These Soft Almond Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat that suits any occasion—from family gatherings to casual coffee dates. With their heavenly almond flavor and soft texture, they stand out among traditional cookies. Plus, they are incredibly simple to make! In just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have a batch of these delicious cookies ready to enjoy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With only 9 ingredients, these cookies come together in no time.
- Delicious Flavor: The rich almond extract creates a unique taste that is sure to impress.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for holiday parties, birthdays, or just a sweet snack at home.
- Customizable Frosting: Top them with buttercream and sliced almonds for an extra touch.
- Dairy-Free Option: Easily substitute with dairy-free ingredients for a vegan-friendly treat.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your Soft Almond Sugar Cookies, gather the essential tools you’ll need for a smooth process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Stand mixer or handheld mixer
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Cookie scoop or spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer or handheld mixer: These tools make creaming butter and sugar easy, ensuring a light and fluffy texture.
- Mixing bowls: Having multiple bowls allows you to separate dry and wet ingredients efficiently.
- Baking sheets: Choose sturdy baking sheets for even cooking and browning of your cookies.
Ingredients
These soft almond sugar cookies require simple ingredients that you might already have on hand.
For the Cookies
- 1 cup butter, softened (dairy free or regular)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 teaspoons almond extract
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour (SEE NOTES)
For the Frosting
- ¾ cup butter, softened (regular or dairy free)
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 1½ cup powdered sugar (icing/confectioners sugar) (plus more as needed)
How to Make Soft Almond Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°Fahrenheit. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the following dry ingredients:
1. 2½ cups all-purpose flour
2. 1 teaspoon baking powder
3. 1 teaspoon baking soda
4. ¾ teaspoon salt
Mix well and set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment—or in a large bowl using a handheld mixer—combine:
1. 1 cup softened butter
2. 1 cup granulated sugar
Mix until light and fluffy.
Step 4: Add Egg and Extract
Add in:
1. 1 egg
2. 2 teaspoons almond extract
Mix until fully combined and the mixture appears light in color.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the previously mixed dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing.
Step 6: Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheets
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion out 1½ tablespoon sized balls of cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheets. Ensure there is enough space—about 4-5 inches—between each dough ball.
Step 7: Bake Cookies
Bake one tray at a time for 8-11 minutes. The edges should look set while the centers remain soft. Allow cooling on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Make Buttercream Frosting
Once cooled, prepare your frosting by mixing together:
1. ¾ cup softened butter
2. ½ teaspoon almond extract
3. ⅛ teaspoon salt
4. Add in gradually, 1½ cup powdered sugar, adjusting as needed for desired consistency.
Step 9: Frost and Decorate
Frost each cookie with your prepared buttercream frosting and decorate with sliced almonds for added flair!
Enjoy these delectable Soft Almond Sugar Cookies—perfectly soft, sweet, and bursting with flavor!
How to Serve Soft Almond Sugar Cookies
Soft almond sugar cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you want to impress guests or indulge in a sweet snack, these cookies are versatile enough to pair with various accompaniments.
With a Glass of Milk
- A classic pairing that enhances the cookie’s sweetness and flavor. Use dairy-free milk for a vegan option.
As an Ice Cream Sandwich
- Take two cookies and sandwich your favorite ice cream between them for a delicious dessert surprise.
Crumbled Over Yogurt
- Add crumbled cookies on top of yogurt for a sweet crunch that complements the creamy texture.
With Fresh Fruit
- Serve alongside fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries for a refreshing contrast to the cookie’s richness.
At Tea Time
- Pair these cookies with your favorite herbal tea to create a cozy afternoon treat that’s perfect for relaxing.
How to Perfect Soft Almond Sugar Cookies
To ensure your soft almond sugar cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon the flour into your measuring cup instead of scooping, which can compact it and lead to dry cookies.
- Chill the Dough: If time permits, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps keep cookies from spreading too much.
- Don’t Overbake: Remove cookies from the oven when they still look slightly underbaked in the center. They will continue to set while cooling.
- Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to add chocolate chips or other nuts for extra flavor and texture variations.
Best Side Dishes for Soft Almond Sugar Cookies
Soft almond sugar cookies can be enhanced by serving them with complementary side dishes. Here are some great options:
- Fresh Berries: A mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries adds a burst of freshness that pairs well with the sweetness of the cookies.
- Whipped Coconut Cream: Light and airy, this dairy-free topping enhances the almond flavors while adding creaminess.
- Chia Seed Pudding: A healthy option that provides texture and is easy to prepare ahead of time.
- Sliced Apples with Nut Butter: The crunch of apples combined with nut butter creates a satisfying contrast to the soft cookies.
- Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits can provide a refreshing palate cleanser between indulgences.
- Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese; their creaminess balances out the cookie’s sweetness nicely.
- Nut Mix: A blend of almonds, cashews, and walnuts offers a crunchy texture that complements soft cookies beautifully.
- Coconut Macaroons: For coconut lovers, these chewy bites pair wonderfully with almond flavors while satisfying your sweet tooth.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making soft almond sugar cookies can be a breeze, but avoiding common pitfalls is key to success.
- Neglecting the butter temperature – Using cold butter can lead to dense cookies. Ensure your butter is softened for the best texture.
- Overmixing the dough – Mixing too much can result in tough cookies. Combine just until ingredients are incorporated for softness.
- Skipping the cooling time – Transferring cookies too soon can cause them to break apart. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet before moving.
- Not measuring flour correctly – Too much flour can dry out your cookies. Use a kitchen scale or spoon and level method for accuracy.
- Ignoring oven temperature – Every oven is different. Invest in an oven thermometer to ensure your cookies bake evenly.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover cookies in an airtight container in the fridge.
- They will keep fresh for up to one week.
Freezing Soft Almond Sugar Cookies
- Place cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- They can be frozen for up to three months for optimal freshness.
Reheating Soft Almond Sugar Cookies
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
- Microwave – Heat individual cookies on a plate for 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up.
- Stovetop – Place a cookie in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently for about 1 minute.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making soft almond sugar cookies.
How do I make Soft Almond Sugar Cookies dairy-free?
You can easily make these cookies dairy-free by using dairy-free butter instead of regular butter.
What’s the best way to decorate Soft Almond Sugar Cookies?
Frost with almond-flavored buttercream and top with sliced almonds for an elegant touch!
Can I use other extracts besides almond?
Yes! Vanilla or hazelnut extracts can be great substitutes if you want a different flavor profile.
How should I store my Soft Almond Sugar Cookies?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freeze them for longer storage.
Final Thoughts
These soft almond sugar cookies are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them with various toppings or fillings to suit your taste. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the delightful flavors of almond in every bite!
Soft Almond Sugar Cookies
Indulge in the delightful taste of Soft Almond Sugar Cookies, a perfect treat for any occasion. These cookies boast a soft, tender texture and a rich almond flavor that will impress family and friends alike. With just nine simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch in no time—ideal for holiday gatherings, birthday celebrations, or a cozy afternoon snack with tea. The addition of almond-flavored buttercream frosting makes these cookies even more irresistible. Plus, they can be easily customized to suit your dietary preferences. Enjoy the sweet aroma as they bake and savor each bite of these scrumptious cookies!
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup softened butter (dairy-free or regular)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 teaspoons almond extract
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and almond extract to the mixture, blending until well combined.
- Gradually incorporate the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined; avoid overmixing.
- Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them apart.
- Bake for 8-11 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft; allow cooling on sheets for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (28g)
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and texture. Chill dough for about 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading. Experiment with toppings by adding chocolate chips or nuts for variety.