Almond Shortbread Cookies with Icing Recipe
Introduction
Almond Shortbread Cookies with Icing offer a delightful blend of buttery richness and a hint of almond flavor. These tender cookies are easy to make and topped with a simple almond glaze that adds a sweet finishing touch perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Step 2: Stir in the almond extract, then gradually add the flour, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
- Step 3: Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Flatten each ball slightly with your fingers or a fork.
- Step 4: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack.
- Step 5: While the cookies cool, prepare the icing by mixing the powdered sugar with milk to achieve a smooth, drizzleable consistency.
- Step 6: Drizzle the almond icing over the cooled cookies and allow it to set before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For a stronger almond flavor, add a pinch of finely chopped toasted almonds to the dough.
- Use a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a small corner cut off to drizzle the icing neatly.
- Substitute milk with almond milk in the icing for an extra almond boost and dairy-free option.
Storage
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If the icing hardens too much, briefly warm the cookies before serving for a softer texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just bring it to room temperature before shaping and baking.
What if I don’t have almond extract?
You can substitute vanilla extract, but the cookies will lose their distinctive almond flavor. For a nutty twist, consider adding finely ground almonds or almond flour to the dough.
PrintAlmond Shortbread Cookies with Icing Recipe
These Almond Shortbread Cookies with Icing are buttery, tender, and subtly flavored with almond extract. Perfectly baked to a light golden color, they offer a delicate crunch that melts in your mouth. Finished with a sweet almond-flavored icing drizzle, these cookies make an elegant treat for tea times, celebrations, or everyday indulgence.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
Almond Icing
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the almond extract and mix well. Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour until a smooth dough forms.
- Shape the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges just start to turn a light golden color. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Make the Icing: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract until smooth and slightly thick but pourable. Adjust milk quantity to achieve desired consistency.
- Drizzle the Icing: Using a spoon or piping bag, drizzle the almond icing over the cooled cookies. Allow the icing to set before serving or storing.
Notes
- Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness of your cookies.
- If you prefer a stronger almond flavor, you can add more almond extract to both dough and icing.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Ensure cookies are completely cooled before adding icing to prevent it from melting.
Keywords: Almond shortbread, almond cookies, shortbread cookies, almond icing, butter cookies, homemade cookies
