If you’re looking for a tender, buttery treat that feels like a warm hug in cookie form, this Almond Heart Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. These charming heart-shaped delights boast a delicate almond flavor combined with a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture that simply can’t be beat. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, this recipe will quickly become a beloved favorite in your cookie repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every great recipe starts with reliable ingredients, and this Almond Heart Cookies Recipe is no exception. These simple yet essential components each play a special role in creating cookies that are delectably soft, subtly nutty, and beautifully golden.
- Unsalted Butter: 1 cup softened butter brings rich creaminess and helps achieve that tender texture.
- Granulated Sugar: 3/4 cup provides just the right amount of sweetness and helps with browning.
- Large Egg: 1 egg acts as a natural binder and adds moisture to the dough.
- Almond Extract: 1 teaspoon gives the cookies their signature nutty aroma and flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 1/2 cups forms the sturdy base of the dough.
- Baking Powder: 1/2 teaspoon contributes gentle leavening for a light bite.
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
- Slivered Almonds (optional): 1/2 cup adds a delightful crunch and extra almond presence.
- Powdered Sugar: For dusting, to give that snowy, elegant finish.
How to Make Almond Heart Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to ensure your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick. This simple prep step sets the stage for baking success.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This creaming process incorporates air, which helps give your cookies a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Almond Extract
Next, add in the large egg and almond extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until everything is smoothly combined. The almond extract is crucial here for infusing your cookies with that enchanting, nutty aroma that makes this recipe stand out.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Combining these dry ingredients beforehand ensures even distribution throughout the dough.
Step 5: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until the dough forms and is just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as that can lead to tougher cookies.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough out to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out your cookies. Don’t worry about scraps – simply gather and re-roll the dough as needed. For an extra crunchy texture, you can press some slivered almonds gently onto the top of each cookie before baking.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Place your shaped cookies on the prepared baking sheets and bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges just start to turn golden. Keep an eye on them – you want tender cookies with a delicate crumb, not overly browned.
Step 8: Cool and Dust with Powdered Sugar
Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Once cooled, generously dust the tops with powdered sugar for a pretty, delicate finish.
How to Serve Almond Heart Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
These Almond Heart Cookies are charming on their own but can be dressed up with a few delightful touches. Consider a light drizzle of melted white chocolate or a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted almonds to add visual appeal and a flavor boost. A few edible rose petals nearby also bring an extra romantic flair perfect for special gatherings.
Side Dishes
Pairing these cookies with a warm cup of tea, freshly brewed coffee, or a glass of cold milk enhances their almond-infused richness. They also make a lovely sweet ending to a festive brunch when served alongside fresh berries or a light fruit salad, balancing sweetness and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For gifting or entertaining, stack your Almond Heart Cookies recipe cookies in a pretty tin or wrap them in parchment paper tied with a ribbon. You can also create an elegant cookie platter mixing these with other nut-based treats or shortbread for variety. Personalizing with handwritten notes makes gift boxes extra special and heartfelt.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh and soft for up to one week. Layering parchment paper between them helps prevent sticking and keeps their shape intact.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these delightful almond hearts later, freeze the unbaked cookie dough wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. You can also freeze fully baked cookies in airtight containers; just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
To revive that freshly baked feel, warm your cookies for about 5-10 seconds in the microwave or a few minutes in a low-temperature oven. This softens them slightly and reawakens their wonderful almond aroma.
FAQs
Can I substitute almond extract with something else?
While almond extract is key to achieving the distinct flavor of these cookies, you can experiment with vanilla extract. However, the cookies won’t have quite the same nutty character that the Almond Heart Cookies Recipe is known for.
Are slivered almonds necessary?
Slivered almonds are optional and primarily add texture. If you prefer a smoother cookie, you can omit them without sacrificing the core flavor of the almond extract in the dough.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Using salted butter is fine but reduce or omit the additional salt from the recipe to prevent the cookies from becoming overly salty.
How thick should I roll the dough?
About 1/4-inch thickness is ideal for heart-shaped cookies. It strikes the perfect balance between sturdiness and tenderness, making them easy to cut and deliciously soft.
What is the best way to prevent cookies from spreading too much?
Ensure your dough is well chilled before rolling and cutting. Also, avoid overcreaming the butter and sugar. These tips help your Almond Heart Cookies Recipe keep their lovely shape while baking.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magically heartwarming about these Almond Heart Cookies Recipe that makes baking them such a joyful experience. From the buttery almond scent filling your kitchen to the tender bite of each cookie, they are truly a treat worth sharing. I can’t wait for you to try these and savor every single lovely bite with someone special or simply for yourself!
Print
Almond Heart Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Almond Heart Cookies are delicate, buttery sugar cookies infused with almond extract and shaped into charming hearts. These tender cookies feature a light almond flavor and a tender crumb, optionally enhanced with slivered almonds for extra texture. Perfectly dusted with powdered sugar, they make an ideal treat for Valentine’s Day or any occasion celebrating love and sweetness.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter, softened
- 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 Large Egg
- 1 tsp Almond Extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1/2 tsp Baking Powder
- 1/4 tsp Salt
Optional
- 1/2 cup Slivered Almonds (optional, for texture)
- Powdered Sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them to prevent sticking.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the Egg and Almond Extract: Beat in the large egg and almond extract until they are fully incorporated, creating a smooth, aromatic batter.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening agents.
- Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing with a spatula or mixer on low speed until a soft dough forms. If using, fold in the slivered almonds at this point.
- Shape the Cookies: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently roll it to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the cookies, re-rolling the dough as necessary to use all the dough.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the cut-out cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain pale.
- Cool the Cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: Once fully cooled, sift powdered sugar over the cookies to give them a sweet, snowy finish.
- Serve and Enjoy: Your Almond Heart Cookies are now ready to be served. These tender and flavorful treats are perfect for Valentine’s Day or whenever you want to share a sweet symbol of love.
Notes
- You can omit the slivered almonds if you prefer a smoother texture.
- For a stronger almond flavor, consider adding an extra 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract, but be careful not to overpower the cookie.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- These cookies can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature before dusting with powdered sugar.
- Use parchment paper or silicone mats for easy cookie removal and cleanup.
