Homemade Almond Paste Cookies Recipe: Blissfully Sweet Treats

Sweet and delicate almond paste cookies melt hearts with their irresistible charm.

Bakers love crafting these delightful treats that capture the essence of European bakery traditions.

The soft, rich almond paste infuses each cookie with a luxurious nutty flavor that dances on your palate.

Generations have cherished this simple yet elegant recipe passed down through kitchens.

Crisp edges and tender centers make these cookies a perfect companion to afternoon tea or coffee.

Prepare to indulge in a classic dessert that promises pure comfort and deliciousness with every single bite.

Recipe Twists for Holiday Almond Treats

• Nutty Holiday Swap: Replace almond paste with cashew butter for a different nutty flavor and creamy texture.
• Chocolate Lovers' Version: Mix in cocoa powder and top with chocolate drizzle instead of plain sliced almonds.
• Gluten-Free Coconut Spin: Substitute gluten-free flour with coconut flour and add shredded coconut to the dough for extra tropical notes.
• Vegan Holiday Treat: Use aquafaba instead of egg whites and coconut sugar in place of regular sugar for a plant-based alternative.

Serving Almond Treats for Festive Occasions

• Festive Cookie Platter: Arrange these almond treats on a decorative holiday plate, surrounded by fresh mint leaves and dusted with powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.
• Dessert Pairing Delight: Serve alongside hot cocoa, espresso, or a sweet dessert wine to complement the delicate almond flavor and enhance the overall tasting experience.
• Gift-Worthy Packaging: Pack these cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons, creating a homemade gift perfect for friends, neighbors, or holiday gatherings.
• Tea Time Treat: Enjoy these cookies during afternoon tea, placing them on a delicate china plate with a selection of other small pastries for a charming sweet break.

Storing Holiday Almond Treats Properly

• – Refrigerate Store these treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain their fresh texture and prevent drying out.
• – Freeze Carefully place cookies in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers, where they'll keep perfectly for 2-3 months.
• – Room Temperature If serving within 2 days, keep treats in a sealed container at room temperature to preserve their soft, delicate texture.
• – Moisture Protection Add a small piece of bread to the storage container to help maintain moisture and prevent the almond treats from becoming too dry.

FAQs

• Are these treats gluten-free?

Yes, the recipe uses gluten-free flour, making these almond treats safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

• Can I substitute almond paste?

While almond paste is key to the recipe, you might try using marzipan as an alternative, but the texture and flavor will slightly differ.

• How do I know when the treats are done baking?

Look for lightly golden edges and a set appearance. The treats should be firm but not dark brown.

• Why add almond extract?

Almond extract enhances the nutty flavor and provides a deeper, more intense almond taste to the holiday treats.

Holiday Almond Treats: Why They’re Irresistible

• Whip Up Quickly: Perfect for busy bakers who want delicious treats without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Celebrate Festively: Ideal for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or special family moments with its elegant almond flavor.
• Customize Easily: Adaptable recipe that works great for gluten-free diets and can be modified with different toppings or mix-ins.
• Impress Guests: Looks professionally made with minimal effort, creating a sophisticated dessert that seems more complicated than it really is.

Almond Treat Ingredient Must-Haves

• Almond Paste: A rich, sweet foundation that provides the core flavor and texture for these festive treats.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a smooth, cohesive mixture.

• Egg Whites: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the light, delicate texture of the cookies.
• Almond Extract: Enhances the almond flavor and adds a subtle, aromatic depth to the treats.

• Gluten-Free Flour: Creates structure and helps form a sticky dough that holds its shape.
• Sliced Almonds: Provides a crunchy topping and decorative element to the holiday cookies.
• Parchment Paper: Ensures easy release and prevents sticking during baking.

Step-by-Step Holiday Almond Treats

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F.

Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Create Almond Base

In a mixing bowl, crumble the almond paste.

Sprinkle in sugar and mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well combined and smooth.

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients

Pour in egg whites and almond extract.

Stir until the mixture becomes silky and uniform in texture.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Components

Slowly add gluten-free flour to the mixture.

Gently fold and mix until a slightly sticky dough forms.

The consistency should be soft but manageable.

Step 5: Shape Delightful Treats

Scoop out small portions of dough using a spoon.

Roll each portion between your palms to create perfect little balls.

Step 6: Add Nutty Topping

Gently press sliced almonds onto the surface of each dough ball.

Make sure the almonds stick nicely and create a beautiful decorative layer.

Step 7: Bake To Golden Perfection

Place the almond-topped balls into the preheated oven.

Bake for 15-18 minutes until the edges turn a light golden brown.

Step 8: Cool And Enjoy

Remove the baking sheet from the oven.

Let the treats rest for 5 minutes, then carefully transfer to a cooling rack.

Allow them to cool completely before serving.

Almond Treats: Handy Baking Tips

• Use exact measurements for almond paste and sugar to ensure consistent texture and sweetness.
• Cream almond paste and sugar thoroughly to prevent lumpy dough and achieve uniform consistency.
• Incorporate egg whites and flour gently to maintain light, delicate cookie structure and prevent toughness.
• Press sliced almonds lightly onto cookies before baking to create a beautiful, professional-looking finish.
• Allow eggs and almond paste to reach room temperature for better blending and smoother cookie dough.

Almond Paste Cookies Recipe

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4.6 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 33 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Delightful Almond Paste Cookies blend Mediterranean charm with sweet simplicity, promising a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Crisp edges and tender centers invite you to savor each delectable bite of these irresistible homemade treats.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup almond paste
• 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar

Binding and Flavoring Ingredients:

• 2 large egg whites
• 1 teaspoon almond extract

Topping:

• 1/2 cup sliced almonds

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper for even cooking and easy cleanup.
2. In a mixing bowl, break down the almond paste into fine crumbles, then incorporate sugar until thoroughly blended.
3. Introduce egg whites and almond extract to the mixture, stirring until the consistency becomes smooth and uniform.
4. Gradually fold in gluten-free flour, mixing carefully until a slightly sticky dough develops.
5. Using a spoon, portion out small rounds of dough and gently roll each into a compact ball.
6. Delicately press sliced almonds onto the surface of each dough ball, creating a decorative and crunchy topping.
7. Transfer the prepared treats to the lined baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes, watching for light golden edges as a sign of doneness.
8. Remove from the oven and allow the treats to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack to complete the cooling process.

Notes

• Enhance almond paste texture by warming it slightly at room temperature before crumbling, ensuring smoother mixing and better cookie consistency.
• Customize sweetness by adjusting sugar levels, using alternatives like coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener for lower-glycemic options.
• Prevent sticking by lightly coating hands with gluten-free flour when rolling dough balls, creating more uniform and professional-looking cookies.
• Maximize flavor by toasting sliced almonds briefly before pressing onto cookies, intensifying their nutty profile and adding delightful crunch.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 155
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 10 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg