ALMOND DROP COOKIES

Almond Drop Cookies are easy to make with pantry ingredients & have a delicious buttery, nutty flavor that’s irresistible!

These drop sugar cookies are a great option for those who are looking for a simple and quick dessert or snack. Make these almond butter cookies for your next holiday cookie exchange or family gathering, they are a classic treat that everyone will enjoy.

History of Almond Drop Cookies

Almond drop cookies are a type of cookie that has been enjoyed for generations. They are believed to have originated in Europe, particularly in Italy, where almonds were always readily available. These cookies are often served at special events such as weddings, baby showers, and holiday gatherings.

The recipe for almond drop cookies has been passed down from generation to generation, with each family adding their own personal touch to the recipe. Our version of this classic treat stays true to the traditional flavor of this treat. My family enjoys making these during the holiday season, we give them as gifts to friends and family knowing they will be well received and devoured!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Almond Cookie Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe is simple and easy to follow. Even if you are a beginner baker, you can make these cookies with ease.
• Soft and Chewy: These cookies are soft and chewy, making them a crowd-pleaser. They have a delicious almond flavor that is not too overpowering.
• Few Ingredients: You only need a few ingredients to make these cookies, which makes them a budget-friendly option.

Almond Cookie Ingredients

Butter: For incredibly rich and flavorful cookies, you need 2 cups of butter, softened, for this recipe.

Sugar: Add in 2 cups of sugar for perfectly sweet and chewy treats.

Almond extract: Using 2 tsp of almond extract will give these cookies a strong nutty flavor.

Vanilla extract: Enhance the wonderful taste in these cookies by adding 1 tsp of vanilla extract.

Flour: The structural base of this cookie dough is 3 ½ cups of flour.

Baking soda: Help the cookies rise and puff up as they bake by adding in 1 tsp of baking soda.

Baking powder: The second leavening agent in this recipe is ½ tsp of baking powder.

Salt: Using ¼ tsp of salt will balance the sweetness of these cookies nicely.

Almonds: You need 1 cup of slivered almonds and ½ cup of whole almonds for a great crunchy and tasty addition to these cookies.

How to make Almond Drop Cookies

Prep

Start by getting the oven preheating to 350° F. Then line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicon mats, set them aside.

Dough

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the butter and sugar until it is almost white, this takes about 10-12 minutes. Then beat in the almond and vanilla extracts.

Next, in a separate small bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt; gradually stir the dry ingredients into the creamed butter mixture. Now, fold in the slivered almonds.

Continue to drop the dough by rounded teaspoons 2-inches apart onto the prepared baking sheets. Flatten the dough slightly with a glass bottom dipped in sugar and top each dough ball with a whole almond.

Bake

Proceed to place the cookies in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned.

Let the cookies cool for about 2 minutes on the baking sheets before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Serve immediately and enjoy these simple and delicious treats!

Recipe Variations for Almond Drop Cookies

Gluten-Free Alternatives: For those who are gluten intolerant or have celiac disease, almond drop cookies can easily be made gluten-free. Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Rice flour, almond flour, and coconut flour are all excellent options. It’s important to note that gluten-free flours have different properties than wheat flour, so the texture and taste of the cookies may be slightly different.

Vegan Variations: Almond drop cookies can easily be made vegan by substituting the butter with a plant-based alternative such as coconut oil or vegan margarine. Use a 1:1 ratio when substituting butter with oil or margarine. It’s also important to use a vegan-friendly sugar, as some sugars are processed using bone char.

Flavor Variations: Almond drop cookies can easily be adapted to suit different flavor preferences. Try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, cozy flavor. Lemon zest can add a bright, citrusy flavor, while cocoa powder can make the cookies chocolatey and decadent. Adding chopped dried fruit such as cranberries or apricots can add a chewy texture and burst of flavor.

Serving Suggestions for Almond Cookies

Almond drop cookies are a delicious treat that can be enjoyed at any time of day. They are perfect for a midday snack or as a dessert after dinner. These cookies pair well with a cup of tea or coffee, and can also be served with a scoop of ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

How long are Almond Drop Cookies good for?

These sugar cookies will stay fresh for up to 5 days if stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Or place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

How do you make soft almond cookies?

To make soft almond cookies, it is important to use the right ingredients and follow the recipe carefully. Start by using high-quality flour and blanched almonds for a rich, nutty flavor. Be sure to mix the dough thoroughly and if you have time, refrigerate it for at least an hour before baking. This will help the cookies hold their shape and prevent them from spreading too much during baking. Finally, be sure to bake the cookies for the recommended amount of time, and allow them to cool completely before serving.

Why are almond cookies a staple during Chinese New Year celebrations?

Almond cookies are a traditional Chinese New Year treat that symbolize good luck and prosperity. The round shape of the cookies represents coins, while the almond on top represents wealth. These cookies are often given as gifts during the holiday season, and are also served as a dessert during family gatherings and celebrations.

How do drop cookies differ from rolled cookies in terms of spreading during baking?

Drop cookies and rolled cookies differ in how they are shaped and how they spread during baking. Drop cookies are made by dropping spoonful’s of dough onto a baking sheet, while rolled cookies are made by rolling out the dough and cutting it into shapes. Also, drop cookies tend to spread more during baking, resulting in a flatter, wider cookie. Rolled cookies, on the other hand, hold their shape better and tend to be thicker and more uniform in appearance.

Try more amazing Christmas recipes we love here:

• Chocolate Orange Slice Cookies
• Santa’s Whiskers Cookies
• Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
• Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Linzer Cookies
• Frosted Gingerbread Sugar Cookies
• Mini Gingerbread Cookies
• Danish Butter Cookies
• Reindeer Cookie Cake
• Pumpkin Gingersnap Cookies
• Gingerbread House Cookies
• Orange Cardamom Cookies
• Gingersnap Cookies
• Strawberry Thumbprint Cookies
• Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Iced Gnome Cookies
• Frosted Eggnog Cookies

Almond Drop Cookies have a soft and delicate texture, smooth buttery flavor and are delicious treat to enjoy over the holiday season. Make this easy butter cookie recipe using flour, sugar, butter, extracts and almonds, the result is a simply heavenly treat.