Name: Easy Almond Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature; 1 1/2 cups sugar; 1 large egg; 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 teaspoons almond extract; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon almond extract; 3 tablespoons heavy cream; 1/2 cup toasted sliced almonds

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 78 reviews

If you adore a buttery, tender cookie with a delightful hint of almond, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Easy Almond Cookies Recipe. These cookies strike the perfect balance between sweet and nutty, with a soft crumb and a delicate almond drizzle that makes every bite simply irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon treat or a festive occasion, these cookies bring warmth and joy right from your oven to your heart.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows multiple round, light golden cookies placed on a wire cooling rack over a white marbled surface. Each cookie has three thick white icing stripes drizzled across the top, and a small pile of sliced light brown almonds scattered on top of the icing. The cookies have a soft texture, with edges that are smooth but slightly raised. The wire rack grid is thin, and the background is softly blurred to keep the focus on the cookies. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Easy Almond Cookies Recipe lies in its simplicity, relying on just a handful of ingredients that combine to create an unforgettable flavor and texture. Each one plays an important role in building the cookie’s rich, buttery base and that irresistible almond essence.

1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature: Provides that melt-in-your-mouth richness and tender texture.
1 1/2 cups sugar: Sweetens perfectly while encouraging a lovely golden finish.
1 large egg: Binds ingredients together and adds slight moisture for softness.
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Offers the structure and chew that make these cookies delightful.
1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Adds just a touch of lift for a soft crumb.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
2 teaspoons almond extract: The star ingredient providing that unmistakable, aromatic almond flavor.
For the drizzle: 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon almond extract, 3 tablespoons heavy cream, and 1/2 cup toasted sliced almonds offer a luscious finish and crunch that elevate the cookies.

How to Make Easy Almond Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or a nonstick mat. This simple prep keeps your cookies from sticking and ensures they bake evenly.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a mixer, cream the room temperature butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air, making your cookies tender and giving them a slight lift.

Step 3: Add the Egg

Mix in the egg thoroughly. This brings moisture and helps hold your dough together for the perfect cookie consistency.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the leavening agent and salt are evenly distributed for consistent flavor and texture.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet mixture and mix on low speed until just combined. Then fold in the almond extract, which will give your cookies that signature almond aroma and taste that makes each bite memorable.

Step 6: Scoop the Dough

Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion out about one tablespoon of dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Make sure to space the cookies about 3 inches apart to give them room to spread as they bake.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, watching closely until the edges just begin to brown. This is when the cookies develop that delicate crunch while staying soft in the center.

Step 8: Cool and Drizzle

Once baked, transfer the cookies onto a wire rack to cool completely. For the drizzle, mix the powdered sugar, almond extract, and heavy cream until smooth. Adjust the consistency if needed. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies and sprinkle toasted sliced almonds on top before letting the drizzle set.

How to Serve Easy Almond Cookies Recipe

The image shows soft round cookies arranged on a golden wire cooling rack with a dark wooden background. Each cookie has a light beige base layer, topped with smooth white icing drizzled in three stripes across the top. Scattered over the icing are thin, crisp almond slices with a mix of light tan and darker brown edges. The texture of the cookies looks soft and slightly crumbly with the almonds adding a crunchy contrast. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The toasted sliced almonds sprinkled on top are the perfect final touch, adding a lovely crunch and a nutty pop that complements the soft cookies beautifully. You can also add a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.

Side Dishes

Easy Almond Cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of tea, coffee, or even a glass of cold milk. They’re a delightful companion to any warm beverage and enhance the cozy vibe whether it’s a chilly morning or an afternoon delight.

Creative Ways to Present

For gifting or special occasions, arrange these cookies in a decorative tin with parchment paper layers, or stack them tied together with rustic twine. You can even create a charming cookie platter with fresh fruit and sprigs of fresh mint for color and aroma.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Easy Almond Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay soft and flavorful for up to a week, perfect for nibbling all week long.

Freezing

This dough freezes beautifully. Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, just adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

If you want that fresh-baked warmth, pop the cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for a few minutes. The almond drizzle will soften slightly, making each bite heavenly.

FAQs

Can I substitute almond extract with vanilla extract?

You can, but almond extract is key to this recipe’s signature flavor. Using vanilla will give you a different but still delicious cookie; just keep in mind the almond essence is what makes these cookies special.

What if I don’t have sliced almonds for the topping?

Toasted chopped almonds or even slivered almonds work well as alternatives. They add a similar crunch and nutty contrast to the soft cookies.

How do I make sure my cookies stay soft and don’t get too crunchy?

Be careful not to overbake. Remove them from the oven as soon as the edges start to brown. Cooling on a wire rack helps maintain texture without steaming the bottoms.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Replace the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Just watch the texture as gluten-free dough can sometimes be a bit more delicate.

Is it necessary to use unsalted butter?

Unsalted butter lets you control the salt level in the cookie better. If you use salted butter, you might want to reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid an overly salty taste.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about baking a batch of cookies that are both easy to make and incredibly delicious. This Easy Almond Cookies Recipe is just that—a perfect balance of simplicity and flavor that makes every moment spent baking worth it. So grab your mixing bowl and whisk up a batch today; your kitchen and taste buds will thank you!