Name: Almond and Orange Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Cookie Dough:; 2 tbsp ground flax seeds* or chia seeds; 180 g / 1 heaped cup almonds, divided; 80 ml / 1/3 cup maple syrup; Zest of 1 orange (optional); 1/8 tsp fine sea salt; ½ tsp almond extract; 100 g / 1 cup almond meal / flour; 100 g / 3½ oz vegan orange dark chocolate (optional)

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These Almond and Orange Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of almonds with a refreshing hint of orange zest. Perfect for a snack or dessert, these cookies are simple to make, vegan, and filled with wholesome ingredients. Optionally dipped in vegan orange dark chocolate, they bring an extra layer of indulgence.

Almond and Orange Cookies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Vegan and Wholesome: Made with ground flax or chia seeds, almonds, and maple syrup, these cookies are packed with nutrients and natural sweetness.
Crunchy and Nutty: The combination of almond meal and chopped almonds gives these cookies a satisfying crunch and rich nutty flavor.
Orange Twist: The orange zest adds a refreshing citrus flavor that balances the sweetness of the maple syrup.
Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients, these cookies are easy to prepare and bake in under 30 minutes.
Chocolate Option: Dipping them in vegan dark chocolate elevates the flavor and adds an extra touch of indulgence.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 tbsp ground flax seeds* or chia seeds
180 g / 1 heaped cup almonds, divided
80 ml / 1/3 cup maple syrup
Zest of 1 orange (optional)
1/8 tsp fine sea salt
½ tsp almond extract
100 g / 1 cup almond meal / flour
100 g / 3½ oz vegan orange dark chocolate (optional)

directions

1. Prepare the Flax Seed Mixture

Place flax seeds (or chia seeds) in a mixing bowl with 30 ml / 2 tbsp of water. Mix well and set aside to thicken for about 10 minutes.

2. Chop and Prepare Almonds

Coarsely chop half of the almonds to coat the cookies with later, and chop the remaining almonds more finely. Alternatively, you can grind them, but leave the grind chunky.

3. Mix the Cookie Dough

Add maple syrup, orange zest (if using), salt, and almond extract to the rehydrated flaxseeds. Whisk well with a wire whisk.
Fold in the almond flour and the coarsely chopped / ground almonds. Mix everything together until you have a sticky cookie dough.

4. Preheat the Oven and Shape the Cookies

Preheat the oven to 175°C / 350°F.
Divide the dough into 12 equally sized pieces. Roll each portion into a ball and then lightly press the dough into the coarsely chopped almonds to coat both sides.
Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking tray and bake for about 20 minutes, until the tops are lightly browned.

5. Let Cool and Dip in Chocolate (Optional)

Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool completely before storing or dipping in chocolate.
If you want to dip them in chocolate, melt the vegan orange dark chocolate slowly over a water bath. Dip each cookie into the melted chocolate and place on a drying rack to harden.

6. Store and Serve

Once the chocolate has hardened, store the cookies in an airtight container. They are best enjoyed straight from the oven while still crunchy, but they’ll keep for a few days too.

Servings and timing

Servings: 12
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

Add more flavors: Try adding a pinch of cinnamon, vanilla extract, or a sprinkle of sea salt for added depth of flavor.
Sweetener options: Substitute maple syrup with agave syrup or coconut nectar for a different sweetness.
Nut-free option: If you have a nut allergy, try using sunflower seeds or oats in place of the almonds for a nut-free version.

storage/reheating

Storage: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked dough balls and bake them later. Place them on a tray to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag or container for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Warm cookies slightly in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes if you prefer them slightly crisp again.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, the recipe already calls for almond flour, which is naturally gluten-free. Just make sure the other ingredients you use (like maple syrup and chocolate) are certified gluten-free.

Do I need to use chocolate for dipping?

No, the cookies are delicious on their own without the chocolate dip. However, the chocolate adds a nice richness if you’re looking to indulge.

Can I use different nuts?

Yes, feel free to substitute the almonds with other nuts like cashews, walnuts, or pecans, depending on your preference.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready, roll and bake as usual.

Conclusion

These Almond and Orange Cookies are a fantastic treat that combines the earthy richness of almonds with the bright citrusy notes of orange. Whether you enjoy them with a cup of tea or as a quick snack, they’ll surely become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. With the option to dip in vegan dark chocolate, these cookies offer a delightful balance of crunchy, creamy, and sweet in every bite.