Almond Meltaway Cookies
These Almond Meltaway Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Their buttery texture and sweet almond glaze make them irresistible. Whether you’re celebrating the holidays, hosting a tea party, or simply craving something sweet, these cookies will surely impress! With their melt-in-your-mouth quality and easy preparation, you will want to indulge in more than just one.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies come together in no time.
- Perfectly Sweet: The almond glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness, enhancing the buttery flavor of the cookies.
- Versatile Treat: Ideal for any gathering, these cookies can be dressed up with sprinkles or enjoyed plain.
- Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: The combination of butter and almond extract creates an incredibly soft cookie that truly melts away with each bite.
- Great for Gifting: Package them nicely, and you have a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and family.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline your baking process and ensure success.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silpat
- Mixing bowls
- Wire rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer: Makes it easy to achieve a light and fluffy butter mixture without much effort.
- Baking sheet: Provides a sturdy surface for baking multiple batches of cookies at once.
- Parchment paper or silpat: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze while ensuring even baking.
Ingredients
These Almond Meltaway Cookies are a lot like shortbread cookies, with a sweet almond glaze on top. They’re soft, sugary, and I promise you’ll be hooked after just one bite!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 2 teaspoons almond extract
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 1 to 2 tablespoons milk (or sub water)
– 1 teaspoon almond extract
How to Make Almond Meltaway Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silpat mat to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the following:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
Set this mixture aside for later use.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In your stand mixer, combine:
1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
3/4 cup granulated sugar
Beat these ingredients together until they are light and fluffy. Then add:
1 large egg
2 teaspoons almond extract
Mix until fully combined.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour mixture in increments of half a cup. Mix until completely combined, ensuring no dry flour remains.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Roll about 1 tablespoon of dough into small circles. Press them down gently with your hands or use the bottom of a cup to form disks. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for about 8 minutes. The cookies should not appear browned but will be done! Allow them to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Prepare the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together:
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon milk (add more if needed)
1 teaspoon almond extract
Mix until smooth. If it’s too thick, add another splash of milk until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 8: Ice the Cookies
Using a spoon, carefully smooth icing onto the top of each cooled cookie. Let them sit for about 10 minutes or until hardened. Store in the fridge, allowing them to come back to room temperature when ready to serve. Enjoy your delicious Almond Meltaway Cookies!
How to Serve Almond Meltaway Cookies
Almond Meltaway Cookies are delightful treats that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet afternoon, these cookies can be paired perfectly with different beverages and snacks.
With Coffee
- Espresso: The bold flavors of espresso complement the sweetness of the cookies.
- Cappuccino: The creaminess of cappuccino balances the crunchy texture of Almond Meltaway Cookies.
With Tea
- Green Tea: The lightness of green tea enhances the almond flavor without overpowering it.
- Earl Grey: The citrus notes in Earl Grey add a refreshing contrast to the rich cookies.
As a Dessert Platter
- Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad brings brightness and a splash of color to your dessert spread.
- Chocolate Dipping Sauce: Serve with a warm chocolate sauce for dipping for an indulgent experience.
With Ice Cream
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a lovely creamy pairing with the cookies.
- Almond Ice Cream: For almond lovers, this enhances the cookie’s flavor profile even more!
How to Perfect Almond Meltaway Cookies
Perfecting your Almond Meltaway Cookies is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out delicious every time.
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough for 30 minutes makes it easier to shape and helps prevent spreading during baking.
- Use Room Temperature Butter: This helps achieve that light and fluffy texture when creaming with sugar.
- Don’t Overbake: Remove them from the oven when they’re just set; they should not be browned but might look undercooked.
- Sift Powdered Sugar for Icing: This ensures a smooth icing with no lumps, giving your cookies a professional finish.
- Store Properly: Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for optimal freshness and softness.
Best Side Dishes for Almond Meltaway Cookies
Pairing side dishes with your Almond Meltaway Cookies can elevate your snack experience. Here are some great options that work well together.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses adds richness that complements the sweet cookies.
- Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These juicy berries provide a fresh contrast to the buttery cookies.
- Nut Mix: A mix of almonds, walnuts, and cashews offers crunchiness and pairs nicely with almond flavors.
- Mini Cupcakes: Small, sweet cupcakes can create an appealing dessert table alongside your meltaways.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and fruits can serve as a refreshing side dish that contrasts nicely with cookies.
- Sweet Scones: Lightly sweetened scones give an additional baked good option while keeping the theme cozy and delicious.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Almond Meltaway Cookies, avoid these common pitfalls to ensure your cookies come out perfect.
- Using cold butter: Always use room temperature butter for a light and fluffy texture in your cookies. Cold butter can lead to dense cookies.
- Overmixing the dough: Mix only until ingredients are combined. Overmixing can make your cookies tough rather than melt-in-your-mouth soft.
- Not measuring flour correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate flour measurement. Too much flour can dry out your cookies.
- Ignoring baking time: Keep an eye on the baking time. These cookies may not look browned but can be overbaked if you leave them in too long.
- Skipping the cooling period: Let your cookies cool completely before icing. This prevents the glaze from melting and ensures a beautiful finish.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Almond Meltaway Cookies in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to 1 week in the fridge.
Freezing Almond Meltaway Cookies
- Freeze cookies individually wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container.
- They can be stored for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Almond Meltaway Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat for about 5 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat.
- Stovetop: Place a pan on low heat and warm the cookies briefly until they soften.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Almond Meltaway Cookies that might help you while baking.
Can I substitute almond extract with vanilla?
Yes, you can use vanilla extract instead of almond extract, but it will alter the flavor profile slightly.
How do I know when Almond Meltaway Cookies are done?
These cookies won’t brown much; they should feel firm to the touch when done but remain pale.
Can I add chocolate chips to Almond Meltaway Cookies?
Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips can enhance the flavor and create a delightful combination.
What if my icing is too thick?
If your icing is too thick, simply add a splash more milk until you reach the desired consistency.
Are Almond Meltaway Cookies gluten-free?
No, this recipe contains all-purpose flour, but you could substitute with gluten-free flour blends for a gluten-free version.
Final Thoughts
Almond Meltaway Cookies are a delightful treat that combines rich flavors with a soft, buttery texture. They are perfect for any occasion and can be easily customized by adding chocolate or other flavors. Give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it!
Almond Meltaway Cookies
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful taste of Almond Meltaway Cookies, a perfect treat for any occasion. These cookies boast a buttery texture and a sweet almond glaze that makes them utterly irresistible. Ideal for festive gatherings, tea parties, or a simple afternoon snack, their melt-in-your-mouth quality will have you reaching for more. With easy-to-follow steps and accessible ingredients, baking these cookies is a breeze. Whether enjoyed plain or embellished with sprinkles, these cookies are sure to impress family and friends alike!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons almond extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 to 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
- In a stand mixer, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and almond extract; mix well.
- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Roll tablespoon-sized portions into balls and flatten slightly on the baking sheet.
- Bake for about 8 minutes until just set but not browned. Cool on a wire rack.
- For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar with milk and almond extract until smooth; drizzle over cooled cookies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (15g)
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
