January Bliss Almond Sugar (Print Version)
Buttery sugar cookies with toasted almonds delivering warm, nutty flavors ideal for chilly days.
# List of Ingredients:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
→ Wet Ingredients
04 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 1 cup granulated sugar
06 - 1 large egg
07 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
08 - 1 teaspoon almond extract
→ Add-Ins & Toppings
09 - 3/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
10 - 2 tablespoons turbinado sugar (optional)
# Step-by-step Instructions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - Toast sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes. Set aside to cool.
03 - Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
04 - In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 2 minutes.
05 - Add egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter mixture; beat until fully combined.
06 - Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just incorporated.
07 - Gently fold in 1/2 cup of the toasted almonds, reserving the remainder for topping.
08 - Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto prepared baking sheets spaced 2 inches apart.
09 - Slightly flatten each dough ball and sprinkle with reserved almonds and optional turbinado sugar.
10 - Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until edges are light golden brown.
11 - Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- These cookies are buttery soft with a secret toasted almond depth that feels like sharing a kitchen hug.
- The subtle almond extract adds a warm twist that quickly made these my go-to winter treat.
02 -
- Toasting the almonds just right is key — too little and you miss that fragrant depth, too long and they get bitter.
- Adding the almond extract after creaming butter and sugar intensifies the aroma beautifully and makes all the difference.
03 -
- Use room temperature butter for smoother, better creamings and fluffier cookies.
- Always toast your almonds in a dry skillet for that unbeatable aroma and flavor boost.