Are you craving a delicious, homemade treat that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! These simple almond cookies are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without spending hours in the kitchen. They're the ideal recipe for beginner bakers, offering a delightful balance of nutty flavor and delicate sweetness. Whether you're looking for a quick dessert, a thoughtful gift, or simply a comforting snack, this recipe delivers a delightful experience with minimal effort. Get ready to enjoy the delightful aroma of freshly baked almond cookies filling your kitchen!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup sliced almonds
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze! In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This is easiest with an electric mixer, but you can certainly do it by hand if you prefer a bit more arm workout.
Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the egg and almond extract until well combined. The almond extract truly elevates the flavor of these cookies, so don't skip it!
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Step 4: Incorporate Almonds
Stir in the sliced almonds. Their crunch adds a lovely textural contrast to the soft cookie.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. This allows them to spread without overlapping.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes to prevent burning.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy!
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Tips for Perfect Almond Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened, not melted. This ensures proper creaming and a smooth cookie dough.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Adjust Baking Time: Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on your cookies and adjust baking time as needed.
- Creative Variations: Feel free to add other ingredients like chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or chopped nuts to customize your cookies.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 150 Fat: 8g Sugar: 7g Protein: 2g
These are just estimates, and the exact nutritional content may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
These simple almond cookies are a fantastic addition to any occasion. Their ease of preparation and delicious flavor make them a crowd-pleaser, guaranteed to bring smiles to everyone's faces. Enjoy baking and savoring these delightful treats!