Almond Shortbread
Almond shortbread offers a buttery, nutty flavor with a tender crumb, perfect for tea time or festive occasions, appealing to almond lovers and cookie enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place almonds in a food processor, process until finely ground. Set aside.
- Beat butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy; gradually add sugar, beating well.
- Stir in almond extract.
- Combine ground almonds, flour, and salt; gradually add to butter mixture, beating at low speed until blended.
- Roll dough to 1/2 inch thickness on a lightly floured surface.
- Cut with a 2 1/2-inch round cutter or Christmas cookie cutter.
- Place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake at 275 degrees Fahrenheit for 45 minutes.
- Cool 2 minutes on baking sheets.
- Remove to wire racks to cool.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider using blanched almonds instead of natural ones. If you prefer a nut-free version, substitute with sunflower seeds or a seed-based flour. Ensure the butter is at room temperature for easier mixing. If dough is too soft, refrigerate for 30 minutes before rolling out. For a festive touch, dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Serving Suggestions
These almond shortbread cookies are delightful on their own but pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a festive dessert platter, combine them with Cherry Bonbon Cookies and Chocolate Sweetheart Cake. You can also serve with a dollop of whipped cream or alongside fresh berries for an elegant touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cooled almond shortbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm in a low oven for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Almond Shortbread contains roughly 320 calories, with 1g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 32g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before rolling and baking. Alternatively, shape the cookies, freeze them unbaked, and bake straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).