Almond Flour Lace Cookies with Nutella Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a cookie recipe that feels fancy but is actually super easy, you’ve just hit the jackpot. These Almond Flour Lace Cookies with Nutella Recipe are delicate, crispy, and absolutely addictive—plus a bit of a show-stopper when you spread them with luscious Nutella. I love making these when friends come over, because the thin, caramelized edges and that gooey chocolate surprise inside always get rave reviews. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll want to bake them again and again.
Why This Recipe Works
- Simple ingredients, big flavor: Just a handful of pantry staples come together to create irresistibly caramelized cookies.
- Perfectly crispy texture: The almond flour and butter caramelize beautifully, making these cookies super thin and crunchy.
- Nutella or chocolate options: You get to choose between sandwiching with Nutella or melted chocolate for a personalized treat.
- Quick & impressive: These cookies bake fast and look like you spent hours—ideal for gifts or holiday baking.
Ingredients & Why They Work
I love how these ingredients work together like magic. Almond flour gives the cookies their signature delicate crispness, while the butter and brown sugar caramelize for that rich flavor. Adding a touch of corn syrup or milk helps bind and crisp the cookies just right, and vanilla always adds a subtle warmth that brings everything together.
- Unsalted butter: Using unsalted lets you control the salt level and helps the cookies spread thinly and evenly.
- Brown sugar: Packed brown sugar adds moisture and deep caramel notes perfect for these lace cookies.
- Almond flour: This is the star flour here—it creates a lacy, crunchy texture that all-purpose flour just can’t match.
- Salt: Just a pinch balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Corn syrup or milk: Either keeps the dough cohesive and lends that extra crisp finish I love.
- Vanilla extract: Classic and simple, vanilla rounds out the flavor beautifully.
- Nutella or melted chocolate (optional): For sandwiching or drizzling, adding that creamy, chocolatey layer that makes these cookies extra special.
Tweak to Your Taste
This Almond Flour Lace Cookies with Nutella Recipe is one of those versatile treats that you can easily make your own. I often like to switch up the filling or get creative with toppings, but the base cookie? It’s pretty perfect as is in my book.
- Variation: I’ve tried replacing Nutella with salted caramel sauce once, and it was a hit at a gathering—sweet, salty, and perfectly crunchy.
- Dietary tweaks: For a dairy-free version, swap butter for a quality coconut oil, and opt for a dairy-free chocolate for sandwiching.
- Flavor twists: Sometimes I add a pinch of cinnamon or orange zest to the mix, which gives a subtle holiday vibe that pairs beautifully with the almond.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Almond Flour Lace Cookies with Nutella Recipe
Step 1: Melt and mix the magic
Begin by gently melting the butter in a saucepan over low heat. Once it’s fully melted, add the brown sugar, almond flour, salt, and corn syrup (or milk) right in the same pan. Whisk everything continuously—this is key!—until all the sugar dissolves and the mixture feels smooth, about 3-4 minutes. If you see the butter separating, don’t panic—take it off the heat and whisk vigorously until it comes back together. This part always reminds me to be patient and gentle; the reward is worth the attention!
Step 2: Add vanilla and let the batter rest
Take the pan off the heat and whisk in the vanilla extract. The mixture will look shiny and a bit grainy—that’s the perfect texture for these cookies. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes while you preheat the oven. This resting time helps the batter thicken, which makes the cookies spread out just right without getting too thin or too thick.
Step 3: Scoop and bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats—both work beautifully to prevent sticking. Use a scant teaspoon (not a tablespoon!) to drop dollops of the batter, spacing them about 3 inches apart to allow room for spreading. Bake for 6 to 8 minutes—watch closely and take them out once the edges turn a gorgeous golden brown and you see the centers bubbling. The scent in your kitchen at this moment? Pure happiness!
Step 4: Cool and assemble
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for at least 5 minutes. This waiting game lets them set up and become crisp. Once fully cool, you can either enjoy the cookies as-is or spread a thin layer of Nutella or melted chocolate on the bottom of one cookie and sandwich with another for that irresistible combo. Pro tip: If you’re planning to pack or gift these, melted chocolate is less messy and sets firm, unlike Nutella.
Pro Tips for Making Almond Flour Lace Cookies with Nutella Recipe
- Whisk constantly: Keeping the mixture moving as you dissolve sugar ensures a smooth batter and prevents burning.
- Use a small spoon: Dropping only a scant teaspoon helps get the iconic thin and lacy edges that make these cookies so special.
- Spacing is key: Give cookies plenty of room on the baking sheet, or they’ll merge into one giant lace sheet.
- Cooling patience: Don’t rush removing the cookies from the sheet—they need those first 5 minutes to crisp perfectly without breaking.
How to Serve Almond Flour Lace Cookies with Nutella Recipe
Garnishes
I personally love dusting these cookies lightly with powdered sugar for a snowy holiday touch. Sometimes a sprinkle of crushed toasted almonds adds a lovely crunch and highlights that almond flavor even more. If you’re feeling festive, a drizzle of melted white chocolate on top makes them look downright professional.
Side Dishes
These cookies are perfect alongside a big mug of hot coffee or chai tea. I’ve also served them with fresh berries and whipped cream for a simple yet elegant dessert plate that’s a crowd-pleaser.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to stack the sandwiched cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with rustic twine or a festive ribbon—such a sweet gift. Another fun trick is to arrange them in small rows on a pretty platter, alternating plain cookies with Nutella-filled ones to create a beautiful pattern that guests can’t resist digging into.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover plain cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they keep their crispness for about a week. Once I add Nutella or chocolate filling, I usually refrigerate them because the filling is perishable; those stay fresh for up to a week in the fridge.
Freezing
These cookies freeze wonderfully! I bake them, let them cool completely, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Both the plain and filled versions keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, just thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
If you want to revive a bit of that fresh-baked warmth, pop the cookies in a low oven (around 300°F) for a few minutes or microwave briefly—just 10-15 seconds to avoid melting the filling too much. I find this brings back their crisp texture nicely.
FAQs
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Can I substitute almond flour with regular flour for this recipe?
Almond flour is essential for achieving the lacy, crispy texture of these cookies. Regular all-purpose flour won’t caramelize or spread the same way, so I don’t recommend substituting it. For a gluten-free twist, you could try oat flour, but almond flour gives the best results.
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What if my cookie batter separates while cooking?
This can happen occasionally if the butter starts to separate as it melts. The best fix is to remove the pan from heat and whisk vigorously until the mixture comes back together. Don’t give up—it always recombines and keeps your batter smooth!
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Can I make these cookies without Nutella?
Absolutely! These cookies are delicious on their own with their caramelized edges. Nutella or melted chocolate simply adds a decadent touch if you want to sandwich them, but they’re just as lovely plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar.
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How thin should I spread the cookie dough?
Use only a scant teaspoon of batter per cookie, spaced about 3 inches apart. The batter spreads quite thinly on its own, so measuring carefully helps you get that delicate lace effect without merging the cookies into one big sheet.
Final Thoughts
These Almond Flour Lace Cookies with Nutella Recipe are a true favorite of mine—not just because they’re delicious, but because they strike the perfect balance between simple and elegant. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a special gift, or just to treat yourself, I promise you’ll love every crisp bite and gooey sandwich. Give them a try and enjoy the smiles they bring, just like I always do in my kitchen!
Print
Almond Flour Lace Cookies with Nutella Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 32 cookies or 16 sandwiches
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful Christmas lace cookies made with almond flour, brown sugar, and butter, perfect for holiday gifting or enjoying with a cup of tea. These crisp, caramelized cookies can be sandwiched with Nutella or melted chocolate for an extra festive treat.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter
- 2/3 cup (130g) packed light or dark brown sugar
- 3/4 cup (75g) almond flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 Tablespoon (15ml) light or dark corn syrup or milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Optional Filling
- 1/2 cup Nutella or melted chocolate (6-8 ounces chopped semi-sweet chocolate)
Instructions
- Melt Butter and Combine Ingredients: Melt butter in a medium saucepan over low heat. Once melted, add the brown sugar, almond flour, salt, and milk or corn syrup. Cook while whisking until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is fully combined, about 4 minutes. If butter separates, remove from heat and whisk vigorously until smooth.
- Add Vanilla and Thicken: Remove from heat and whisk in vanilla extract. The mixture will appear grainy and shiny. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes as the oven preheats to thicken.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line 2-3 large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- Drop Cookie Dough: Drop scant teaspoonfuls of dough about 3 inches apart onto baking sheets.
- Bake Cookies: Bake for 8 minutes or until golden brown around the edges and bubbly in the centers.
- Cool Cookies: Let cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely. Cookies will crisp as they cool.
- Optional – Sandwich Cookies: Once cool, spread Nutella or melted chocolate onto the bottom of one cookie and sandwich with another. Melt chocolate by chopping and heating in a double boiler or microwave until smooth. Allow chocolate to set for 20 minutes in the refrigerator or 30 minutes at room temperature.
- Storage: Store cookies without filling covered at room temperature for up to 1 week; with filling, store covered for 3 days at room temperature or 1 week refrigerated.
Notes
- You can prepare dough up to step 2, refrigerate up to 3 days, then bring to room temperature before baking.
- Baked cookies freeze well up to 3 months; thaw overnight in refrigerator.
- Use almond flour for best texture; oat flour can be substituted but all-purpose flour is not recommended.
- Either milk or corn syrup can be used; corn syrup yields slightly crispier cookies.
- For gifting or travel, melted chocolate is preferable over Nutella as it sets and is less messy.
- Try dipping or drizzling cookies with melted chocolate for variety.
- Use a tablespoon to measure Nutella or melted chocolate for sandwiching.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 90 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 45 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
