Autumn Spiced Almond Cookies

The smell of cinnamon and roasted almonds? Oh wow, it fills the whole house. I just had to make these autumn spiced almond cookies.

They’re soft, a little crunchy, and super cozy. Like, one bite and you’re wrapped in a fuzzy blanket. I made them last week, and my kitchen still smells amazing.

You only need a few things, and they come together fast. Plus, those warm spices? So perfect for fall. I promise, you’ll wanna eat them right off the tray.

So, let’s grab a bowl and get started. I’ll show you each easy step. And yes—you can sneak a taste of the dough.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfectly Spiced: A delightful blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and orange zest captures the essence of fall.
• Naturally Gluten-Free: Made with almond flour, these cookies are great for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Easy to Make: Simple steps and common ingredients make this an effortless recipe.
• Great for Gifting: These cookies stay fresh for days, making them an excellent homemade gift.
• Delightfully Chewy: Crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, thanks to the perfect balance of egg whites and sugar.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Large Mixing Bowl – For combining the ingredients.
• Electric Mixer – Helps whip the egg whites to the perfect consistency.
• Separate Medium Bowl – For mixing dry ingredients.
• Baking Sheet – Essential for baking the cookies evenly.
• Parchment Paper – Prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
• Wire Rack – Allows the cookies to cool evenly.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious, spiced cookies:

• 2 3/4 cups (350g) almond flour – Provides a rich, nutty base.
• 1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and structure.
• 1 tbsp (12g) orange zest – Finely grated for a fresh citrus aroma.
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon – A warm spice that enhances the autumn flavors.
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg – Adds depth and richness.
• 3 large egg whites – Helps bind the dough and create the perfect chewy texture.
• 1/2 tsp almond extract – Intensifies the nutty flavor.
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract – Adds a layer of warmth and sweetness.
• Powdered sugar – For dusting, adding a beautiful finishing touch.

Variations for Autumn Spiced Almond Cookies

• Add Dark Chocolate Chips: Introduce a touch of indulgence by mixing in dark chocolate chips.
• Incorporate Chopped Nuts: Chopped almonds or pecans add crunch and extra nutty flavor.
• Try Different Spices: Add a pinch of cardamom or cloves for an even deeper autumn spice profile.
• Use Maple Syrup: Swap out some sugar for maple syrup to enhance the fall flavors.
• Make it Vegan: Use aquafaba (chickpea brine) in place of egg whites.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the almond flour, sugar, orange zest, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This ensures an even distribution of the spices and zest throughout the cookies.

2. Whip the Egg Whites

Using an electric mixer, beat the egg whites in a large bowl until they form soft peaks. This helps aerate the cookies slightly while keeping them chewy.

3. Combine the Ingredients

Gently fold the dry mixture into the whipped egg whites. Add the almond and vanilla extracts, stirring until a soft, sticky dough forms.

4. Shape the Cookies

Using a spoon or your hands, form the dough into small balls (about 1-inch in diameter) and roll them in powdered sugar.

5. Preheat and Arrange

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the cookie dough balls about 2 inches apart.

6. Bake the Cookies

Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The cookies will still be soft in the center but will firm up as they cool.

7. Cool and Serve

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with additional powdered sugar for an elegant finish.

Serving and Decoration Ideas

• With a Hot Drink: These cookies pair wonderfully with chai tea, pumpkin spice lattes, or hot cider.
• Drizzle with White Chocolate: Melt white chocolate and drizzle over the cookies for extra sweetness.
• Stack and Tie for Gifts: Stack cookies, wrap them with a festive ribbon, and give them as gifts.
• Serve with Ice Cream: Crumble over vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Storing Autumn Spiced Almond Cookies

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for up to 2 weeks.
• Freezer: Freeze in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. Let thaw at room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Information (Per Cookie)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	90
Carbohydrates	12g
Protein	3g
Fat	4g
Sugar	8g

Autumn Spiced Almond Cookies FAQs

Can I substitute almond flour with regular flour?

No, almond flour has a unique texture and moisture content that differs from wheat flour. If using regular flour, additional adjustments would be needed.

Do I need to refrigerate the dough before baking?

No, this dough doesn’t require chilling, making it a quick and easy recipe.

How do I make these extra chewy?

Slightly underbake them by removing them from the oven when they still look soft in the center.

Can I make these without sugar?

You can substitute granulated sugar with a sugar alternative like monk fruit sweetener, but the texture may slightly change.

How do I get the powdered sugar to stay on the cookies?

Roll the dough generously in powdered sugar, then let it sit for a few minutes before baking. This helps the sugar adhere better.