Almond Sugar Cookies
There’s something undeniably charming about the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house, and these Almond Sugar Cookies are no exception. With a delicate almond flavor that’s both sweet and inviting, these treats are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply indulging in a cozy night at home, these cookies will surely bring joy to your taste buds. Plus, they’re easy to make and can be decorated with colorful sprinkles for a fun twist!
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe for Almond Sugar Cookies stands out because of its simple yet effective ingredient list. The combination of unsalted butter and sugar creates a rich base, while the almond extract adds a unique flavor profile that elevates the classic sugar cookie. The addition of meringue powder in the icing provides a beautiful sheen and stability, making these cookies not only delicious but also visually appealing.
The use of room temperature ingredients ensures a smooth dough that’s easy to work with, resulting in perfectly shaped cookies every time. With a little patience and love, you’ll have a delightful batch of cookies that are sure to impress.
What We’re Using
- 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature – for a rich, creamy texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar – to sweeten and provide structure.
- 1 large egg, room temperature – for moisture and binding.
- 1 large egg yolk – adds richness and a tender crumb.
- 1 teaspoon almond extract – gives these cookies their signature flavor.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – complements the almond and enhances flavor.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – the base for our cookie dough.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder – helps the cookies rise slightly.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt – balances the sweetness.
- 3 cups powdered sugar – for the icing, providing sweetness and smoothness.
- 3 tablespoons meringue powder – stabilizes the icing for a glossy finish.
- 4-5 tablespoons water – to achieve the desired icing consistency.
- Sprinkles – for decoration and a festive touch.
What’s in the Gear List
- Mixing bowls – for combining ingredients.
- Electric mixer – makes creaming the butter and sugar easier.
- Baking sheets – to hold the cookies while they bake.
- Parchment paper – prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Cookie cutters – if you want to create fun shapes with your cookies.
- Cooling rack – allows cookies to cool evenly after baking.
Almond Sugar Cookies: From Prep to Plate
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, combine the 10 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it introduces air into the batter, ensuring your cookies have a nice texture.
Step 2: Add the Eggs and Extracts
Beat in the 1 large egg and 1 large egg yolk until fully incorporated. Then, mix in the 1 teaspoon of almond extract and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. These extracts will provide the signature flavor of your cookies.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of kosher salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps the flavors meld and makes it easier to roll out.
Step 5: Preheat the Oven
While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Once the dough is chilled, remove it from the refrigerator. Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each one.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep a close eye on them, as they can go from perfectly baked to overdone quickly.
Step 8: Cool the Cookies
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Step 9: Prepare the Icing
In a mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons of meringue powder, and enough 4-5 tablespoons of water to create a smooth, spreadable icing. Mix until well combined.
Step 10: Decorate
Once the cookies are completely cool, use a piping bag or a spatula to spread the icing on top. Add sprinkles for an extra festive touch!
Easy Ingredient Swaps
- Butter: Use vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
- Sugar: Coconut sugar can be used for a more natural sweetener.
- Flour: Almond flour can be used for a gluten-free option, though it may alter the texture slightly.
- Eggs: For an eggless option, consider using a flaxseed meal or chia seed mixture.
Behind-the-Scenes Notes
These Almond Sugar Cookies are incredibly versatile. You can customize them for any holiday by using themed cookie cutters or colored sprinkles. The dough can also be made in advance and frozen for later use, making it a great option for spontaneous baking sessions. Just remember to allow the dough to thaw in the refrigerator before rolling out.
Prep Ahead & Store
The cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you plan to make them ahead of time, consider icing them the day you plan to serve them to keep the icing fresh and vibrant. For longer storage, you can freeze the unbaked dough or the baked cookies. Just be sure to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn.
Your Questions, Answered
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, margarine can be used as a substitute for unsalted butter. However, this may slightly change the flavor and texture of your cookies.
How can I make these cookies softer?
To achieve softer cookies, avoid overbaking them and consider adding a bit more butter. Additionally, using brown sugar instead of granulated sugar can help create a softer texture.
Can I make these cookies in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate or freeze it. Just ensure it’s well-wrapped to maintain freshness.
What other flavors can I experiment with?
Feel free to get creative! You can replace the almond extract with other extracts, such as lemon or orange, to create a different flavor profile. Adding citrus zest can also enhance the taste.
Next Steps
Now that you’ve mastered these Almond Sugar Cookies, it’s time to gather your ingredients and start baking! With their delightful almond flavor and beautiful presentation, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your household. Happy baking!
Almond Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cream the butter and sugar together in a large mixing bowl using an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and egg yolk, mixing until fully incorporated. Then mix in the almond and vanilla extracts.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Chill the dough covered with plastic wrap for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness and cut out desired shapes with cookie cutters.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
- Prepare the icing by mixing the powdered sugar, meringue powder, and enough water to create a smooth consistency.
- Once cookies are cool, decorate with icing and add sprinkles for a festive touch.
Notes
- These cookies can be customized with different extracts or themed sprinkles.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- The dough can be frozen for later use; thaw in the refrigerator before rolling out.
