Almond Cookies 

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar:

• In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

1. Add the Egg and Extracts:

• Beat in the egg, almond extract, and vanilla extract until well combined.

1. Combine the Dry Ingredients:

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and ground almonds (or almond flour).

1. Form the Dough:

• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.

1. Shape the Cookies:

• Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart. If desired, press a sliced almond gently onto the top of each cookie for decoration.

1. Bake:

• Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The cookies should still be pale in color but set.

1. Cool and Dust:

• Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. If desired, dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar for a sweet finishing touch.

Tips for the Best Almond Cookies:

• Use Almond Flour or Ground Almonds: For the best flavor and texture, use finely ground almonds or almond flour in the dough. It adds a lovely nuttiness and helps keep the cookies tender.
• Chill the Dough (Optional): If the dough feels too soft to shape, refrigerate it for 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
• Don’t Overbake: Almond cookies should be pale with just a hint of golden color around the edges. Overbaking can make them dry and hard.

Variations to Try:

• Add Chocolate: Drizzle melted dark or white chocolate over the cooled cookies for a decadent touch.
• Amaretto Flavor: Add a tablespoon of amaretto liqueur to the dough for an extra almond kick.
• Lemon Almond Cookies: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough for a refreshing citrus twist.

The Tradition Behind Almond Cookies:

Almond cookies have been cherished in various cultures for centuries, with different variations appearing in Italian, Chinese, and Middle Eastern cuisines. The use of almonds in baking dates back to ancient times, and their distinctive flavor and texture make them a popular ingredient in traditional recipes. In Italian cuisine, amaretti cookies are a famous example of almond-flavored treats, while Chinese almond cookies are a classic dessert served during special occasions and Chinese New Year celebrations.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Almond Cookies are a wonderful blend of simplicity and elegance. Their delicate almond flavor, combined with the buttery, crumbly texture, makes them a timeless treat that’s satisfying without being overly sweet. These cookies are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed plain, decorated with almonds, or dressed up with a dusting of powdered sugar or chocolate drizzle.

Perfect for gifting, entertaining, or just enjoying as a sweet treat, these Almond Cookies are a must-try for any cookie lover. Their easy preparation and delicious results will make them a go-to recipe whenever you’re in the mood for a classic, nutty delight!