Description
These Almond Flour Apple Cookies are a deliciously moist and naturally sweet treat, combining the nutty flavor of almond flour with fresh grated apples, maple syrup, and warm cinnamon. Perfect for a wholesome snack or a healthier dessert option, these cookies are gluten-free and packed with texture from crunchy pecans. Baked to golden perfection, they’re simple to make and a delightful way to enjoy fall flavors year-round.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups Almond Flour
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
- 1/3 cup Pecans, finely chopped
Wet Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons Maple Syrup
- 1 cup Grated Apples (about 1 large apple, unpeeled)
- 1 teaspoon Apple Extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it with coconut oil to prevent sticking. Set it aside for later use.
- Grate the Apple: Choose a flavorful apple variety such as Braeburn or Granny Smith. Using a hand grater on the largest setting, grate enough apple to yield 1 cup. Keep the peel on for extra texture and nutrients.
- Chop Pecans: On a wooden board, finely chop 1/3 cup of pecans to add a crunchy texture to your cookies.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the almond flour, maple syrup, grated apples, apple extract, and cinnamon. Stir well with a rubber spatula until the mixture begins to form dough.
- Adjust Dough Consistency: The dough should be sticky but firm enough to roll into balls. If it’s too dry, add a small amount of water to help bind it. If it’s too wet, sprinkle in more almond flour until you reach the desired consistency.
- Incorporate Pecans: Fold the chopped pecans gently into the dough to avoid breaking them up, ensuring even distribution.
- Form Dough Balls: Using lightly oiled hands to prevent sticking, divide the dough into 8 equal portions and roll each into a ball.
- Shape Cookies: Place dough balls evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet, about an inch apart. Press each ball slightly to flatten if desired. Optionally, press a raw almond lightly into the center of each cookie to decorate and imprint the shape.
- Bake: Bake the cookies on the center rack of the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 16-18 minutes or until edges turn golden brown.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 15 minutes. Then, using a spatula, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely for about 1 hour before serving.
Notes
- For best flavor, use tart apple varieties like Granny Smith or Braeburn as they hold up well and add balance to the sweetness.
- Maple syrup serves as a natural sweetener, but you can adjust the quantity slightly depending on desired sweetness.
- If the dough feels too sticky to work with, refrigerate it for 10-15 minutes before rolling.
- Cookies do not spread much during baking; shape them as you want the final look.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Almond flour cookies, gluten free cookies, apple cookies, maple syrup cookies, healthy cookies, autumn desserts, pecan cookies, baked snacks
