Name: Almond Sugar Cookies with Icing Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/4 cup almond flour; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2/3 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/4 teaspoons almond extract; 2/3 cup powdered sugar; 1 tablespoon milk; 1/4 teaspoon almond extract; 2 tablespoons sliced almonds for topping

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I’ve got to tell you, this Almond Sugar Cookies with Icing Recipe is one of those delightful treats that just hits the spot every single time. The combination of almond flour and all-purpose flour gives the cookies a tender crumb and a subtle nutty flavor that makes them stand out from your usual sugar cookie. Plus, the almond-infused icing on top adds such a lovely touch — it’s like a little bite of sweet, nutty heaven.

These cookies are perfect for any occasion, from casual afternoon tea to holiday gatherings where you want something slightly different but still comforting. Whenever I make this recipe, friends always ask for the secret, and I’m happy to share because getting that perfect balance of almond flavor and sweetness is truly worth it. Trust me, once you try this Almond Sugar Cookies with Icing Recipe, it’ll become a staple in your baking lineup, too!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The blend of dry and wet ingredients in this recipe works so well because the almond flour brings moisture and flavor, while the all-purpose flour keeps the structure just right. When shopping, look for quality almond extract — it really makes a difference in flavor intensity without overpowering the cookies.

Almond flour: Adds a tender texture and subtle almond flavor; use finely ground for best results.
All-purpose flour: Provides structure and creates that classic sugar cookie texture.
Cornstarch: Helps keep cookies soft and delicate.
Baking soda and baking powder: Work together to make the cookies rise perfectly.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Unsalted butter: Softened butter gives a rich, creamy base—don’t use melted here!
Granulated sugar: Sweetens and contributes to the cookie’s crisp edges.
Egg: Adds moisture and binds ingredients together.
Vanilla extract: Forms a warm background flavor.
Almond extract: The star of the show—use sparingly for that perfect almond punch.
Powdered sugar: For the icing, it creates that smooth, sweet glaze.
Milk: Thins out the icing to just the right consistency.
Sliced almonds: A lovely crunchy garnish that doubles down on the almond flavor.

Variations

I love making this Almond Sugar Cookies with Icing Recipe my own by swapping things up depending on the season or my mood. Feel free to experiment — the base dough is versatile and forgiving, which means you can easily add your twist.

Gluten-Free Variation: Replace all-purpose flour with an all-purpose gluten-free blend; almond flour already helps keep the cookies tender, so it translates well.
Chocolate Drizzle: Sometimes I like to melt some dark chocolate and drizzle it over the iced cookies for a pretty finish and extra flavor.
Spiced Almond: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg in the dry ingredients for warmth and seasonal vibes.
Sugar-Free Option: Swap granulated sugar and powdered sugar with your favorite low-calorie sweeteners designed for baking.

How to Make Almond Sugar Cookies with Icing Recipe

Step 1: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together almond flour, all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. This ensures everything is evenly combined and prevents any pockets of leavening agents, which can cause uneven rising or taste. Trust me, taking a moment here sets you up for success.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy—this usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes with an electric mixer. This step is crucial; you want air incorporated to get a tender and slightly crisp cookie. Don’t rush it—you’ll notice the color lighten, which is a good sign!

Step 3: Add Egg and Extracts

Next, beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until everything is smooth and well combined. These liquids bring moisture and that lovely almond aroma that makes this recipe shine.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated. Overmixing here can make the cookies tough, so stop as soon as you see no dry flour. The dough should be soft but hold together well.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

This is one of my favorite parts—wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill it for at least an hour. Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to handle and resulting in cookies that spread less during baking.

Step 6: Shape and Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Place them onto a parchment-lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart, then gently flatten with the bottom of a glass or your palm. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges just start to turn golden. Keep an eye on them—overbaking dries them out.

Step 7: Prepare the Almond Icing

While the cookies cool on a wire rack, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract until smooth. Adjust the milk (a little more or less) to get a thick but pourable consistency—think glossy but not runny.

Step 8: Ice and Garnish

Once cookies are completely cool, spread or drizzle the icing over the top and immediately sprinkle with sliced almonds. The almonds add a lovely crunch and look so pretty. Let the icing set for about 20 minutes before enjoying or storing.

How to Serve Almond Sugar Cookies with Icing Recipe

The image shows seven small white bowls and a single brown egg arranged on a white marbled surface. Starting from the top left, there is a bowl filled with a pale yellow powdery flour, next to it on the right is a small bowl with a solid block of pale yellow butter. Below these, on the right side, is a bowl containing white powdered sugar, to the left of it is a bowl with granulated white sugar. In the middle of the arrangement sits a single brown egg. On the lower right, a bowl holds thin, pale beige sliced almonds, and to the left of it is a bowl of white crumbly cheese. Finally, on the bottom right corner, a small white jug contains a small amount of white milk. The objects are neatly placed with clear details and natural lighting giving a fresh, clean look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually stick to sliced almonds for garnish — they enhance the almond flavor and give a nice crunch contrast. Sometimes for fun, I add a pinch of edible gold dust or a few colored sprinkles, especially around the holidays, to elevate the cookie’s look.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of tea, coffee, or even a glass of cold milk. For a fancy gathering, I like to serve them alongside fresh fruit or a small cheese platter — the almond sweetness complements salty cheeses surprisingly well!

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I arrange these Almond Sugar Cookies with Icing Recipe on tiered trays decorated with fresh flowers or greenery. Another fun idea is to package them in little gift boxes tied with ribbon, making them perfect homemade gifts that people rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they stay fresh for up to five days. Just make sure to keep them away from heat or humidity so the icing doesn’t get sticky or melt.

Freezing

If I want to save them longer, I freeze the cookies after icing them but before sprinkling the almonds. Wrap individually in plastic wrap, place in a freezer bag, and they freeze beautifully for up to two months. When ready, I thaw them at room temperature and then add the sliced almonds fresh so they stay crunchy.

Reheating

I generally eat these cookies at room temperature, but if you want them a little warm, pop them in the oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. This gently softens the cookie without melting the icing. Avoid microwaving if you can; it tends to make the icing too runny.

FAQs

Can I use all almond flour instead of all-purpose flour in this Almond Sugar Cookies with Icing Recipe?

While almond flour adds wonderful flavor and tenderness, using it exclusively will change the cookie’s texture significantly and may make it too soft or crumbly. The all-purpose flour provides necessary structure and helps the cookies hold their shape during baking. If you want to experiment, consider using a mix, but avoid substituting 100% almond flour.
How long should I chill the cookie dough?

At least one hour is ideal for this recipe. The dough firms up, which makes shaping easier and prevents the cookies from spreading too much. If you’re short on time, 30 minutes can work, but an hour really improves the texture and final appearance.
Can I substitute almond extract with vanilla extract?

You can, but you’ll lose that distinct almond flavor that makes this recipe special. If you don’t have almond extract, use a little less vanilla extract and maybe add a few finely chopped almonds on top to bring some almond taste and texture.
What if my icing is too runny or too thick?

If your icing is too runny, add more powdered sugar a teaspoon at a time until it thickens. If it’s too thick, add milk slowly, a few drops at a time, to loosen it. The goal is a glossy, smooth icing that spreads easily without dripping off the cookie.
How can I keep the sliced almonds crunchy on top?

Sprinkle the sliced almonds on immediately after icing the cookies. If you plan to freeze, wait to add almonds until after thawing. Storing in an airtight container helps maintain their crunch, too.

Final Thoughts

This Almond Sugar Cookies with Icing Recipe is close to my heart because it’s simple enough for a weekday baking session yet elegant enough for special occasions. I hope you find as much joy in making and sharing these cookies as I do—there’s something truly comforting about a homemade almond sugar cookie with that drizzle of icing and crunch of sliced almonds. So go ahead, grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and create a batch that will have everyone coming back for more. You’ve got this!