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
Scale
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.
