Name: Almond Shortbread Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: PT-489735H57M39S
Cuisine: American/European
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; ¾ cup powdered sugar; 2 cups all‑purpose flour; ½ cup almond flour or finely ground almonds; 1 tsp almond extract; ¼ tsp salt; Optional: slivered almonds, melted chocolate, or powdered sugar for finishing

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Almond Shortbread Cookies are buttery, tender, and delicately flavored with almond—perfect for gifting, holiday trays, or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and subtle nuttiness, these cookies strike the perfect balance between elegant and cozy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love these cookies because they’re simple to make, yet they feel special and sophisticated. The almond extract brings a warm, aromatic flavor that pairs beautifully with the buttery shortbread base. They hold their shape well, store beautifully, and can be left plain or dressed up with a drizzle of chocolate or a dusting of powdered sugar. Almond Shortbread Cookies

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Unsalted butter, softened
Powdered sugar
All-purpose flour
Almond flour or finely ground almonds
Almond extract
Salt
Optional: slivered almonds, melted chocolate, or powdered sugar for finishing

Directions

I cream the softened butter and powdered sugar together in a large bowl until smooth and light.
I mix in the almond extract and a pinch of salt.
I stir in the flour and almond flour until a soft dough forms.
I shape the dough into a log or flatten it into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for best flavor).
I preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
I roll out the dough and cut into desired shapes, or slice the log into rounds about ¼ inch thick.
I place the cookies on the prepared sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden.
I let them cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
I finish with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate if I want to dress them up.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 24 cookies.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Chill time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 1 hour

Variations

I dip half of each cookie in melted dark or white chocolate and sprinkle with chopped almonds.
I add orange or lemon zest to the dough for a citrus twist.
I sandwich two cookies with raspberry jam or almond butter for a filled version.
I roll the dough into balls and press with a fork or thumbprint for a rustic shape.
I use vanilla extract in combination with almond extract for a more mellow flavor.

Storage/Reheating

I store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They also freeze well—I freeze them plain (undecorated) for up to 2 months. To refresh them, I let them thaw at room temperature or warm them slightly in the oven for a crisp texture. Almond Shortbread Cookies

FAQs

Can I use all-purpose flour only?

Yes, but I love using almond flour for the added flavor and tenderness. If I skip it, I replace it with more all-purpose flour.

Do I need to chill the dough?

Yes, chilling helps the cookies hold their shape and develop a better texture. It’s especially important if the dough feels soft.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, I use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour, and make sure the almond flour is certified gluten-free.

What kind of almonds should I use?

I prefer blanched almond flour for a fine texture, but finely ground raw almonds work too. Slivered almonds add a nice crunch on top.

Are these cookies sweet?

They’re mildly sweet, which makes them perfect for pairing with tea or adding decorative toppings like chocolate or powdered sugar.

Conclusion

Almond Shortbread Cookies are a delicate, buttery treat that never goes out of style. I love how simple they are to make, yet how luxurious they feel with each bite. Whether I keep them plain or dress them up, these cookies always bring warmth and elegance to the table—especially during the holidays or any time I need a sweet, nutty bite.