• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Fit as a Mama Bear
  • High Protein Dairy Free Snacks
  • 4 Day Protein Challenge
  • Dairy and Gluten-Free Dinners
  • Fitness For Moms
    • Home Workouts
    • Healthy Pregnancy
  • SMASH Home Workouts
  • Shop
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • High Protein Dairy Free Snacks
  • 4 Day Protein Challenge
  • Dairy & Gluten-Free Dinners
  • Fitness Tips For Moms
  • SMASH Home Workouts
  • Shop
    • Amazon
    • Facebook
    • Mastodon
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×
    Home » Healthy Recipes » Gluten Free Dairy Free Desserts

    Gluten-Free Almond Flour Sugar Cookies (vegan)

    Jump to Recipe
    Pinterest image with text: iced almond flour sugar cookies in the shape of Christmas trees around a white mug of coffee on a saucer
    Pinterest image with text: top image almond flour sugar cookies stacked in three piles with a glass of milk on the side. Bottom image dough rolled with a cookie cutter pressed in

    Light, crispy and oh so delicate! These almond flour sugar cookies make the perfect addition to your dessert table. Sprinkle them with sugar to keep them classic or lightly ice them. Either way, they're delicious!

    I have an advertisement relationship with the ads in this post. Check out my disclaimer here
    Almond flour sugar cookies in Christmas tree shape dusted with cane sugar and iced in light pink and green around a cut of coffee.

    If you're looking for a light, gluten-free sugar cookie you've found it!

    These almond flour sugar cookies are made from mostly whole-food ingredients, and they come out ultra-light.

    As a Certified Nutrition Coach, I try to scale back sugar with my kids. One of the reasons that we love this recipe is that the cookies come out indulgent but not too sweet.

    They're the perfect way to indulge without feeling over the top.

    Fact: almond flour cookies are also freaking delicious when crumbled over cashew ice cream and topped with my caramel magic shell recipe. Just sayin' 😉

    You'll fall in love with these almond flour sugar cookies because they're:

    • dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan
    • easy to make
    • a fun recipe to let kids help in the kitchen
    • super light so you don't get that "full" feeling

    Ingredients You'll Need

    Almond flour: though you can use almond meal for these cookies, almond flour will have a better texture and they'll look better. Learn the difference between ground almond and almond flour. It's also the base of protein gingerbread cookies.

    Coconut flour: a little bit goes a long way with coconut flour and because there's not a lot, these cookies come out extremely delicate.

    Arrowroot powder: because the almond flour cookies are egg-free, this helps to hold them together.

    Baking powder: the cookies will rise every so slightly but then deflate a bit. This is what makes them crispy.

    Coconut sugar: cane sugar works in place of coconut sugar if that's what you have.

    Vanilla extract: adds a hint of classic flavor to the cookies. The more potent the vanilla, the better the flavor.

    Coconut oil: this will make the texture change a bit during cooking and cooling.

    Maple syrup: make sure to grab real maple syrup so that it brings out a sweet but subtle flavor.

    Cane sugar: you just need a hint to sprinkle on top so that they sparkle!

    Step By Step Photos

    Glass bowl with coconut palm sugar and almond flour.
    Glass bowl with raw dough of glute-free sugar cookies.
    Sugar cookie dough rolled in a ball with sraan wrap over it.
    Gluten-free sugar cookie dough rolled out and a cookie cutter in it.

    How To Make The Cookies

    1. Melt the coconut oil and mix everything in one bowl.
    2. Place the mixture into saran wrap and mold it into a very tight ball.
    3. Place in the fridge for 60 minutes.
    4. Let the mixture thaw 3-5 minutes then place the ball between two pieces of parchment paper and roll until ¼ inch thick.
    5. Use a cookie cutter to make desired shapes. The cookies are extremely soft so use a spatula to lift and place on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
    6. Bake for 10 minutes.
    7. Remove and let sit on the tray for 30 minutes to firm up.

    Icing Almond Flour Sugar Cookies

    In an effort to keep these vegan cookies healthy, I simply sprinkle a bit of extra sugar on top to give them some texture.

    The almond flour sugar cookies are extremely delicate.

    This means, that if you are going to use icing, I would do it with a piping bag and not a utensil. I don't think that trying to "spread" the icing on would work very well as they're really delicate.

    If you want to ice your sugar cookies traditionally, you'll want to make royal icing and color it.

    Royal icing is still dairy-free and gluten-free but it is LOADED with sugar. In contrast, you'll notice that this gluten-free sugar cookie recipe is actually not that sugar-dense. Sweet but not sugar-based.

    Likewise, I also do my best to use natural sugars (honey and maple syrup) when I can. Thus, royal icing is not something I would use.

    However, there is another option below.

    Dairy-Free Sugar Cookie Icing Recipe

    If you want to "fancy-up" the almond flour sugar cookie recipe and give it some icing, this dairy-free sugar cookie icing recipe is perfect.

    It's made from coconut milk powder which is a great healthy fat. Thus, it's dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan. 

    Nevertheless, some coconut milk powders contain sugar so take a peek at the back of the ingredients! I personally use one without added sugar.

    For the sugar cookie icing simply whisk together:

    • 5 tbs coconut milk powder
    • 2 tbs coconut oil (measured solid and then melted)
    • 2 tbs cane sugar

    First, heat the coconut oil and ensure there are no clumps in the coconut milk powder.

    Then, mix together all the ingredients until ultra-smooth. Finally, place the sugar cookie icing into a plastic bag, cut the corner, and pipe it on!

    Such a simple alternative to anything fancy and much, MUCH, healthier.

    Almond flour sugar cookies in Christmas tree shape dusted with cane sugar around a cut of coffee.

    Color Options For The Sugar Cookie Icing

    If I want to color the sugar cookie icing I use:

    • a tiny bit of beet powder (it makes everything pink)
    • crushed EnergyBits tablets (a light green, use code mamabear to save some money and learn more about why these tabs are a staple in my diet!)
    • Blue spirulina powder

    Regarding this, I find that you only need a tiny bit of the powders (¼ teaspoon ish) to get a nice light color.

    But again, use what you're comfortable with!

    Kitchen Tools You May Find Helpful

    • Mixing bowls
    • Silicone spatula
    • Baking sheets
    • Measuring spoons
    • Cookie Cutters

     

    Important Teaching Tips

    I can't stress enough that the almond flour cookies are delicate. Even right from the cookie cutting they're delicate.

    You don't want to move them around too much after you use your cookie cutter. Use a thin silicone spatula to get the job done.

    Likewise, coming out of the oven make sure to let them cool. They won't look cooked so let them sit on the cookie sheet for a while.

    Don't skip the coconut flour. Though there isn't a lot, coconut flour bulks up the recipe to give it a "carb feel" without the actual carbs (read more about the difference between coconut flour vs almond flour).

    Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone cookie mat to make it easier to remove the cookies.

    Almond flour sugar cookies in Christmas tree shape dusted with cane sugar around a cut of coffee.

    Frequently Asked Questions About Almond Flour Sugar Cookies

    Do these cookies puff up?

    No. Given that there's no baking powder in these sugar cookies with almond flour they do not puff up. After you use your cookie cutter and transfer them to the baking tray, they will mostly stay the same shape.

    Do the cookies hold together well?

    I'll be the first to admit that these almond flour cookies are finicky. They do hold together (this is why it is especially important to let the dough sit in the fridge and bind) but they're thin. For this reason, the best way to keep them from falling apart between the time you use a cookie cutter and getting them to a baking tray is to use a silicone spatula to lift them. Do not try to pick them up with your hands either until they're fully cooled. They come out of the oven soft and need time to firm up.

    Other Gluten-Free Dessert Recipes

    • Candy cane fudge
    • Hazelnut sugar cookies
    • Coconut flour sugar cookies
    • No-bake peppermint patty squares
    • Healthy keto fudge
    • White chocolate fudge
    • White chocolate protein truffles
    • Dairy-free s'mores cups
    • Hot chocolate bombs
    • Cashew cookies with chocolate frosting
    • Chocolate coconut drop cookies
    • Chocolate magic shell
    • Healthier dessert recipes

     

    Gluten-Free Almond Flour Sugar Cookies (vegan)

    Fit as a Mama Bear
    These almond meal sugar cookies are light and delicious! Easy to make and healthy to munch on. They're a vegan sugar cookie recipe that's perfect for kids.
    No ratings yet
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 15 minutes mins
    1 hour hr 30 minutes mins
    Total Time 1 hour hr 45 minutes mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 10 cookies
    Calories 91 kcal

    Video

    Equipment

    • Silcone spatula
    • Cookie sheet

    Ingredients
      

    • ¾ cups almond meal
    • ½ teaspoon baking powder
    • 1 teaspoon arrowroot powder
    • ⅛ teaspoon sea salt
    • 1 tablespoon coconut flour
    • 2 tablespoons coconut sugar
    • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 2 tablespoons coconut oil measured solid
    • 1 teaspoon maple syrup
    • 1 tablespoon cane sugar for dusting

    Instructions
     

    • Combine the first six ingredients together in a bowl.
    • Melt the coconut oil in a shallow dish and combine the wet ingredients.
    • Pour wet into dry and mix until everything looks somewhat wet. You need to really stir.
    • Place the mixture into saran wrap and mold into a tight ball. Place in the fridge for 60 minutes.
    • Pre heat the oven to 325 degrees.
    • Let the mixture thaw 3-5 minutes then place the ball between two pieces of parchment paper and roll until ¼ inch thick.
    • Use a cookie cutter to make desired shapes. The cookies are extremely soft and delicate so use a spatula to lift, and palace on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
    • Sprinkle the top of the cookies with the cane sugar
    • Bake for 10 minutes.
    • Remove and let sit on the tray for 30 minutes to firm up.

    Notes

    • I can't stress enough that gluten-free sugar cookies are delicate. Even right from the cookie cutting, they're delicate.
    • You don't want to move them around too much after you use your cookie cutter. Use a thin silicone spatula to get the job done.
    • Likewise, coming out of the oven make sure to let them cool. They won't look cooked so let them sit on the cookie sheet for a while.
    • Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone cookie mat to make it easier to remove the cookies.
    • Make sure to keep the dough in the fridge as specified or it won't hold together as well.
    • Makes 9-11 cookies depending on the mold.
    • Store the healthy sugar cookies in an airtight container on the counter.
    • You can grab all these ingredients from my Pantry Staples.
    • Nutrition breakdown does not include icing.
    Disclaimer:

    Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data"

    Nutrition

    Calories: 91kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 2gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 36mgPotassium: 20mgFiber: 1gSugar: 4gCalcium: 26mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword almond flour, christmas cookies, dairy free sugar cookies, gluten free sugar cookies
    Have You Tried This Recipe?Please leave a star rating and comment below. Mention @fitasamamabear or tag #fitasamamabear!

    More Gluten Free Dairy Free Desserts

    • Black berry popsicle sticks with black berries spread around them.
      Dairy-Free Blackberry Popsicles
    • A bowl of cherry crisp with a scoop of ice cream.
      Gluten-Free Cherry Crisp
    • Peanut butter chocolate date bark on top of a wooden board.
      Date Bark Recipe [Dairy-Free]
    • Chocolate cookie being dipped into a bowl of homemade protein cookie butter.
      Homemade Protein Cookie Butter

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Jen | My Healthy Homemade Life

      November 01, 2017 at 2:31 pm

      I'm always on the lookout for healthy, gluten free cookies for the holidays! I can't wait to try these!

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear

        November 01, 2017 at 6:23 pm

        Mmm these ones are super tasty so enjoy them!

        Reply
    2. Jennifer@ Jenron-Designs

      November 01, 2017 at 7:08 pm

      I will be pinning this recipe for the holidays. I have so many neighbors that are gluten free, and I usually make Christmas cookies for my neighbors, this recipe will insure they can actually eat them. Thanks!

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear

        November 02, 2017 at 1:09 am

        Yay! Glad I could help! I have a couple more gluten free cookie recipes coming so check backs soon!

        Reply
    3. Krissy

      November 01, 2017 at 6:59 pm

      I try and do mostly gluten free. I will definitely need to try these. I'm a big fan of almond flour.
      Krissy

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear

        November 02, 2017 at 1:09 am

        I hope you enjoy them! They're so light they're addictive 😀

        Reply
    4. Filiz Leonor Aydogdu

      November 02, 2017 at 9:19 am

      They looks very tasty!! Thank you for this gluten free recipe!

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear

        November 02, 2017 at 11:46 pm

        No problem! They're really yummy and light!

        Reply
    5. Alison

      November 02, 2017 at 3:28 pm

      These look great! It's so hard to find gluten free baked goods that are actually appealing, so thanks!

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear

        November 02, 2017 at 11:48 pm

        Yes, the struggle is real! These ones are tasty and I have a hazelnut one being posted shortly which make me kind of drool thinking about 😉 Enjoy!

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    • Amazon
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Mastodon
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    High Protein Snacks

    A stack of frozen yogurt bars.

    Frozen Yogurt Protein Bars [5 ingredients]

    A bowl of baked banana bread with chocolate chips and sliced bananas on top.

    Single Serve Banana Bread (High Protein)

    Sliced protein bars beside a bowl of peanut butter with chocolate chips scattered around.

    4 Ingredient Protein Bars [Dairy-Free]

    Yogurt protein pudding in a bowl with chocolate chips and peanut butter toppings.

    Greek Yogurt Protein Pudding [3 Ingredients]

    Fitness Tips

    Woman in blue shorts and tank top running outside.

    Want to Run Better? These 11 Tips Change Everything

    Woman performing a squat with a pink mini band around her legs.

    36 Mini Band Exercises + A Full Body Workout

    Woman in piegon pose on a bench for a glute stretch.

    9 Best Glute Stretches

    See More

    Five peanut butter vanilla protein bars lined up flat on parchment paper and drizzled with chocolate.

    Vanilla Peanut Butter Protein Bars Recipe (dairy-free, gluten-free, no-bake)

     Easy to make, these vanilla peanut butter protein bars make a tasty post-workout snack! Made with vegan protein powder and creamy peanut butter this homemade protein bar recipe is great on-the-go and for meal prep! I have an advertisement relationship with the ads in this post. Check out my disclaimer here No-bake snack recipes are...

    Read More

    Beef tallow boiling in a slow cooker.

    How To Use Beef Tallow

    As one of the best fats for both your tummy and your skin, beef tallow is a great addition to your cupboard. Learn more about what tallow is, along with its benefits and how to use it in both your culinary and skincare needs. I have an advertisement relationship with the ads in this post....

    Read More

    • Contact
    • Work With Me
    • Disclaimer
    • Privacy Policy
    • Comment Policy
    • Advertise
    • About Me

    Follow Me On Social

    • Amazon
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Mastodon
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
    DISCLAIMERS As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.The content on Fit as a Mama Bear is provided for educational and informational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with a qualified health care professional before acting on any information presented here. Statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. No products mentioned are intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.

    document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', function () { document.querySelectorAll('.faq-question').forEach(function (question) { question.addEventListener('click', function () { const answer = question.nextElementSibling; question.classList.toggle('open'); answer.classList.toggle('open'); }); }); }); © 2025 Fit as a Mama Bear

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    Let us know what you thought of this recipe:

    This worked exactly as written, thanks!
    My family loved this!
    Thank you for sharing this recipe

    Or write in your own words:

    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required