Almond Heart Cookies are the perfect treat to share with loved ones, especially on special occasions like Valentine’s Day or anniversaries. These soft, buttery cookies are subtly flavored with almond extract, giving them a rich and nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the sweet, delicate texture. Shaped into hearts, these cookies are not only delicious but also make a charming, heartfelt gift. The addition of sliced almonds on top adds a delightful crunch, enhancing the flavor and providing a beautiful finishing touch. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or simply to enjoy with a cup of tea, these almond heart cookies will undoubtedly warm hearts and satisfy any sweet tooth.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Delicate Almond Flavor
The almond extract in these cookies gives them a unique and aromatic flavor that sets them apart from standard sugar cookies.
2. Perfect for Special Occasions
With their heart shape and sweet almond taste, these cookies are ideal for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or any occasion where you want to express love through food.
3. Easy to Make
Despite their lovely appearance, these cookies are easy to prepare, requiring simple ingredients and just a few steps to bake.
4. Buttery and Soft
The texture of these cookies is perfectly soft and melt-in-your-mouth, making them a delightful treat with every bite.
5. Customizable Toppings
You can easily customize the look of these cookies with different toppings, such as chocolate drizzle or colorful sprinkles, for added decoration.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- All-purpose flour
- Unsalted butter (softened)
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Egg
- Almond extract
- Baking powder
- Salt
For the Topping:
- Sliced almonds
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
Variations
1. Chocolate-Dipped Almond Heart Cookies
After baking, dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate for an extra indulgent treat. The combination of almond and chocolate is always a winner.
2. Lemon Almond Heart Cookies
For a refreshing twist, add lemon zest to the dough to complement the almond flavor, creating a bright citrusy contrast.
3. Sugar-Free Almond Heart Cookies
You can replace the granulated sugar with a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol for a sugar-free version of these cookies.
4. Gluten-Free Almond Heart Cookies
To make the cookies gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
5. Almond and Jam-Filled Cookies
Create a jam-filled version of these cookies by adding a small spoonful of your favorite fruit jam or preserve before baking.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and almond extract, and continue to beat until smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until the dough comes together.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
Divide the dough into two portions, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to make the dough easier to roll out.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
Once chilled, roll out one portion of the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out heart shapes from the dough and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 4: Add the Almonds
Press a few sliced almonds gently into the center of each cookie. This adds texture and enhances the almond flavor.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
If desired, dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar for a delicate finishing touch. Serve and enjoy these sweet, nutty treats!
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Chill the dough well: Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking, ensuring that they hold their heart shape.
- Use room temperature butter: Softened butter is essential for achieving a smooth, creamy dough that blends well with the other ingredients.
- Don’t over-bake: Keep an eye on the cookies while they bake. You want them to be lightly golden, not browned, to maintain their soft texture.
- Customize the shapes: If you’re not into heart-shaped cookies, you can use other cookie cutters to create fun shapes for any occasion.
How to Serve
Almond Heart Cookies are great on their own, but they can also be paired with:
- A cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.
- A glass of milk for a classic cookie and milk combination.
- A bowl of fresh berries to add a fruity contrast to the sweet, nutty flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5-7 days. To keep them fresh for longer, you can layer the cookies with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
Freezing
You can freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months. Simply roll the dough into discs or shape it into a log, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze. When ready to bake, thaw the dough in the fridge overnight and then proceed with rolling, cutting, and baking as usual.
Reheating
If you prefer warm cookies, you can reheat them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore their soft, fresh-baked texture.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different nut extract?
Yes, you can use other nut extracts, such as hazelnut or pistachio, to change up the flavor, although almond extract is traditional for these cookies.
2. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While butter is recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can substitute margarine, though it may affect the texture slightly.
3. Do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling the dough is important to prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking and to make the dough easier to roll.
4. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for part or all of the all-purpose flour for a slightly nuttier flavor and denser texture.
5. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough thoroughly and using the right amount of flour will help keep the cookies from spreading excessively.
6. Can I add chocolate to these cookies?
Yes, you can dip the cookies in melted chocolate or add chocolate chips to the dough for a delicious twist.
7. Can I freeze the cookies after baking?
Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies. Allow them to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
8. Can I make these cookies without eggs?
Yes, you can substitute the egg with a flaxseed egg or other egg replacements if needed for a vegan version.
9. What is the best way to cut out the cookies?
Use a sharp, clean cookie cutter for the cleanest edges, and be sure to dip it in flour if the dough is sticky.
10. Can I add icing to these cookies?
Absolutely! You can drizzle a simple glaze or royal icing on top of the cookies for an extra touch of sweetness.
Conclusion
Almond Heart Cookies are a delightful and simple treat to make for any special occasion or just to brighten someone’s day. The buttery, nutty almond flavor paired with the soft, tender texture makes these cookies irresistible. With their heart shape and customizable toppings, they’re not only delicious but also make for a charming and thoughtful gift. Whether you’re enjoying them with a hot cup of tea or sharing them with loved ones, these cookies are sure to bring smiles and warmth to everyone who tries them!
Print
Almond Heart Cookies
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: About 20-25 cookies (depending on size)
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Almond Heart Cookies are tender, buttery treats with a rich almond flavor. Shaped into heart designs, these cookies are perfect for gifting or sharing with loved ones. They’re easy to make, and the combination of almond extract and a delicate buttery texture makes them irresistible!
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough:
- All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the dough
- Almond Flour: Adds a nutty flavor and a slightly chewy texture
- Unsalted Butter: Softened, for a rich and tender texture
- Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the buttery dough
- Egg: Helps bind the dough and gives structure
- Almond Extract: Adds that signature almond flavor
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor profile
- Salt: Balances out the sweetness
For the Icing (Optional):
- Powdered Sugar: To create a smooth, sweet icing
- Milk: To thin out the icing and make it spreadable
- Almond Extract: To continue the almond flavor in the icing
- Food Coloring: Optional, to tint the icing (red or pink for Valentine’s Day)
For Garnish (Optional):
- Sliced Almonds: For extra almond flavor and texture
- Sprinkles: For a festive touch (optional)
Instructions
- Make the Cookie Dough:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, almond extract, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, beating until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. The dough should be smooth and slightly soft but not sticky.
- Chill the Dough:
- Divide the dough into two equal portions and wrap each in plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour, or until firm. This step will make it easier to roll out the dough and cut out heart shapes.
- Shape the Cookies:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies. If you prefer, you can make the hearts smaller or larger based on your preference.
- Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Bake the Cookies:
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Icing (Optional):
- In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar with a tablespoon of milk and almond extract until smooth. Add more milk if necessary to reach the desired consistency.
- If desired, tint the icing with a few drops of food coloring for a festive touch.
- Decorate the Cookies:
- Once the cookies have cooled, spread or drizzle the almond icing over the top of each cookie. You can also dip the cookies halfway into the icing for a more decorative look.
- Optionally, sprinkle sliced almonds or festive sprinkles on top while the icing is still wet.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Allow the icing to set for a few minutes before serving or storing the cookies.
- These cookies make for a perfect Valentine’s Day treat, a gift for a loved one, or a delicious snack!
Notes
- If you prefer a slightly sweeter taste, you can increase the amount of sugar in the dough by 1/4 cup.
- These cookies are also great for other holidays by changing the icing color or decorations.
- Make sure the dough is chilled thoroughly before rolling out to avoid any sticking or difficulty with cutting shapes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Almond cookies, heart-shaped cookies, Valentine’s Day cookies, almond-flavored cookies, easy cookies, holiday treats, festive cookies