If you’ve ever craved a cookie that strikes the perfect balance between dreamy softness and delightful chewiness, then this Soft & Chewy Almond Paste Cookies Recipe is about to become your new obsession. These cookies bring a rich almond flavor wrapped in a tender bite that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. They’re easy enough for any home baker to whip up, yet elegant enough to impress at holiday gatherings or cozy afternoon tea times. Trust me, once you make these, almond paste cookies will have a permanent spot in your baking repertoire!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Soft & Chewy Almond Paste Cookies Recipe is wonderfully straightforward. Each ingredient plays a key role, from the almond paste that delivers that unmistakable nutty core, to the sugars that create the texture and sweetness, and the egg whites that bring everything together into a luscious dough.
- 8 oz almond paste: Provides rich almond flavor and moist, chewy texture.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with slight crispiness on the edges.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: Contributes smooth sweetness and tenderness to the cookie.
- 2 large egg whites: Binds the dough, creating that perfect soft but set structure.
- 1 teaspoon almond extract: Intensifies the almond flavor for a deeper, aromatic bite.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds (optional, for garnish): Adds beautiful texture and visual appeal.
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting): Gives a lovely, delicate finish and a touch of extra sweetness.
How to Make Soft & Chewy Almond Paste Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this ensures an easy release for those delicate cookies and a clean baking surface that helps them bake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough Base
Into a large mixing bowl, break the almond paste into small pieces. Add both granulated and powdered sugars, and mix until the mixture becomes crumbly and evenly combined. This crumbly texture is essential because it sets the stage for the soft yet chewy consistency we’re aiming for.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Beat in the egg whites, almond extract, and salt until the dough becomes smooth and sticky. This step is what binds the dry ingredients together, and the almond extract amplifies the wonderful nutty aromas that make these cookies so irresistible.
Step 4: Shape Those Cookies
Next, scoop or roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, making sure to space them about 2 inches apart so they have room to expand without sticking. If you like, gently press sliced almonds on top of each cookie now—their crunch and flavor add an elegant finish.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cookies for 15 to 18 minutes. Watch closely for a light golden tint at the edges while keeping the centers soft. This balance is key to achieving the perfect soft and chewy texture that defines this recipe.
Step 6: Cooling and Optional Dusting
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes so they set properly. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. For a lovely, festive touch, dust them lightly with powdered sugar just before serving. This final flourish not only looks beautiful but adds a hint of extra sweetness with every bite.
How to Serve Soft & Chewy Almond Paste Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sliced almonds pressed on top before baking make an elegant garnish, delivering a subtle crunch and visual appeal that highlights the nutty flavor inside. Dusting with powdered sugar adds a classic, snowy look that’s especially charming during the holidays.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a simple cup of black coffee or steaming hot tea. For a more indulgent treat, serve them alongside creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra decadence without overpowering the almond’s delicate flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Soft & Chewy Almond Paste Cookies Recipe on a festive platter with sprigs of fresh rosemary or small edible flowers to enhance their beauty. You can also drizzle melted dark chocolate over cooled cookies for a luscious look and taste. Presenting them in small decorative boxes or tins makes lovely gifts!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay moist and flavorful for up to five days, which is perfect if you’re planning to share the almond delight over several days.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these cookies later, freeze them in a sealed container or freezer bag to maintain their freshness for up to two months. When freezing, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Reheating
To refresh your cookies, warm them gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 3 to 5 minutes. This will bring back their soft and chewy texture, making it feel as though you’ve just baked them fresh from the oven.
FAQs
Can I use marzipan instead of almond paste?
Yes! Marzipan can be substituted, but since it is sweeter than almond paste, you might want to reduce the sugar quantities slightly to keep the balance right.
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
If you notice your cookies are spreading excessively, it may be because the dough was too warm or sticky. Chilling the dough in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes before shaping helps keep their shape during baking.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! This recipe does not use any flour, making these wonderfully soft & chewy almond paste cookies naturally gluten-free. Just double-check that your almond paste does not contain any hidden gluten ingredients.
What’s the best way to break up almond paste?
Breaking almond paste into small pieces by hand works well, or you can pulse it briefly in a food processor. This makes mixing with sugars easier and prevents clumping in the dough.
Can I double this recipe?
Certainly! Doubling or even tripling the ingredients is no problem—just be sure to give your baking sheets plenty of space so each cookie bakes evenly without crowding.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a cookie that’s both irresistibly soft and perfectly chewy with the lovely, nutty flavor only almond paste can deliver, this Soft & Chewy Almond Paste Cookies Recipe is a true winner. They’re quick to whip up, delightfully elegant, and bound to become a treasured favorite whether you’re baking for a crowd or treating yourself. I can’t wait for you to enjoy these cookies as much as I do—happy baking and even happier eating!
Print
Soft & Chewy Almond Paste Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: About 18 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Holiday
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delightfully soft and chewy, these Almond Paste Cookies are packed with nutty almond flavor and a tender texture, making them perfect for festive holiday gatherings or as a quick everyday treat. Simple to prepare with pantry staples and naturally gluten-free, these cookies bake to a light golden edge while staying soft inside, ideal for anyone craving a sweet, elegant dessert.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 8 oz almond paste
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 large egg whites
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Garnish (Optional)
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- Prepare Dough: In a large mixing bowl, break the almond paste into small pieces. Add granulated and powdered sugar, mixing thoroughly until the mixture is crumbly and well combined.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg whites, almond extract, and salt into the crumbly mixture until the dough becomes smooth, sticky, and cohesive.
- Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls using your hands or a spoon. Place each ball evenly spaced about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow proper spreading during baking.
- Garnish: For added texture and presentation, gently press sliced almonds onto the top of each cookie ball, if desired.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, watching for a light golden color around the edges while the centers remain soft.
- Cool and Dust: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let cookies cool for 5 minutes on the sheet. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Before serving, dust with powdered sugar to add a festive touch.
Notes
- For a decorative variation, drizzle melted dark chocolate over cooled cookies or add 1 teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the dough for a citrus flavor.
- If the dough feels too soft or sticky to shape, chill it in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes before rolling into balls.
- These cookies are naturally gluten-free; just verify that your almond paste contains no gluten additives.
- To store, keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- To refresh cookies after storage, reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 3–5 minutes.
