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To make almond cookies from scratch, you simply combine ground almonds, flour, butter, sugar, and a few other pantry staples, then bake the dough until golden.
These cookies are wonderfully nutty, slightly crisp on the edges, and tender in the middle.
And the best part is that making almond cookies from scratch is easier than most people think.
You don’t need any fancy equipment or pastry skills to pull this off.
In this post, we’ll walk through how to make almond cookies from scratch, covering the ingredients you need, the step-by-step process, and a few tips for getting them just right every time.
Let’s get to it.
How to Make Almond Cookies From Scratch: The Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we jump into the process of how to make almond cookies from scratch, let’s talk about what goes into them.
The ingredient list is short, which is one of the reasons almond cookies are such a great beginner recipe.
Here’s what you’ll need:
1. Ground Almonds (Almond Flour)
Ground almonds are the heart and soul of almond cookies.
They give the cookies their signature nutty flavor and chewy texture.
You can buy almond flour at most grocery stores or make your own by grinding blanched almonds in a food processor.
Just be careful not to over-process, or you’ll end up with almond butter instead.
2. All-Purpose Flour
While almond flour provides the flavor, all-purpose flour provides structure.
A small amount helps bind everything together so your almond cookies hold their shape.
If you want to make almond cookies from scratch with a gluten-free twist, you can swap in a gluten-free flour blend instead.
3. Butter or Coconut Oil
Fat is what makes these cookies rich and tender.
Softened unsalted butter works beautifully, but melted coconut oil is a great dairy-free alternative when making almond cookies from scratch.
Either one will give you delicious results.
4. Sugar
Granulated sugar is the standard choice, but you can also use brown sugar for a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
Powdered sugar is another option if you want a smoother texture in your almond cookies.
5. Egg and Vanilla Extract
One egg helps bind the dough and adds moisture.
Vanilla extract enhances the nutty flavor and makes your almond cookies taste even better.
A pinch of salt rounds everything out and balances the sweetness.
How to Make Almond Cookies From Scratch: Step-by-Step
Now that you know what goes into them, let’s walk through how to make almond cookies from scratch step by step.
1. Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so your almond cookies don’t stick.
This also makes cleanup a breeze.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the ground almonds, all-purpose flour, salt, and a little baking powder if you want slightly lighter almond cookies.
Set this aside while you work on the wet ingredients.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
This usually takes about two to three minutes with an electric mixer or a sturdy whisk and some elbow grease.
4. Add the Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is well combined.
The mixture should look smooth and glossy at this point.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until a soft dough forms.
Don’t overmix, or your almond cookies will come out tough instead of tender.
6. Shape and Bake
Roll the dough into small balls, about one tablespoon each, and place them on your prepared baking sheet.
Flatten each ball slightly with the back of a fork or your fingers.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown when you’re making almond cookies from scratch.
7. Cool and Enjoy
Let the almond cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
They’ll firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they seem soft right out of the oven.
Tips for Making the Best Almond Cookies From Scratch
Want to make sure your almond cookies from scratch turn out perfectly every time?
Keep these tips in mind:
1. Don’t Skip the Chill Time
If your dough feels too soft or sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before shaping.
This makes the dough easier to handle and helps your almond cookies hold their shape in the oven.
2. Toast Your Almonds First
For an extra layer of flavor, toast your ground almonds in a dry skillet for a few minutes before using them.
This deepens the nutty taste and takes your almond cookies from scratch to the next level.
3. Add a Little Almond Extract
A quarter teaspoon of almond extract alongside the vanilla boosts the almond flavor without overpowering the cookies.
It’s a small addition that makes a big difference when making almond cookies from scratch.
So, How Do You Make Almond Cookies From Scratch?
You make almond cookies from scratch by combining ground almonds, flour, butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla into a simple dough, then baking it until golden.
It’s a straightforward process that anyone can master with a little practice.
The key is to use quality ingredients, avoid overmixing, and keep an eye on them in the oven.
Once you know how to make almond cookies from scratch, you’ll have a go-to recipe you can whip up anytime a craving strikes.
Happy baking!