Name: Soft Almond Sugar Cookies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon almond extract; 2 tablespoons milk; 1/4 cup sliced almonds (for garnish, optional)

These Soft Almond Sugar Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic sugar cookie. With a hint of almond flavor and a soft, chewy texture, they’re perfect for any occasion! Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or simply satisfying a sweet craving, these cookies offer the perfect balance of sweetness and nutty flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these cookies combine the familiar sweetness of traditional sugar cookies with the unique, aromatic flavor of almond. The soft, chewy texture makes each bite a treat, and the optional almond garnish adds a delightful crunch. What’s even better is how easy they are to make – with just a few simple steps, you can have a batch of these cookies ready in no time. The almond extract gives them an unmistakable depth of flavor, making them a memorable treat for any occasion!

Ingredients

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1 large egg

1 teaspoon almond extract

2 tablespoons milk

1/4 cup sliced almonds (for garnish, optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.

Add the egg and almond extract to the butter mixture and mix until fully incorporated.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Add the milk and stir until smooth.

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Flatten each cookie slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers. If desired, sprinkle a few sliced almonds on top of each cookie for garnish.

Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake for that soft, chewy texture!

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Servings: 18 cookies

Variations

Chocolate Chip Almond Sugar Cookies: Add a handful of mini chocolate chips to the dough for a chocolatey twist.

Cinnamon Almond Sugar Cookies: Mix a teaspoon of cinnamon into the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced version.

Lemon Almond Sugar Cookies: Add the zest of one lemon to the dough for a citrusy kick.

Vegan Almond Sugar Cookies: Swap the egg for a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) and use dairy-free butter.

Storage/Reheating

To store these Soft Almond Sugar Cookies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm them in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes or microwave for about 15-20 seconds for that fresh-baked taste.

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Keto Chocolate Mousse

FAQs

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, you can use margarine in place of butter, but keep in mind that the flavor and texture may be slightly different. Butter adds a richer taste and softer texture.

Can I substitute almond extract with vanilla extract?

While almond extract gives a distinct flavor to these cookies, you can substitute it with vanilla extract if you prefer. The cookies will have a more traditional sugar cookie flavor.

How can I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure the dough is chilled for at least 10 minutes before baking. This will help the cookies hold their shape better while baking.

Can I use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer?

Yes, a hand mixer works just as well as a stand mixer for creaming the butter and sugar together. Just be sure to mix until light and fluffy.

How can I make these cookies more festive?

You can add colorful sprinkles or holiday-themed decorations to the top of the cookies before baking. It’s an easy way to make these cookies perfect for holidays or special occasions!

Conclusion

These Soft Almond Sugar Cookies are a must-try for anyone who loves a chewy, flavorful cookie. The almond flavor adds a unique twist to the classic sugar cookie, and the recipe is so simple to follow that I know I’ll be making them again and again. Whether you’re serving them at a party or just enjoying them with a cup of tea, these cookies are sure to be a hit every time!

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