together and adds moisture for softness.
Vanilla extract: A classic flavor enhancer that rounds out the cookie’s taste beautifully.
Blanched almond flour: The star ingredient—gives the cookie its soft, chewy texture and rich nutty flavor.
Coconut flour: Adds a subtle sweetness and helps to absorb moisture for the perfect consistency.
Tapioca starch: Gives the cookies a chewiness that keeps them from being crumbly.
Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise just enough to keep them soft and tender.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Powdered sugar: For the smooth, creamy frosting that tops the cookies.
Milk: Adds a bit of liquidity to the frosting to make it spreadable and silky.

Directions

Step 1: Start by adding the room temperature butter to a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer. Add the granulated sugar and cream them together for about 30 seconds until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key to getting that perfect cookie texture.

Step 2: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is fully combined and smooth. This ensures your dough will be moist and flavorful.

Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the almond flour, coconut flour, tapioca starch, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture, folding gently with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula until a dough forms. Make sure not to overmix to keep the cookies tender.

Step 4: Transfer the dough into the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours — or up to 24 hours if you can plan ahead. Chilling helps the dough firm up so your cookies bake perfectly without spreading too much, giving you that ideal texture every time.

Step 5: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Scoop out dough balls (about 1 to 1½ tablespoons each) and place them spaced about 2 inches apart.

Step 6: Bake for 10 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden and the top looks set. They may seem soft but will firm up as they cool — don’t overbake or they’ll lose that lovely chewy center.

Step 7: While the cookies cool, prepare your simple frosting by beating together softened butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until creamy and smooth. Adjust the milk for your preferred consistency.

Step 8: Once the cookies are completely cool, spread or pipe the frosting on top. Let the frosting set for about 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy every bite!

Servings and Timing

This Almond Flour Sugar Cookies with Simple Frosting Recipe yields approximately 12 cookies, perfect for sharing or savoring over a few days. Prep time is about 10 minutes, but remember to factor in the 2 hours of chilling time for the dough. Baking takes another 10 minutes, and frosting prep adds about 5 minutes. Overall, from start to finish including chilling, expect about 1 hour and 20 minutes. The chilling step can be extended to up to 24 hours if needed, making this recipe flexible for your schedule.

How to Serve This Almond Flour Sugar Cookies with Simple Frosting Recipe

A close-up view of a round sugar cookie with a thick base layer that is golden beige and soft in texture. On top, there is one smooth layer of bright pink frosting evenly spread. Sprinkled over the frosting are colorful, elongated sprinkles in blue, purple, green, red, white, yellow, orange, and pink. One cookie in the foreground has a bite taken out from its side, showing the crumbly inside. The cookies lie on crinkled white parchment on a white marbled surface, with some sprinkles scattered around. Another cookie with the same look is out of focus in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve these almond flour sugar cookies, I like to keep things simple but inviting. They’re amazing on their own, but pairing them with a fresh cup of tea or coffee really brings out the nutty, sweet flavors. If it’s a special occasion, I sometimes dust the frosting with edible glitter or finely chopped toasted almonds for a bit of sparkle and texture.

For a fun presentation, I arrange the cookies on a rustic wooden platter lined with a pretty napkin, and add some fresh berries or mint leaves for a pop of color. These cookies also pair wonderfully with a glass of sparkling wine or a light dessert wine if you want to impress your guests at a holiday party or afternoon gathering.

Serving them at room temperature is ideal because it keeps the frosting smooth and creamy, while the cookie remains soft and chewy. If you prefer them cooled, the frosting firms up nicely but the cookie might feel a bit denser, which some people love. No matter how you choose to enjoy them, they’re always a comforting and delightful treat that feels like a little celebration in every bite.

Variations

I love experimenting with this Almond Flour Sugar Cookies with Simple Frosting Recipe to keep it fresh and exciting. One easy variation is swapping the vanilla extract for almond extract or a bit of lemon zest to add a different flavor twist that works beautifully with almond flour.

If you’re vegan or dairy-free, you can substitute the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative, and use a plant-based milk for the frosting. The texture changes slightly but it still turns out delicious and just as satisfying. For those avoiding sugar, I’ve had success using erythritol or monk fruit sweetener in place of granulated and powdered sugar, though the frosting may be less sweet.

Want to shake things up? Try rolling the dough balls in colored sugar before baking for a festive look, or add some finely chopped nuts or dark chocolate chips to the dough for extra texture and a little indulgence. You could even bake these as mini sandwich cookies with frosting sandwiched between two instead of just on top. The possibilities are endless and always fun to explore!

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

After baking, I store leftover almond flour sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. If you add the frosting, it’s best to keep them in the fridge to keep the frosting fresh and prevent it from melting, especially on warmer days. They typically stay good for about 3 to 5 days. If you want to keep them soft, placing a slice of bread in the container helps absorb any excess moisture and keeps the cookies chewy.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze these cookies! I usually freeze them unfrosted to maintain texture, placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet first and then transferring to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag once solid. They keep well for up to 3 months frozen. When you’re ready, let them thaw at room temperature before frosting or serving. If you prefer to freeze already frosted cookies, make sure the frosting is fully set and freeze in a single layer, using parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Reheating

To enjoy these cookies warm, I gently reheat them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy or cause the frosting to melt excessively. Reheating this way helps bring back that soft-chewy texture I love without compromising the frosting’s creaminess. If you’ve frozen the cookies, make sure they’re fully thawed before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies dairy-free or vegan?

Yes! To make this Almond Flour Sugar Cookies with Simple Frosting Recipe dairy-free or vegan, swap the butter for a solid coconut oil or vegan butter alternative and use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk in the frosting. For the egg, you can try a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes). The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

Why do I need to chill the dough?

Chilling the dough is crucial because it firms up the fat, preventing the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. It also allows the flavors to meld, resulting in a better texture and deeper flavor. I know it can feel like an extra step, but trust me, it really makes all the difference.

Can I use regular flour instead of almond flour?

This recipe is specifically designed for almond flour to keep it gluten free and create the chewy texture I love. If you use regular flour, the texture and flavor will change significantly, and it likely won’t be as tender. If you’re looking for a traditional sugar cookie, a different recipe might be better.

How thick should I make the cookies?

I recommend scooping dough balls about 1 to 1½ tablespoons each and spacing them about 2 inches apart. The cookies should be roughly ½ inch thick before baking for that perfect soft and chewy consistency with a slight crisp on the edges.

What’s the best way to store frosted cookies?

Frosted cookies should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the frosting stable and fresh. If stacking cookies, place parchment paper between layers to protect the frosting. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Conclusion

I genuinely hope you’ll give this Almond Flour Sugar Cookies with Simple Frosting Recipe a try. It’s one of my favorite go-to recipes whenever I crave something sweet but want to keep it simple and gluten free. The combination of soft, chewy cookies with that creamy, dreamy frosting is just unbeatable. I’m confident that once you make them, these cookies will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen too!