Soft Almond Sugar Cookies Recipe
Introduction
Soft Almond Sugar Cookies offer a tender, buttery bite accented with delicate almond flavor. Topped with a smooth almond glaze and optional sliced almonds, these cookies are perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 10 tablespoons (140 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons almond extract
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour, weighed or spooned and leveled
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup (90 g) powdered sugar (for icing)
- 1½ tablespoons milk (for icing)
- ⅛ teaspoon almond extract (for icing)
- ¼ cup sliced almonds, optional for topping
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using a mixer at medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Step 3: Add the egg and almond extract to the butter mixture and mix well to combine.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt, then gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing thoroughly. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Step 5: Using a cookie scoop or by hand, scoop 3 to 4 tablespoons of dough and roll it into a ball. Place each ball on the baking sheet spaced 2 to 3 inches apart.
- Step 6: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 9 to 12 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn golden.
- Step 7: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Step 8: While the cookies cool, prepare the icing by stirring together the powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract in a small bowl until smooth.
- Step 9: Spread the icing evenly over the cooled cookies and, if desired, sprinkle sliced almonds on top for extra texture and flavor.
Tips & Variations
- Use a hand or stand mixer with a paddle attachment for easy creaming of butter and sugar.
- For a stronger almond flavor, add an extra ½ teaspoon of almond extract to the dough or icing.
- Substitute sliced almonds with chopped pistachios or toasted coconut for a different topping.
- Keep dough chilled before baking if it feels too soft for easier handling.
Storage
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep the icing fresh, avoid stacking the cookies while stored. Cookies can also be frozen before icing for up to 3 months; thaw completely before icing and serving. Reheat gently in a low oven if desired.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Almond flour has different properties and no gluten, so it will change the texture significantly. For best results, stick with all-purpose flour for these soft sugar cookies.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and avoid adding extra liquid. Chilling the dough before baking can also help maintain their shape.
PrintSoft Almond Sugar Cookies Recipe
These Soft Almond Sugar Cookies are tender, buttery, and infused with a delicate almond flavor. Topped with a smooth almond icing and optional sliced almonds, they make a perfect treat for any occasion. Easy to prepare and bake, these cookies bring a delightful almond twist to the classic sugar cookie.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12–15 cookies depending on size 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Almond Sugar Cookies
- 10 tablespoons (140 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons almond extract
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour, spooned, leveled or weighed
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Almond Icing
- ¾ cup (90 g) powdered sugar
- 1½ tablespoons milk
- ⅛ teaspoon almond extract
- ¼ cup sliced almonds (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) to prepare for baking the cookies.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer with the paddle attachment to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add Egg and Almond Extract: Mix in the large egg and almond extract thoroughly until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix thoroughly until fully incorporated, scraping down the bowl as necessary.
- Form and Bake Cookies: Scoop 3-4 tablespoons of dough and roll into balls. Place the dough balls on a baking sheet spaced 2-3 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 9-12 minutes, or until the edges just begin to tan.
- Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Almond Icing: In a small bowl, stir together the powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract until smooth and creamy.
- Decorate: Spread the almond icing over the cooled cookies and, if desired, sprinkle sliced almonds on top for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- Ensure butter and egg are at room temperature for best creaming results.
- Do not overbake the cookies to maintain their soft texture; edges should just start to tan.
- For a stronger almond flavor, you can slightly increase the almond extract but avoid overpowering the cookie.
- Optional sliced almonds on top add a lovely crunch and enhance the almond flavor.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Keywords: almond sugar cookies, soft cookies, almond icing, homemade cookies, easy cookie recipe, almond extract cookies
