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Indulge in these soft, chewy Gluten Free Almond Flour Date Cookies—naturally sweetened, easy to make, and packed with rich flavor. Perfect for a healthy treat!
I first discovered these Gluten Free Almond Flour Date Cookies during a holiday baking spree. My family loved them so much that they became a staple in our home. The natural sweetness of Medjool dates paired with the nutty flavor of almond flour creates a cookie that’s both delicious and wholesome.
Get ready to bake a batch of these irresistible Gluten Free Almond Flour Date Cookies!
What to Expect
- Time: 25 minutes (prep + baking)
- Difficulty: Easy
Before You Begin
Preheat your oven to 340°F (170°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly oil the paper to prevent sticking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
| 2 cups | Almond Flour | (note 1) |
| 1 cup | Medjool Dates – pitted, equivalent to 10 Medjool dates, packed in the cup to measure | (note 2) |
| Optional flavor ideas | ||
| 1 teaspoon | Vanilla Extract | |
| 1 teaspoon | Cinnamon | |
| 2-3 tablespoons | Maple Syrup | (note 3) |
| ½ teaspoon | Almond Extract | |
| 2 tablespoons | Dark Chocolate Chips | (note 4) |
Step-by-Step Guide
- Soften the dates: Place pitted Medjool dates in a glass bowl, cover with boiling water, and let soak for 5 minutes. Drain and press to remove excess liquid, reserving the juice.
- Prep the dough: In a food processor, combine soaked dates and almond flour. Process until a crumbly, sticky dough forms (about 1 minute). Adjust consistency with reserved date juice or extra almond flour if needed.
- Shape the cookies: Roll dough into 10 balls, place on the prepared baking sheet, and flatten slightly with wet or oiled hands.
- Bake: Cook at 340°F (170°C) for 8–12 minutes until golden on the edges. Cool on the sheet for 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack.
Pointers for Perfection & How to Store
For extra sweetness, press a few dark chocolate chips into the tops of the cookies before baking. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for a longer shelf life. These Gluten Free Almond Flour Date Cookies pair perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee. For another delicious gluten-free treat, try my Gluten Free Gooey Butter Cookies.
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Gluten Free Almond Flour Date Cookies
- Total Time: 27
- Yield: 15 cookies 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Gluten-Free Almond Flour Date Cookies are a wholesome, naturally sweetened treat that tastes like an indulgent dessert. Made with nutrient-dense almond flour and caramel-like Medjool dates, they are soft, chewy, and free from refined sugars. Perfect for a healthy snack or a guilt-free holiday cookie tray.
Ingredients
— The Base —
1 ½ cups superfine blanched almond flour (not almond meal)
1 cup pitted Medjool dates (approx. 10–12 dates), packed
½ cup unsalted butter, softened (or coconut oil for dairy-free)
1 large egg, room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
— Optional Mix-ins —
½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (ensure gluten-free)
½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Prep the Dates: If your dates are dry or stiff, soak them in hot water for 5–10 minutes to soften. Drain them thoroughly before using.
3. Process the Dates: Place the pitted dates in a food processor. Pulse until they form a thick, sticky paste. (It doesn’t have to be perfectly smooth, small chunks are fine).
4. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl (or stand mixer), beat the softened butter and date paste together until creamy and combined. (You can also do this in the food processor if it’s large enough).
5. Add the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
6. Add Dry Ingredients: Add the almond flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix on low speed until a soft, sticky dough forms.
7. Fold: Stir in the chocolate chips or chopped nuts if using.
8. Scoop & Shape: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Space them about 2 inches apart.
9. Flatten: Almond flour cookies do not spread much on their own. Dampen your fingers slightly with water or oil and gently press down on each ball to flatten it into a thick disc.
10. Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The centers may still look slightly soft.
11. Cool: Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for at least 10 minutes. This is crucial as almond flour cookies are fragile when hot and need time to firm up. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Almond Flour Tip: Use superfine blanched almond flour for a cookie-like texture. Almond meal (with skins) will result in a denser, grittier cookie.
Date Selection: Medjool dates are recommended because they are larger, softer, and sweeter than Deglet Noor dates. If using smaller dates, you may need to increase the quantity.
Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week.
Vegan Option: Substitute the butter with solid coconut oil and use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water) to make this recipe vegan.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 12
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American (Healthy)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 85
- Fat: 9
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Unsaturated Fat: 5
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 3
- Cholesterol: 25
Your Burning Questions Answered!
- Can I use another type of flour?
- No, this recipe works best with almond flour. Hazelnut flour is a good alternative, but all-purpose or oat flour won’t yield the same results.
- Why are my cookies too dry?
- If the dough is crumbly, add a little reserved date juice. If too wet, mix in extra almond flour.
Can I skip the chocolate chips?
Absolutely! The cookies are delicious on their own or with added cinnamon or vanilla.
Dig In & Enjoy!
These Gluten Free Almond Flour Date Cookies are a must-try for anyone craving a naturally sweet, gluten-free treat. Easy to make and full of flavor, they’re perfect for sharing or savoring solo. For more delicious ideas, follow me on Pinterest.