Keebler Almond Shortbread Cookies
There’s something utterly delightful about the crumbly, buttery texture of shortbread cookies, and when you add the sweet, nutty flavor of almonds, you have a treat that’s hard to resist. These Keebler Almond Shortbread Cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re enjoying a quiet afternoon with tea or hosting a festive gathering. With a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a hint of almond extract, each bite is a little piece of heaven.
The Upside of Keebler Almond Shortbread Cookies
These cookies are not only delicious, but they’re also incredibly easy to make. The combination of simple ingredients allows the rich flavor of butter and almonds to shine through. Plus, they store well, making them perfect for meal prepping or baking in advance. With their irresistible aroma wafting through your kitchen, you’ll find it hard to resist sharing them with friends and family. The delightful crunch from the finely chopped almonds adds the perfect texture that contrasts beautifully with the buttery softness.
Gather These Ingredients
To whip up a batch of Keebler Almond Shortbread Cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 4 ounces of butter, softened
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup of powdered sugar
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/4 teaspoon of Butter Buds (powdered butter flavoring)
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons of almond extract
- 1/2 teaspoon of cream of tartar
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup of almonds, finely chopped
Tools of the Trade
Before you start baking, make sure you have the following kitchen tools handy:
- Mixing bowls – for combining your ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons – accuracy is key in baking!
- Whisk or electric mixer – to cream the butter and sugars.
- Baking sheet – where your cookies will bake to perfection.
- Parchment paper – for easy cookie removal and cleanup.
- Cooling rack – to let your cookies cool evenly.
Build Keebler Almond Shortbread Cookies Step by Step
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures that your cookies bake evenly.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar. Using a whisk or an electric mixer, cream the mixture until it’s light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Extracts
Next, add the beaten egg, Butter Buds, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the creamed mixture. Mix until everything is well incorporated.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
Step 5: Fold in the Almonds
Gently fold in the finely chopped almonds, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave some space between each cookie, as they will spread slightly while baking.
Step 7: Bake
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them, as baking times may vary based on your oven.
Step 8: Cool
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. This helps them maintain their shape.
Health-Conscious Tweaks
If you’re looking to make some adjustments for a healthier version of Keebler Almond Shortbread Cookies, consider the following options:
- Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
- Replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar or a sugar alternative to lower the glycemic index.
- Use unsweetened applesauce in place of some of the butter for a lower-fat option.
- Opt for almond flour instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free alternative.
What Could Go Wrong
Baking can be a delicate process, and while these cookies are straightforward, here are a few potential pitfalls to watch out for:
- Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined.
- Not measuring the flour accurately can result in dry or crumbly cookies. Spoon and level the flour for the best results.
- Using cold butter instead of softened can lead to uneven baking and texture.
- Skipping the cooling step can cause the cookies to break apart when transferring them from the baking sheet.
Meal Prep & Storage Notes
These Keebler Almond Shortbread Cookies are great for meal prep! Here are some tips for storing them:
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to three months in the freezer.
- To enjoy them later, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them briefly in the oven.
- Consider making a double batch to ensure you have plenty to share or enjoy later!
Handy Q&A
Can I use a different nut instead of almonds?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with finely chopped walnuts or pecans for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly.
What if I don’t have Butter Buds?
If you can’t find Butter Buds, you can simply omit this ingredient. The cookies will still be delicious with the butter and extracts alone.
Can I make these cookies without eggs?
Yes! You can replace the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) or unsweetened applesauce for a vegan option.
How can I enhance the flavor of these cookies?
For an extra flavor kick, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients, or even some lemon zest for a refreshing twist.
If you love baking and want to try out more delicious recipes, here are some weekend projects to consider:
Ready, Set, Cook
Now that you have all the ingredients and tools ready, it’s time to create your very own batch of Keebler Almond Shortbread Cookies. With their rich flavor and satisfying crunch, these cookies are sure to become a family favorite. Grab your mixing bowl, preheat the oven, and let the baking begin! Enjoy the process, savor the aroma, and most importantly, enjoy the delicious results. Happy baking!
Keebler Almond Shortbread Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking.
- Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar. Cream until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Step 3: Add the beaten egg, Butter Buds, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the creamed mixture. Mix until well incorporated.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Step 5: Gently fold in the finely chopped almonds until evenly distributed.
- Step 6: Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space for spreading.
- Step 7: Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Monitor closely as baking times may vary.
- Step 8: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
Notes
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Freeze cookies in a single layer for up to three months for longer storage.
- To enjoy later, thaw at room temperature or warm them in the oven.
