These Crunchy Almond Seed Chocolate Cookies are made with just 7 wholesome ingredients, no oil or flour, and in 1 bowl. They’re gluten-free, grain-free, Paleo, and could be made vegan. Perfect for a delicious healthy snack that’s quick and easy to make.

Crunchy Almond Seed Chocolate Cookies Stacked on a parchment paper lined cooling rack with nuts and seeds around and a lit up Christmas tree in the background

The holidays are just around the corner and my social media feed is jammed with cookies in every shape and flavor! But let’s be honest, not all of us have the time or patience for complicated baking projects, especially during the busiest time of the year! That’s why I’m all about quick and easy 1-bowl recipes that are pretty much effortless. So, in the spirit of keeping things simple and delicious, I created these healthier Crunchy Almond Seed Chocolate Cookies. Made with just 7 wholesome ingredients, these cookies are a game changer. They’re the perfect blend of crunchy goodness, wholesome nutrition, and that irresistible chocolatey charm, all coming together in one bowl – no fuss, no muss. So, grab your mixing bowl, and let’s make some cookie magic happen – trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

Crunchy Almond Seed Chocolate Cookies - Top view on a parchment paper lined cooling rack

Ingredients in Crunchy Almond Seed Chocolate Cookies

  • Sliced Almonds: Raw sliced almonds add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to our cookies. Feel free to substitute with raw chopped almonds, pecans, walnuts, or hazelnuts for a different twist, or replace them with more pumpkin seeds to make them nut-free. It’s best to use raw nuts and seeds since they will get roasted while baking in the oven.
  • Pumpkin Seeds: Raw pumpkin seeds bring a unique texture and are packed with nutrients like zinc, magnesium, and healthy fats. Sunflower seeds can be a great alternative if pumpkin seeds aren’t your thing.
  • Unsweetened Coconut Flakes: Coconut flakes give a subtle sweetness and chewy texture. If you’re not a coconut fan, try using rolled oats or more nuts and/or seeds of choice. I like to use unsweetened coconut flakes with just 1 ingredient to avoid unnecessary additives, preservatives, and refined sugar.
  • Honey (or Maple Syrup): I prefer using honey in this recipe since it’s thicker and is better at holding the cookies together. However, I’ve also tested this recipe with maple syrup and it does work for those seeking a vegan option.
  • Large egg: The egg is important for binding the ingredients together. If you can’t have eggs, a flax egg is the next best thing. Start by mixing 1 tablespoon of ground flax seeds with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for 10 minutes or more until it thickens up into a gel. Remember that when using a flax egg, the cookies might fall apart and lose their shape a bit once you take them out of the oven. That is OK. Use a spoon to push the cookies together to form circles while they’re still hot. As the cookies cool down they will stick together and firm up.
  • Vanilla Extract: Vanilla enhances the overall flavor of the cookies. It’s a classic, but almond extract could also be interesting for an extra nutty flavor.
  • Sea Salt: Sea salt balances the sweetness and brings out the flavors. I also love to sprinkle some coarse sea salt such as Maldon over the chocolate after dipping, but that’s optional.
  • Dark Chocolate: Dark chocolate provides a rich, deep flavor and antioxidants. You can either use dark chocolate chips or small chunks of dairy-free 70% or more dark chocolate.

Crunchy Almond Seed Chocolate Cookies - Side view on a parchment paper lined cooling rack

How to Make Crunchy Almond Seed Chocolate Cookies

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced almonds, pumpkin seeds, unsweetened coconut flakes, honey, egg, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Stir very well until everything is thoroughly combined.
  3. Shape the Cookies: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, place small portions of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each cookie slightly with the back of the spoon or your fingers, ensuring the mixture is tightly pressed together.
  4. Bake: Put the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are golden around the edges. If using flax egg, the cookies might fall apart a bit once you take them out of the oven. If that’s the case, don’t worry! Just push them back together with a spoon to form circles while they’re hot. They will stick together and firm up as they cool down.
  5. Cool Down: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for at least 15 minutes. This is crucial as they are very soft when hot and will firm up as they cool.
  6. Remove from Parchment Paper: After cooling, gently remove the cookies from the parchment paper using a flat knife or straight spatula. If they’re sticking, chilling them in the fridge for about 30 minutes can help.
  7. Melt the Chocolate: Chop the dark chocolate into small pieces and melt it in a microwave or using a double boiler method. For the double boiler method, place the chocolate chunks in a small heat-proof bowl. Put the bowl over a pot of boiling water and cover it with a lid until the chocolate has completely melted.
  8. Dip in Chocolate: Dip the back of each cookie into the melted chocolate and place them on a parchment paper-lined flat surface with the chocolate side up. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt, if desired.
  9. Set the Chocolate: Allow the chocolate to firm up by placing the cookies in the fridge for 5 minutes or leaving them out at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Enjoy!

Crunchy Almond Seed Chocolate Cookies - Closeup on a parchment paper lined cooling rack

How to Store Crunchy Almond Seed Chocolate Cookies

Storing your Crunchy Almond Seed Chocolate Cookies properly ensures they stay delicious and fresh. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Room Temperature Storage: Once completely cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week.
  2. Refrigerator Storage: If you prefer them a bit firmer or want to keep them fresh longer, place the cookies in an airtight container and store them in the fridge. They can last for up to 2 weeks this way.
  3. Freezing for Longer Storage: For long-term storage, these cookies freeze well. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or in the fridge when ready to enjoy.
  4. Tips for Best Texture: If your cookies have been refrigerated or frozen, letting them sit at room temperature for a little while before serving can help bring back their ideal texture.

By following these storage tips, you can enjoy your homemade cookies whenever the craving hits!

Crunchy Almond Seed Chocolate Cookies Stacked on a parchment paper lined cooling rack with nuts and seeds around and a lit up Christmas tree in the background and fingers reaching to grab the top cookie

More Easy Cookie Recipes

If you try and enjoy these Crunchy Almond Seed Chocolate Cookies, please leave a comment and rate the recipe. Don’t forget to tag your photo @nutriholist #nutriholist on Instagram or share a picture on our Facebook page. We love seeing your creations!

Crunchy Almond Seed Chocolate Cookies Stacked on a parchment paper lined cooling rack with nuts and seeds around and a lit up Christmas tree in the background
Print Recipe
4.94 from 29 votes

Crunchy Almond Seed Chocolate Cookies

These Crunchy Almond Seed Chocolate Cookies are made with just 7 wholesome ingredients, no oil or flour, and in 1 bowl. They’re gluten-free, grain-free, Paleo, and could be made vegan. Perfect for a delicious healthy snack that’s quick and easy to make.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Chilling Time15 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: Dairy-free, Gluten-free, Grain-free, Paleo, Refined Sugar-free
Servings: 12 cookies
Author: Mitra @Nutriholist

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup raw sliced almonds {See Notes}
  • 1/2 cup raw pumpkin seeds (or sunflower seeds)
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes {See Notes}
  • 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 1 large egg {See Notes}
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • 150 grams (5 oz) dark chocolate (I used 70%)

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a large mixing bowl, add the sliced almonds, pumpkin seeds, unsweetened coconut flakes, honey, egg, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Stir very well until thoroughly combined.
  • Scoop out small portions of the mixture using a cookie scoop or a spoon and place on the lined baking sheet. Flatten the cookies using the back of a spoon or your fingers, pressing the almonds, pumpkin seeds, and coconut flakes tightly together.
  • Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they get golden around the edges. Cool down completely on the baking sheet for at least 15 minutes. This is crucial as the cookies will be very soft when hot and will firm up as they cool.
  • These cookies tend to stick to the parchment paper. So once they’ve cooled down, slip a knife or straight spatula underneath the cookies to get them off the parchment paper. I find them easier to remove from the baking sheet if they’ve chilled in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
  • In the meantime, chop dark chocolate into small pieces, place in a shallow bowl, and melt in 30-second intervals in the microwave or using the double boiler method {See Notes}.
  • Dip the back of the cookies in melted dark chocolate and place on a flat surface lined with parchment paper with the chocolate side up. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt like Maldon, if desired.
  • Chill the cookies in the fridge for 5 minutes or leave them out at room temperature for about 30 minutes (if not too hot) for the chocolate to firm up. Enjoy and store leftovers in an airtight container over the counter for up to a week, in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Notes

  • Feel free to substitute the sliced almonds with raw chopped almonds, pecans, walnuts, or hazelnuts for a different twist, or replace them with more pumpkin seeds to make them nut-free. 
  • It's best to use raw nuts and seeds since they will get roasted while baking in the oven. 
  • If you can't have coconut, you could replace them with more nuts and/or seeds of choice.
  • If you can't have eggs, a flax egg is the next best thing. Start by mixing 1 tablespoon of ground flax seeds with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for 10 minutes or more until it thickens up into a gel. Remember that when using a flax egg, the cookies might fall apart and lose their shape a bit once you take them out of the oven. That is OK. Use a spoon to push the cookies together to form circles while they're still hot. As the cookies cool down they will stick together and firm up.
  • To melt the chocolate using the double boiler method, break it into small chunks and place it in a small heat-proof bowl. Put the bowl over a pot of boiling water and cover it with a lid until the chocolate has completely melted.