Name: Almond Meltaway Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 28 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature); 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 2 teaspoons almond extract; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 to 2 tablespoons milk (or substitute water); 1 teaspoon almond extract

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Introduction

Almond Meltaway Cookies are delicate, buttery treats with a soft, tender crumb and a subtle almond flavor. Topped with a smooth almond icing, these cookies are perfect for any occasion when you want a simple yet elegant dessert.

The image shows soft, round cookies with a light golden-brown color, each topped with a smooth, white frosting spread evenly in a circular shape at the center. The cookies sit on a round metal cooling rack with a copper finish, placed on a white marbled surface. The texture of the cookies looks soft and slightly crumbly, while the frosting appears creamy and slightly glossy. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons almond extract
1 cup powdered sugar
1 to 2 tablespoons milk (or substitute water)
1 teaspoon almond extract

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silpat and set aside.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Using a stand mixer, beat the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and 2 teaspoons of almond extract and mix until combined. Gradually add the flour mixture, half a cup at a time, mixing until fully incorporated.
Step 4: Roll 1 tablespoon of dough into small balls. Flatten each ball into a disk using your hands or the bottom of a cup. Arrange the disks on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 5: Bake for 8 minutes. The cookies may not look fully cooked, but they are done. Remove from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: To make the icing, whisk together powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon milk, and 1 teaspoon almond extract in a small bowl until smooth. Add a little more milk if the icing is too thick.
Step 7: Spoon the icing over the cooled cookies and let it set for about 10 minutes until hardened. Store the cookies in the fridge and bring them to room temperature before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a stronger almond flavor, add a few drops of almond extract to the dough besides the measured amount.
If you prefer a different glaze, substitute the almond extract in the icing with vanilla or lemon extract.
Roll the dough balls in finely chopped almonds before baking for added crunch and flavor.
Use water instead of milk in the icing for a dairy-free option.

Storage

Store the iced cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor. You can also freeze baked cookies without icing for up to three months; thaw completely before icing and serving.

How to Serve

The image shows eight round cookies with a light golden color, each topped with a smooth, glossy white icing spread evenly in the center layer. They are placed on a round, metallic cooling rack with a grid pattern, positioned in the middle of a white marbled surface. Around the rack, there is a small white bowl filled with sliced almonds at the top right corner and a white egg carton holding four brown eggs at the bottom right corner. A striped white and black linen napkin is partially visible on the bottom left side, and one extra cookie sits directly on the white marbled surface near the bottom left of the rack. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Make sure the blend is suited for cookies and includes xanthan gum for best results.

Why do my cookies feel too soft after baking?

These cookies are meant to be soft and tender, but if they seem too doughy, ensure you bake them for the full 8 minutes and let them rest on the hot baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack. The residual heat finishes the cooking process.