Sand Dollar Cookies Recipe – Elegant Almond Sugar Cookies with a Coastal Touch
Introduction
Sand Dollar Cookies are one of those rare desserts that manage to be both visually striking and delicately simple. Inspired by the natural beauty of seashells, these elegant almond sugar cookies are thin, crisp, and lightly buttery, with a gentle crumble that melts on the palate.
What makes this recipe especially appealing is its minimal ingredient list combined with a refined presentation. Whether you are preparing a sophisticated holiday cookie platter, a summer dessert table, or a themed celebration by the sea, these Sand Dollar Cookies deliver a memorable balance of flavor, texture, and design.
Why These Sand Dollar Cookies Work So Well
These cookies stand out because they are intentionally restrained. Instead of heavy frosting or rich fillings, the focus remains on pure almond flavor, precise baking, and thoughtful shaping.
Key characteristics include:
- A light, crisp texture without being dry
- Natural sweetness, never overpowering
- Elegant decoration using sliced almonds only
- A dough that holds its shape beautifully after chilling
They are ideal for gifting, entertaining, or simply elevating your everyday baking repertoire.
Ingredients Breakdown
Each ingredient serves a precise purpose, making this recipe reliable and repeatable.
- Butter provides structure and richness without heaviness
- Granulated sugar keeps the cookies crisp rather than soft
- Egg binds the dough while maintaining delicacy
- Almond extract gives the cookies their signature aroma
- All-purpose flour creates a smooth, workable dough
- Sliced almonds add both decoration and subtle crunch
Because the ingredient list is short, quality matters. Use fresh almond extract and properly softened butter for best results.
How to Make Sand Dollar Cookies (Step-by-Step)
1. Creaming the Base
Butter and sugar are beaten until light and fluffy. This step is essential for achieving the cookies’ delicate crumb and even baking.
2. Flavor Development
The egg and almond extract are incorporated, infusing the dough with a fragrant, bakery-style aroma.
3. Dough Formation
Flour is added gently, mixed just until the dough comes together. Overmixing is avoided to preserve tenderness.
4. Chilling for Precision
The dough is chilled for one full hour. This prevents spreading and allows for clean, sharp cutouts.
5. Rolling and Cutting
Rolled to a uniform thickness, the dough is cut into neat rounds, ensuring even baking and a professional finish.
6. Decorating Like Sand Dollars
Five almond slices are arranged in a petal pattern at the center of each cookie. Small oval impressions are added to mimic authentic sand dollar markings.
7. Baking with Care
The cookies bake quickly and must be monitored closely. The goal is light golden edges, not browning.
Baking Tips for Perfect Results
- Always bake one tray at a time for consistent color
- Rotate the tray halfway through baking
- Remove cookies as soon as edges turn pale gold
- Allow cookies to cool slightly before transferring
These cookies are thin and delicate, so patience during cooling is essential.
Serving Ideas
Sand Dollar Cookies are versatile and visually impressive. Serve them:
- On a holiday dessert platter
- As part of a summer coastal-themed table
- With coffee or tea for an elegant afternoon treat
- Lightly dusted with powdered sugar for a refined finish
They pair beautifully with simple beverages, allowing their almond flavor to shine.
Storage & Make-Ahead Advice
- Room temperature: Store airtight for up to 5 days
- Freezing: Freeze the dough, not the baked cookies
- Advance prep: Dough can be made days ahead and baked fresh
This makes them ideal for stress-free entertaining.
Sand Dollar Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cream butter and sugar in a mixer on high speed until light and fluffy (3-4 minutes). Scrape down the bowl.
- Add the egg and almond extract; beat to incorporate for about 1 minute. Scrape down the bowl.
- Add flour (plus 1/2 tsp salt if using unsalted butter) and mix on low until a smooth dough forms.
- Shape dough into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in refrigerator for 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll out dough to 1/4-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Use 2 1/2-inch round cutter to make discs. Place up to 12 per sheet.
- Top each disc with 5 almond slices in a petal pattern. Optionally create holes with a shaped straw or knife for authentic sand dollar look.
- Bake 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Rotate pan once halfway for even baking. Cool on sheet before transferring.
- Optional: Dust cooled cookies with powdered or cinnamon sugar before serving.
Notes
- Sand Dollar Cookies Recipe – Elegant Almond Sugar Cookies with a Coastal Touch - December 13, 2025
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