Imagine biting into a cookie so delicate, so perfectly balanced, that it transports you to a world of pure culinary bliss. These Vanilla Bean Almond Sugar Cookies are not just another sweet treat – they're a gourmet experience that will elevate your baking game and impress everyone from casual snackers to serious dessert connoisseurs. With a luxurious blend of vanilla bean paste and almond extract, these cookies promise a sophisticated twist on the classic sugar cookie that will have your taste buds dancing with delight.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and almond flour until well combined and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add the egg, vanilla bean paste, and almond extract to the butter mixture. Beat until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Gently flatten each cookie ball slightly with the palm of your hand or the bottom of a glass.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers still look soft.
- Remove from oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with almond glaze for extra sweetness if desired.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Ensure your butter is truly softened but not melted for the perfect cookie texture.
- Don't Overmix: Mix your dough just until ingredients are combined to keep cookies tender.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: High-quality vanilla bean paste and fresh almond extract make a significant difference in flavor.
- Uniform Size: Use a cookie scoop for consistent cookie sizes that bake evenly.
- Watch Closely While Baking: The edges should be just golden – overcooking will dry out your cookies.
- Cooling is Crucial: Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to prevent breaking.
- Storage Tip: Store in an airtight container to maintain softness and freshness for up to 5 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 30mg
