Name: Soft Almond Sugar Cookies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened); 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon almond extract; 2 tablespoons milk; 1/4 cup sliced almonds (for garnish, optional)

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Craving a cookie that’s both classic and uniquely flavorful? Soft Almond Sugar Cookies are a Nutty Sweet Treat that elevate the traditional sugar cookie with a hint of almond and a perfectly chewy texture. Ideal for holiday parties, afternoon tea, or satisfying a sweet tooth, these cookies are quick to whip up and sure to impress. Bake Soft Almond Sugar Cookies for a delightful treat everyone will adore!

Why You’ll Love Soft Almond Sugar Cookies

I’m obsessed with Soft Almond Sugar Cookies because they’re a Nutty Sweet Treat that blends the familiar sweetness of sugar cookies with the aromatic depth of almond extract. The soft, chewy texture and optional almond garnish make this Nutty Sweet Treat irresistible. Best of all, they’re simple to make, perfect for both novice bakers and cookie enthusiasts looking for a memorable dessert!

Ingredients for Soft Almond Sugar Cookies

Here’s what you’ll need for Soft Almond Sugar Cookies (makes 18 cookies):

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp almond extract
2 tbsp milk
¼ cup sliced almonds (for garnish, optional)

Equipment

Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
Large mixing bowl
Medium mixing bowl
Whisk
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Wire rack
Airtight container for storage

Ingredient Tips

Almond Extract: Use high-quality extract for the best flavor; a little goes a long way.
Butter: Soften at room temperature for easy creaming; avoid melting to maintain texture.
Flour: Spoon and level when measuring to prevent dense cookies.
Sliced Almonds: Lightly toast for extra flavor if using as garnish.
Milk: Whole milk adds richness; plant-based milk works for vegan options.

Directions for Soft Almond Sugar Cookies

Let’s make these Soft Almond Sugar Cookies!

Preheat the Oven

I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, I whisk together 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour, ½ tsp baking soda, and ¼ tsp salt, then set aside.

Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, I cream ½ cup softened unsalted butter and ¾ cup granulated sugar with a mixer until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.

Add Wet Ingredients

I add 1 large egg and 1 tsp almond extract to the butter mixture, mixing until fully incorporated.

Combine Wet and Dry

I gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. I then stir in 2 tbsp milk until the dough is smooth.

Shape the Cookies

I scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. I place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart, and flatten slightly with the back of a spoon or my fingers. If desired, I sprinkle a few sliced almonds on top of each cookie.

Bake and Cool

I bake for 8–10 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden, ensuring not to overbake for a chewy texture. I let the Soft Almond Sugar Cookies cool on the baking sheet for 3–5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrition

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
Total Time: 18–20 minutes
Servings: 18 cookies
Calories: ~120 kcal per cookie
Macros per Cookie: 16g carbs, 2g protein, 5g fat, 0.5g fiber

Variations for Soft Almond Sugar Cookies

Try these twists on Soft Almond Sugar Cookies:

Chocolate Chip: Add ¼ cup mini chocolate chips for a sweet Nutty Sweet Treat.
Cinnamon Spice: Mix 1 tsp cinnamon into the dry ingredients for a warm Nutty Sweet Treat.
Lemon Zest: Add zest of one lemon for a citrusy twist.
Vegan Version: Use vegan butter and a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) for vegan cookies.
Festive Touch: Top with colorful sprinkles before baking for a holiday flair.

Serving Ideas:

Pair with Layla Cooks’ Caramel Cheesecake Cookies for a cookie platter duo.
Serve with Layla Cooks’ chamomile tea to complement the Nutty Sweet Treat.
Offer at a holiday gathering with hot cocoa on the side.

Storage

I store Soft Almond Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to keep them soft and chewy. For longer storage, I freeze the baked cookies or dough balls in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To enjoy warm, I reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 minutes or microwave for 15–20 seconds. If baking frozen dough, I add 1–2 minutes to the baking time.

Serving Tips

Presentation: Arrange Soft Almond Sugar Cookies on a festive plate with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or extra almonds for charm.
Garnish: Dust with confectioners’ sugar or press extra sliced almonds on top.
Pairing: Enjoy with coffee, tea, or milk to enhance the Nutty Sweet Treat.
Portion Size: One cookie per person for a snack; two for a dessert.
Occasions: Perfect for holiday parties, bake sales, or cozy afternoons.

FAQs

Here are answers to some common questions about Soft Almond Sugar Cookies:

Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can use margarine in place of butter, but keep in mind that the flavor and texture may be slightly different. Butter adds a richer taste and softer texture.

Can I substitute almond extract with vanilla extract?
While almond extract gives a distinct flavor to these cookies, you can substitute it with vanilla extract if you prefer. The cookies will have a more traditional sugar cookie flavor.

How can I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure the dough is chilled for at least 10 minutes before baking. This will help the cookies hold their shape better while baking.

Can I use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer?
Yes, a hand mixer works just as well as a stand mixer for creaming the butter and sugar together. Just be sure to mix until light and fluffy.

How can I make these cookies more festive?
You can add colorful sprinkles or holiday-themed decorations to the top of the cookies before baking. It’s an easy way to make these cookies perfect for holidays or special occasions!

Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend containing xanthan gum for a gluten-free Soft Almond Sugar Cookies version.

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Conclusion

These Soft Almond Sugar Cookies are a must-try for anyone who loves a chewy, flavorful cookie. The almond flavor adds a unique twist to the classic sugar cookie, and the recipe is so simple to follow that I know I’ll be making them again and again. Whether you’re serving them at a party or just enjoying them with a cup of tea, these cookies are sure to be a hit every time!