Almond Shortbread Cookies with Icing Recipe

Introduction

Almond Shortbread Cookies with Icing are a delightful treat that combines buttery richness with a subtle almond flavor. These crisp yet tender cookies are perfect for any occasion and are beautifully finished with a sweet icing drizzle.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup icing sugar (for the icing)
• 2-3 teaspoons water or milk (for the icing)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the almond extract and mix well.
2. Step 2: Gradually add the flour to the butter mixture and mix until a soft dough forms. Avoid overworking the dough.
3. Step 3: Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters.
4. Step 4: Place the cookies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack.
5. Step 5: To make the icing, combine the icing sugar with water or milk, adding a little at a time until the icing reaches a drizzle consistency.
6. Step 6: Drizzle the icing over the cooled cookies and allow it to set before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer almond flavor, toast the almonds lightly and fold finely chopped pieces into the dough.
• If you prefer a thicker icing, add less liquid to the icing sugar until the desired consistency is reached.
• These cookies can also be dipped partially in melted chocolate for an extra indulgent touch.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Avoid refrigerating as this can make the cookies lose their crispness. If iced, ensure the icing is fully set before storing. To refresh, allow cookies to come to room temperature before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Using almond flour will change the texture and structure of the cookies. It’s best to use all-purpose flour for classic shortbread, but almond flour can be mixed in small amounts to add extra almond flavor and a slightly softer texture.

How do I make the icing less sweet?

To reduce the sweetness of the icing, you can use less icing sugar or add a small amount of lemon juice to balance the flavor with a hint of tanginess.

Almond Shortbread Cookies with Icing Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 84 reviews

These Almond Shortbread Cookies with Icing are buttery, tender, and delicately flavored with aromatic almond extract. Perfectly baked until golden and finished with a sweet, glossy icing drizzle, they make an elegant treat for any occasion or a delightful afternoon snack.

• Author: Ria
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookie Dough

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour

Icing

• 1 cup icing sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons milk or water (to desired consistency)

Instructions

1. Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the almond extract and mix well. Gradually add in the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
2. Shape and bake cookies: Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, flattening each slightly. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until the edges turn light golden brown.
3. Cool the cookies: Remove cookies from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before icing.
4. Make the icing: In a small bowl, whisk the icing sugar with milk or water until smooth and slightly runny. Adjust the liquid to reach drizzling consistency.
5. Drizzle icing: Using a spoon or piping bag, drizzle the icing over the cooled cookies. Let the icing set before serving or storing.

Notes

• Ensure the butter is softened at room temperature for easy creaming.
• You can substitute almond extract with vanilla extract if preferred.
• Adjust the icing consistency by adding more or less liquid for thicker or thinner drizzle.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Keywords: Almond shortbread, Almond cookies, Shortbread with icing, Butter cookies, Holiday cookies