Are you craving a delightful, melt-in-your-mouth cookie that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! These soft almond cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion – from a cozy night in to a delightful gathering with friends and family. This recipe delivers on flavor and texture, promising a delightful homemade experience without complicated techniques. Get ready to impress everyone with these incredibly easy and delicious cookies!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup sliced almonds
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple step prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
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Cream the Butter & Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. An electric mixer makes this step a breeze!
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Add Eggs & Extract: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the almond extract. The almond extract will enhance the nutty flavor of your cookies, making them truly irresistible.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies.
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Fold in Almonds: Gently fold in the sliced almonds. The beautiful texture of the almonds will add a delightful crunch to these soft cookies.
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Scoop & Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
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Bake to Perfection: 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.
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Cool & Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these warm, soft almond cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage!
Cooking Tips for Perfect Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is properly softened but not melted. This ensures a smooth and creamy cookie dough.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Even Baking: Rotate your baking sheets halfway through baking to ensure even cooking.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before storing to prevent them from becoming soggy.
Variations:
- Chocolate Almond Cookies: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a delicious twist.
- Spiced Almond Cookies: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-180
- Fat: Approximately 8-10g
- Sugar: Approximately 15-20g
These soft almond cookies are a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals. They are perfect for quick dinner ideas, homemade cooking, and make excellent delicious dishes for any occasion. Try them out and let us know what you think! We’re confident these will become one of your best recipes.