Almond Shortbread is a buttery, crumbly, and delicious cookie with a hint of almond flavor. These melt-in-your-mouth treats are perfect for tea time, holiday gatherings, or as a simple yet elegant dessert. The rich almond flavor and tender texture make these cookies irresistible!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup finely chopped almonds (optional, for extra texture)
- Sliced almonds (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make the dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the almond extract and mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. If desired, fold in the finely chopped almonds for extra texture.
- Shape the cookies:
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass or your palm to about 1/2-inch thickness. If you like, press a few sliced almonds on top of each cookie for garnish.
- Bake the cookies:
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake, as shortbread is best when soft and tender.
- Cool and serve:
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
These Almond Shortbread cookies are rich, buttery, and delicately flavored with almond, making them perfect for any occasion!