These Almond Butter Cookies blend the rich flavors of butter and almonds into a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture that's accentuated by a delightful crunch from the flaked almonds. The combination of self-raising and plain flours creates a perfectly tender crumb, while the dual types of sugar add a complex sweetness that enhances the nutty flavor.
Why You’ll Love This: These cookies offer a sumptuous blend of sweet and nutty flavors, making them perfect for almond lovers. They're easy to prepare, requiring basic ingredients and simple steps, yet the result is truly gourmet. The flaked almonds and dusting of icing sugar not only add flavor and texture but also make these cookies visually appealing.
Perfect Occasion: These almond butter cookies are ideal for afternoon tea, coffee breaks, or as a sweet treat after a meal. They're also perfect for holiday baking, gift-giving, or serving at parties. The elegant appearance and rich flavor make them suitable for both casual and formal gatherings.
Decoration Tips: To make these cookies even more special, try drizzling them with melted dark chocolate or white chocolate after they cool. This not only adds an extra layer of sweetness but also makes them visually stunning. For a festive touch, sprinkle crushed candy canes over the chocolate before it sets.
Ingredients:
- 220g butter, melted
- 170g light brown sugar
- 170g caster sugar
- 125g self-raising flour
- 100g ground almonds
- 185g plain flour
- 1 whole egg + 1 egg yolk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Flaked almonds, for decoration
- Icing sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, light brown sugar, and caster sugar. Beat until well combined and smooth.
- Add the whole egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly to incorporate.
- Gradually blend in the self-raising flour, ground almonds, and plain flour until the mixture forms a consistent dough.
- Chill the Dough:
- Shape the dough into balls, each weighing about 80g.
- Place the dough balls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are spaced well apart.
- Refrigerate the dough balls for 1 hour to firm up. This step helps prevent excessive spreading and ensures the cookies maintain their shape.
- Bake the Cookies:
- Preheat your oven to 170°C (338°F).
- Once chilled, press flaked almonds into the top of each dough ball for decoration.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool and Decorate:
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking tray for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, dust with icing sugar for a sweet, finished look.
Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage. Ensure they are completely cool before storing to maintain their texture and flavor.
Enjoy these delightful Almond Butter Cookies, a perfect combination of nutty flavor and sweet indulgence that's sure to please any cookie lover!
