There is something utterly irresistible about Almond Sugar Cookies (Soft + Chewy) Recipe that makes every bite feel like a warm hug. These cookies strike the perfect balance between a tender, melt-in-your-mouth softness and a delicate chew that keeps you reaching for more. The rich almond flavor shines through beautifully, thanks to a generous dose of almond extract, making them delightfully fragrant and decadent. Whether you want a sweet treat for a cozy afternoon or a crowd-pleasing dessert for your next gathering, this recipe brings joy and ease to your baking experience.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows multiple small, round ravioli pieces arranged closely together on a white marbled surface. Each ravioli has two layers: a smooth, pale yellow dough layer forming a dome shape on top, sealed with a fluted edge around the circular base. The outer dough edges are slightly thicker and textured, while the top layer is dusted evenly with a light coating of fine, white flour, giving a soft powdery appearance. The ravioli pieces are consistent in size and shape, lined up in neat horizontal rows. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Don’t let the straightforward list of ingredients fool you; each element in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating those soft, chewy, and flavorful almond sugar cookies you’ll fall in love with. From the all-purpose flour that gives structure to the richness of butter that adds tenderness, every ingredient is thoughtfully combined for the perfect texture and taste.

2 ¾ Cup All-Purpose Flour (328 grams): The backbone of your cookies, carefully spooned and leveled to get the ideal softness without dryness.
1 tsp Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and gives them that light, fluffy texture.
¾ tsp Cream of Tartar: Adds a subtle tang and contributes to the chewiness.
½ tsp Kosher Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
1 Cup Unsalted Butter (softened): Key to creating that melt-in-your-mouth softness and luscious flavor.
1 ¼ Cup Granulated Sugar (plus extra for rolling): Sweetens the cookies and forms a slight crunchy sugar crust when rolled.
1 large Egg + 1 large Egg Yolk (room temperature): Adds moisture and richness, ensuring soft cookies with a tender crumb.
2 tsp Almond Extract: The star flavor that infuses these cookies with their unmistakable almond aroma and taste.
Optional – Vanilla Almond Icing: Includes powdered sugar, milk or cream, light corn syrup, almond extract, and sliced almonds to elevate the cookies with a glossy, sweet finish and elegant decoration.

How to Make Almond Sugar Cookies (Soft + Chewy) Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Cookie Sheets

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. Line two large cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. This little prep step makes cleanup easier and sets you up for baking success.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and kosher salt. Whisking them well ensures they’re evenly distributed, which helps your cookies rise and bake consistently without lumps or uneven texture.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Using a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the softened unsalted butter with the granulated sugar on medium-high speed. Mix until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 1 to 2 minutes. This step is vital because it incorporates air into the dough, helping achieve that soft, chewy texture we’re after.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Almond Extract

Next, add the egg, egg yolk, and almond extract to the creamed butter and sugar. Beat on medium-high speed until well combined. Remember to scrape the sides and bottom of your bowl occasionally with a spatula so everything mixes evenly. This ensures every bite tastes just as perfect as the last.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

With your mixer on low, slowly add half of the dry flour mixture into the wet mixture. Mix just until barely combined. Use a rubber spatula to scrape down the bowl, then add the remaining flour mixture and mix on low speed until the dough is nearly combined. Finish folding gently by hand to keep the dough thick and sticky without over-mixing, which can make cookies tough.

Step 6: Roll and Sugar Coat the Dough Balls

Pour a little granulated sugar into a small bowl. Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form dough balls about 1 ½ tablespoons each. Roll each ball gently in the sugar until coated. Place them on your prepared cookie sheets, spacing them about 3 inches apart to allow for spreading.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies for 8 to 11 minutes. Look for puffy cookies with soft centers—pull them out just before the edges turn golden to keep them tender and chewy. Overbaking will make them dry, so keep a close eye during the final minutes.

Step 8: Cool the Cookies

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes so they firm up a bit. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting period is essential for the cookies to set to that perfect soft and chewy texture people adore.

Step 9: Optional Vanilla Almond Icing

While the cookies cool, whisk together powdered sugar, milk or cream, light corn syrup, and almond extract until smooth and glossy. Adjust thickness by adding milk one splash at a time if needed. Once the cookies are completely cooled, dip their tops into the icing and place them back on the wire rack. Finish by sprinkling sliced almonds for an elegant crunch and visual appeal.

How to Serve Almond Sugar Cookies (Soft + Chewy) Recipe

The image shows a cooling rack with eight soft round cookies placed on it, each topped with a smooth, white frosting layer that gently drips over the edges. On top of the frosting, there are three almond slices arranged like petals on each cookie, adding a light brown contrast with their thin and slightly textured look. Below and to the left of the rack, a small white bowl holds more almond slices with brown edges. Towards the back right of the rack, a rustic white bowl contains a white liquid with a dark brown spoon inside. The entire scene is set on a white marbled surface, creating a clean and bright background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To enhance the almond flavor and add a little extra texture, sprinkle toasted sliced almonds or a light dusting of powdered sugar on the cookies. If you went with the optional icing, those sliced almonds provide a beautiful complemento that’s both crunchy and nutty.

Side Dishes

These almond sugar cookies pair delightfully with a comforting cup of tea, coffee, or a glass of cold milk. They also make a wonderful companion to fresh fruit platters or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you want to turn your snack into a mini dessert occasion.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these cookies in decorative tins or stacked on pretty plates for parties and holidays. You can also layer them between wax paper sheets in gift boxes as charming homemade gifts. If hosting a cookie swap, these soft and chewy almond treats will be the star everyone talks about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover almond sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This will maintain their soft and chewy texture without drying out. Lining the container with parchment paper between layers prevents sticking and preserves freshness.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 3 months. Just roll and sugar coat them, place on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, pop them in the oven straight from the freezer—just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

If your cookies become slightly firm after storage, warm them gently in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or in a low oven for a few minutes. This brings back that fresh-baked softness and chewy delight that makes Almond Sugar Cookies (Soft + Chewy) Recipe so irresistible.

FAQs

Can I substitute almond extract for vanilla?

Yes, but it will change the flavor profile significantly. Almond extract gives these cookies their distinct nutty warmth, so swapping it for vanilla extract creates a more traditional sugar cookie taste. You can also try mixing one teaspoon almond extract with one teaspoon vanilla for a balanced flavor.

Why do I need both an egg and an egg yolk?

The whole egg adds moisture and lightness, while the extra yolk contributes to richness and chewiness, which is essential for that soft texture. Using just one or the other may result in drier or less tender cookies.

Is it necessary to roll the dough in sugar?

Rolling the dough balls in granulated sugar adds a slight crunch to the cookie’s surface and a pretty sparkle. It’s not mandatory, but this step gives your cookies a charming texture contrast and a classic look.

Can I skip the icing?

Absolutely! The cookies are delicious on their own with their natural almond flavor and soft chew. The vanilla almond icing is optional and mainly serves as a pretty, sweet topping that some love to add for special occasions.

How do I prevent these cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and do not over-mix the dough. Chilling the dough before baking also helps the cookies hold their shape. Spacing them well on the cookie sheet prevents them from merging as they bake.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a cookie recipe that feels like a warm cuddle and a deliciously nutty treat all in one, the Almond Sugar Cookies (Soft + Chewy) Recipe is your new best friend. Its effortless ingredients and simple steps make it a perfect go-to for bakers of all levels, while the results never fail to impress. Give this recipe a try soon and watch how these tender, chewy cookies become a beloved staple in your kitchen and your heart.