Almond Shortbread Cookies
Almond Shortbread Cookies are delicate, buttery treats with a tender crumb and a subtle nutty flavor that makes them feel elegant yet comforting. Inspired by classic shortbread, this version adds almond flour and almond extract for extra richness and aroma. The cookies are simple to prepare with minimal ingredients, making them ideal for beginner bakers as well as experienced home cooks looking for a reliable dessert. They pair beautifully with tea or coffee and are perfect for holidays, gift boxes, or everyday sweet cravings. Crisp on the edges and melt-in-your-mouth soft inside, these cookies deliver timeless flavor with a gentle almond twist.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Chill time: 20 minutes
Bake time: 12–15 minutes
Total time: about 50 minutes
Servings: 18–20 cookies
Ingredients
1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon almond extract
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup almond flour
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ cup sliced almonds (optional, for topping)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, beat softened butter until creamy and smooth.
Add powdered sugar and mix until light and fluffy.
Stir in almond extract and vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk all-purpose flour, almond flour, and salt.
Gradually combine dry ingredients with the butter mixture until a soft dough forms.
Chill dough for about 20 minutes to make shaping easier.
Roll dough into small balls or press into a flat slab and cut shapes.
Place cookies on the baking tray and press sliced almonds gently on top if using.
Bake for 12–15 minutes until edges are lightly golden; cool completely before serving.
Tips
Use room-temperature butter for smooth mixing.
Do not overmix dough to keep cookies tender.
Chill dough to prevent spreading during baking.
Use parchment paper to avoid sticking.
Shape cookies evenly for consistent baking.
Watch closely near the end since shortbread browns quickly.
Let cookies cool fully so they firm up properly.
Sift powdered sugar to prevent lumps.
Toast sliced almonds lightly for extra flavor.
Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Variations
Dip half the cookie in melted dark chocolate.
Add lemon zest for a citrusy touch.
Sprinkle coarse sugar on top before baking for crunch.
Replace almond extract with orange or coconut extract.
Add mini chocolate chips to the dough.
Shape into traditional shortbread fingers.
Use gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
Add a pinch of cardamom or cinnamon for warmth.
Sandwich cookies with raspberry jam filling.
Drizzle with white chocolate after baking for decoration.
Q&A
Can I use salted butter?
Yes, reduce added salt slightly.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, freeze for up to 2 months.
How long do baked cookies last?
About 5 days in an airtight container.
Can I make them dairy-free?
Use plant-based butter substitutes.
Why did my cookies spread too much?
Dough may not have been chilled enough.
Can I skip almond flour?
Yes, replace with more all-purpose flour but flavor will change.
Do I need a mixer?
A hand mixer helps but mixing by hand works too.
Can I make them vegan?
Use vegan butter and ensure extracts are vegan-friendly.
How do I make them crispier?
Bake slightly longer until edges deepen in color.
Can kids help make them?
Yes, shaping and decorating are great kid-friendly tasks.
Nutrition (Approximate per Cookie)
Calories: 120
Protein: 2g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 1g
Fat: 8g
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 35mg
Conclusion
Almond Shortbread Cookies combine classic simplicity with a delicate nutty flavor that feels both comforting and refined. With only a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, they are easy to prepare while delivering bakery-quality results. Their versatility makes them perfect for holiday trays, afternoon tea, or everyday treats, and the many variations allow you to customize flavors and presentation. Once you master the base dough, you can experiment with shapes, coatings, and fillings to create cookies that suit any occasion. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or packed as a thoughtful homemade gift, these almond shortbread cookies offer timeless sweetness in every bite.