Almond Bird Cookies Recipe – Easy Almond Flour & M&M Delight

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Almond Bird Cookies Recipe – Easy Almond Flour & M&M Delight

Hey everyone! I’m so excited to share this recipe with you – these Almond Bird Cookies are seriously adorable and delicious. I first stumbled upon a version of these years ago, and they’ve become a family favorite, especially around festive times. They’re a little bit special, a little bit whimsical, and surprisingly easy to make. Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These aren’t your average cookies. They’re tender, subtly sweet, and packed with almond flavor. The little M&M eyes and almond beak give them such a charming personality. Plus, using almond meal makes them naturally gluten-free friendly (though we’ll talk about flour options later!). They’re perfect for gifting, parties, or just a fun baking project with the kids.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to bring these little birds to life:

• ¾ cup whole meal almond meal (about 85g)
• 8 almonds (halved, for beaks)
• ¾ cup confectioners’ sugar (icing sugar, about 90g)
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (about 180g)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract
• 1 cup (2 sticks, 226g) butter, slightly softened
• 16 brown M&Ms or Skittles (for eyes)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s chat about a few key ingredients to make sure your cookies turn out perfectly:

• Almond Meal – Whole vs. Blanched: I prefer using whole meal almond meal for a slightly nuttier flavor and a bit more texture. Blanched almond meal will give you a smoother, paler cookie. Either works, so use what you have!
• Confectioners’ Sugar – Icing Sugar Variations: Confectioners’ sugar (also known as icing sugar) is super fine, which helps create a tender cookie. Don’t substitute granulated sugar – it won’t give you the same result.
• Almond Extract – Quality & Flavor: A good quality almond extract really elevates the almond flavor. A little goes a long way, so don’t overdo it!
• Regional Almond Varieties in India: Did you know India grows some amazing almonds, especially in Jammu and Kashmir? Using locally sourced almonds when possible adds a lovely touch.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get to the fun part!

1. First, in a food processor, pulse the almonds with 1 tablespoon of the confectioners’ sugar until they’re finely ground. This helps them blend into the dough better.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the almond meal, remaining confectioners’ sugar, flour, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl (or using a stand mixer), beat the softened butter with the vanilla and almond extracts until it’s light and creamy.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter, mixing until a dough forms. It might take a minute or two to come together.
5. Divide the dough into two discs, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or even overnight. This is important – it makes the dough easier to roll out.
6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the dough to about ¼-inch (6mm) thickness.
7. Use a 2.5-inch cookie cutter to cut out rounds. Now for the bird shaping! Make partial cuts on both sides of each round to create the wings.
8. Place a small ball of dough on top of each cookie for the eye. Gently press an M&M or Skittle into the dough to secure it. Add an almond half as the beak, pressing it in firmly.
9. Use a fork to create little feather textures on the wings. This is where you can get creative!
10. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Let them cool completely on a wire rack before serving.

Expert Tips

• Don’t skip the chilling time! It really makes a difference in the texture of the cookies.
• If your dough is sticking, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
• For a more pronounced almond flavor, you can toast the almond meal lightly in a dry pan before using it.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Adaptation – Butter Substitutes: Swap the butter for a vegan butter stick or coconut oil for a plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation – Flour Alternatives: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour. Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 Baking Flour works well.
• Spice Level – Adding Cardamom or Cinnamon: My grandmother used to add a pinch of cardamom to her almond cookies – it’s divine. A little cinnamon is also lovely.
• Festival Adaptations – Diwali/Christmas themed decorations: Use festive sprinkles or icing to decorate the cookies for Diwali or Christmas! My kids love helping with this part.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are delightful on their own with a glass of milk or chai. They also make a beautiful addition to a dessert platter.

Storage Instructions

Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to a month.

FAQs

Let’s tackle some common questions:

1. Can I use blanched almond meal instead of whole meal almond meal? What’s the difference?

You absolutely can! Blanched almond meal is made from almonds that have had their skins removed, resulting in a paler color and smoother texture. Whole meal almond meal has the skins on, giving it a slightly darker color and more robust flavor.

2. My dough is too crumbly, what should I do?

Add a teaspoon of cold water at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overwork it.

3. Can these cookies be made ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the dough a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator. You can also bake the cookies and store them in an airtight container for a couple of days.

4. What’s the best way to get the “feather” texture on the wings?

Gently press the tines of a fork into the dough, creating short, parallel lines. Don’t press too hard, or you’ll cut through the dough.

5. Can I use a different type of candy for the eyes instead of M&Ms/Skittles?

Definitely! Chocolate chips, sprinkles, or even small pieces of dried fruit would work.

6. How can I prevent the almond beaks from falling off during baking?

Press the almond halves firmly into the dough. You can also add a tiny dot of melted chocolate under the beak to help secure it.

Enjoy baking these adorable Almond Bird Cookies! I hope they bring a little sweetness to your day. Let me know how they turn out in the comments below!