These Saffron Spiced Almond cookies are perfect for winter and getting that “Christmas” feeling
with an Indian twist!
They have a hint of orange essence and contain pistachios and the world’s most expensive spice, saffron. So, make sure you only give them out to someone special!
If you would like these cookies to be sweeter or want to omit the pistachios, then I have suggested some adjustments at the bottom.
Ingredients
1 and 3/4 cups and 2 tablespoons of almond flour
1/4 cup finely ground pistachios (or chopped pistachios for texture)
1/3 cup cashew butter (or almond butter for a nuttier taste)
1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup
1 teaspoon ground cardamom (adjust to taste)
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Pinch of salt
1/8 teaspoon saffron threads (about 10–12 strands)
3 teaspoons warm plant-based milk (such as almond or oat milk)
1 teaspoon orange extract
Instructions
Preheat your Oven: Preheat your oven to 160°C (325F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Infuse the Saffron: Place the saffron threads in a small bowl with 3 teaspoons of warm plant-based milk. (I warmed the milk in the microwave for 20 seconds) Let it sit for 5–10 minutes.
Make the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine almond flour, ground pistachios, cashew butter, maple syrup, cardamom, cinnamon (if using), salt, and orange extract.
Pour in the saffron milk mixture, including the threads, and stir until the dough comes together. Adjust consistency with a bit more plant milk if needed.
Roll and Shape: Roll the dough between two sheets of parchment paper to about 1/4-inch thickness.
Cut into shapes with a cookie cutter and transfer to the lined baking sheet.
Add some slivers of pistachio in the centre if desired
Bake: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden at the edges. They’ll be soft when warm but will firm up as they cool.
Adjustments
If you would like the biscuits to be sweeter than increase the maple syrup quantity to 1/3 cup. If needed, add 1–2 tablespoons almond flour after mixing to adjust the dough's texture and proceed with the rest of the recipe as written.
If you would like to omit the pistachios, adjust the almond flour quantity to 2 cups almond flour.
Enjoy these with a nice cup of chai & your favourite Christmas film!