Almond Flour Sugar Cookies (Gluten- & Dairy-Free)

Nothing says the holidays like the smell of sugar cookies baking in the oven. But if you’ve ever felt bloated or sluggish after indulging in traditional versions loaded with gluten, butter, and white sugar... you’re not alone.

These Almond Flour Sugar Cookies bring the same festive flavor and soft, chewy texture you love without the ingredients that inflame your gut or spike your blood sugar. They’re naturally sweetened, gluten-free, dairy-free, and made with simple pantry staples.

You’ll love how they turn out slightly crisp around the edges, tender in the center, and perfect for decorating. They’re proof that holiday baking can be both nostalgic and nourishing.

Ingredients (Makes about 15 cookies)

• 2 cups almond flour

• ¼ cup coconut oil (melted)

• ¼ cup pure maple syrup

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ½ tsp baking soda

• ¼ tsp sea salt

Optional for decorating: Coconut butter drizzle, melted dark chocolate, or a sprinkle of crushed freeze-dried berries for color

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a medium bowl, combine almond flour, baking soda, and salt.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.

4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.

5. Roll the dough between two sheets of parchment paper to about ¼-inch thick.

6. Use cookie cutters to cut into festive shapes and place them on the baking sheet.

7. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are just golden.

8. Allow to cool completely before decorating or storing.

Tips for Perfect Texture

• Chill the dough for 15–20 minutes before baking if your kitchen is warm.

• For a crispier cookie, bake closer to 10 minutes; for softer cookies, pull them out at 8.

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or freeze for later.

Pairing Ideas

Enjoy these cookies with:

• A cup of spiced bone broth or herbal tea for a soothing treat.

• A drizzle of dark chocolate and sea salt for a more decadent version.

These cookies aren’t just holiday treats — they’re functional food disguised as dessert.

1. Almond flour is rich in healthy fats, magnesium, and vitamin E — nutrients that support hormone balance and reduce inflammation.
2. Coconut oil contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) that fuel metabolism and brain function.
3. Maple syrup provides a gentle sweetness and trace minerals like manganese and zinc, without the refined sugar crash.

Together, these ingredients satisfy your sweet tooth while supporting your metabolism, gut health, and steady energy.

Heal Your Gut, Not Just Your Recipes

These cookies are a delicious first step toward eating in a way that supports your body, not works against it. But real transformation happens when you understand why your body reacts to certain foods and how to restore balance from the inside out.

That’s exactly what I help clients do in ROOT Rx — my signature, root-cause healing program that helps you lose weight, calm inflammation, and finally feel in control of your health again.

If you’re ready to learn what your body needs to thrive, from your hormones to your gut microbiome, let’s start rebuilding from the root.

Learn more about ROOT Rx HERE.

Xo,

Dr Sheena