Soft Almond Sugar Cookies are delicate, melt-in-your-mouth treats with a rich almond aroma and a tender, buttery texture. Unlike classic firm sugar cookies, these cookies stay soft and light, making them perfect for tea time, holidays, or elegant dessert platters. Their subtle sweetness, combined with almond and vanilla notes, creates a refined flavor that feels both comforting and luxurious.
What makes this recipe special is the soft batter, which is piped instead of rolled. This technique gives the cookies their signature shape while keeping them incredibly tender. Finished with a smooth almond glaze and sliced almonds, they look beautiful and taste even better.
Ingredients
For the Soft Almond Cookie Dough
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 3¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
For the Almond Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons milk
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract
- 1 cup sliced almonds for topping
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and help the cookies bake evenly.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth. Add the granulated sugar and continue mixing until the texture becomes light and creamy.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Flavorings
Mix in the almond extract and vanilla extract. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each addition until the batter looks smooth and slightly fluffy.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps distribute the leavening evenly for a soft texture.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
In a small cup, mix the milk and orange juice. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk mixture. Stir only until combined — overmixing can make the cookies dense.
Step 6: Pipe the Cookies
Transfer the batter into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe long strips or small shapes onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie because they spread slightly.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the cookies are set but still pale in color. Avoid over-baking; they should remain soft rather than golden brown.
Step 8: Cool Completely
Allow the cookies to cool on a rack before adding the glaze.
Step 9: Prepare the Almond Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract until smooth and slightly thick.
Step 10: Decorate
Spread or drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies. Sprinkle sliced almonds on top and let the glaze set for several minutes before serving.
Tips for Perfect Soft Almond Sugar Cookies
- Use room-temperature butter for a smooth batter.
- Pipe evenly sized cookies so they bake uniformly.
- Keep baking time short to maintain the soft texture.
- Let the glaze fully dry before stacking or storing.
How to Store
Place the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4–5 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to keep the glaze intact. You can also freeze the cookies without glaze and decorate them after thawing.
Final Thoughts
Soft Almond Sugar Cookies are a wonderful balance of simplicity and elegance. Their buttery crumb, delicate almond flavor, and lightly sweet glaze make them ideal for special occasions or everyday baking. Whether served with coffee, tea, or as part of a dessert table, these cookies bring a refined homemade touch that everyone will love.