Easy Almond Cookies Recipe (Gluten Free)

Last Updated on January 8, 2026 by Sarah

This easy almond cookies recipe creates macaroon-style cookies that are perfectly sweet, soft, and slightly chewy, with all the nutty flavour we love. And when I say easy, I really do mean easy! These cookies come together in minutes and are ideal for last-minute desserts, Christmas gifts, or cookie swaps. Best of all, they’re completely naturally gluten and dairy free.

If you would like a naturally sweetened version of these cookies, take a look at my refined sugar-free almond cookies.

Why You Will love this Easy Almond Cookies Recipe

I don’t know about you, but I always seem to be running late and needing to whip up a quick treat to take to a friend, pot luck or party at the last minute. These cookies have become my go-to for this kind of situation. With only three ingredients, it mixes together by hand in minutes, and they bake in the oven for only 11 minutes. This whole recipe takes less than 20 minutes from start to finish!

I also find that these almond cookies are the perfect way to use up leftover egg whites. Whether I’ve been making carbonara, mayonnaise or custard, I often find that I have egg whites that need to be used up, and this cookie recipe is a delicious way to do it!

The perfect almond cookie for Christmas

When the holidays come around, I find myself making these cookies over and over again. They feel like such a treat even though they’re incredibly simple.

I love to make them as part of an edible gift for teachers, friends and neighbours. But I also find that they go very well with most desserts. For example, I love to serve them with my sugar free raspberry sorbet, or with poached pears and sabayon, or even a delicious chocolate mousse!

But if you’re reading this after the holidays, never fear! These cookies are delicious any time of year!

A Gluten and Dairy Free Cookie

My family has been mostly gluten and dairy free for over 10 years now and I’ve learned that naturally gluten and dairy free recipes are always the best.

I don’t really enjoy using gluten and dairy free substitutes in my recipes – the flavour and texture are never the same and I find that I am often disappointed.

Instead, I prefer to find recipes that don’t call for flour, or that don’t contain any dairy products at all. And that is why I especially love these cookies. They are incredibly easy, contain only 3 simple ingredients and they are absolutely delicious.

I also have more gluten and dairy free cakes, desserts and cookies here.

So, let’s get to the recipe!

Ingredients needed to make this easy almond cookies recipe

Makes 24 cookies

• 300g ground almonds
• 3 egg whites
• 150g cane sugar

Note: this recipe is very easy to scale up or down depending on how many egg whites you have to hand (for one egg white use 100g ground almonds and 50g sugar).

Almonds

I like to use ground almonds in this recipe, they give the best texture. If you prefer, you can use ground hazelnuts or ground coconut, or a mixture of ground nuts.

Egg Whites

I always suggest buying the best quality eggs you can afford – I like to buy organic wherever possible, or at the very least free range.

Tip: if you have leftover egg whites but don’t want to make cookies straight away, put them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. You can defrost them and use them to make these cookies when you are ready. Just be sure to write on the container how many egg whites are in it.

Sugar

When I’m baking, I like to cut down on sugar as much as I can. However, this is one recipe that really needs sugar to work. If you would like a sugar-free, naturally sweetened version, take a look at this recipe.

When I do use sugar, I like to use unrefined cane sugar wherever possible. It has a slight caramel flavour and it is also healthier than white sugar.

How to Make this Easy Almond Cookies Recipe

Preheat your oven to 180°C fan. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.

Mix together all of the ingredients in a bowl. I like to use a Danish dough hook to do this.

When all of the ingredients are combined, scoop out about 1 tbsp of the mixture and roll it into a ball.

Tip: use a small cookie scoop to do this. Make sure both the scoop and your hands are slightly wet so that the mixture doesn’t stick.

Place the balls of dough onto a cookie sheet (they do not spread so you don’t have to place them very far apart).

Flatten each cookie ball with a fork. Keep the fork slightly wet so that it does not stick to the cookie.

Bake in the middle of a preheated oven at 180°C for 11 minutes or until slightly golden brown.

Note: these cookies should only be very slightly browned, if they get too dark they will be over cooked, especially on the bottom. You want your cookies to be soft in the centre and lightly browned on top.

Tip: if you have leftover egg whites but don’t want to make cookies straight away, put them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. You can defrost them and use them to make these cookies when you are ready. Just be sure to write on the container how many egg whites are in it.

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How to store these Easy Almond Cookies

These cookies will store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

FAQs

Can I use almond meal instead of ground almonds?

Yes, you can use almond meal if that’s what you have, but the texture will be a little denser and more rustic. Ground almonds (blanched) give a smoother, lighter result.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely. These cookies store well in an airtight container for up to a week, and their flavour actually deepens after a day or two. They’re also great to bake a few days before Christmas or a party.

Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?

I would not recommend reducing the sugar in this recipe, it helps create the right chewy texture. If you prefer something less sweet, try my naturally sweetened almond cookies instead.

Why are my almond cookies dry or crumbly?

This usually happens if they’ve been baked too long or the oven is too hot. These cookies should be just lightly golden on top and soft in the centre. Try checking them a minute earlier next time.

Can I add flavourings like vanilla or almond extract?

Yes, a little almond extract or vanilla can add a lovely depth of flavour. Start with ¼ teaspoon, you won’t need much.

Are these cookies suitable for Christmas baking?

Definitely! They make a lovely addition to any Christmas biscuit tin or gift box. You can even dip half in dark chocolate or sandwich them with jam for a festive touch.

Did you try these Easy Almond Cookies? Let me know in the comments how they turned out!