Almond Flour Lace Cookies with Nutella Recipe
If you’re craving a delicate, crispy cookie with just the right touch of sweetness and a gooey surprise inside, you’re going to absolutely love this Almond Flour Lace Cookies with Nutella Recipe. These are not your everyday cookies—they’re thin, lacy, caramelized, and perfectly paired with silky Nutella, creating a flavor combo that’s pure magic. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through every step with tips I’ve learned from making these time and time again. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a go-to treat for any occasion.
Why This Recipe Works
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Using almond flour and brown sugar gives these cookies that irresistibly nutty, caramelized crisp.
- Perfect Texture: The mixture melts and spreads just right, so your cookies come out lace-thin and crunchy without burning.
- Nutella Filling Magic: Adding Nutella transforms these from tasty cookies into indulgent sandwiches, a total crowd-pleaser.
- Versatility: You can make these plain or with chocolate, dip, drizzle, or sandwich—whatever your heart desires.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The ingredients list is pretty short here, but each one plays a starring role. The almond flour is crucial—it brings that tender, nutty crunch, and helps the cookies caramelize beautifully. Then, the butter and brown sugar marry to create the rich, buttery base. I like to use light corn syrup, but milk works just as well to help everything bind without changing the flavor. And Nutella? Well, that’s the luscious finishing touch to keep everyone coming back for more!

- Unsalted butter: Using unsalted lets you control the saltiness—plus, it melts smoothly, creating the perfect base for the batter.
- Light or dark brown sugar: Packed brown sugar adds moisture and deep caramel notes.
- Almond flour: I always opt for a finely ground brand like Bob’s Red Mill—it makes the texture just right and gives that signature almond toastiness.
- Salt: Just a pinch to balance sweetness and enhance flavor.
- Light or dark corn syrup or milk: This adds moisture and ensures the cookies spread thin and crisp up perfectly.
- Pure vanilla extract: It brings warmth and richness to the overall flavor.
- Nutella or melted chocolate (optional): The star for sandwiching or drizzling—Nutella is creamy and dreamy, but melted chocolate gives a firmer finish if you’re gifting these cookies.
Tweak to Your Taste
I like to play around with how I serve these cookies. Sometimes I sandwich them with Nutella; other times, I drizzle melted dark chocolate on top for a more elegant look. If you’re nut-allergic, swapping almond flour for oat flour works surprisingly well, though you lose a bit of that silky almond flavor. And because these cookies are pretty thin and crispy, adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before baking can take them to the next level—just trust me on that one!
- Nut-free Variation: Swap almond flour for oat flour to avoid nuts without losing the caramelized crisp.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Melt semi-sweet chocolate and drizzle it over cooled cookies for a pretty finish and extra chocolate hit.
- Flavored Corn Syrup: Try using honey or maple syrup if you want a different kind of sweetness, but reduce quantities slightly as these are more liquidy.
- Salted Version: Sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top before baking for a sweet-salty contrast I can’t get enough of.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Almond Flour Lace Cookies with Nutella Recipe
Step 1: Melt and Whisk Ingredients Together
Start by gently melting the unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over low heat. This part takes just a few minutes. Once it’s melted, whisk in the brown sugar, almond flour, salt, and your choice of corn syrup or milk. Keep whisking carefully to combine everything smoothly. You’ll notice the mixture looks a bit grainy but shiny at first—that’s totally normal. If the butter separates a little, don’t panic! Remove the pan from heat and vigorously whisk until it comes together again. This step is key to getting that perfect lace texture, so be patient.
Step 2: Stir in Vanilla and Let It Thicken
Once everything is melted and combined, take the pan off the heat and whisk in the vanilla extract. Then, let the mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes as your oven preheats to 350°F (177°C). This resting period lets the batter thicken up a bit, so your cookies don’t spread too much and maintain those signature lacy edges.
Step 3: Drop and Bake Your Cookies
Line a couple of baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats—I like silicone mats because they’re reusable and help with even baking. Then, drop scant teaspoonfuls of the batter about 3 inches apart. These cookies spread, so give them plenty of room. Bake for 6 to 8 minutes until you see golden brown edges and the centers are bubbling and sizzling—this bubbling is the baking show stopping moment!
Step 4: Cool and Get Ready to Sandwich
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for at least 5 minutes so they firm up and crisp nicely. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Now comes the fun part—spread a small dollop of Nutella or melted chocolate on the bottom of one cookie and sandwich it with another for that irresistible combo. If you’re worried about messiness or want a sturdier gift, melted chocolate sets firmer and keeps these sandwiches travel-friendly.
Pro Tips for Making Almond Flour Lace Cookies with Nutella Recipe
- Watch the Bake Time Closely: These cookies bake quickly—start checking at 6 minutes to avoid burning the delicate edges.
- Spacing is Key: Leave plenty of space between each dollop so they don’t stick together when spreading.
- Cooling Patience Pays Off: They crisp up fully as they cool, so resist the urge to move them too soon.
- Nutella or Chocolate Choice: Use melted chocolate if you want tidy sandwiches less prone to melting during transport.
How to Serve Almond Flour Lace Cookies with Nutella Recipe

Garnishes
I often sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top of the cookies before baking—it brings out the sweetness beautifully and adds a lovely texture contrast. For a festive twist, during holidays I decorate with a delicate dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of white chocolate on top to make them look extra special on the dessert table.
Side Dishes
Pair these lace cookies with a cozy cup of espresso or your favorite tea—they’re perfect for dunking! I’ve also served them alongside fresh berries or a creamy mascarpone dip to balance out their sweetness when entertaining guests.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I like stacking my Nutella-sandwiched cookies on a pretty platter with a sprinkle of crushed toasted almonds around the base. Wrapping individual sandwiches in parchment paper tied with twine makes charming edible favors. You could also make mini cookie sandwiches by halving the drop size for daintier bites that disappear faster than you can say “Nutella!”
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftover plain lace cookies in an airtight container at room temperature—it keeps them crisp for up to a week. When sandwiching with Nutella, they’re best enjoyed within 3 days at room temp or up to a week stored in the fridge to keep the filling fresh without the cookies getting soggy.
Freezing
These cookies freeze very well! You can freeze baked cookies plain or already sandwiched in Nutella, just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. From my experience, they keep their crispness and flavor for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
If you want to bring back some crisp after chilling, just pop a few cookies into a preheated 300°F oven for 3-4 minutes. If they’re sandwiched with Nutella or chocolate, be cautious not to overheat and melt the filling. For plain cookies, reheating restores that fresh-from-the-oven crunch.
FAQs
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Can I make Almond Flour Lace Cookies without Nutella?
Absolutely! The cookies are delicious all on their own—thin, crisp, and caramelized. Nutella just adds a luscious, melty center, but you can enjoy them plain or pair them with melted chocolate, jam, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for variety.
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What can I substitute for almond flour?
Oat flour is a great substitute if you need to avoid nuts; it results in a slightly different texture but still nicely crispy cookies. I don’t recommend all-purpose flour because it doesn’t caramelize and spread the same way and will change the cookie’s characteristic texture.
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How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Let the batter rest after mixing to allow it to thicken, and be sure to leave at least 3 inches of space between dollops on the baking sheet. Also, don’t substitute ingredients with higher liquidity without adjusting the quantity, or the cookies might spread more than intended.
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Can these cookies be made ahead for holiday gifting?
Yes! Bake the cookies, then sandwich or drizzle with chocolate close to the gifting day. You can freeze sandwiches or plain cookies wrapped tightly for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, these Almond Flour Lace Cookies with Nutella Recipe has become a personal favorite for everything from casual treats to holiday gifts. They’re delicate, impressive-looking, and simple enough that even if you’re new to baking, you’ll feel like a pro making them. Plus, that Nutella surprise in the middle? Total game changer. I’m excited for you to try them and see just how addictive these crispy, sweet, almond-y bites can be. Grab your ingredients, and let’s make some magic in the kitchen!
Print
Almond Flour Lace Cookies with Nutella Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 32 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these delicate almond flour Christmas lace cookies that are crisp, caramelized, and perfect for holiday gifting or snacking. Made with simple ingredients like butter, brown sugar, and almond flour, these cookies can be enjoyed plain or sandwiched with Nutella or melted chocolate for extra indulgence.
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 semi-sweet chocolate, melted)
Instructions
- Melt Butter and Combine Ingredients: Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over low heat. Once melted, add the brown sugar, almond flour, salt, and milk or corn syrup. Cook and whisk continually for 3-4 minutes until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture is well combined. If the butter separates, remove the pan from heat and whisk vigorously until smooth again.
- Add Vanilla and Thicken Dough: Remove the pan from heat and whisk in the vanilla extract. The mixture will be grainy and shiny. Let the dough sit for 5-10 minutes to thicken as the oven preheats.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line 2-3 large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Shape Cookies and Bake: Drop scant teaspoonfuls of the dough about 3 inches apart on the prepared sheets. Bake for 8 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the cookies bubble.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to crisp up, then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Optional Sandwiching: Once cookies are cool, spread Nutella or melted chocolate on the bottom of one cookie and sandwich with another. Alternatively, dip or drizzle cookies with melted chocolate and allow to set in the refrigerator for 20 minutes or at room temperature for 30 minutes.
Notes
- Baked cookies freeze well for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
- You can prepare the dough in advance; refrigerate tightly covered for up to 3 days before baking.
- Use almond flour for the best texture and caramelization; oat flour is a substitute but all-purpose flour is not recommended.
- Milk or corn syrup can be used interchangeably; corn syrup tends to produce slightly crisper cookies.
- If gifting or traveling with cookies, melted chocolate is preferred over Nutella as it sets and is less messy.
- Melt chocolate gently using a double boiler or microwave in short increments, stirring until smooth.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 80 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 45 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg


