Italian Almond Sugar Cookies

There’s something magical about a cookie that’s delicate on the outside, soft on the inside, and packed with nutty, sweet almond flavor. These Italian Almond Sugar Cookies are exactly that. They’re buttery, lightly crisp around the edges, and have a melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes it impossible to stop at just one. Pair them with your morning coffee, a cup of tea, or a glass of cold milk, and you’ve got yourself a little bite of heaven. Trust me, this one’s going to be on repeat in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love Italian Almond Sugar Cookies

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re baking for a holiday cookie exchange, a cozy afternoon treat, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, these cookies fit the occasion beautifully. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: Perfect for everyday snacking or fancy enough for festive gatherings.
Budget-Friendly: Simple pantry staples come together to create bakery-quality cookies.
Quick and Easy: No complicated steps, just mix, bake, and enjoy.
Customizable: Add a glaze, sprinkle with powdered sugar, or press an almond on top.
Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves a soft, sweet cookie with a hint of almond.

This recipe strikes the perfect balance of sweetness and texture, making it a universal favorite.

Ingredients in Italian Almond Sugar Cookies

Here’s what makes these cookies so irresistible—they use simple ingredients but pack big flavor. Let’s break it down:

Butter: Creamy, rich, and the backbone of any good cookie.
Sugar: Gives the cookies their sweet, crisp edges.
Eggs: Adds moisture and structure, keeping the cookies tender.
Almond Extract: The star of the show, giving that distinct Italian cookie flavor.
All-Purpose Flour: Creates the perfect crumbly yet soft texture.
Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise ever so slightly.
Powdered Sugar (Optional): For dusting on top, adding a delicate finish.
Sliced Almonds (Optional): Pressed on top for extra crunch and beauty.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create these melt-in-your-mouth cookies:

Preheat Your Equipment: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is key to getting that perfect cookie texture.

Add Eggs and Extract: Mix in the eggs and almond extract until well combined, giving the dough that nutty, fragrant aroma.

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.

Shape the Cookies: Scoop out small portions of dough, roll them into balls, and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Gently flatten with your hand or the back of a spoon. Add sliced almonds on top if desired.

Bake to Perfection: Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Do not overbake; they should remain soft in the center.

Finishing Touches: Allow the cookies to cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar for a classic Italian touch.

Serve and Enjoy: These cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they also store beautifully in an airtight container.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 24
Calories per serving: 120

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes

How to Serve Italian Almond Sugar Cookies

These cookies shine all on their own, but you can elevate your cookie experience with these serving ideas:

• With Espresso: Perfect pairing for a traditional Italian vibe.
• With Gelato: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla or pistachio gelato.
• Gift-Worthy: Pack them in a pretty tin and share with friends or neighbors.
• Holiday Style: Dip them in white chocolate and sprinkle with crushed almonds.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

• Chill the dough for 15 minutes if it feels too soft to handle.
• Use high-quality almond extract for the best flavor.
• For extra almond flavor, mix a bit of almond flour into the dough.
• Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to a week.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour?
You can replace part of the flour with almond flour for extra nuttiness, but keep some all-purpose for structure.

2. Do I need to chill the dough?
It’s optional, but chilling can make shaping easier and help prevent spreading.

3. Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes! Freeze the dough balls or baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

4. What if I don’t have almond extract?
Vanilla extract works as a substitute, though the flavor will be slightly different.

5. How do I get the perfect soft texture?
Don’t overbake—pull them out just as the edges turn golden.

6. Can I add a glaze to these cookies?
Absolutely! A simple almond or lemon glaze takes them to the next level.

7. Are these cookies gluten-free?
Not as written, but you can try a gluten-free flour blend.

8. Can I make them dairy-free?
Use plant-based butter alternatives for a dairy-free version.

9. How long do they stay fresh?
Stored properly, they stay soft and delicious for about 5–7 days.

10. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, these cookies double beautifully—perfect for holiday baking!

Conclusion

Italian Almond Sugar Cookies are the perfect blend of simplicity and elegance. With their delicate texture, subtle almond aroma, and melt-in-your-mouth goodness, they’re a treat you’ll want to make over and over. Whether you’re serving them for a special occasion or just as an everyday indulgence, these cookies will always bring a little joy to your table.

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