Almond Cookies Recipe
If you have a love for light, melt-in-your-mouth treats with a nutty twist, then Almond Cookies are about to become your new obsession. These cookies are deliciously tender, brimming with that unmistakable almond aroma, and finished with a sweet, glossy glaze. Whether you serve them to impress at a party or enjoy them alongside your morning coffee, Almond Cookies never fail to delight both kids and adults alike. With a simple ingredient list and easy steps, it’s hard to believe just how irresistible these treats turn out!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every element in these Almond Cookies plays a starring role, bringing a perfect balance of flavor, tenderness, and crunch. Stick with these classics for best results, and don’t overlook those little details that take a cookie from good to unforgettable.
- Butter: Soft but still cold butter makes the cookies incredibly tender and lends a subtle richness to the dough.
- Sugar: Regular granulated sugar perfectly sweetens the dough without making it too heavy.
- Almond Extract: This powerful extract gives the cookies their signature aromatic flavor—don’t be tempted to skip or swap it!
- Flour: All-purpose flour gives structure while keeping the crumb light, letting the almond flavor shine through.
- Baking Powder: Just a touch lifts the cookies ever so slightly, ensuring a tender bite.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors at play.
- Powdered Sugar: Essential for that silky-smooth glaze that sets beautifully atop each cookie.
- Water: Used in the glaze to deliver the perfect consistency for easy drizzling.
How to Make Almond Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper—this not only prevents sticking but also ensures your Almond Cookies bake up with those lovely golden bottoms we all crave.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the butter, sugar, and almond extract until the mixture is silky and smooth. This step is essential for creating that melt-in-your-mouth crumb, so don’t rush it—let the mixer run until everything looks light and fluffy.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This guarantees even distribution of the leavening agent and salt so each bite of your Almond Cookies is perfectly balanced.
Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, about two tablespoons at a time, mixing just until combined each round. This slow-and-steady approach helps keep the dough tender and prevents over-mixing, which can lead to tough cookies. You’ll know it’s just right when the dough comes together and pulls cleanly away from the bowl.
Step 5: Shape and Bake
Roll the dough into small 1-inch balls and set them on your lined baking sheet, spacing slightly apart. Flatten gently—aim for a thick checker shape. Bake for exactly 7 minutes; don’t be alarmed if they look pale and underdone—Almond Cookies firm up as they cool, resulting in that irresistible soft center.
Step 6: Add Almonds and Cool
Let the cookies cool only until they’re just warm, then press sliced almonds on top of each one. The residual warmth helps the almonds nestle beautifully without falling off later.
Step 7: Make the Glaze
Whisk together powdered sugar, almond extract, and water in a small bowl until completely smooth. Aim for a consistency that drizzles off your spoon but still clings to the cookie for the perfect finish.
Step 8: Glaze and Set
Drizzle a spoonful of glaze over the almonds and cookies. Let everything sit until the glaze is fully set and slightly shiny—this is the finishing touch that makes Almond Cookies so visually appealing and extra delicious.
How to Serve Almond Cookies
Garnishes
The classic finish is a drizzle of almond-scented glaze and a few artfully arranged sliced almonds. For a little color, add a sprinkle of finely chopped pistachios or edible rose petals—these tiny touches turn every cookie into a mini work of art.
Side Dishes
Almond Cookies pair remarkably well with fresh fruit, like a bowl of juicy berries or citrus wedges, for a refreshing contrast. They also shine alongside vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream if you’re feeling a little extra indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant spread, pile your Almond Cookies onto a tiered serving tray lined with doilies. Tuck a few between squares of dark chocolate or bundle them in clear bags tied with ribbon for a sweet homemade gift—everyone feels special when handed cookies this pretty!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Almond Cookies keep their lovely texture best when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for 3 to 4 days, though they rarely last that long in my house! Layering parchment between them helps protect their delicate finish.
Freezing
To freeze, let Almond Cookies cool completely, then arrange in a single layer in a freezer-safe container. Once frozen, you can stack them with parchment between the layers. They’ll maintain their flavor and texture for up to 2 months. When a craving hits, just thaw at room temperature for half an hour and you’re good to go.
Reheating
If your Almond Cookies have lost some of their original softness, a quick zap in the microwave for 5 to 10 seconds brings them right back to life. Just be sure not to overheat them—you want them barely warm, not hot and crumbly.
FAQs
Can I use margarine instead of butter in Almond Cookies?
You can replace butter with margarine if needed, but the cookies may lose a bit of their characteristic richness and tenderness. Butter provides the best flavor and texture in Almond Cookies, so I recommend sticking with it whenever possible.
Can I use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Almond flour is not a direct substitute for all-purpose flour in this recipe—using it will change the texture and potentially affect the ability of the cookies to hold together. For gluten-free baking, I recommend using a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend instead.
What if I don’t have almond extract?
The almond extract is truly what makes Almond Cookies so aromatic and unique. If you don’t have any, substitute with vanilla extract, but the cookies won’t have the same signature flavor. Make a note to grab almond extract for next time; it’s worth it!
How do I know when to take the cookies out of the oven?
Almond Cookies are ready when the edges are just barely set and the tops still look pale. Overbaking leads to dry cookies, so pull them at 7 minutes even if they seem soft—they’ll firm up perfectly as they cool.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely! Almond Cookies are a great option for parties or cookie swaps. Simply double all the ingredients, making sure to mix the dough in two batches if your mixer is on the smaller side for even results.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably special about sharing a fresh batch of Almond Cookies with friends and family. If you love cookies that are full of flavor with the most delightful texture, give this recipe a try—you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again. Happy baking!
Print
Almond Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These delicious almond cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion. With a buttery almond flavor and a sweet glaze, they are sure to impress your friends and family.
Ingredients
Cookies:
- 1 cup butter, soft but still cold
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 cups flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons almond extract
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Cookies: Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl of a stand mixer cream the butter, sugar, and almond extract until smooth.
- In a separate bowl mix the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the flour mixture 2 tablespoons at a time to the butter mixture until completely combined.
- Roll into small 1-inch balls and flatten slightly. Cook for 7 minutes.
- Cool cookies until they are just warm and place sliced almonds on top of each cookie.
- Glaze: In a small bowl, combine powdered sugar, almond extract, mixing until smooth.
- Drizzle a spoonful of glaze on top of the almonds and cookie. Let cookies sit until the icing has set.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is soft but still cold for the best texture.
- Do not overmix the dough once the flour is added.
- The glaze can be adjusted for a thicker or thinner consistency.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Almond Cookies, Dessert, Baking, Cookies, Almond
