Almond Meltaway Cookies
These Almond Meltaway Cookies are a delightful treat reminiscent of shortbread, topped with a sweet almond glaze. They’re irresistibly soft and sugary, and I promise you’ll be hooked after just one bite!
This past week, with Jorge out of town for work, I indulged in a baking spree. First on my list? These Almond Meltaway Cookies!
These cookies are a super soft almond shortbread style, topped with almond royal icing, and they are truly amazing.
When Jorge is away for work (which seems to be two weeks out of every month lately), strange things happen around our house.
Dinners might consist of a Fully Loaded Sweet Potato. Or, I might spend the entire day in leggings – they’re a girl’s true best friend after all.
I also tend to order too many things on Amazon… like adorable baking mitts and an Almond & Honey Shea Sugar Scrub that I’m absolutely obsessed with. Can you tell I’m on a big almond kick lately?
When I’m home alone, I watch endless reruns of less-than-stellar TV – this week, it was House Hunters.
I almost always eat dinner standing over the kitchen sink while flipping through my latest magazine. Hey – fewer dishes! And most importantly, I bake.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cookies are incredibly easy to make and deliver a perfect almond flavor that is both delicate and satisfying. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, you’ll appreciate how simple yet rewarding this recipe is. Plus, they are perfect for any occasion, from casual snacking to elegant gatherings.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silpat
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wire rack
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp flaked sea salt (or substitute regular table salt)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp almond extract
For the Almond Icing
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp milk (or substitute water)
- 1 1/2 tsp almond extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silpat. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a stand mixer, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and almond extract, mixing until combined. Gradually add the flour mixture, 1/2 cup at a time, mixing until completely combined.
- Roll 1 tablespoon of dough into small circles, then flatten into a disk shape with your hands or the bottom of a cup. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 8 minutes. The cookies will not look browned or fully cooked, but they are! Remove from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- To Ice: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract until smooth.
- Using a spoon, smooth the icing over the top of each cookie and let set for 10 minutes, or until hardened. Store in the fridge and allow to come to room temperature before serving.
Tips for Success
Ensure your butter is at room temperature to achieve a smooth, creamy dough. Don’t overbake the cookies; they should remain pale and soft. Allow the icing to set completely before stacking or storing the cookies to prevent them from sticking together.
Additional Tips and Variations
For a touch of color, add a drop of food coloring to the icing. You can also sprinkle sliced almonds on top of the icing before it sets for added texture and flavor.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
These cookies are a treat, so enjoy them in moderation! Each serving provides a delightful balance of sweetness and almond flavor, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I freeze these cookies? Yes, you can freeze the cookies before icing them. Just thaw them completely before adding the icing.
Can I use a different extract? Absolutely! Vanilla or lemon extract would also work well if you prefer a different flavor profile.
How long will these cookies keep? Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, they will keep for up to a week.
Conclusion
These Almond Meltaway Cookies are such a delightful treat, perfect for any occasion. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and fall in love with their soft, almond goodness. I’d love to hear how yours turn out, so please feel free to share your baking adventures in the comments below!
