Description
Almond meltaway cookies showcase delicate nutty flavors with powdered sugar coating. Crisp edges and tender centers make these treats perfect for holiday gatherings and special moments with loved ones.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp (5 mL) almond extract
- ½ tsp (2.5 mL) vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp (1.25 mL) salt
- 1 cup (125 g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 tbsps (30 mL) milk
- ½ tsp (2.5 mL) almond extract
- Sliced almonds (optional)
Instructions
- Preparation: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper, creating a pristine surface for delicate cookie crafting.
- Butter Transformation: Cream butter and sugar until the mixture achieves a cloudlike, pale consistency, whipping vigorously to incorporate maximum air.
- Flavor Infusion: Blend almond and vanilla extracts into the creamed mixture, ensuring a seamless and fragrant incorporation.
- Dough Formation: Gently fold flour and salt into the mixture, working with a light touch to maintain a tender, delicate dough structure without overworking.
- Cookie Shaping: Portion the dough into uniform tablespoon-sized spheres, rolling between palms to create smooth, perfectly rounded cookies.
- Preparation for Baking: Arrange dough balls on prepared sheets with ample spacing, then delicately flatten each using a glass bottom or fingertips to create an even surface.
- Baking Process: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until cookie edges firm up and develop a subtle golden hue, approximately 10-12 minutes.
- Glaze Creation: While cookies cool, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract into a silky, pourable glaze with a smooth, elegant consistency.
- Finishing Touches: Once cookies reach room temperature, drizzle with prepared glaze, allowing it to cascade naturally. Optionally, garnish with delicate sliced almonds for added texture and visual appeal.
Notes
- Maintain Butter Temperature: Ensure butter is softened but not melted, keeping it cool helps create a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie texture.
- Minimize Dough Handling: Work the dough gently and minimally to prevent tough cookies, stopping mixing as soon as ingredients combine smoothly.
- Control Glaze Consistency: Adjust powdered sugar or milk proportions to achieve a drizzle that’s thick enough to coat but thin enough to flow gracefully over cookies.
- Explore Dietary Variations: Swap regular flour with gluten-free blend, use plant-based butter for vegan option, or replace almond extract with vanilla for nut-sensitive guests.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 23
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg