Substitute for Almond Flour in Cookies: Best Gluten-Free Swaps
Almond flour creates soft, chewy cookies with a rich, nutty flavor and naturally gluten-free structure. Its high fat content produces cookies that spread less and stay moist longer than those made with wheat flour.
Best Substitute
Cashew Flour
1 cup cashew flour per 1 cup almond flour
Cashew flour has a similar fat content and mild flavor that produces cookies with the same soft, chewy texture. It is the closest match for almond flour in cookies and requires no recipe adjustments.
Other Options
Sunflower Seed Flour
1 cup sunflower seed flour per 1 cup almond flour
Great nut-free option for cookies. May cause a slight green color due to chlorogenic acid reacting with baking soda; add 1 tsp lemon juice to prevent this.
Oat Flour
1 cup oat flour per 1 cup almond flour
Produces heartier cookies with a pleasant oat flavor. Cookies may spread slightly more since oat flour has less fat than almond flour.
Coconut Flour
1/4 cup coconut flour per 1 cup almond flour, plus 1 extra egg
Coconut flour is very absorbent. You need much less and must add extra liquid or egg. Gives cookies a subtle coconut flavor and drier texture.
Sources & References
- USDA FoodData Central
nutritional data for almond flour, cashew flour, and oat flour
- Celiac Disease Foundation
gluten-free baking with alternative flours
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use instead of almond flour in cookies?
Cashew flour is the best 1:1 substitute, producing cookies with the same soft, chewy texture and mild flavor. Sunflower seed flour works for nut-free cookies. Oat flour creates heartier cookies but may spread more.
Can I use coconut flour instead of almond flour in cookies?
Yes, but use only 1/4 cup coconut flour per cup of almond flour and add an extra egg. Coconut flour absorbs much more liquid, so the ratio is not 1:1. The cookies will have a drier texture and subtle coconut flavor.