Vegan Almond Sugar Cookies – Fragrant Vanilla Cake

I had a bag of toasted sliced almonds and the first thing that came to mind to make were some Vegan Almond sugar cookies! I love cookies because they are an easy dessert, and I love anything almond flavored! My Mom used almond extract a lot in things growing up so it’s a sweet scent that brings back memories. Especially combined with vanilla it’s so heavenly!

These cookies are so simple and easy to make, no chilling or shaping required! For the flour I used a whole wheat pastry flour but if you prefer all purpose or even gluten free all purpose baking flour (for a gluten free version) you could swap that in instead. These cookies use apple sauce as the egg substitute and it allows them to be soft and chewy which I love!

I used plenty of almonds in this both the toasted almonds and almond extract, and added vanilla extract to make these smell wonderful! Before baking I also sprinkled them with more almonds and some granulated sugar to make them extra delicious!

Vegan Almond Sugar Cookies

Makes 16

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup melted coconut oil
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup applesauce at room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla bean powder or pure vanilla extract
• 1 tsp almond extract
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 2 1/2 cups whole wheat pastry flour or all purpose flour (for a lighter colored cookie)
• 1 cup toasted sliced almonds plus more for topping
• granulated sugar

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350F degrees, and line two sheet pans with parchment.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the coconut oil, sugar, apple sauce and vanilla and almond extracts  until well blended.
3. Mix in the salt, baking soda and baking powder then the flour until smooth.
4. Stir in the toasted almonds until they are evenly distributed.
5. Form the dough into 1 1/2 inch balls, and place on the cookie trays about 2 inches apart.
6. Press the dough balls down slightly.
7. Sprinkle with about 2 tsp toasted almonds and a little granulated sugar.
8. Place the pans in the oven and bake for about 7 minutes, then rotate them and bake another 7 or so until the cookies are done and lightly brown at the edges.
9. Remove from the oven and let cool at least 15 minutes before enjoying.