Winter Toasted Almond Cookies (Print Version)
Crisp, buttery cookies infused with warm spices and crunchy toasted almonds for winter.
# List of Ingredients:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
04 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
05 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
→ Toasted Almonds
06 - 3/4 cup sliced almonds
→ Wet Ingredients
07 - 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
08 - 1 cup granulated sugar
09 - 1 large egg
10 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
11 - 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
→ For Rolling
12 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
# Step-by-step Instructions:
01 - Set the oven temperature to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - Spread sliced almonds evenly on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring halfway through until golden and fragrant. Allow to cool.
03 - In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until evenly mixed.
04 - Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
05 - Incorporate the large egg, pure vanilla extract, and almond extract into the creamed mixture until fully combined.
06 - Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated to avoid overmixing.
07 - Gently fold the cooled toasted almonds into the dough ensuring even distribution.
08 - Scoop dough using a tablespoon measure into balls, then roll each ball in granulated sugar. Place the coated balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
09 - Press each dough ball gently with your palm or the bottom of a glass to flatten slightly.
10 - Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
11 - Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- They crisp up perfectly and stay that way for days, which honestly feels like magic compared to cookies that go soft by afternoon.
- The toasted almonds give you texture and flavor without any fussy technique.
- Warm spices make your kitchen smell like winter actually tastes.
02 -
- Room temperature butter is non-negotiable here; cold butter won't cream properly and warm butter makes the dough greasy instead of fluffy.
- Don't overbake these even though your instinct might be to wait for a deeper brown. They firm up as they cool, and what looks barely done in the oven will be perfectly crisp on the rack.
03 -
- Keep your baked cookies in an airtight container with a piece of parchment between layers; they'll stay crisp for nearly a week.
- If your kitchen is warm, chill the dough for 15 minutes before scooping; it prevents too much spreading in the oven.