Holiday Glow Toasted Almonds (Print Version)

Crisp, golden cookies featuring toasted almonds, ideal for holiday and winter occasions.

# List of Ingredients:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
03 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

→ Wet Ingredients

06 - 3/4 cup coconut oil, melted and cooled
07 - 3/4 cup organic cane sugar
08 - 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
09 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
10 - 1/2 teaspoon almond extract

→ Add-ins

11 - 1 cup toasted sliced almonds
12 - 1/3 cup vegan chocolate chips (optional)
13 - 2 tablespoons unsweetened almond milk

# Step-by-step Instructions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until evenly mixed.
03 - In a large bowl, beat melted coconut oil, cane sugar, applesauce, vanilla extract, and almond extract until smooth and homogenous.
04 - Gradually add dry mixture to wet, folding gently until just combined to preserve texture.
05 - Stir in toasted sliced almonds and vegan chocolate chips if using; add almond milk as necessary to achieve a soft, scoopable dough consistency.
06 - Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing each about 2 inches apart.
07 - Bake for 13 to 15 minutes, or until edges turn golden and centers are set.
08 - Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • This cookie recipe is a little secret that keeps on giving—crisp edges with a tender center, all without any dairy or eggs.
  • The combination of toasted almonds and a hint of cinnamon makes every bite feel like a festive celebration in your mouth.
02 -
  • Don’t skip coating your almonds with a quick toast—it unlocks essential oils that elevate the flavor big time.
  • Adding a pinch of flaky sea salt right before baking was a game changer; it balances sweetness beautifully.
03 -
  • Use fresh-ground cinnamon for a brighter, more aromatic spice note that really shines through.
  • Toasted almonds straight from the oven bring an unbeatable crunch you can't get from store-bought pre-toasted almonds.