Irresistible Almond Butter Cookies

Delicious Homemade Almond Butter Cookies: Your Ultimate Guide to Chewy & Crispy Perfection

Almond butter cookies are the quintessential treat, perfect for gracing every holiday table, family gathering, or simply for a cozy evening at home. These delightful cookies are incredibly easy to whip up, boasting an irresistible combination of a crisp exterior and a beautifully chewy interior. Their rich, nutty flavor, deeply enhanced by almond butter, is so profoundly satisfying that everyone who tastes them will undoubtedly be asking for your secret recipe. If you’re expanding your holiday baking repertoire, be sure to also explore these enchanting French meringue cookies and these wonderfully chewy date cookies!

A beautifully arranged plate of golden-brown almond butter cookies, showcasing their inviting texture.

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To make these almond butter cookies, you will need :

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  • Raw almonds – For the best flavor and texture in your homemade almond butter, we highly recommend using organic, raw almonds. If you prefer to blanch them first, that’s an option, though not strictly necessary for this recipe.
  • Salted butter – Using salted butter adds a wonderful depth of flavor and a little “extra kick” to your cookies, perfectly balancing the sweetness. If you only have unsalted butter, simply add a pinch (about 1/4 teaspoon) of fine sea salt to the dry ingredients.
  • Granulated sugar – Provides sweetness and contributes to the cookie’s crisp exterior.
  • Cane sugar – Similar to granulated sugar, it adds a clean sweetness and helps with texture.
  • Brown sugar – The molasses in brown sugar is key for achieving that desirable chewiness and adds a rich, caramel-like note to the cookies.
  • Vanilla extract – A high-quality vanilla extract is crucial! We absolutely adore Madagascar vanilla for its rich, creamy, and complex flavor profile that elevates any baked good.
  • Large eggs – Ensure your eggs are fresh and, if possible, organic. They act as a binder, providing structure and moisture to the dough. Using room temperature eggs helps them incorporate more smoothly into the batter.
  • Flour – All-purpose flour is suitable for this recipe. Ensure it’s measured correctly, preferably by weight, to avoid overly dense or dry cookies.
  • Baking powder – This leavening agent will help your cookies rise beautifully, contributing to their light yet chewy texture.

Looking for a fabulous cookie recipe that will be the star of this year’s holiday cookie exchange party (or parties)? Look no further – this is it! These almond butter cookies offer a truly perfect texture: slightly crunchy on the outside, giving way to a wonderfully soft and chewy interior. They are unique, incredibly easy to prepare, and feature the luxurious taste of rich almond butter, which imparts a deep, delightful nutty flavor that stands out from typical cookie recipes. You, your friends, and your family will undoubtedly fall in love with these!

A delicious close-up shot of a single almond butter cookie, highlighting its perfect texture and almond topping.

The Magic of Homemade Almond Butter

While convenience often dictates using store-bought ingredients, making your own almond butter for these cookies truly takes them to another level. The process is surprisingly simple and ensures the freshest, most vibrant almond flavor possible. All you need are raw almonds and a good food processor. As the almonds grind, they release their natural oils, transforming from coarse meal to a creamy, dreamy butter. This homemade goodness provides an unparalleled depth to your cookies, making them truly special. Plus, you control the ingredients, avoiding any unwanted additives or sugars often found in commercial brands.

Tips to make the perfect almond butter cookies :

  • This recipe includes making your own almond butter, which we highly recommend for the freshest taste. However, to make things even faster and easier, you can absolutely use pre-made almond butter. Just ensure it’s a natural, unsweetened variety for best results.
  • Don’t overcook – this is the golden rule for achieving that perfect, chewy-on-the-inside, crispy-on-the-outside texture. Cookies continue to bake slightly even after being removed from the oven, so pull them out when the edges are just set and lightly golden, and the centers still look a little soft.
  • Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the 30-minute chilling step! This firming-up period helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven, resulting in a thicker, chewier cookie.
  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This allows them to cream together properly, creating a smooth, emulsified batter that bakes evenly.
  • Use Parchment Paper: Always line your baking trays with parchment paper. This prevents sticking, promotes even baking, and makes cleanup a breeze.
  • Serve these delectable almond butter cookies with our rich and indulgent French hot cocoa for the ultimate cozy and Christmasey snack experience! They also pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk.

Storing Your Almond Butter Cookies

Once baked and completely cooled, store your almond butter cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5-7 days. To maintain their delicious texture, you can place a slice of bread in the container; it helps keep them soft. For longer storage, these cookies freeze beautifully! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving. You can also freeze the unbaked dough balls: simply roll them, flatten with a fork, and freeze on a tray. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag and bake from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time.

Make these almond butter cookies your own by mixing things up a little :

  • Chocolate Almond Butter Cookies: Elevate your cookies by tossing in some chocolate chips or chocolate chunks. Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate would be fantastic additions!
  • Keto-Friendly Option: If you’re following a ketogenic diet, you can still enjoy the deliciousness! Try this recipe for keto almond butter brownie cookies for a guilt-free treat.
  • Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a touch of cardamom to the dough for a warm, aromatic twist, especially perfect for fall and winter holidays.
  • Drizzle or Dip: Once cooled, drizzle your cookies with melted chocolate or a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of milk or almond milk. For an extra nutty crunch, sprinkle with chopped toasted almonds while the chocolate or glaze is still wet.
  • Different Nut Butters: While this recipe champions almond butter, feel free to experiment with other nut butters like cashew butter or even a mixed nut butter for a unique flavor profile.
A plate of freshly baked almond butter cookies, perfectly golden and ready to be enjoyed.

You may need…

  • A fun hedgehog embossed cookie rolling pin – We absolutely adore this cute rolling pin to add a personal, whimsical touch to our cookies! To use it, simply leave off the whole almond topping and gently roll the dough using the embossed rolling pin before you bake the cookies. It creates a charming pattern that’s sure to impress!
  • Stand Mixer: While not strictly essential, a stand mixer makes creaming butter and sugar, and incorporating ingredients, much easier and more efficient.
  • Food Processor: If you’re making your own almond butter, a powerful food processor is a must-have.
  • Baking Sheets and Parchment Paper: For even baking and easy cleanup.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to baking success.
  • Cooling Rack: Essential for cooling cookies evenly and preventing them from becoming soggy.

More Holiday Desserts to Delight Your Guests

Beyond these sensational almond butter cookies, explore these other delightful recipes perfect for any festive occasion:

  • Moelleux au Chocolat – Indulge in these rich, molten chocolate cakes.
  • Chocolate Orange Fudge – A decadent and zesty treat.
  • Brown Butter Financiers – Elegant, nutty, and subtly sweet French almond cakes.

Other Irresistible Cookie Recipes from Fellow Bloggers

  • The Best Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies from Pinch of Yum – A classic for a reason!
  • Peanut Butter Cookies from Gimme Some Oven – A timeless favorite for peanut butter lovers.
  • Maple Brown Sugar Cookies from Sally’s Baking Addiction – Warm, comforting, and perfectly spiced.
  • The Best Chewy Molasses Cookies by Pizzazzerie – A delightful blend of spices and chewiness.

Almond Butter Cookies

Craft these delightful almond butter cookies using just 9 simple ingredients, plus raw almonds for the homemade butter. These cookies strike the perfect balance, delivering a satisfying crunch on the outside while maintaining a wonderfully soft and chewy interior. They are, quite simply, holiday cookie perfection and a fantastic addition to any dessert table or snack time!

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A plate of almond cookies, golden brown and perfectly baked.

Almond Butter Cookies


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  • Author:
    A Hedgehog in the Kitchen


  • Total Time:
    1 hour 15 minutes


  • Yield:
    27 cookies 1x
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Description

Almond butter cookies are the perfect cookies to bring to all of your holiday parties! They are easy to make, have a smooth and delicious nutty flavour and will have all your friends and family asking for the recipe.


Ingredients


Scale

For the homemade almond butter

1.5 cups of raw almonds

For the cookies

2 sticks of salted butter
1/2 cup of granulated sugar
1/2 cup of can sugar
1/2 cup of brown sugar
2 tsp of vanilla extract
2 eggs (beaten)
2.5 cups of flour
1 tsp of baking powder

Toppings
30 raw almonds


Instructions

To make the almond butter

Mix the 1.5 cups of raw almonds in your food processor for 20 minutes until it becomes a smooth almond butter (1.5 cups of almonds typically yields about 1 cup of almond butter). 

To prepare the cookies

Heat the butter in a medium pan on low heat until it melts.
Remove from heat and leave to cool.
Mix the granulated, cane, and brown sugars in the bowl of your stand mixer, using the paddle attachment.
Pour in the cooled melted butter and mix until the mixture is light and creamy.
Add the homemade almond butter and mix until completely smooth and well combined.
Add the vanilla extract and the beaten eggs, and mix for about a minute to fully incorporate.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder.
Gradually pour the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients and mix on low speed until it just comes together and forms crumbles.
Transfer the dough to an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic, and place it in the fridge for 30 minutes to chill. This helps prevent spreading during baking.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Roll the chilled dough into 27 evenly sized balls (approximately 1.5 tablespoons each).
Place about 9 balls on the prepared baking tray, ensuring they are spaced adequately apart.
Use a fork to gently press each ball of dough, first one way, then crosswise, to create a classic crosshatch design.
Carefully top each cookie with a single raw almond, pressing it lightly into the dough.
Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are still slightly soft. Remember not to overcook!
Remove the cookies from the oven and leave them to cool on the baking tray for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Repeat the last 4 steps for the remaining dough until all cookies are baked.

  • Prep Time: 40 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Cuisine: US

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