Classic Almond Butter Cookies are a delightful treat, perfect for any occasion. These cookies combine the rich flavor of butter with the nutty taste of almond, making them irresistibly tasty. With a tender, crumbly texture that melts in your mouth, these cookies are a wonderful addition to afternoon tea or a great option for holiday baking. Simple yet elegant, these almond butter cookies are easy to make with just a few ingredients and a few essential baking tools.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

Cookie Dough

• 250g butter, softened to room temperature
• 100g powdered sugar
• 5g salt
• 2 egg yolks
• 240g cake flour
• 2g baking powder
• 100g almond powder (also known as almond flour or finely ground almonds)

Equipment

• Cookie cutter (6 cm diameter recommended, or any shape you prefer)
• Rolling pin
• Baking tray
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and powdered sugar. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the mixture on medium speed until it becomes light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add the Egg Yolks: Gradually add the egg yolks to the butter and sugar mixture, one at a time. Continue mixing until the yolks are fully incorporated, creating a smooth and creamy mixture.
3. Mix in Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the almond powder, mixing until well combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture. Use a spatula or a wooden spoon to fold everything together until a smooth dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough instead of tender.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

1. Once the dough is mixed, shape it into a disk and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.
2. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll out and cut into shapes.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F) while the dough is chilling.
2. Line a baking tray with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Step 4: Roll and Cut the Cookies

1. Roll the Dough: Once the dough is chilled, place it on a lightly floured surface. Using a rolling pin, roll out the dough to an even thickness of about 5 mm (1/4 inch).
2. Cut the Cookies: Using a 6 cm diameter cookie cutter, cut out shapes from the rolled dough. Re-roll any scraps to make additional cookies.
3. Place on Baking Tray: Carefully place the cut-out cookies on the prepared baking tray, leaving a small space between each one.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

1. Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are a light golden brown. Keep an eye on the cookies, as they can go from perfect to overdone quickly.
2. Once baked, remove the tray from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking tray for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Makes About 25 Cookies)

• Calories: 120
• Protein: 1.5g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fat: 8g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Sugars: 5g
• Sodium: 40mg

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the cake flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend. Almond flour and the gluten-free blend together can create a similar texture to the original recipe.

How can I make these cookies more festive?

You can decorate them with a light dusting of powdered sugar or add festive sprinkles before baking. Adding a touch of vanilla extract or almond extract can also enhance the flavor for special occasions.

What if I don’t have almond flour?

If you don’t have almond flour, you can finely grind whole almonds in a food processor until they reach a powdery consistency. Just be careful not to over-process, or you’ll end up with almond butter.

Tips for Making the Perfect Almond Butter Cookies

1. Use Room Temperature Butter: For the best texture, make sure your butter is at room temperature before you start. This helps create a smoother, more cohesive dough.
2. Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is essential for helping the cookies maintain their shape and achieving a tender texture. It also helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
3. Avoid Overmixing: Once you add the flour to the wet ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can develop gluten, which will make the cookies less tender and more crumbly.
4. Watch the Baking Time: These cookies can go from golden to burnt quickly, so keep a close eye on them while they bake, especially towards the end of the baking time.
5. Customize with Flavors: Consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla or almond extract for an extra depth of flavor. You can also sprinkle some sliced almonds on top before baking for added crunch.

Storage Tips

• Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This keeps them fresh and maintains their buttery texture.
• Freezing: These cookies freeze well. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then place in the freezer for 1 hour until they harden. Transfer to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag, and they’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. To serve, allow them to thaw at room temperature for a few minutes.
• Make-Ahead Dough: If you prefer, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just bring it out and allow it to soften slightly before rolling and cutting.

Conclusion

Classic Almond Butter Cookies are an easy-to-make treat that never fails to impress. Whether you’re baking for yourself, family, or friends, these cookies offer a lovely balance of buttery richness and subtle almond flavor. They’re simple enough for everyday baking yet elegant enough for special occasions. Plus, with a few customizable options and storage tips, you can easily adapt this recipe to fit your needs. Enjoy baking and sharing these almond butter cookies, and watch them disappear from the cookie jar!