Quick Ground Almond Biscuits – Carb & Gluten Free

Are you craving a biscuit but don’t want to have to work out the carb count? Then these quick ground almond biscuits are just what you have been looking for. Easy to make, gluten and refined sugar-free, these soft cookie like biscuits are the ultimate in diabetic carb count free snacks!


quick almond biscuits on a cooling tray

Almond biscuits are a delicious and versatile snack that can be enjoyed at any time of day. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast on the go or an afternoon snack, these biscuits are sure to satisfy you. But the major bonus is that they are totally carb count free! This means all the usual weighing and figuring out what ingredients to count for doesn’t have to happen and you can simply enjoy them!

And if you are looking for more diabetic friendly biscuit and cookie inspiration then make sure to read my round up of 10 EASY DIABETIC COOKIE RECIPES – SUGAR FREE & LOW CARB


Why this is such a great recipe

With their nutty flavour and soft, delicate texture, these quick ground almond biscuits only need a few ingredients and are incredibly easy to make – even for the less experienced bakers!

These biscuits are incredibly versatile as well, so you can experiment and add a whole host of different flavours to the dough. Go to the recipe variations to discover some of my favourite suggestions.

But as I said earlier as these are only made with ground almonds and use a sugar substitute, these biscuits have a low glycemic index and will not raise blood sugars.


close up of zero carb count almond biscuits stacked in a tin

Why use almond flour instead of wheat flour?

Using almond flour instead of wheat flour offers several advantages, particularly for individuals following specific diets or those with dietary restrictions. Since my daughter was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, almond flour or ground almonds have become an absolute staple in our kitchen. But here are some reasons why almond flour is a popular alternative:

  1. Gluten-Free: Almond flour is naturally gluten-free, making it an excellent choice for people with gluten sensitivity or those who have celiac disease.
  2. Low Carbohydrate: Almond flour is lower in carbohydrates compared to traditional wheat flour. This makes it a preferred option for individuals following low-carb or ketogenic diets.
  3. Nutrient-Rich: Almond flour is rich in nutrients, including healthy fats, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin E, magnesium, and potassium. It provides more nutritional value compared to refined wheat flour.
  4. Blood Sugar Control: Almond flour has a lower glycemic index than wheat flour, meaning it has a smaller impact on blood sugar levels. This can be beneficial for individuals managing diabetes or those looking to stabilize their blood sugar.
  5. Dietary Fiber: Almond flour contains dietary fibre, which supports digestive health and can contribute to a feeling of fullness. Fiber is often lacking in traditional wheat flour.
  6. Unique Flavor and Texture: Almond flour adds a nutty flavour and a moist, tender texture to baked goods, enhancing the overall taste of the final product.

Using Almond flour has meant that my daughter has been able to enjoy cakes and biscuits without the need to give any insulin alongside them. This little bit of food freedom from insulin may not sound like much but for her, it can be quite liberating. This has only been possible however when we have used sugar alternatives as well.

baking with almond flour blog

Baking with Almond Flour

This article looks into the benefits of using almond flour in baking and for diabetes management, how to use it, along with plenty of top tips.

It’s important to note that almond flour may not be a one-to-one substitute for wheat flour in all recipes due to its different composition. But you can read more about this in my Baking with Almond Flour Guide. Additionally, those with nut allergies should avoid almond flour and opt for other gluten-free alternatives like coconut flour or rice flour.


What is the difference between ground almonds and almond flour?

Almond flour involves a blanching process to remove the skins of the almonds before being finely ground into a flour. Whereas ground almonds are a coarser version of almond flour and they tend to be ground with their skins still on. Ground almonds can also be called almond meal.

I find both types are very interchangeable, so use whichever you prefer and can easily buy.

You can find a list of my recommended products that I use on my shop page!


Baking with a sugar substitute

In this recipe, I use a white sweetener, xylitol. This is a nutritive 1:1 substitute for sugar and I find it works really well in baking and cooking.

This is my sweetener of choice due to its low glycaemic index, it doesn’t have a funny taste profile and we found that it doesn’t cause a rise in blood glucose levels.

You could also use an erythritol-based sweetener if you prefer. This is also a 1:1 sugar replacement and doesn’t cause a rise in blood glucose levels, but I personally find it can alter the taste profile of your food.

You can find a list of my recommended products that I use on my shop page!

If you prefer to use other sweeteners like sucralose or stevia, remember to convert your quantity. Most brands have this information on their websites. And if you would like to read more on different sugar substitutes and diabetes then make sure to read this post:

Sugar Substitutes and Diabetes Management

The world of sugar substitutes and type 1 diabetes can be confusing. This guide explores substitutes in the UK and diabetes management

However please also feel free to use good old-fashioned caster sugar if that is your preference. Just remember to carb count for it!

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different sweeteners and quantities in my sweet treat recipes. It may take a few attempts to find your preference as we all have different palates.


quick almond biscuits stacked in a tin

Ingredients for almond biscuits

  • Ground almonds/almond flour
    • A great gluten-free alternative to wheat flour
    • This flour adds a lovely nutty flavour and is a great no carb-count option for cakes and biscuits
    • See above for more info
  • Baking Powder
    • I use gluten-free
    • Essential for adding air and lightness to your bake
  • Sugar alternative
    • I used Xylitol but you could also use erythritol
    • See above for recommendations and suggestions
  • Eggs
    • A key component to any bake and should be free-range if you can
  • Butter
    • Helps to bind the ingredients
  • Almond essence
    • An artificial flavour enhancer
    • Adds extra delicious almond flavour

Equipment Needed

Spatula / Mixing spoon

Measuring Spoon (tsp/ tbsp)

Mixing Bowl

Weighing Scales

Baking Tray

Cooling Rack

Cookie Scoop


How to make these easy almond biscuits

These almond biscuits are quick to make and can be hand mixed without the need for any particular equipment or fuss.

Step 1

Start by preheating your oven to 200C / 180C fan and prepare a baking tray with greaseproof paper.

almond flour in a bowl

Step 2

Next in a large bowl mix together the almond flour, baking powder and xylitol.

wet ingredients for blackberry banana muffins

Step 3

Then in a separate bowl whisk the eggs, melted butter, and almond essence

almond biscuit dough

Step 4

Add the wet mixture to your dry and mix to combine into a soft dough

uncooked almond dough balls before being flattened ona baking tray

Step 5

Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, spoon out some mixture, lightly roll it into a ball and place it on the baking sheet.
Repeat this process another 11 times.

uncooked almond biscuits

Step 5

Then using something with a flat round surface (I used a coffee press) lightly press the biscuits to form a circular cookie shape. You can also use your fingers for a more rustic-looking cookie.

12 uncooked baked almond biscuits on a baking tray.

Step 6

Gently press some flaked almonds onto the top of each biscuit and then place the tray in the preheated oven to bake for 15 minutes or until the biscuits have a light golden colour.

12 baked almond biscuits on a baking tray.

Step 7

Leave them to completely cool on the tray before transferring them to a cooling rack


Recipe Variations

The almond cookies are delicious just as they are but this basic recipe is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit lots of other flavour combinations.

Here are a few suggestions you could try:

Add a Zesty Hit – Add some Orange, Lemon or Lime Zest to the biscuit dough – the pairing of the sweet almond and tangy zest gives these cookies a refreshing twist.

Add some warmth – Try adding a tsp or 2 of mixed spice, pumpkin spice or cinnamon for a warmer earthier sweet flavour to your biscuits

almond chocolate cookies

Chocolate – Adding cocoa powder and chocolate chunks to your basic almond biscuit recipe is a great way to create a rich, indulgent treat.

Click below for the recipe and instructions

Almond Chocolate Cookies

For a tropical flavour – Mixing unsweetened shredded coconut into your almond biscuit dough adds texture and a slightly tropical flair to this classic cookie recipe.

Try another Nut – Swap out some (or all) of the almonds in your recipe for pistachios! This variation gives the cookies an earthy yet slightly sweet flavour. Blitz the pistachios in a blender first to make a fine nut flour

Pile of easy savoury cheese biscuits in a bowl

Cheese – This recipe is so versatile you can even make them into a savoury biscuit version.

Try this delicious gluten-free and carb count-free Easy Savoury Cheese Biscuits recipe.

Whichever variation you choose, almond biscuits are sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. They are easy to make, versatile, and always delicious!


Tips for Making Ground Almond Biscuits Perfectly Every Time

Here are some of my top tips for making the best batch of almond biscuits every time:

  • Proper measurement and mixing of ingredients – As with all recipes the most reliable way to ensure the best results is to accurately weigh and follow the steps below. I always use weighing scales to help with this.
  • Baking time and temperature – Ovens vary in temperature and how they cook so keep an eye on your biscuits to determine if they need longer or less time in the oven. I often start checking 5 minutes before with any recipe. These biscuits should have a light golden colour when they come out of the oven.
  • Leave the biscuits to cool on the baking tray – These biscuits are very soft when they are hot so leave them to cool on the baking tray before you move them to a cooling rack to completely finish cooling.

Zero carb count almond biscuits randomly placed on a  baking tray

How to store the almond biscuits

You can store these almond biscuits happily in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days. Although I would be amazed if they lasted that long!

You can also freeze the cooked cookies which is great if you want to batch cook so that you can grab them as you want them.

To freeze them pop the cookies onto a baking tray but make sure they aren’t touching. Once fully frozen you can then put them in an airtight container or bag for up to 1 month.


Diabetes Note

These delicious quick almond biscuits are a carb count free option for us! But as always you know best what ingredients to count for.

Carb Counting

The overall carb count for each individual biscuit is 0 grams!!!


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Quick Ground Almond Biscuits - Carb & Gluten Free

Quick Ground Almond Biscuits – Carb & Gluten Free

Recipe by Michelle

Are you craving a biscuit but don’t want to have to work out the carb count? Then these quick almond biscuits are just what you have been looking for!

Course: Sweet treatsCuisine: BritishDifficulty: Easy
4.3 from 15 votes
Servings

12

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

15

minutes
Total time

25

minutes
Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

  • 250 g 250 ground almonds/almond flour

  • 2 tsp 2 baking powder

  • 45 g 45 xylitol

  • 40 g 40 butter, melted

  • 2 large 2 eggs

  • 1 tsp 1 almond essence

  • Handful Handful flaked almonds for decoration

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 200C / 180C fan
  • Prepare a baking tray with greaseproof paper.
  • In a large bowl mix together the almond flour, baking powder and xylitol.
  • In a separate bowl whisk the eggs, melted butter and almond essence
  • Add the wet mixture to your dry and mix to combine into a soft dough
  • Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, spoon out some mixture, lightly roll it into a ball and place it on the baking sheet.
    Repeat this process another 11 times.
  • Using something with a flat round surface (I used a coffee press) dust with almond flour and lightly press the biscuits to form a circular cookie shape. You can also use your fingers for a more rustic-looking cookie.
  • Gently press some flaked almonds onto the top of each biscuit
  • Place the tray in the oven and bake for 15 minutes or until the biscuits have a light golden colour.
  • Leave them to cool on the tray before transferring to a cooling rack.

Equipment

Tips and Notes

  • Make sure you leave the biscuits completely to cool, as they are too soft to handle when they are hot.
  • Store in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days.
  • Diabetes Note – None of the ingredients need to be diabetic carb counted. Making these biscuits a carb-count-free treat. But as always you know best if there are any ingredients that you should count for.
Michelle Rorke avatar

AUTHOR

6 responses to “Quick Ground Almond Biscuits – Carb & Gluten Free”

  1. Jenny avatar

    Absolutely fantastic recipe for diabetes and people wanting to eat healthy. I can’t thank you enough. My BFF and her son are type 1 diabetics so I am always on the lookout for things I can make them.

    1. Michelle Rorke avatar

      Hi Jenny
      Thank you so much for your lovely comment and I’m so pleased you enjoyed this recipe! Michelle

  2. Alastair avatar

    Hi Michelle,

    I’ve just read through your almond biscuit and I notice that there is an error with your information. Almonds are not carbohydrate free, but are 22%, therefore each biscuit will contain approximately 5g of carbohydrate.

    1. Michelle avatar

      Hi Alastair
      Thank you for message. The carb counting information I add to my posts is based on countable carbs for insulin requirements for a type 1 diabetic. This means as in this case here, some foods that still contain carbohydrates aren’t in fact countable like almonds. However, I do also appreciate that this rule doesn’t apply to every person with diabetes, as I point out in the Diabetes Note.
      Nevertheless, you have flagged that I should definitely make this clearer to avoid any future confusion. Thank you!
      Michelle x

  3. Kylie avatar

    These are amazing!!!! Not only are they the perfect no carb snack for my diabetic daughter but they are also enjoyed by our whole family. Super easy and quick to make. Best part is your recipes have the ingredients in grams Thank you!!!! This not only makes it easy to actually make the recipe but helps work out carbs. Keep sharing your amazing recipes. Thank you 😊

    1. Michelle avatar

      Thank you so much, Kylie. I am so pleased that you and all your family enjoy them we do too! And thank you for your other lovely words of support. I will definitely keep sharing x

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