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
Scale
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.
