Wednesday 12 March 2014

Grain-Free Gluten-Free Paleo Almond Cookies Recipe


Almond Flour Sugar Cookies Recipe

Biscuits are something that can be enjoyed any time of day. Breakfast biscuits, snacks, with tea, as a treat, a dessert, they're perfect for any occasion. I have always been a fond cookie and biscuit lover, but not so much the sugars and added artifical ingredients that come loaded inside them! Although they're great for a treat in moderation, it is incredibly easy to make biscuits that not only you are aware of the ingredients inside them, but also know that they are healthy for you!

The ultimate guilt-free treat!

  These sugar cookies are a great and healthier variation, that taste just as, if not better, than your average sugar laden cookie. Sweet and crunchy and packed full of flavour, you'd never realise that they're actually healthy! (Of course, if you're going to use glaze icing for decoration this makes them less healthy, though in comparison you can still enjoy these guilt-free!). These are great for those who have to watch their sugar intake (such as myself), as they are very low in sugar and net carbs per serving. Also, a great substituion for anyone who is gluten-free!




The amount this makes will entirely depend on the size of your chosen cookie cutters. For me, this made 14 small (bite-sized) heart shaped biscuits. For larger biscuits, you may want to double the recipe.

This recipe was adapted from the lovely chocolatecoveredkatie blog.


Ingredients

50g Ground Almonds (aka Almond Flour / Meal)
1/2 Tbsp Butter or Oil (e.g Coconut Oil)
1 Tsp Almond Extract
2 Tsp Agave Nectar (or liquid Sweetener of choice, e.g Maple Syrup)

Optional;
Icing Sugar and Water for a glaze icing.


Directions

  •  In a bowl, melt the butter (or oil) for a few seconds in a microwave.
  • Add in the almond extract and agave and combine.
  • Mix in the almond flour until the mixture forms a wet dough.
  • The dough should be wet but able to form into a ball.
  • Place the dough onto some baking parchment and fold the parchment over the dough (this keeps the wet dough from sticking to your rolling pin) and roll until it is at your desired cookie depth (approx. 5mm).
  • You may cut out the cookies at this stage, or after it has set in a freezer (I find that cutting them out after the dough has set tends to be easier).
  • Place the dough into a freezer for a minimum of 30min - 1hr for best results.
  • When the dough is set, it is now easier to cut out the biscuits.
  • Place on a greased piece of baking parchment and bake for approx. 5-10min (or until slightly golden).
  • Allow to cool for approx. 10 - 15 min before peeling off of the baking parchment.
  • Decorate with glaze icing if you wish!

Tips & Serving Ideas

  • Experiment with different flavours that compliment almonds, such as cherry, strawberry or vanilla.
  • Add in or sprinkle on some cinnamon.
  • Serve with ice cream, healthy frozen banana ice cream and agave or maple syrup.
  • For a true bakewell experience, decorate with almond flavoured glaze or fondant icing, with jam or cherry coulis. 


Cara X

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