Buttery Vanilla Almond Shortbread Cookies
These buttery vanilla almond shortbread cookies are tender, melt-in-your-mouth treats with a subtle crunch from toasted almonds and a warm vanilla aroma. Perfect for any occasion, they are quick and easy to make with simple ingredients.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (50g) almond flour (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup whole almonds, chopped and lightly toasted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread chopped almonds on a baking sheet and toast for 5-7 minutes until fragrant and golden. Set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Beat in pure vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, almond flour (if using), and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Gently fold in toasted almonds with a spatula.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Place them about 2 inches apart on a prepared baking sheet. Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass or fingers.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, until edges start to turn golden but centers may look slightly underbaked.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
If dough is too soft to handle, chill in the fridge for 15 minutes before shaping. Chilling dough before baking helps control spread and makes perfectly round cookies. Toasting almonds enhances flavor and crunch. Avoid overmixing after adding flour to prevent tough cookies. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 4
- Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 9
- Protein: 2
Keywords: shortbread cookies, vanilla almond cookies, buttery cookies, homemade cookies, easy cookie recipe, almond flour cookies, holiday cookies