If you’re on the hunt for a treat that blends buttery sweetness with delicate nutty notes, you’re going to fall in love with Almond Heart Cookies. These charming little hearts have all the tender crumb of a classic sugar cookie, with an irresistible almond twist that elevates them from pretty to downright unforgettable. Perfect for sharing (or not!) during special occasions or any sweet moment, they’re sure to be the star of your dessert table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These Almond Heart Cookies are uncomplicated, but every ingredient plays a unique role in building their delightful texture, rich flavor, and signature aroma. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:
- All-purpose flour: The reliable backbone of cookies, providing structure for the perfect crumb.
- Baking powder: Just enough for a tender lift, so the cookies aren’t dense.
- Salt: Essential for balancing sweetness and enhancing flavor.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Gives these cookies their rich, melt-in-your-mouth quality—don’t skimp here!
- Granulated sugar: Adds crispness and sweetness without overpowering the almond notes.
- Large egg: Binds everything together and introduces a bit of richness.
- Vanilla extract: Deepens the sweetness and brings a cozy aroma.
- Almond extract: The defining flavor—this is what makes Almond Heart Cookies shine.
- Finely ground almonds: Lends a subtle nutty taste and delightful tenderness to each bite.
- Sliced almonds for topping: For that eye-catching crunch and an extra almond kick.
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional): A snowy finish that looks as sweet as it tastes!
How to Make Almond Heart Cookies
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Start by grabbing a medium bowl and whisking together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that the rising agents and salt are evenly distributed—no pockets of bitter or bland cookies here! Set this mixture aside while you build your rich, luscious base.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This step is what gives Almond Heart Cookies their irresistible tenderness and helps them bake up just right. Don’t rush—about 2 to 3 minutes with an electric mixer should do the trick.
Step 3: Add Egg and Flavorings
Beat in the egg, then pour in both the vanilla and almond extracts. These two extracts together create a magical aroma—don’t be surprised if your kitchen smells like a bakery in Paris! Next, mix in your finely ground almonds for some subtle grit and extra flavor.
Step 4: Finish the Dough
Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until you see a soft, uniform dough form. Over-mixing can make cookies tough, so stop as soon as everything is combined.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Divide the dough in half and wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This step is super important: chilled dough is easier to roll out, keeps its shape, and bakes into thick, beautiful hearts.
Step 6: Shape and Decorate
Once your dough is nicely chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Grab your favorite heart-shaped cutter and get creative! Arrange the hearts on your baking sheets, then gently press a few sliced almonds onto the tops for that signature look and flavor.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn a delicate golden shade. Keep an eye on them—they should be set, but not browned. Transfer immediately to wire racks to cool completely and, if you love that bakery finish, dust with powdered sugar just before serving.
How to Serve Almond Heart Cookies
Garnishes
A light shower of powdered sugar is classic and gives the Almond Heart Cookies a dreamy, festive look. For a bit of pizzazz, drizzle cooled cookies with melted white or dark chocolate. Edible glitter or a touch of raspberry jam in the center can also add a pop of color and flavor—let your imagination go wild!
Side Dishes
These cookies are delightful on their own, but pair perfectly with a pot of fragrant tea or a creamy latte. For a cozy dessert board, serve them alongside bowls of fresh berries and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Their subtle almond flavor even complements a rich hot cocoa or a sparkling flute of prosecco for special celebrations.
Creative Ways to Present
Package Almond Heart Cookies in a pretty box with a ribbon for an unforgettable homemade gift, or stack them high on a tiered tray for a stunning centerpiece. For Valentine’s Day or anniversaries, nestle a few in a tissue-lined tin with a handwritten note. You can even sandwich two cookies together with a layer of jam for a twist on the classic linzer cookie—so many sweet possibilities!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Almond Heart Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for up to one week, making them perfect for prepping ahead or grabbing as a quick treat throughout the day.
Freezing
Yes, you can absolutely freeze both the baked cookies and the prepared dough. Layer the cookies between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature before serving. If you freeze the dough, shape it into discs and wrap tightly before chilling or freezing, then thaw overnight in the fridge before rolling out and baking as usual.
Reheating
If you like your cookies slightly warm (who doesn’t?), pop them in a low oven—about 275°F (135°C)—for 2 to 4 minutes just until warmed through. This revives their freshly baked aroma and softens them up ever so slightly. Avoid the microwave, as it can make cookies rubbery rather than tender.
FAQs
Can I use almond flour instead of ground almonds?
Yes, almond flour can be substituted for finely ground almonds without any problem. The texture might be a bit finer, but the flavor will still be wonderful, keeping the spirit of Almond Heart Cookies alive.
Why do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking and makes it easier to cut out those neat heart shapes. It also enhances the flavor, making your Almond Heart Cookies taste even better!
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
With a one-to-one gluten-free flour blend, you can successfully make gluten-free Almond Heart Cookies. Just be mindful that the final texture may be a touch crunchier or more crumbly, but the almond richness will still shine.
What’s the best way to get finely ground almonds?
If you can’t find pre-ground almonds, pulse whole blanched almonds in a food processor until they become a fine meal. Be careful not to overdo it, or you’ll end up with almond butter!
Can I double the recipe for a party?
Absolutely! This recipe scales up beautifully. Just divide your dough for easier handling, and you’ll have a mountain of Almond Heart Cookies ready for sharing in no time.
Final Thoughts
I hope you feel inspired to try this recipe and share a batch of Almond Heart Cookies with someone you love—or maybe just keep them all to yourself! Simple, nutty, and absolutely charming, every bite is proof that homemade treats really are the sweetest kind of magic.
Print
Almond Heart Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 32 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These almond heart cookies are a delightful treat that’s perfect for any special occasion. With a buttery almond flavor and a hint of sweetness, these cookies are sure to win over hearts.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 cup finely ground almonds
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds for topping
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Stir in the ground almonds.
- Dough Preparation: Gradually add the flour mixture and mix until a soft dough forms. Divide the dough in half, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Baking: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into heart shapes with a cookie cutter and place on the prepared baking sheets. Press a few sliced almonds onto the tops of each cookie. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden.
- Serving: Cool on wire racks. Dust with powdered sugar if desired before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, drizzle with melted white or dark chocolate once cooled.
- These cookies make a beautiful treat for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or any special occasion.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 35 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
