Easy Almond Sugar Cookie Recipe – Festive Baking Ideas

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Easy Almond Sugar Cookie Recipe – Festive Baking Ideas

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, the holidays (or really, any occasion!) just feel a little brighter with a batch of freshly baked cookies. And these almond sugar cookies? They’re a total game-changer. I first made these for Diwali a few years ago, and they were such a hit – everyone kept asking for the recipe! They’re wonderfully buttery, subtly flavored with almond, and just melt in your mouth. Plus, they’re super fun to decorate! Let’s get baking, shall we?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These aren’t your average sugar cookies. The addition of almond extract gives them a delicate, sophisticated flavor that sets them apart. They’re also surprisingly easy to make, even if you’re not a seasoned baker. Perfect for getting the kids involved, or just enjoying a relaxing afternoon in the kitchen. And honestly, who doesn’t love a cookie that looks as good as it tastes?

Ingredients

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

• 1 cup (226g) butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) powdered sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract
• 2 cups (250g) flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cream of tartar

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec, because a few little things can make all the difference.

• Almond Extract: Don’t skip this! It’s what gives these cookies their signature flavor. A little goes a long way, so ½ teaspoon is perfect. You can find it in most supermarkets, or online.
• Butter Temperature: This is key. You want your butter to be softened, but not melted. Think easily pliable, but still holding its shape. Leaving it out at room temperature for about 30-60 minutes usually does the trick. This ensures a light and fluffy texture.
• Flour: I recommend using all-purpose flour for this recipe. If you’re looking for a slightly more tender cookie, you can try using cake flour, but all-purpose works beautifully.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get down to business!

1. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This takes a few minutes, but it’s worth it!
2. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until everything is well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix!
5. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface, form it into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 2-3 hours. This is important – it prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
6. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
7. Divide the chilled dough into quarters. Roll out each portion to about ¼ inch thickness on a lightly floured surface.
8. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes. My kids love this part!
9. Place the cookies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
10. Bake for 7-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
11. Let the cookies cool on a wire rack before decorating.

Expert Tips

Want to take your sugar cookies to the next level? Here are a few of my go-to tips:

• Preventing Spread: Chilling the dough is crucial! If your cookies still spread a bit, try chilling the baking sheet for 15 minutes before placing the cookies on it.
• Clean Cuts: To get really crisp edges with your cookie cutters, dip them in flour before each cut.
• Avoiding Overbaking: Keep a close eye on the cookies! They’ll continue to firm up as they cool. You want them to be golden around the edges, but still slightly soft in the center.

Variations

These cookies are a blank canvas for your creativity!

• Vegan Adaptation: Substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative and the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes).
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. I’ve had good results with Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 Baking Flour.
• Spice Level: For a warm, cozy flavor, add a pinch of cardamom or nutmeg to the dough. My grandmother always added a tiny bit of nutmeg – it’s delicious!

Festival Adaptations

These cookies are perfect for any celebration!

• Diwali: Decorate with silver edible glitter and traditional Indian motifs.
• Christmas: Use red and green icing, and festive shapes like stars and trees.
• Eid: Decorate with intricate patterns using royal icing.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are delicious on their own, but they’re also wonderful with a glass of milk, a cup of chai, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Storage Instructions

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months.

FAQs

Let’s tackle some common questions:

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time? How long will it keep?

Absolutely! You can make the dough up to 3 days in advance. Just keep it tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator.

2. What is cream of tartar and can I substitute it?

Cream of tartar is an acid that helps to create a tender texture. If you don’t have it, you can substitute it with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or white vinegar.

3. My cookies spread too much – what did I do wrong?

Most likely, your butter was too soft, or you didn’t chill the dough long enough. Make sure your butter is softened, not melted, and chill the dough for at least 2-3 hours.

4. Can I freeze these cookies, baked or unbaked?

Yes! You can freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months. You can also freeze the unbaked dough – just shape it into a disc, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

5. What’s the best way to decorate these sugar cookies?

Royal icing is a classic choice, but you can also use colored sugar, sprinkles, or even melted chocolate. Get creative!

6. Can I use salted butter in this recipe?

You can, but reduce the amount of salt in the recipe slightly. I prefer using unsalted butter so I can control the salt level.

Enjoy baking these cookies, and don’t forget to share them with your loved ones! Happy baking!