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Greek Almond Cookies (Gluten Free)

These gluten free Greek almond cookies are similar to traditional shortbread with an almondy-crunch. Easy to bake and so delicious!

Gluten Free Greek Almond Cookies on Parchment Paper

My husband and I are part of a dinner club along with 8 other couples. We try to get together every 6-8 weeks and switch the theme and location each time. Last round, it was Greek. Fortunately, it was my turn to bring dessert, which is always my favourite!

We have two people in our group who eat gluten-free, and one more who doesn’t eat dairy with the exception of butter. It poses a few challenges when it comes to dessert, but I was able to find the perfect Greek-inspired cookie recipe (known as kourabiethes or kourabiedes) that met the dietary requirements. Served with a mixed fruit platter and dip, these cookies turned out to be a huge hit.

Baking Sheet Filled with Almond Cookie Dough Balls

This delicious cookie recipe is similar to traditional shortbread with the added factor of an almondy-crunch. I love the crispness of the outside combined with the softer middle. Totally divine and gluten free!

They remind me of another tasty cookie I make around the holidays, Mexican Wedding Cakes. Have you tried them? So good!

Gluten Free Greek Almond Cookies on Baking Sheet

Of course, I had to bake a few extras for sampling. I even popped a batch into the freezer to enjoy down the road when I’m craving a little something.

Now that I’m eating gluten free, it’s nice to have cookies I can eat on hand (or is it? ha ha).

Gluten Free Kourabiedes on Kitchen Counter

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Gluten Free Almond Cookies

Ingredients

  • butter
  • confectioner’s sugar
  • vanilla extract
  • egg yolk
  • brown rice flour
  • white rice flour
  • sorghum flour
  • potato starch (or tapioca flour)
  • finely ground almond flour
  • xanthan gum
  • baking powder
  • pinch sea salt
  • almonds, coarsely chopped

Not sure where to find some these ingredients? Many grocery stores have them in their specialty aisle. In Canada, Bulk Barn and Nutters are good sources. And you can always order items on Amazon for home delivery.

The full list of ingredient measurements, plus baking details are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.

Directions

  1. Beat butter and confectioner’s sugar in a large bowl or stand mixer until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla and egg yolk, and beat one more minute.
  2. Mix in both rice flours, sorghum flour, potato starch, almond flour, xanthan gum, baking powder and sea salt until combined. Wrap and refrigerate dough for at least one hour.
  3. Remove dough from refrigerator and preheat oven to 350°F. Roll into balls (approximately 1 ¼”) and then roll in confectioner’s sugar, dusting off the excess. Place a small amount of almonds on top and press down lightly.
  4. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies begin to turn golden on the bottom and slightly around the edges. Cool on the baking sheet for about 2 minutes and transfer to a cooling rack.
Steps for Baking Gluten Free Greek Almond Biscuits

Can I substitute ingredients? I have used tapioca flour in place of potato starch with good success. Use whatever you find or have on hand.

You can also use all brown or white rice flour, but it will change the texture of the cookie. Half and half is a good balance.

Cookies with Almonds on Parchment Paper

Know of any other gluten free Greek desserts? I’d love to try another recipe out!

Pin these delicious gluten-free Greek almond cookies for later!

Greek Almond Cookies Recipe Gluten Free

Gluten Free Greek Almond Cookies

Baking Gluten Free Greek Almond Cookies
Gluten free Greek almond cookies are similar to traditional shortbread with an almondy-crunch.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Chilling 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 27 minutes
Serving Size 22 cookies

Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
  • cups confectioner’s sugar plus more for rolling
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 egg yolk
  • ½ cup brown rice flour
  • ½ cup white rice flour
  • ½ cup sorghum flour
  • ½ cup potato starch
  • 1⅓  cups finely ground almond flour
  • ½ teaspoon xanthan gum
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • pinch sea salt
  • ¼ cup almonds coarsely chopped

Instructions

  • Beat butter and confectioner’s sugar in a large bowl or stand mixer until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla and egg yolk, and beat one more minute.
  • Mix in both rice flours, sorghum flour, potato starch, almond flour, xanthan gum, baking powder and sea salt until combined. Wrap and refrigerate dough for at least one hour.
  • Remove dough from refrigerator and preheat oven to 350°F. Roll into balls (approximately 1 ¼") and then roll in confectioner's sugar, dusting off the excess. Place a small amount of almonds on top and press down lightly.
  • Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies begin to turn golden on the bottom and slightly around the edges. Cool on baking sheet for about 2 minutes and transfer to a cooling rack.

Notes

Can I substitute ingredients? I have used tapioca flour in place of potato starch with good success. Use whatever you find or have on hand. You can also use all brown or white rice flour but it will change the texture of the cookie. Half and half is a good balance.

Adapted from Girl Cooks World

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Happy baking!

Shauna at Satori Design for Living Blog - Home Decor, DIY, Vintage Finds, Recipes

This gluten free Greek almond cookie recipe was originally posted March 2013 and updated with new photos July 2019.

14 Comments

  1. YUM! Where do you find Sorghum flour?  A place like Planet Organic?  Or can you buy it at the regular grocery store?

    1. I found it at Bulk Barn, but it would be available at most health food or alternative food stores (along with many of the other ingredients in this recipe).

  2. i’ll definitely be passing this recipe on to my step-sister as she finds it a challenge to be creative in the kitchen with a 7-year old who can’t eat gluten.

    Just got back last night from Mexico. Can’t wait to start my Kitchen Refresh “soon”. I’ll be in touch.

    Besos Sarah, Blogger at Journeys of The Zoo

  3. These look so delicious, and gluten free, even better! Think I better pin this one!! :-)

  4. THEY look amazing, honestly my mouth was watering!!! I pinned to my group board, has about 11k followers, so you may just have a bit more traffic… ;) seriously they look amazing!

    Laurie @ Vin’yet Etc.

    Thanks for the share!

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