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1½ cups almond flour (or finely ground almond meal)
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1/3 cup maple syrup (or honey for non-vegan option)
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1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon zest (plus extra for garnish, optional)
✅ Optional add-ins:
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1 teaspoon lemon juice (for extra tang)
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Pinch of sea salt
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Unsweetened shredded coconut or crushed nuts for rolling
Preparation
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In a mixing bowl, combine almond flour, lemon zest, and maple syrup. Stir until a soft, sticky dough forms.
If too dry, add a few drops of lemon juice. If too sticky, add a bit more almond flour. -
Scoop out 1 tablespoon of dough and roll into balls. Flatten slightly into cookie shapes with your palm or the back of a spoon.
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Place on a parchment-lined tray or plate.
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Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes, or until firm enough to hold shape.
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Enjoy chilled or at room temperature!
Serving and Storage Tips
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Serve chilled for a firmer texture or room temperature for a softer, chewier bite.
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Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
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For longer storage, freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months — thaw for 10 minutes before serving.
Variants
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Lemon-Coconut: Roll each cookie in shredded coconut before chilling.
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Lemon-Poppyseed: Add 1 teaspoon of poppy seeds for a bakery-style twist.
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Vegan Protein Boost: Add 1 scoop of plant-based vanilla protein powder and adjust the maple syrup as needed.
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Nut-Free Option: Substitute almond flour with sunflower seed flour or oat flour (note: flavor will vary).
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Drizzle Glaze: Mix powdered sugar and lemon juice for a quick glaze if you want an extra zing!
FAQ
Q: Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of zest?
A: Fresh zest is key for intense lemon flavor, but you can add 1–2 teaspoons of lemon juice if you don’t have zest. The texture may change slightly.
Q: Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?
A: Yes! Honey works well, though it will make the cookies a bit denser and sweeter.
Q: Can kids help make these?
A: Absolutely — there’s no heat or sharp tools involved, making this recipe perfect for little helpers.
Q: Are these cookies keto-friendly?
A: Yes, if you use sugar-free syrup or low-carb sweeteners like monk fruit or stevia in place of maple syrup.
Q: What can I use instead of almond flour?
A: Finely ground cashew flour or sunflower seed flour work well. Oat flour is okay too but not grain-free.