Description
Delight in these classic Almond Heart Cookies, featuring a tender crumb infused with almond extract and crowned with a light dusting of powdered sugar. Perfectly shaped with a heart cookie cutter, these buttery cookies offer a subtle crunch from optional slivered almonds, making them ideal for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion where you want to share a sweet token of love.
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: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the Egg and Almond Extract: Incorporate the large egg and almond extract into the butter-sugar mixture, mixing until smooth and consistent.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and salt.
- Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until a soft dough forms without overmixing.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the cookies. Re-roll any scraps as necessary.
- Optional: Add Slivered Almonds: If desired, press slivered almonds gently into the tops of each cookie for added texture and flavor.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the cookies on prepared baking sheets and bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are just lightly golden.
- Cool the Cookies: Remove cookies from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack to set their shape and texture.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: Once cooled, lightly dust the cookies with powdered sugar to add a delicate finishing touch and enhance their sweetness.
- Serve: These Almond Heart Cookies are now ready to serve and enjoy, perfect for sharing on Valentine’s Day or any special occasion.
Notes
- For best texture, be careful not to overwork the dough when combining wet and dry ingredients.
- Slivered almonds add crunch but can be omitted for a smoother cookie texture.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For a more intense almond flavor, consider adding a few drops of almond oil along with almond extract.
- If dough is too sticky to roll out, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before rolling.
