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Introduction

Growing up, my kitchen was always filled with the sweet, comforting aroma of baked goods, particularly during the holidays. My grandmother had a special knack for creating delicious treats, and her sugar cookies became a cherished family tradition. One day, while rummaging through her old recipe box, I stumbled upon a faded note with a unique twist: sugar cookies infused with almond extract. Intrigued, I decided to give them a try, and they quickly became a beloved staple at family gatherings. The gentle flavor of almond elevates these cookies from ordinary to extraordinary, enveloping you in nostalgia and warmth.

What Makes This Recipe Special

This sugar cookie recipe is not just any ordinary dessert; it’s a delightful blend of simplicity and elegance. The addition of almond extract gives a distinctive flavor, making these cookies a standout treat for any occasion. They bake up crisp on the outside yet remain soft and chewy in the center a combination that’s hard to resist. Best of all, they’re incredibly easy to make, allowing you to whip up a batch anytime you need a sweet treat or a nostalgic reminder of home. With just a handful of ingredients, this recipe proves you don’t need to be a master baker to create something truly scrumptious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cookie Dough

2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups white sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon almond extract
3 teaspoons vanilla extract
½ teaspoon salt

For the Topping

Extra granulated sugar for rolling
Optional: colored sugar or sprinkles for decorating

Note: For a nut-free version, feel free to substitute almond extract with a bit of vanilla or even a hint of citrus zest.

How to make Sugar Cookies with Almond Extract

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly golden.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until smooth and fluffy about 3 minutes.
Add Egg and Extracts: Beat in the egg, almond extract, and vanilla extract, mixing just until fully combined.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually stir in the flour mixture until fully incorporated. The dough will be soft but manageable.
Form Cookies: Roll rounded tablespoonfuls of dough into balls. Roll each ball in granulated sugar until coated, then place them on ungreased baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they’ll continue to cook as they cool.
Cool: Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Tips & Recipe Variations

Texture Twist: For a more textured cookie, add ¼ cup of finely chopped almonds or even chocolate chips into the dough.
Flavor Infusion: Experiment with different extracts, such as vanilla bean or hazelnut, for a unique flavor profile.
Decorating Fun: For festive occasions, roll the cookie balls in colored sugar or sprinkles before baking.
Storage: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to a week, or freeze them for later enjoyment just remember to let them defrost before diving in!

How to Enjoy This Dish

These sugar cookies with almond extract are delightful on their own, but they also pair incredibly well with a cup of tea or coffee. For a special treat, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an indulgent dessert. Present them on a charming plate dusted with powdered sugar or garnished with a few slivers of almonds for an inviting touch.

Common Questions

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance, refrigerate it for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw and bake when you’re ready!
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Absolutely! Baked cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just ensure they’re in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.
What can I use instead of almond extract?
You can substitute almond extract with an equal amount of vanilla extract for a more traditional sugar cookie flavor.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking if you prefer thicker cookies.
Can I make this vegetarian or dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter. Ensure any extracts used do not contain dairy.

Baking these sugar cookies with almond extract brings back cherished memories and connects me to my roots. Every time I smell the warm, sweet aroma wafting through the kitchen, I’m reminded of family gatherings and the joy of sharing treats with loved ones. I encourage you to give this recipe a try let it bring a sprinkle of joy to your home, just like it did for mine. Once you take that first bite, I’d love to hear your experiences and see how they turn out!

“These sugar cookies with almond extract are a delightful twist on the classic! The almond flavor adds a subtle sophistication, making them perfect for any occasion. My family begs for these every holiday season!” – Sarah K.

Delicious sugar cookies flavored with almond extract on a baking tray

Sugar Cookies with Almond Extract

Delicious, soft, and chewy sugar cookies infused with almond extract, perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 10

Total Time 30

Servings: 24 cookies

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 130

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough

2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups white sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon almond extract
3 teaspoons vanilla extract
½ teaspoon salt

For the Topping

to taste extra granulated sugar for rolling
optional colored sugar or sprinkles for decorating

Method

Preparation

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until smooth and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Beat in the egg, almond extract, and vanilla extract, mixing just until fully combined.
Gradually stir in the flour mixture until fully incorporated. The dough will be soft but manageable.
Roll rounded tablespoonfuls of dough into balls, then roll each ball in granulated sugar until coated.
Place them on ungreased baking sheets about 2 inches apart.

Baking

Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked.
Allow the cookies to cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Notes

For a nut-free version, substitute almond extract with vanilla extract or a hint of citrus zest. For a more textured cookie, add finely chopped almonds or chocolate chips to the dough. Store cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to a week, or freeze for later enjoyment.