If you’re searching for a cookie that perfectly balances a tender crumb with a delicate nutty flavor, the Almond Sugar Cookies with Icing Recipe will quickly become one of your favorites. These cookies bring together the rich, buttery goodness of classic sugar cookies with the warm, fragrant touch of almond extract, all topped with a smooth, sweet icing and crunchy sliced almonds. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, this recipe is sure to fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas and earn rave reviews from anyone lucky enough to try them.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Almond Sugar Cookies with Icing Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, whether it’s creating the soft texture, lending that subtle almond essence, or providing the perfect sweetness and crunch with the icing and sliced almonds.
- 1/4 cup almond flour: Adds a nutty depth and keeps the cookies tender.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives the cookies structure.
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch: Keeps the cookies soft and gives them a delicate bite.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a light texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Works alongside the baking soda for a perfect lift.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the sweet and nutty flavors.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and moisture.
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and contributes to a tender crust.
- 1 large egg: Binds everything together and adds moisture.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warm, familiar notes that complement the almond.
- 1 1/4 teaspoons almond extract: The star flavor that makes these cookies unforgettable.
- 2/3 cup powdered sugar: The sweet base for the glossy icing.
- 1 tablespoon milk: Helps the icing reach a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract: Infuses the icing with a hint of almond flavor to tie everything together.
- 2 tablespoons sliced almonds for topping: Adds crunch and makes the cookies look extra special.
How to Make Almond Sugar Cookies with Icing Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures your oven is ready to bake the cookies evenly. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the almond flour, all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This step blends all the leavening agents and flours evenly so your cookies bake perfectly every time.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a separate large bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together. Beat them for about 2 to 3 minutes until you achieve a light and fluffy texture. This aerates the dough, giving your cookies a tender crumb.
Step 4: Add the Egg and Extracts
Next, beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract into the butter mixture. This ensures the flavors are well incorporated and your dough will be smooth and fragrant with every bite.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add your dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can make cookies tough. You want a consistent dough that holds together well.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Scoop approximately 1/4 cup portions of the dough and place them onto your lined baking sheet. Make sure to leave about 2 inches between each cookie to allow space for spreading during baking.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies for 10 minutes or until the edges become lightly golden. You want them just set but still soft to the touch, which gives the perfect bite after cooling.
Step 8: Cool the Cookies
Once out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This partial cooling helps them firm up without losing moisture.
Step 9: Prepare the Icing
In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract until the icing reaches a thick but spreadable consistency. The almond extract in the glaze beautifully complements the cookie’s flavor.
Step 10: Ice and Top the Cookies
Spoon the almond glaze over each cooled cookie and gently spread it with a knife or offset spatula. Immediately sprinkle sliced almonds on top. Let the icing set fully before serving so it forms a delightful, glossy finish.
How to Serve Almond Sugar Cookies with Icing Recipe
Garnishes
Adding extra sliced almonds or a light dusting of powdered sugar gives these cookies an inviting look and extra almond crunch. You might also try drizzling melted dark chocolate for a festive touch that contrasts the sweetness exquisitely.
Side Dishes
These almond sugar cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of tea, coffee, or even a glass of cold milk. Fresh fruit like berries or a small cheese plate can balance the sweetness and make a lovely dessert spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the cookies on a pretty platter with some sprigs of fresh rosemary or edible flowers for a charming presentation. For gifts, stack them in a jar or tin wrapped with a ribbon and add a handwritten note for a personal touch that will melt hearts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps the cookies soft and the icing intact, maintaining the wonderful texture and flavor you worked so hard to create.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. They keep well for up to 2 months and thaw quickly at room temperature.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy your cookies a little warm, just pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds. This softens them slightly without melting the icing too much, bringing back that freshly baked feeling.
FAQs
Can I substitute almond flour with something else?
While almond flour adds a unique texture and flavor, you can try finely ground hazelnuts or cashews for a different nutty twist. However, keep in mind this might alter the moisture content slightly.
Is it necessary to use both baking soda and baking powder?
Yes, using both helps achieve the perfect rise and texture. Baking soda reacts with the acid in the dough, while baking powder adds additional lift, resulting in a light and tender cookie.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just bring it back to room temperature before scooping and baking.
Why do the cookies need to cool before adding icing?
Cooling prevents the icing from melting and sliding off, ensuring a smooth, glossy finish that sets nicely on top of each cookie.
Can I use a different extract for the icing?
Certainly! Vanilla extract works well if you prefer a more subtle almond flavor or want to customize the cookie’s taste profile. Just remember to adjust amounts to taste.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a cookie that feels special yet is simple to make, the Almond Sugar Cookies with Icing Recipe is your perfect match. These delightful treats offer a wonderful balance of flavors and textures that are sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again to share with friends, family, or just to treat yourself.
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Almond Sugar Cookies with Icing Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Almond Sugar Cookies with Icing are a delightful twist on classic sugar cookies, combining the nutty flavor of almond flour with a sweet almond-glazed icing topped with sliced almonds. Perfectly soft and lightly golden, these cookies are easy to make and offer a delicious snack or dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 teaspoons almond extract
Icing
- 2/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 tablespoons sliced almonds for topping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together almond flour, all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt; then set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Egg and Extracts: Beat in the large egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined and the flavor is evenly distributed.
- Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until a consistent dough forms without overmixing.
- Form Cookie Dough Portions: Scoop approximately 1/4 cup portions of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart to allow spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes or until the cookie edges turn lightly golden.
- Cool Cookies: Remove from oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Icing: In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract until you achieve a thick glaze consistency.
- Glaze and Top: Spoon the almond glaze over each cooled cookie, gently spreading evenly. Top each cookie with sliced almonds and allow the glaze to set fully before serving.
Notes
- Make sure not to overmix the dough, as this can make the cookies tough.
- Spacing the dough portions well allows the cookies to spread evenly during baking.
- Allow the glaze to set completely for best presentation and texture.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to 5 days.
- You can substitute milk in the glaze with almond milk for a stronger almond flavor and dairy-free option.
