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Easy Almond Cookies Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a cookie recipe that’s both impressively simple and deliciously nutty, you’re going to love this Easy Almond Cookies Recipe. Trust me, these little bites of almond heaven are straightforward enough for even a beginner baker, yet so flavorful and tender that they’ll quickly become a family favorite. I absolutely love how these cookies come out just the right balance of chewy and crisp – perfect with your afternoon tea or as a special treat anytime!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Simple ingredients: You’ll find everything you need at any grocery store, no fuss or fancy stuff needed.
  • Wonderful almond flavor: Thanks to a good splash of almond extract and almond flour, the taste really shines.
  • Great texture combo: The cookies are soft inside with just a little crunch on top from sliced almonds.
  • Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a casual coffee break or festive gathering, these cookies always impress.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the stars of this recipe. The combination of almond flour and cold butter creates that tender, flaky texture. Plus, almond extract really amps up the nutty goodness, while sliced almonds add a lovely crunch on top. When shopping, grab good quality almond extract for the best flavor blast.

Easy Almond Cookies Recipe - Ingredients
  • Cold unsalted butter: Using it cold helps with the texture and makes creaming with sugar easier.
  • Granulated sugar: Provides the perfect sweetness and helps create that slight crispness on the edges.
  • Large eggs: Room temperature helps everything bind smoothly.
  • Almond extract: The key to that unmistakable almond aroma and flavor.
  • Vanilla extract: Just a touch adds warmth and depth.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
  • Almond flour: Gives these cookies their signature nutty texture and taste.
  • Sliced almonds: Adds crunch and looks beautiful on top.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love experimenting with this easy almond cookies recipe — sometimes I switch up the toppings or try different glazes. Feel free to play around with flavors and textures to make it truly your own!

  • Glaze it up: My favorite tweak is adding a simple vanilla or almond glaze over the cooled cookies — it adds a lovely touch of sweetness and makes them look extra special.
  • Nut swap: If you want a bit of variety, try using chopped pistachios or pecans instead of sliced almonds for a different crunch.
  • Low-sugar version: You can reduce sugar slightly and add a teaspoon of maple syrup for a more natural sweetener, though the texture may change a bit.

How to Make Easy Almond Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep your oven and baking sheets

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C), giving it at least 30 minutes to fully heat — this steady heat is key for even baking. Line one or two baking sheets with parchment paper so the cookies won’t stick and cleanup is a breeze. Trust me, prepping early saves you headaches later!

Step 2: Cream the butter and sugar

Pop your cold cubed butter into a mixing bowl with granulated sugar, and with a paddle attachment on medium speed, cream them together for 2 to 3 minutes. You’ll notice the mixture turning light and fluffy — this is the magic that helps your cookies rise just right. If you don’t have a mixer, a sturdy wooden spoon and some muscle will do in a pinch.

Step 3: Add eggs and extracts

Lower your mixer speed and slowly add in the eggs, almond extract, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is silky smooth. You’ll want to scrape down your bowl a couple times during this process to make sure all that rich flavor is evenly distributed. This step really builds the base of your cookie dough.

Step 4: Incorporate almond flour and salt

Now mix in your almond flour and salt. It’s important to fold these ingredients in gently and just until combined — overmixing can make the cookies tough. The dough will be slightly sticky but hold together nicely.

Step 5: Shape and top your cookies

Using a small cookie scoop (about one tablespoon), scoop portions of dough and roll into balls with your hands. Place the dough balls 2 inches apart on your lined baking sheet. Press a few sliced almonds gently on top of each cookie — I love this part because it adds such a pretty, textured finish. If you prefer, you can also press a whole almond on each cookie instead.

Step 6: Bake and cool

Bake for about 14 to 16 minutes, watching closely for the edges and tops to set without browning too much. Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. If you want, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle your glaze once cooled for a beautiful touch.

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Pro Tips for Making Easy Almond Cookies Recipe

  • Don’t skip the cold butter: It really helps to hold the cookie structure and gives you that tender crumb.
  • Use room temperature eggs: I learned this the hard way—cold eggs can cause your dough to curdle and be harder to mix.
  • Watch your baking time closely: Slightly underbaking keeps your cookies chewy, but overbaking will dry them out.
  • Let cookies cool fully on sheet: Moving them too soon can cause breakage; patience pays off here.

How to Serve Easy Almond Cookies Recipe

Easy Almond Cookies Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I like to dust these cookies with some powdered sugar or drizzle a simple almond glaze to make them look as good as they taste. If you’re feeling fancy, a tiny sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top balances the sweetness beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair your almond cookies with a hot cup of chai tea or coffee—the nutty flavors complement each other perfectly. For a brunch or dessert spread, these cookies also go wonderfully alongside fresh fruit or a creamy cheese platter.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I like arranging these cookies on a tiered cake stand, separating layers with sprigs of fresh rosemary or edible flowers. Packaging them in little cellophane bags tied with satin ribbons also makes a sweet homemade gift for friends and neighbors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover almond cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they keep beautifully for up to a week. The texture stays soft but still holds that delightful almond crunch.

Freezing

If I want to save some for later, I freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Thawing them at room temperature brings them back to life perfectly.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop a couple of cookies in the microwave for about 10 seconds or warm them gently in a low oven for 5 minutes — this revives that fresh-baked softness and aroma.

FAQs

  1. Can I use regular flour instead of almond flour in this recipe?

    You could try, but almond flour is key to the texture and flavor of these cookies. Using regular all-purpose flour will change the consistency and reduce the almond flavor significantly. If you’re out of almond flour, it’s best to find a substitute almond cookie recipe designed for traditional flour.

  2. Is it okay to use almond extract only, or can I skip it?

    Almond extract is what makes these cookies stand out, so I recommend keeping it in. If you skip it entirely, the cookies will be more subtle and less flavorful. If you’re sensitive to almond flavor, you can reduce the amount slightly but not remove it completely.

  3. How do I prevent my almond cookies from spreading too much?

    Make sure your butter is cold when you cream it with sugar, and avoid overmixing once you add the flour. Also, chilling the dough briefly before scooping can help keep the cookies from spreading too much while baking.

  4. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

    Absolutely! Since this recipe uses almond flour instead of regular flour, it’s naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your baking powder and other ingredients to ensure they’re gluten-free if you have any concerns.

Final Thoughts

I still remember the first time I baked this easy almond cookies recipe – the kitchen filled with the most amazing aroma, and by the time the cookies cooled, my whole family was fighting over the last one. Whether you’re baking to impress guests or just craving a comforting homemade treat, these cookies deliver every time. I can’t wait for you to try them and make these your go-to almond delight, too!

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Easy Almond Cookies Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 72 reviews
  • Author: Paula
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 14 minutes
  • Total Time: 49 minutes
  • Yield: 40 cookies
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Deliciously buttery and tender almond cookies made with almond flour, cold butter, and a hint of almond and vanilla extracts. These cookies are topped with sliced almonds for added crunch and baked to perfection for a delightful treat perfect for any occasion.


Ingredients

Cookie Dough

  • ½ cup (113 g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • 1½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons (10 ml) almond extract
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 3 cups (360 g) almond flour

Topping

  • ¼ cup sliced almonds for topping


Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) for about 30 minutes. Line 1-2 large baking sheets with parchment paper to prepare for baking the cookies.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: Add the cold unsalted butter cubes into a mixing bowl fitted with a paddle attachment. Using a mixer on medium speed, cream the butter and granulated sugar together for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
  3. Add Wet Ingredients: Lower the mixer speed to low and gradually mix in the eggs, almond extract, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Be sure to scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl as needed for even mixing.
  4. Combine Dry Ingredients: Add the almond flour and salt into the wet mixture. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which ensures tender cookies.
  5. Shape Cookies: Using a small cookie scoop (about 1 tablespoon/15 ml), portion the cookie dough and roll into balls. Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Top each cookie with sliced almonds for texture and appearance.
  6. Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 14-16 minutes until the edges and tops are set and lightly golden.
  7. Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, transfer to a cooling rack. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

  • Store: Place baked cookies in an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness.
  • Sliced Almonds: Sliced almonds add a nice crunch. You can omit them or use one whole almond on top of each cookie if preferred.
  • Almond Glaze: For an extra touch, whisk 1½ cups (180 g) powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons (30-45 ml) milk and either ½ teaspoon almond extract or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for glaze. Drizzle over cooled cookies and let set before enjoying.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 130
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 45 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 16 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 25 mg

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