These Vegan Almond Cookies are a revelation and I know that you will love them. Made with just 5 ingredients, they look and taste the same as their counterparts which are made using egg whites. To make them, I have adapted one of my most popular recipes, Gluten-Free Almond Cookies, by replacing the egg whites with aquafaba.
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Why we love this recipe:
There are several reasons for loving these Vegan Almond Cookies:
- They look and taste the same as my Almond Cookies which are made using egg whites.
- You need just 5 ingredients, all readily available in supermarkets.
- This is a quick and easy recipe.
- I like that I have found a way to use the aquafaba, to re-purpose an ingredient instead of wasting it.
- The cookies are not only egg-free, they are also dairy and gluten-free making them suitable for many people with specific dietary requirements.
- Most importantly, they are delicious.
What is aquafaba?
Aquafaba is an ingredient that, until recently, was often discarded. Aquafaba, which translates as bean water, is the starchy liquid from tinned chickpeas and other legumes. Chickpea liquid is mostly used, however, the liquid from mild flavoured white beans is also sometimes used.
Aquafaba is extremely versatile. It has a similar characteristic to egg whites in that it can be whipped to make meringues or pavlova. As well, use it to make vegan mayonnaise or bind ingredients together. There are numerous opportunities to use an ingredient that would otherwise be discarded.
Ingredients in this recipe:
Please see the recipe card further along in the post for exact quantities of ingredients and the full method.
Aquafaba – liquid from a can of chickpeas – it is the magic binding ingredient in this recipe for Vegan Almond Cookies.
Almond flour/meal – I have used blanched almond flour as it gives the cookies a lighter, more tender texture.
Caster/superfine sugar – I prefer this sugar for its finer texture.
Almond extract – you will get the best flavour using an extract from almonds, and not a synthetically flavoured essence. Some brands may be stronger than others, so you need to use caution when adding the extract.
Almond flakes – add great textural crunch to the cookies.
Step by step instructions:
You will need to start by preheating your oven and lining a baking tray with non-stick baking paper. Next, add flaked almonds to a shallow bowl.
- In a small bowl, using a fork, whisk the aquafaba until it is light, frothy and foamy.
- In a medium size bowl, combine the almond meal/flour and sugar. Add the lightly beaten aquafaba and almond extract.
- Mix well to combine.
- Roll the mixture into small balls and coat in the flaked almonds. Slightly flatten the balls with your fingertips.
- Place them on the prepared baking tray, allowing a little room between each one, and bake 13 -15 minutes until the cookies are lightly browned.
- Allow the Vegan Almond Cookies to cool and then enjoy!
Tips for success and FAQs:
Whisk the aquafaba until it is frothy and foamy – do not over whisk, you don’t want soft peaks.
The high percentage of oil in nut flours makes them more prone to becoming rancid. If you use almond flour regularly, you can leave it in a sealed container in a cool, dry location. Be sure to use it before its expiration date. To extend the life of the flour, I store mine in the fridge. If you rarely use it, I recommend that you store it in the freezer. For the best results, always use good quality ingredients. It is especially important to check that your almond flour and flaked almonds are within their use-by date and have not become rancid.
Add blanched or whole almonds to a blender or food processor and pulse in short bursts until you have the texture of sand. Stir occasionally and be cautious. If you take it too far, you will have almond butter.
If you’re not fond of almond extract, I recommend that you use it cautiously. The cookies are lovely with a faint hint of almond but if you prefer you could use vanilla extract as a substitute.
You can cook your own chickpeas and keep the drained cooking liquid. However, I find that this is less reliable as the aquafaba can sometimes be too thin. If you are new to cooking with aquafaba, I recommend that you use canned chickpeas.
Yes, these cookies freeze well. We like to wrap them in cling film, and then store them in an airtight container for up to three months.
More delicious recipes for you to try:
Here are some more of our favourite vegan dessert recipes:
- Spiced Poached Plums
- Chocolate Cupcakes
- Mango Chia Pudding
- Chocolate Orange Bliss Balls
- Apricot Coconut Bliss Balls
A good cookie recipe is a must-have in your repertoire and you will find that this one will quickly become a family favourite. Beneath the crunchy exterior of these Vegan Almond Cookies you will find a rich, chewy interior. Serve these with confidence to family, friends or parcel some as a gift.
Alex xx
Vegan Almond Cookies
Please note:
For accuracy, when weights are provided, we recommend weighing your ingredients. This will produce the best results. All oven temperatures listed are for fan forced.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup (60ml) aquafaba See Notes 1 and 2
- 2 ¼ cups (225 g) blanched almond flour/meal See Note 3
- ⅔ cup (160 g) caster/superfine sugar
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract See Note 4
- ½ cup (50 g) flaked almonds more if necessary
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180 degrees C (350F) and line a baking tray with non-stick baking paper.
- In a small bowl, and with a fork, whisk the aquafaba until it is light, frothy and foamy, about 2 minutes.
- In a medium size bowl, combine the almond flour and caster sugar.
- Add the whisked aquafaba to the almond flour and sugar mixture, along with the almond extract. Mix well, being sure to scrape the bottom of the bowl to ensure all the ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
- Add the almond flakes to a wide, shallow bowl.
- Roll the mixture into balls about 3 cm (1 ¼ inches) in diameter and toss in the flaked almonds. You will need to gently press the almond flakes to get them to adhere.
- Place them on the prepared baking tray and slightly flatten with your fingertips. Allow a little room between each one for the heat to circulate. Bake for 13-15 minutes until the cookies are lightly browned.
- Remove the tray from the oven and set aside for about 5 minutes. Then transfer the cookies to a rack to finish cooling.
- Store in an airtight container. The Vegan Almond Cookies are best consumed within 5 days.
Notes
- I have used the liquid from canned chickpeas. I have also tried the liquid from cannellini beans. The cookies are still delicious, however, my preference is for those made with chickpea liquid.
- Store the leftover aquafaba in the fridge in a sealed container for up to 5 days.
- Almond meal and almond flour are similar ingredients, both are made from finely ground almonds. We have used blanched almond meal/flour in this recipe. Whole almond meal/flour can also be used but will produce a darker coloured cookie.
- Use good quality, naturally produced almond extract. Avoid synthetically flavoured essence. Extracts can vary in their intensity so add the extract cautiously until you are aware of its strength.
- All ovens vary in temperature slightly, and as such we have provided a time range for doneness on this recipe.
- This recipe was adapted from our Dairy-Free Almond Cookies.
- Please note, the nutritional information is based on one cookie. The nutritional information is an estimate only.
Nutrition Estimate:
Nutritional Disclaimer:
The nutritional information is an estimate only, and is derived from online calculators. For accurate results, we recommend calculating the nutritional information based on the ingredients and brands you use.
susanne schuetz says
These cookies are delicious but a bit too sweet. I would try less sugar next time or I think I would try it with coconut sugar instead.
Alexandra Cook says
Thank you for trying the recipe, Susanne 🙂
I am glad you'll be making them again! Alex xo
Catherine Bruhier says
Anyone tried with half coconut flour. Have some I need to use. And don’t have enough almond?
Alexandra Cook says
Hi Catherine!
I can't help with the coconut flour query (hopefully a reader can!), but can confirm a smaller batch of these works well - I make a half batch quite often 🙂
Alex xo
Catherine says
I had to add 1 cup os almond milk and some lemon juice to make them hold together I guess the coconut flour made them dryer. Also I had only fine date sugar. A tiny bit dry but they’re a hit, husband and daughter love them! Thank you 🙂
Alexandra Cook says
So happy they're a hit, Catherine! Thanks for sharing!
I did a quick search, and it definitely seems that coconut flour needs a lot more liquid, as you found.
This is a really handy guide with some ratios too.
Alex xo
lindaO says
I can't stop making these. I've made them Many times. I've add sweetened coconut, un-sweetened coconut, it's all good. They're even better after a couple of days! I always try to make them a couple days early. I whip my aquafaba with my little hand held frother mixer. it whips up very quickly!
And all my vegetarian and vegan friends are Very impressed. OH! and dip some of the bottoms in melted chocolate.
Alexandra Cook says
Love to hear this, Linda! 🙂
Thank you so much! Love the sound of them dipped in chocolate.
Alex xo
LindaO says
Excellent recipe! I loved these! I had some leftover whipped aquafaba from another recipe so I made these. I am looking forward to sharing them with the rest of my family and friends, Hahaha... ( & all those Vegan haters!). I didn't have much luck adhering the sliced almonds to the outside, so I threw the almonds in the Cusinart to grind down a little. Next time I'm going to make a powdered sugar and almond extract to drizzle a little something special on the tops.
Alexandra Cook says
Hey Linda,
Thanks so much for giving this recipe a try, and so happy to hear you enjoyed it!
The drizzle on top sounds great - love this idea! Alex xo
tanya says
no baking soda or anything?
Alexandra Cook says
Hi Tanya,
No, just the ingredients as listed.
This is based off my godmothers traditional Italian Almond Cookies 🙂 This isn't a cookie that requires a leavening agent and the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
Let me know if you give them a try! Alex xo
tanya says
oh my, I DID!! BESt COOKIE EVEr!!!
I didn't have almond slices so just rolled them in plain oatmeal - they are amazing and my fam now is saying it's their favorite 🙂 <3
THANK YOU!!!
Alexandra Cook says
So happy to hear this, Tanya!! 🙂
Thanks so much for coming back to let me know!
Alex xo
Sabina Latendorf says
I’ve now made this recipe more than 20 times and I can say it’s great every time. For a caramel flavour I use coconut sugar instead of sugar, and sometimes I leave out the almond extract, it’s still so good! I bake it 5 min less in my gas stove at the cottage than in the electric in the city.
Alexandra Cook says
Hello Sabina,
Thank you so much for sharing! It's so lovely to hear that you have made this recipe so many times 🙂
I will definitely have to give them a try with coconut sugar - yum!
Alex xo
Piper McNulty says
I've made this recipe several times now gifted it to friends and relatives along with several other cookies I'd made before, and it is almost always everyone's favorite. So easy, and no one believes it's vegan. Whomever figured out that canned garbanzo bean liquid could be used this way deserves a medal!!
Alexandra Cook says
Hi Piper!
This is lovely to hear, thank you 🙂
And I agree - that bean liquid makes an amazing cookie, doesn't it!? Who would have thought? 🙂
Thanks so much for your comment. Alex xo
Sabina says
These cookies are wonderful and easy to make. The non-vegans love them as much! This is my new go-to for quick healthy cookies.
Alexandra Cook says
That is great to hear, Sabina! 🙂
I am so happy you have enjoyed them. Alex xo
Cat says
I made them with a fine date sugar and put one raw almond in the middle, they came out browner but a family favorite now thank you! Love the nutrition of the almonds.
Alexandra Cook says
Thanks for the comment, Cat, and for sharing your substitutions 🙂 I am so happy you enjoyed the recipe and that it is one for the whole family to enjoy 🙂 Alex
Laurie Raz-Astrakhan says
I just made these and they are delicious, and very easy to make. But I found I needed to bake them longer than the recommended time, about 25 minutes. I even turned the oven up to 375 degrees, as that was the only way to get them to brown slightly.
Alexandra says
Hi Laurie,
Thanks for making the cookies, and I am so pleased you find them delicious!
All ovens do vary, and there is a chance that yours doesn't run as hot as ours, but I am surprised they took almost twice as long - are they still chewy in the centre? They're not meant to be a crisp cookie, and should have an almost marzipan centre.
All the same, I am pleased you enjoyed them! Thanks, Alex
Rupali says
Great recipe, thank you! I made some with the almond flakes, some topped with pumpkin seeds, some with chopped dried apricots and some with a dollop of raspberry jam in the middle. They looked beautiful and disappeared very quickly!
Alexandra Cook says
Hi Rupali!
Happy you enjoyed the recipe, and your additions all sound so lovely 🙂
Thanks for sharing! Alex xo
Yolanda says
I made these cookies at Christmas time to give as gifts, but my husband and I ate them all lol So, I made a second batch and now my mom is asking for more. Needless to say, these were a success! I love how chewy the cookies are on the inside. The almond extract really makes these special - they can even compete with my Greek mother-in-laws Christmas cookies. I will definitely be making these every holiday season and at Easter too. Love love love!
Alexandra says
Hi Yolanda, thank you so much for your lovely feedback on the Vegan Almond Cookies. I am delighted to hear that they have been popular and that you will make them for every festive season. I appreciate that you took the time to let me know. 🙂
Brittany says
Are these freezable?
Alexandra says
Hi Brittany,
Yes, these cookies freeze well. We like to wrap them in cling film and then store them in an airtight container for up to three months.
Thanks, Alex
Sarah says
I'm planning to give cookie trays as holiday gifts and was looking for a recipe exactly like this to add. I just made a batch, and they are perfect. I used regular granulated sugar because that's what I had, but can see how superfine would give a better texture, so will get some next time. I also added a half teaspoon of vanilla extract, because why not. Taking them to work so I don't eat the whole batch myself! Thanks for the recipe.
Alexandra says
Hi Sarah, thank you so much for your fantastic feedback on the Vegan Almond Cookies. I am delighted to hear that you enjoy them - I'm sure your co-workers will too! 🙂
Elizabeth says
FANTASTIC recipe! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! It's common for me to want to change something in a recipe, tweaking it in some way after trying it, this recipe is absolutely perfect.
Bravo!
Alexandra says
Hi Elizabeth, thank you so much for your fantastic feedback on the Vegan Almond Cookies. I am delighted to hear that you enjoyed them. 🙂
MP says
Such a hit every time I make it!! And so easy.
Alexandra says
Hi MP, I am delighted to hear that you enjoy the Vegan Almond Cookies. Thank you for taking the time to let me know. 🙂
Kim says
Just made these today, and they are delicious! I'm worried I'm going to eat them all immediately.... do you think they will freeze okay so that I don't totally ruin my diet in one day? 🙂
Alexandra says
Hi Kim!
So happy you are enjoying them!
Yes, these cookies freeze well. We like to wrap them in cling film, and then store them in an airtight container for up to three months.
Hope that helps! Thanks, Alex
Marisa says
Hi these sound amazing I'm also sugar free just wondering if you have used another form of sweetener like maple syrup or coconut sugar ? I know it would change the colour Basically that's all I can have Thankyou x
Alexandra says
Hi Marisa, some of our readers have used coconut sugar. However, as I haven't personally tried this, I can't give you a definite recommendation. If you do try it, I would be interested to hear. Maple syrup would not be suitable, it would change the texture too much. I hope this helps. Best wishes, Alex 🙂