Almond Meltaway Cookies

If you’re searching for the perfect cookie that melts in your mouth with every bite, look no further than Almond Meltaway Cookies. These delicate, buttery treats are a favorite among cookie lovers for their smooth texture and sweet, almond flavor. Whether you’re planning a special occasion, holiday baking, or just craving something sweet, these cookies are sure to impress.

Why Almond Meltaway Cookies Are So Special

Almond Meltaway Cookies are beloved for their soft, crumbly texture that seems to dissolve effortlessly on the tongue. Unlike traditional cookies that have a chewy bite, meltaways are known for their lightness and tender consistency. The subtle almond flavor pairs beautifully with the buttery dough, making them an irresistible indulgence.

These cookies are not only a treat for the taste buds but also easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a batch of these meltaway delights that will disappear in no time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these Almond Meltaway Cookies, gather the following ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1 tsp almond extract
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup sliced almonds (optional, for decoration)

Instructions for Perfect Almond Meltaway Cookies

  1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth. Add the almond extract and mix until fully incorporated. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms. The dough should be smooth and slightly sticky but easy to handle.
  3. Shape the Cookies: Using a small spoon or cookie scoop, portion out the dough and roll it into small balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch between each cookie. For added visual appeal, gently press a slice of almond onto the top of each cookie, though this step is optional.
  4. Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. These cookies are delicate, so keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
  5. Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. You can also dust them lightly with powdered sugar for a finishing touch.

Tips for Perfect Almond Meltaway Cookies

  • Butter Temperature: Ensure that your butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing. Cold butter will make the dough difficult to work with and affect the texture of the cookies.
  • Do Not Overmix: When combining the ingredients, be careful not to overmix the dough, as it can lead to a denser cookie.
  • Customization: While almond extract is the star of the flavor profile, you can experiment with other extracts like vanilla or lemon for a different twist. For a more festive touch, you can add colored sugar or sprinkles before baking.

Serving and Storage

These Almond Meltaway Cookies make a perfect addition to any dessert platter or tea party. Their light texture and almond flavor make them an excellent accompaniment to coffee, tea, or milk. Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months.

Why You’ll Love Almond Meltaway Cookies

These cookies are ideal for anyone who loves delicate, buttery, and flavorful treats. They’re perfect for any occasion, from holiday celebrations to casual gatherings. The combination of melt-in-your-mouth texture and sweet almond flavor will make these cookies a favorite in your baking repertoire.

Try making Almond Meltaway Cookies today and discover why they’re the perfect addition to your cookie collection!

Serving and Storage Tips for Almond Meltaway Cookies

Serving Tips:

  1. Perfect Pairings: Almond Meltaway Cookies pair wonderfully with a hot beverage like coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. Their delicate texture complements the richness of these drinks, making them a perfect treat for an afternoon snack or dessert.
  2. Presentation Ideas: For a more elegant presentation, arrange the cookies on a decorative plate or tiered dessert stand. Lightly dust them with powdered sugar for a delicate finishing touch. If you’re serving them at a special event, consider adding a few edible flowers or fresh fruit for a visually appealing spread.
  3. Festive Occasions: Almond Meltaway Cookies are an excellent addition to holiday cookie trays, bridal showers, or birthday parties. Their soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture makes them an inviting choice for any occasion, and the subtle almond flavor adds a unique touch that stands out among other cookies.

Storage Tips:

  1. Room Temperature Storage: Almond Meltaway Cookies should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature. This helps maintain their delicate texture and ensures they stay soft and fresh. If stored properly, they can last for up to a week.
  2. Freezing: If you want to enjoy Almond Meltaway Cookies later, they freeze beautifully! Simply layer the cooled cookies between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat them, just let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
  3. Keep Separate Layers: If you’re stacking the cookies for storage, make sure to place parchment paper or wax paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together.
  4. Avoid Refrigeration: Refrigerating Almond Meltaway Cookies is not recommended, as the cold can cause the texture to become too firm and lose its melt-in-your-mouth quality.

With these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Almond Meltaway Cookies remain fresh and delightful for as long as possible, whether you’re serving them at a gathering or keeping them as a treat to enjoy later.

1. Can I make Almond Meltaway Cookies ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just shape the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. When ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough balls on the baking sheet and bake as usual—just add a minute or two to the baking time.

2. Can I substitute almond extract with another flavor?

Yes, you can! While almond extract gives these cookies their signature flavor, you can substitute it with other extracts such as vanilla, lemon, or hazelnut. Keep in mind that the flavor profile will change depending on the extract you use, but it will still yield a delicious cookie.

3. How can I make Almond Meltaway Cookies more festive?

To make these cookies more festive, consider adding a few decorative touches. Before baking, you can top each cookie with a sliced almond for a simple yet elegant look. Alternatively, you can dust the cookies with colored sugar or powdered sugar after they’ve cooled for a fun and festive appearance. These cookies are perfect for holidays, special events, or as gifts.

4. Why do Almond Meltaway Cookies have such a soft texture?

The soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture of these cookies comes from the combination of butter, cornstarch, and powdered sugar in the dough. The cornstarch helps create a delicate, crumbly texture, while the powdered sugar adds a lightness to the cookies. This results in a cookie that literally melts away when you take a bite!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Almond Meltaway Cookies

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
  • Author: clara
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookies 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These Almond Meltaway Cookies are soft, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. With a delicate almond flavor and a sweet glaze, they’re perfect for holidays, parties, or any time you’re craving a tender, flavorful treat.


Ingredients

Scale

For the cookies:

  • 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the glaze:

  • 1 cup (125 g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 tablespoons milk (or more as needed)
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  • Sliced almonds, for garnish (optional)



Instructions

1. Preheat the oven

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

2. Make the cookie dough

  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
  2. Add the almond extract and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
  3. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.

3. Shape the cookies

  1. Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls.
  2. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  3. Gently flatten each ball slightly with the back of a glass or your hand.

4. Bake

  • Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set but not browned.

5. Prepare the glaze

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract until smooth. Add more milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, if needed for a drizzling consistency.

6. Glaze and garnish

  1. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  2. Drizzle or spread the glaze over each cookie.
  3. Garnish with sliced almonds, if desired. Let the glaze set before serving.

Notes

  • Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze unglazed cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw and glaze before serving.
  • Flavor variation: Add a pinch of cinnamon to the glaze for a warm, spiced twist.

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star