Denise Stier

Lemon Almond Cookies

These super quick and easy cookies are a refreshing summer treat,
made with almond flour and a hint of fresh lemon zest.
They’re soft, slightly moist, and naturally gluten-free –
perfect for little hands and picky eaters who love gentle flavors
without overwhelming sweetness.
Light, fruity, and full of sunshine – a delicious way to bring
a bit of summer into your snack routine!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 17 minutes
Servings: 12 Cookies
Course: Breakfast, Snack, Lunchbox, On the Go
Cuisine: American, German, Italian
Calories: 130

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cup Almond Flour
  • 1 Egg
  • ¼ cup Maple Syrup or Honey, Note 1
  • 2 tsp Lemon Zest fresh, Note 2
  • ½ tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 1 pinch Salt
Optional
  • 1 tsp Fresh Lemon Juice
Optional Lemon Glaze
  • ½ cup Powdered Sugar
  • 1-2 tsp Lemon Juice, fresh Adjust consistency with a few extra drops of juice if needed. Note 3

Equipment

  • 1 Mixing Bowl
  • 1 Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • 1 Spatula
  • 1 Cookie Scoop
  • 1 Cooling Rack
  • 1 Zester

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, mix all ingredients: almond flour, egg, maple syrup (or honey), lemon zest, vanilla extract (if using), and a pinch of salt.
  3. Stir until a soft dough forms.
  4. With slightly wet hands, roll the dough into small balls (about 1 tablespoon each or a small cookie scoop) and place them on the baking sheet.
  5. Gently flatten each cookie a little with your fingers or the back of a spoon.
  6. These cookies won’t spread much in the oven, so shape them the way you want them to look.
  7. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges turn slightly golden.
  8. Let the cookies cool completely on your cooling rack – they’ll firm up as they cool.
Optional Glaze
  1. While the cookies are cooling, mix powdered sugar and lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth. The glaze should be thin but not runny.
  2. Dip the top of each cooled cookie into the glaze, let excess drip off, and place back on the cooling rack.
  3. Let the glaze set for about 10–15 minutes until firm.
  4. Enjoy your soft, zingy lemon cookies with a refreshing citrus glaze!

Notes

Note 1:

I love using maple syrup as a natural alternative to refined sugar – especially because of its rich, deep flavor that really shines in these cookies. But don’t worry: you can easily swap it with honey if that’s what you have on hand or prefer.
Note 2:
If you’re using lemon zest, try to choose an organic lemon. Since you’re including the peel, it’s best to avoid any unwanted pesticides in your wholesome, homemade treat.
Note 3:
Once I’ve zested a lemon and used a bit of the juice, I always like to use up the whole fruit –  nothing goes to waste! That’s why I love adding a quick lemon glaze on top. It adds a wonderfully fresh, tangy finish. But if you’d rather keep the cookies lower in sugar, you can absolutely enjoy them without the glaze too. They’re just as delicious!
Storage:
Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 – 5 days. Since they’re naturally moist and soft, I recommend keeping them in the fridge if it’s warm in your kitchen. That way, they stay fresh and perfect for snacking!