Yuletide Almond Cookies
Yuletide Almond Cookies are festive treats featuring a soft cream cheese base, almond flavor, and a chocolate-almond coating, perfect for holiday gatherings and cookie exchanges.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine the cream cheese, margarine, sugar, and almond extract, mixing until well blended.
- Add the flour and mix well.
- Chill the dough for several hours or overnight.
- With lightly floured hands, shape level tablespoonfuls of dough into balls.
- Place the dough balls on an ungreased cookie sheet.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12 to 14 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.
- Allow the cookies to cool.
- Dip half of each cookie in melted semi-sweet chocolate, then coat with ground almonds.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more pronounced almond flavor, consider using almond flour instead of regular flour or adding a bit more almond extract. If you don't have margarine, unsalted butter works as a great substitute. To save time, you can skip chilling the dough, but the cookies will spread more during baking. Make sure to keep an eye on the baking time to prevent over-browning.
Serving Suggestions
These Yuletide Almond Cookies are delightful on their own but also pair beautifully with a warm cup of coffee or tea. For a festive touch, serve them alongside a platter of other holiday treats like Pineapple Supreme Cake or Charlie Brown's Brownies. They make excellent gifts when packaged in decorative boxes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through. This will help maintain their texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Yuletide Almond Cookies contains roughly 1032 calories, with 22g protein, 115g carbohydrates, and 56g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (44% of the Daily Value), iron (42% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. It also contributes 11g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 use a different type of extract instead of almond?
Yes, you can substitute almond extract with vanilla extract or any other flavor you prefer. However, keep in mind that this will change the flavor profile of the cookies, so choose a flavor that complements your taste. If you want to experiment, try a mix of almond and vanilla for a unique twist.
What can I use instead of semi-sweet chocolate?
If you want a different chocolate flavor, you can use dark chocolate or white chocolate instead of semi-sweet. Each type will impart a different taste and sweetness level. Just make sure to melt it gently to avoid burning, especially with white chocolate, which can be more temperamental.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done when the edges are lightly browned, and the centers appear set but soft. Remember that they will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet. If you're unsure, it's better to slightly underbake them, as they can dry out quickly.
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).