If you’re in the mood for a deliciously soft treat, look no further than our Soft Almond Sugar Cookies. These cookies bring a delightful twist to the classic sugar cookie, infusing a smooth almond flavor that tantalizes the taste buds. They boast a wonderfully soft and chewy texture that makes them perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family gathering, a holiday celebration, or a quiet afternoon snack. The hint of almond extract pairs beautifully with the sweet sugar, creating a harmonious balance that is sure to please cookie lovers of all ages. Made with simple ingredients that you likely have on hand, these cookies come together quickly and are baked to golden perfection in just a matter of minutes. You’ll enjoy the delightful aroma wafting through your kitchen as they bake, making them an irresistible treat. Give these Soft Almond Sugar Cookies a try, and prepare for them to become a new favorite!
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)
Instructions
To start making your Soft Almond Sugar Cookies, first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and ensure easy removal after baking.
Next, in a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they are well-blended, and then set the bowl aside for now.
In a larger mixing bowl, grab your electric mixer and cream the softened unsalted butter together with the granulated sugar. Beat them together on medium speed until the mixture turns light and fluffy, which should take about three minutes. This step creates a lovely base for your cookies, ensuring they have the right texture.
Once the butter and sugar are creamy, it’s time to add in one large egg and the almond extract. Mix these wet ingredients into the butter mixture until everything is fully combined. The almond extract will immediately add a delightful aroma, hinting at the deliciousness that’s to come.
Now, gradually incorporate the dry mixture that you set aside earlier into the wet ingredients. Gently mix until just combined; avoid overmixing as this can lead to tough cookies. Next, pour in the milk and stir until the dough is nice and smooth. This extra liquid makes for a softer cookie, which is exactly what we’re aiming for.
At this point, it’s time to form the cookies. Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough and roll them into neat little balls. Place these cookies on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring you leave about 2 inches of space between each to allow for spreading as they bake.
To give the cookies their classic shape, you’ll want to flatten each cookie slightly using the back of a spoon or your fingers. If you’d like to add a special touch, sprinkle a few sliced almonds on top of each cookie for a little extra flavor and crunch.
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them, and take them out once the edges are lightly golden. Remember, the goal is a soft and chewy texture, so don’t overbake!
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes; this helps them maintain their shape. Once they’ve cooled a bit, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. And just like that, your Soft Almond Sugar Cookies are ready!
Variations
While these Soft Almond Sugar Cookies are delicious as they are, there are numerous variations you can try to customize your cookies to your personal taste. If you want to add a burst of flavor, consider incorporating 1/4 teaspoon of almond extract for a more intense almond flavor or mix in different extracts such as vanilla or hazelnut for a unique twist.
For those who enjoy a bit of chocolate, try folding in some mini chocolate chips or even chunks of white chocolate for a delightful contrast to the almond flavor. You can also swap out half of the all-purpose flour for almond flour, which will intensify that nutty flavor and make the cookies even softer.
If you’re looking for a seasonal twist, consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or zest from an orange or lemon to introduce a citrusy brightness to the cookies. Experimenting with additional ingredients like dried cranberries, raisins, or even coconut flakes can also create a fun and delicious variance.
These options allow for plenty of creativity, making each batch of cookies a unique creation that can be tailored to whatever you most enjoy.
Cooking Notes
When it comes to baking these Soft Almond Sugar Cookies, here are some handy tips to ensure you’re set for success:
- Make sure your butter is softened before mixing. You can leave it at room temperature for about 30–60 minutes before using it, or microwave it for a few seconds if you’re short on time; just be cautious not to melt it.
- Precision is key in baking—consider using a kitchen scale to measure your dry ingredients to ensure accuracy.
- If the dough feels too sticky, you can chill it in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes; this will make it easier to scoop and shape.
- The baking time can vary based on your oven, so it’s important to keep an eye on the cookies especially after the 8-minute mark.
- To store leftover cookies, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for about a week or in the fridge for longer freshness.
Serving Suggestions
These Soft Almond Sugar Cookies are delightful on their own, but they pair beautifully with a variety of beverages. Enjoy them with a warm cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat. For a more festive occasion, consider serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzling them with a chocolate or caramel sauce for an indulgent dessert.
For presentation, arrange the cookies on a decorative plate and garnish with a few whole almonds for an eye-catching display. You could also package them into gift bags for friends and family, which makes for a sweet and personal homemade gift.
Tips
To enhance your baking experience, here are some tips to consider:
- Chill the cookie dough for a firmer texture: If you prefer thicker cookies, allowing the dough to chill for a while can produce a more substantial cookie size.
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform shapes: This will ensure all of your cookies are similar in size and will bake evenly.
- Try different nuts: You can swap sliced almonds with other nuts like pecans, walnuts, or pistachios for a different flavor profile.
- Experiment with frosting: A light glaze or almond icing can be drizzled over the cooled cookies for an added touch of sweetness.
- Double the batch: These cookies freeze beautifully, so making a double batch will give you cookies ready to enjoy at a moment’s notice!
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Nutritional Information
Calories: 120 per cookie
Protein: 1.5 grams
Sodium: 50 milligrams
FAQs
1. Can I use a dairy-free butter alternative?
Yes! You can easily substitute the unsalted butter with a dairy-free alternative or coconut oil for a vegan version of these cookies.
2. How should I store the cookies for maximum freshness?
Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. You can also refrigerate them to extend their freshness.
3. Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked cookie dough for up to three months. Just let it thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
4. Are these cookies suitable for kids?
Definitely! These soft cookies are sweet and easy to eat, making them a popular choice among children.
5. What if I forgot to add the milk?
If you realize after mixing that you forgot to add the milk, don’t worry! Just gently mix it in now, and this will help achieve the right cookie consistency.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Soft Almond Sugar Cookies are a fantastic treat that brings joy with every bite. Their chewy texture and delightful almond flavor make them a versatile addition to any gathering or a comforting snack at home. Remember, the beauty of these cookies lies in their simplicity, as well as the endless possibilities for variation. Whether you’re baking up a batch for yourself, your family, or even as a gift, they are sure to bring smiles and satisfaction all around. We encourage you to give this recipe a try and share your thoughts in the comments section below. If you love the recipe, don’t shy away from sharing it with your friends and family on social media! Join us in spreading the love for these delightful Soft Almond Sugar Cookies.
Print
Delicious Soft Almond Sugar Cookies
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
If you’re in the mood for a deliciously soft treat, look no further than our Soft Almond Sugar Cookies. These cookies bring a delightful twist to the classic sugar cookie, infusing a smooth almond flavor that tantalizes the taste buds.
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)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they are well-blended.
- In a larger mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter together with the granulated sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy.
- Add in one large egg and the almond extract, mixing until fully combined.
- Gradually incorporate the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Pour in the milk and stir until the dough is smooth.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough, roll them into balls, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Flatten each cookie slightly and sprinkle with sliced almonds if desired.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Make sure your butter is softened before mixing. Precision is key in baking—consider using a kitchen scale to measure your ingredients accurately. If the dough feels too sticky, you can chill it in the refrigerator for easier handling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Protein: 1.5 g