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Almond Cookies with Frangipane and Sliced Almond Topping Recipe

4.6 from 123 reviews

These Almond Cookies feature a delicate balance of buttery texture and rich almond flavor, topped with sliced almonds and a dusting of powdered sugar. The recipe includes a creamy frangipane filling to add a moist, nutty center, making them a perfect treat for almond lovers and a delightful addition to any cookie platter.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Frangipane

  • 3 tbsp (42 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/3 cup (66 g) granulated white sugar
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp almond extract
  • 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp (40 g) ground almonds
  • 1/3 cup (42 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
  • Pinch of salt

For the Almond Cookies

  • 1 3/4 cups (219 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 3/4 cup (168 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup (165 g) light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated white sugar
  • 2 egg yolks, at room temperature
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tsp almond extract
  • 1/2 cup (54 g) ground almonds
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) sliced almonds, for topping the cookies
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting the cookies

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Frangipane: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract until fully combined. Fold in the ground almonds, all-purpose flour, and pinch of salt gently. Set this mixture aside for later use.
  2. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
  3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to combine thoroughly. Set the dry mixture aside.
  4. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, using an electric hand mixer or stand mixer with a paddle attachment, cream the softened unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar on high speed for about 2 minutes until the mixture is fluffy and light.
  5. Add Egg Yolks and Flavorings: Mix in the egg yolks, vanilla extract, and almond extract on medium speed until the batter becomes pale and fluffy. Scrape the bowl’s sides as necessary to ensure even mixing.
  6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: On low speed, add the dry flour mixture and ground almonds to the wet ingredients, mixing just until everything is combined without overmixing.
  7. Portion the Dough and Add Frangipane: Using a large 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, divide the dough into 18 portions. Roll each dough portion into a ball. Press a slight indent into each ball with a 1/2 tablespoon measure, fill the indent with about 1/2 tablespoon of frangipane, and gently flatten it. Then, top each cookie with sliced almonds.
  8. Bake the Cookies: Place 6 cookies spaced 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12 to 13 and a half minutes in the preheated oven until cookies are a light golden brown. After baking, immediately use a large circular cookie cutter to gently press around each cookie to form perfect circular shapes, as they may have spread during baking.
  9. Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust the cookies with powdered sugar before serving to add a delicate finish.

Notes

  • Using a cookie cutter right after baking helps maintain the cookies’ shape as they tend to spread during baking.
  • Ensure the egg yolks are at room temperature to achieve a smooth, fluffy cookie dough mixture.
  • The frangipane adds moistness and nuttiness—avoid overfilling to prevent leakage during baking.
  • For best results, measure flour by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off, not scooping directly from the bag.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

Keywords: almond cookies, frangipane cookies, nutty cookies, baked almond treats, holiday cookies