5 Simple Almond Butter Cookies Recipes Sans Vanilla

Almond Butter Cookies without Vanilla: Simple Recipes for Everyone

Almond butter cookies are a delightful treat, cherished for their rich flavor and soft texture. While vanilla extract is often used to enhance the flavor of cookies, there are plenty of delicious reasons to skip it, especially if you're looking for a pure almond taste or need to avoid alcohol-based flavorings. In this post, we'll explore five simple almond butter cookie recipes that not only skip vanilla but also bring out the unique flavors of almonds in innovative ways.

Recipe 1: Classic Almond Butter Cookies

Let's start with a basic recipe that highlights the natural sweetness of almond butter:

• 1 cup almond butter (smooth or crunchy, your choice)
• 1/2 cup coconut sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• Pinch of salt

Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix the almond butter with coconut sugar until well combined.
3. Add the egg and beat into the mixture until smooth.
4. Sprinkle baking soda and salt into the mix, stirring to combine.
5. Scoop out tablespoon-sized dough balls, place them on the baking sheet, and flatten slightly with a fork.
6. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until cookies are just set.
7. Let cool before moving to a wire rack.

🍪 Note: For a sweeter touch, you can roll the dough balls in additional coconut sugar before baking for a caramelized exterior.

Recipe 2: Chunky Chocolate Almond Cookies

This variation introduces chocolate chunks, which pairs wonderfully with almond butter:

• 1 cup almond butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chunks
• A pinch of sea salt (for topping)

Steps:

1. Follow the steps for the Classic Almond Butter Cookies, adding chocolate chunks after mixing all ingredients.
2. Before baking, sprinkle a few grains of sea salt on top of each cookie for an unexpected zing.

Recipe 3: Nutty Almond Oat Cookies

Here, the addition of oats gives a chewy texture and a hearty bite:

• 1 cup almond butter
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 cup rolled oats

Steps:

1. Preheat your oven as per the classic recipe.
2. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl, adding oats last and folding them into the dough.
3. Scoop out dough, and place on baking sheet. Flatten slightly with your hand or a spatula.
4. Bake for 10-12 minutes.

Recipe 4: Citrus-Almond Butter Cookies

Citrus zest adds a zesty flavor, making these cookies perfect for a summer snack:

• 1 cup almond butter
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 egg
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• Zest of one orange or lemon

Steps:

1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl, including the zest, and mix thoroughly.
2. Shape into small cookies, flatten, and bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until golden around the edges.

Recipe 5: Gluten-Free Almond Butter Coconut Cookies

This recipe is ideal for those seeking gluten-free treats:

• 1 cup almond butter
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup almond flour
• 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1/2 tsp baking soda

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet.
2. Combine almond butter, maple syrup, and egg in a bowl.
3. Add almond flour, coconut, and baking soda, mixing to form a dough.
4. Shape into cookies, sprinkle with extra coconut, and bake for 10-12 minutes.

These almond butter cookie recipes offer a variety of flavors and textures without the use of vanilla extract. They are simple to make, requiring minimal ingredients, yet they deliver big on taste. Whether you're after a classic cookie, a rich chocolate experience, or want to explore new flavors with citrus or oats, there's something here for everyone. By focusing on the rich, nutty flavor of almond butter, these cookies provide a delightful twist on traditional baking, proving that sometimes, less is more.

Can I substitute almond butter with another type of nut butter?

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Yes, you can substitute almond butter with cashew, peanut, or even sunflower seed butter. However, keep in mind that each nut or seed butter has a distinct flavor, which will alter the taste profile of the cookies.

What can I use instead of coconut sugar or maple syrup?

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You can use other sweeteners like honey, agave syrup, or even date paste. However, liquid sweeteners might change the consistency slightly, requiring you to adjust the amount of other liquids or flours.

Is there a vegan version of these recipes?

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Yes, these recipes can easily be made vegan. Replace the egg with a flax or chia egg (1 tbsp ground flax or chia mixed with 3 tbsp water), and use a vegan sweetener. Ensure all other ingredients are also vegan-friendly.

How long do these cookies last?

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Stored in an airtight container, these cookies can last for up to a week at room temperature, or longer if refrigerated. For optimal freshness, freezing is also an option.

Can these recipes be doubled or tripled?

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Absolutely, you can easily scale up these recipes. Just make sure to adjust baking time accordingly as larger batches might take longer to bake.