Almond Cashew Cookies Recipe – Butter Extract & Nutty Delight

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Almond Cashew Cookies Recipe – Butter Extract & Nutty Delight

Hey everyone! I’m so excited to share this recipe with you – these Almond Cashew Cookies are seriously addictive. They’re buttery, melt-in-your-mouth good, and have this lovely, delicate nutty flavor that’s just perfect with a cup of chai. I first made these for Diwali a few years ago, and they were a huge hit with family and friends. They’ve been a staple in my baking ever since!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookies aren’t just delicious; they’re surprisingly easy to make! Even if you’re not a seasoned baker, you’ll find this recipe totally manageable. Plus, the combination of almond and cashew flour gives them a unique texture and flavor that you won’t find in your average cookie. They’re a little different, a little special, and totally worth the effort.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these delightful cookies:

• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (96g) almond meal or flour
• 1 cup (85g) cashew meal or flour
• 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ¼ cup + 1 tablespoon (250g + 15ml) sugar
• ½ teaspoon (2.5g) salt
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) butter extract
• As needed, cashews for decoration
• As needed, almonds for decoration

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips can make all the difference.

• Almond Flour & Cashew Flour: These are the stars of the show! They give the cookies a wonderful texture and a subtle nutty flavor. You can find them at most well-stocked grocery stores, or online. Using a blend of both flours creates a really lovely, complex flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, almond flour is a great source of Vitamin E.
• Butter Extract: Now, this might seem a little unusual, but trust me on this one! Butter extract really enhances the buttery flavor of the cookies, especially since we’re using nut flours which can sometimes mute the butter taste. It’s a little secret ingredient my grandmother always used. If you can’t find it, you can omit it, but it does add a special something.
• Regional variations in nut flours used in Indian baking: Traditionally, Indian sweets often use a coarser grind of nuts. While we’re using finely ground almond and cashew flour here for a cookie texture, don’t be afraid to experiment with slightly coarser grinds if you prefer a more rustic feel!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get baking!

1. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper – this will prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. A hand mixer or stand mixer makes this much easier, but you can definitely do it by hand if you’re up for a little arm workout!
3. Gradually add the all-purpose flour and butter extract, mixing until everything is just combined. Don’t overmix!
4. Now, gently fold in the almond flour, cashew flour, and salt. Mix until a cohesive dough forms. It should come together nicely.
5. Wrap the dough in cling wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes. This helps it firm up and makes it easier to roll out.
6. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to about ¼-inch (6mm) thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes.
7. If you’re feeling fancy, press a cashew or almond onto each cookie for decoration. It adds a lovely touch!
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges and bottoms are golden brown. Keep a close eye on them – ovens can vary!
9. Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before storing. This is important – they’ll be a bit fragile when they’re warm.

Expert Tips

• Don’t overbake! These cookies are best when they’re slightly soft in the center.
• Chilling the dough is key to preventing the cookies from spreading too much.
• For a more intense nutty flavor, lightly toast the almond and cashew flour before adding them to the dough.

Variations

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

• Vegan Adaptation: Use plant-based butter and an egg replacer (like flaxseed meal mixed with water) to make these cookies vegan-friendly. My friend, Priya, swears by this version!
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Make sure your all-purpose flour blend is certified gluten-free.
• Spice Level: Add a pinch of cardamom or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, aromatic flavor. My family loves this, especially during the colder months.
• Festival Adaptations: For Diwali, you can decorate the cookies with silver leaf (vark). For Christmas, use festive cookie cutters and add a sprinkle of red and green sugar.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are perfect with a cup of masala chai, a glass of cold milk, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They’re also great for gifting!

Storage Instructions

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They’ll stay crispier if stored properly.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought almond and cashew flour, or is it better to make my own?

Store-bought is perfectly fine! Just make sure it’s finely ground. If you want to make your own, you can pulse almonds and cashews in a food processor until they reach a flour-like consistency.

2. What does butter extract do, and can I substitute it with anything else?

Butter extract enhances the buttery flavor, especially with the nut flours. If you don’t have it, you can omit it, or try adding a tiny pinch more salt to balance the flavors.

3. My cookies spread too much during baking – what could be the reason?

The dough might be too warm, or you might have used too much butter. Make sure to chill the dough properly and measure the butter accurately.

4. How can I ensure my cookies stay crispy and don’t become soft?

Cool them completely on a wire rack and store them in an airtight container. Avoid storing them in a humid environment.

5. Can these cookies be frozen after baking, and if so, for how long?

Yes! You can freeze them for up to 2 months. Let them thaw completely before enjoying.

6. What’s the best way to decorate these cookies for a festive occasion?

Get creative! Use festive cookie cutters, add sprinkles, or decorate with icing. For Diwali, silver leaf (vark) looks beautiful.