Almond Sugar Cookies with Icing Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a cookie that’s tender, subtly nutty, and topped with a dreamy icing, you’ve hit the jackpot. This Almond Sugar Cookies with Icing Recipe has been one of my go-to favorites for casual afternoons and special occasions alike. I absolutely love how these little gems balance that delicate almond flavor with classic sugar cookie charm—and the icing? It’s the perfect finishing touch that your family and guests will rave about. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through everything so your cookies turn out perfect every single time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

I love how the combination of almond flour with classic all-purpose flour gives these cookies that lovely balance—a little nuttiness with traditional chewiness. Plus, the almond extract in both dough and icing really amplifies the flavor. When shopping, I recommend fresh almond extract over imitation for the best taste.

• Almond flour: Adds a subtle almond flavor and tender crumb without making the dough too dense.
• All-purpose flour: Gives structure and classic sugar cookie chew.
• Cornstarch: This is a secret weapon for soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookies.
• Baking soda and baking powder: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a light texture.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances almond notes.
• Unsalted butter: Room temperature is key for proper creaming with sugar.
• Granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with lightness and texture.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients and adds richness.
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors so the almond doesn’t feel one-dimensional.
• Almond extract: The star flavor—use sparingly to avoid bitterness.
• Powdered sugar (for icing): Gives the icing that smooth, sweet finish.
• Milk (for icing): Adds just enough liquidity for spreading.
• Sliced almonds (for topping): Adds crunch and a pretty finish.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Almond Sugar Cookies with Icing Recipe is how easy it is to adjust for different tastes or occasions. I often play around with extracts and toppings to change things up without losing the cookie’s heart and soul.

• Variation: I like swapping sliced almonds for chopped pistachios sometimes to give a beautiful green pop and unique crunch—my friends always notice!
• Dairy-Free Option: Using dairy-free butter lets you make these for friends with allergies with no loss in flavor or texture.
• Gluten-Free Twist: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free mix and a bit more almond flour; the texture turns out amazing and is perfect for special diets.
• Colorful Icing: Add a few drops of natural food coloring to the icing for festive occasions like holidays or birthdays.

How to Make Almond Sugar Cookies with Icing Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper—this prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Whisk together the almond flour, all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Having this dry mix ready means you can quickly move to creaming the butter and sugar without a hitch.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar Until Fluffy

In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key because it introduces air into your dough, helping the cookies bake with a tender crumb rather than dense or dry. I like to use an electric hand mixer here, but you can also do it by hand with a sturdy wooden spoon.

Step 3: Add Egg and Extracts

Next, mix in the egg along with the vanilla and almond extracts. Be careful not to overdo the almond extract—it can be strong. I usually stick to the measurements here to keep the flavor balanced and pleasant.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a dough forms. Resist the urge to overmix—overworking the dough can make the cookies tough. When the dough looks smooth and comes together easily, you’re in great shape.

Step 5: Shape and Bake the Cookies

Scoop about 1/4 cup of dough for each cookie and place them on your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each—these cookies will spread slightly. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Watch carefully toward the end; you don’t want them to brown too much because you want that tender, buttery bite.

Step 6: Cool and Prepare the Almond Icing

After baking, let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes—it helps them set without breaking. Then, transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. While the cookies cool, mix powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract in a bowl until you get a thick but spreadable glaze. I like to start with less milk and add more slowly, so the icing isn’t too runny.

Step 7: Ice and Garnish

Once your cookies are completely cooled, spoon some icing on each cookie and gently spread it with the back of a spoon or a small offset spatula. Don’t worry about perfection—the homemade look is charming! Then sprinkle sliced almonds on top for crunch and visual appeal. Let the icing set fully before serving to avoid smudging.

How to Serve Almond Sugar Cookies with Icing Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple with extra sliced almonds on top, but sometimes I sprinkle a little edible glitter or colored sugar for fancy occasions—it really lifts the look without altering the flavor. Fresh edible flowers also add a gorgeous touch if you’re feeling creative.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a hot cup of tea—jasmine or green tea complement the almond flavor so nicely. For a party, I sometimes bring out fresh fruit platters or a cheese board with mild cheeses like brie, which is a surprising but delightful combo with sweet almond cookies.

Creative Ways to Present

For special celebrations, I’ve layered these cookies in a clear glass trifle bowl between layers of whipped cream and fresh berries to wow guests. Another fun idea: individually wrap iced cookies in cellophane tied with a ribbon for sweet party favors or gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to keep these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature—layered with parchment paper between—where they stay fresh and soft for about 4 days. If the icing feels a bit fragile, handle gently or store in a single layer.

Freezing

You can freeze the un-iced cookies baked or raw. I usually freeze scooped dough balls on a tray first, then transfer them into a freezer bag. When ready, bake straight from frozen—just add a couple extra minutes. The icing is best made fresh, but if needed, you can freeze iced cookies individually wrapped and thaw slowly at room temp.

Reheating

If you want to warm these cookies, pop them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes to gently refresh that soft texture. Avoid microwaving, which can turn the butter oily and the icing messy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Almond Sugar Cookies with Icing Recipe is one I keep coming back to because it strikes that perfect note between classic comfort and something a little special. I love sharing these cookies with friends and family because they always spark compliments and requests for the recipe. If you give them a try, I’m confident you’ll find they make your cookie rotation far tastier and your gatherings a little sweeter. So, pull out your mixing bowl and enjoy the buttery, almond-scented magic!

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