If you’re hunting for a cookie that’s delightfully thin, crispy, and a little bit fancy but totally easy to make, I’ve got you covered. This Almond Lace Cookies with Chocolate Sandwiches Recipe is seriously one of my absolute favorites to pull out when I want to impress without breaking a sweat. The delicate almond lace cookies are crisp with an irresistible nutty flavor, and paired with a rich, melty chocolate filling? Soulmate status. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be hooked—and so will everyone you share them with.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicate Crunch with a Nutty Twist: The almond flour gives these lace cookies their signature thin, crispy texture and a subtle, rich flavor that melts in your mouth.
- Easy Yet Elegant: You’ll find this recipe simple to follow but the results look and taste like a bakery masterpiece, perfect when you want a homemade treat that wows.
- Customizable Chocolate Filling: Whether you love semi-sweet, milk, or dark chocolate, you can easily swap and still get that luscious sandwich cookie finish.
- Perfect Party & Tea Time Treat: Everyone I’ve shared these with goes crazy for them—they’re just the right size for nibbling alongside a hot drink or as a fancy dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need
When it comes to this Almond Lace Cookies with Chocolate Sandwiches Recipe, you really want to use quality ingredients that bring out the best flavor and texture. The almond flour is key to getting that classic lacy structure, while butter and honey add richness and depth.
- Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter lets you control the salt in the recipe perfectly without compromising on flavor.
- Light Brown Sugar: Packed light brown sugar adds a lovely caramel note for that just-right sweetness and chewiness in the lace cookies.
- Fine Almond Flour: Make sure it’s finely ground for the best texture and to help the cookies spread beautifully thin.
- Flour: A small amount keeps the cookies thin but stable enough to hold together without cracking.
- Salt: A pinch balances the sweetness and enhances the nutty flavors.
- Honey: Honey adds warmth and helps with that glossy, slightly sticky texture on the cookies as they bake.
- Vanilla Extract: It boosts the overall flavor with a hint of sweetness and aroma.
- Chocolate Chips (Semi-sweet or Milk): Choosing your favorite chocolate lets you create the perfect sandwich filling everyone will love.
Variations
I love to experiment with this Almond Lace Cookies with Chocolate Sandwiches Recipe. There’s so much room for personalization based on what you love or have on hand—including swapping nut flours, chocolate types, or even adding flavors.
- Nut Variations: Try swapping almond flour for hazelnut or pecan flour for a different but just as lovely nutty crunch. I discovered this trick when I ran out of almonds—it gave the cookies a whole new twist my family adored.
- Chocolate Flavors: Dark chocolate lovers, go ahead and use bittersweet chips instead of semi-sweet for a more intense experience—milk chocolate works too if you want a sweeter, creamier filling.
- Spiced Lace Cookies: Adding a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the cookie batter brings a subtle warmth and makes them festive during holidays.
- Gluten-Free Option: Using almond flour keeps the cookies naturally gluten-free, just be sure to use gluten-free flour for the small flour addition if you’re highly sensitive.
How to Make Almond Lace Cookies with Chocolate Sandwiches Recipe
Step 1: Melt Butter and Combine Ingredients
Start by melting the unsalted butter over low heat in a small saucepan. Once melted, whisk in the light brown sugar, fine almond flour, flour, salt, and honey. Cook this mixture gently for about 3-4 minutes until the sugar dissolves completely and the batter looks glossy. This step is crucial to create that signature lace texture—if the sugar graininess isn’t dissolved, the cookies won’t spread properly.
Step 2: Add Vanilla and Let the Batter Rest
Turn off the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. I like to let the batter sit for about 5-6 minutes here. It thickens slightly, which makes spooning it onto parchment so much easier. If you’re aiming for super uniform cookies, try gently rolling the dough into small balls as it cools. Just watch your hands because the mix is warm and sticky at this point!
Step 3: Scoop and Bake the Lace Cookies
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Use about 1 teaspoon of dough for each cookie, leaving at least 3 inches between them to allow spreading. I use a small silicone spatula to help scoop, which is a game changer—no sticky fingers here! Bake for 7-8 minutes until the edges are golden brown and you can see beautiful bubbles forming in the center.
Step 4: Cool and Prepare Chocolate Filling
Once baked, let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack or container. This gives them a chance to crisp all the way through and makes handling easier. When ready to fill, melt the chocolate chips in the microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring in between until smooth. Melting little by little prevents the chocolate from burning—a mistake I made the first time!
Step 5: Assemble the Chocolate Sandwich Cookies
Spoon a small dollop of melted chocolate onto the back of one cookie, then gently press another cookie on top to create a sandwich. The chocolate sets quickly, binding them into delicate little treats. Repeat with all cookies. I love how the thin cookies paired with the creamy filling creates this wonderful contrast of textures—and so does everyone else in my family!
Pro Tips for Making Almond Lace Cookies with Chocolate Sandwiches Recipe
- Patience with Cooling: Let your cookies cool completely before filling to avoid melted chocolate seeping out and losing that crisp texture.
- Uniform Size Trick: If you want perfectly uniform cookies, try rolling your batter into tiny balls after the mixture has slightly cooled—it helps keep shapes consistent.
- Avoid Overbaking: Keep a close eye during the last couple of minutes to catch that golden edge without turning them too dark—they’ll crisp up more as they cool.
- Scooping Made Easy: Using a small silicone spatula to scoop the sticky dough from the teaspoon really saves the mess and helps you portion neatly.
How to Serve Almond Lace Cookies with Chocolate Sandwiches Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep these cookies simple because their delicate texture is the star, but if I’m feeling fancy, a light dusting of powdered sugar looks adorable and adds just a whisper of sweetness without weighing them down. You can also drizzle a bit of white chocolate over the top for extra visual flair at parties.
Side Dishes
These cookies go hand-in-hand with hot beverages—think a robust cup of coffee, a soothing Earl Grey tea, or even a frothy cappuccino. I’ve found they’re also a lovely late-afternoon sweet paired with fresh fruit or a light cheese platter to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I love arranging these Almond Lace Cookies with Chocolate Sandwiches Recipe on a tiered dessert stand, especially with edible flowers or fresh berries nestled around them. You could also wrap pairs in parchment and tie with twine as cute gifts or party favors—always a hit during the holidays!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They keep wonderfully crisp for about a week. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before sealing—any trapped warmth creates moisture, which softens that prized crunch.
Freezing
I’ve frozen both the baked cookies (without chocolate filling) and the finished sandwiches. For the best results, freeze the cookies flat in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a zip-top bag—this prevents breakage. When you’re ready to eat, thaw at room temperature, then fill with melted chocolate as usual.
Reheating
If you want to bring a bit of that fresh-baked warmth back, pop the unfrosted cookies in a 300°F oven for 3-4 minutes before filling. For assembled sandwiches, leaving them out at room temperature is best—reheating can soften the lace too much.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of nuts instead of almonds in this recipe?
Absolutely! While almond flour gives the classic flavor and texture, you can substitute finely ground hazelnuts or pecans. Keep in mind that nut flours differ in oil content, so cookies may spread just a bit differently. I recommend experimenting with small batches to perfect your preferred variation.
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What chocolate works best for the sandwich filling?
Semi-sweet chocolate chips are my go-to because they balance sweetness and richness nicely. However, milk chocolate gives a creamier, sweeter filling, and dark chocolate adds a pleasantly bitter contrast. Feel free to pick your favorite chocolate—just make sure to melt it gently to avoid burning.
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How do I prevent the cookies from sticking to the baking sheet?
Parchment paper is a lifesaver here—you’ll want to line your baking sheets to keep the delicate cookies from sticking or breaking. If you don’t have parchment, silicone baking mats work well too. Avoid greasing the pan as the cookies can spread unevenly and become greasy.
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Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! The majority of this recipe relies on almond flour, which is naturally gluten-free. Just swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend or additional almond flour to ensure they’re safe for those avoiding gluten. Remember to check all your ingredients to avoid hidden gluten sources.
Final Thoughts
This Almond Lace Cookies with Chocolate Sandwiches Recipe is one of those little treasures I return to again and again. I love how effortlessly beautiful they turn out and how the crisp, nutty cookie perfectly frames that smooth chocolate filling. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to make for yourself, but also to share with friends and family because let’s be honest—these cookies bring on all the smiles. So go ahead—bake a batch, brew a cup of coffee, and enjoy every buttery, chocolatey bite. You won’t regret it!
Print
Almond Lace Cookies with Chocolate Sandwiches Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 28 cookies (14 chocolate-filled sandwich cookies)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicate and buttery Lace Cookies with a perfect balance of almond flour, brown sugar, and honey, baked to golden crispness and sandwiched with rich melted chocolate for a deliciously elegant treat.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ⅔ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup fine almond flour
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Filling
- 1 cup semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Set these aside while you prepare the dough.
- Melt Butter and Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, melt the ½ cup of unsalted butter over low heat. Once melted, add the brown sugar, almond flour, all-purpose flour, salt, and honey. Stir and cook for 3-4 minutes until the sugar fully dissolves, creating a smooth mixture.
- Add Vanilla and Let Dough Set: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Allow the mixture to sit for 5-6 minutes to slightly set and thicken, which helps control spreading during baking.
- Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheets: Using a teaspoon, scoop small amounts of the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 3 inches between each to accommodate spreading. For more uniform cookies, you can roll the dough into balls as it cools, but handle carefully as the dough will be hot initially.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 7-8 minutes until the edges turn golden brown and the cookies look bubbly and lacy.
- Cool Completely: Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack or an airtight container, ensuring they harden properly and maintain their lace texture.
- Melt Chocolate: When ready to assemble, gently melt the chocolate chips in the microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring between each until smooth and fully melted.
- Assemble Sandwich Cookies: Place a small spoonful of melted chocolate on the backside of one lace cookie, then press another cookie on top to form a sandwich. Repeat this process until all cookies are paired and filled.
Notes
- Be sure to keep enough space between the cookies on the baking sheet as they will spread significantly during baking.
- The dough sets as it cools, making it easier to shape into uniform balls if desired.
- Lace cookies are delicate when warm; handle gently to prevent breaking.
- For a different flavor, try using dark chocolate chips or adding a pinch of cinnamon to the dough.
- Store the finished sandwich cookies in an airtight container to keep them crisp.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (unfilled), about 10 grams
- Calories: 75
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 40 mg
- Fat: 4.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1.2 g
- Cholesterol: 12 mg
