These delectable Almond Meltaways are buttery, light and crispy with loads of almond flavor! Another winner for your holiday cookie tray!
Holiday cookie season never gets old, does it? It’s the most wonderful time of the year!
This month has been packed with all different kinds of delicious cookies. Some of my own and some from fellow bloggers. Sad to say, but I think I’ve eaten my weight in holiday cookies!
Let’s just say, January’s going to be a long, painful month at the gym. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves, mmmm k? Let’s savor the moment.
And today, let’s savor these delicious Almond Meltaways.
Why You’ll Love this Recipe
If you’re looking for a deliciously buttery, melt-in-your mouth, lightly crisp holiday cookie with loads of almond flavor look no further folks. These Almond Meltaways are it!
They have triple, yes TRIPLE the almond flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- all-purpose flour
- whole unsalted almonds
- confectioners’ sugar
- cornstarch
- salt
- unsalted butter
- Crisco shortenting
- almond extract
- granulated sugar
They’re made with finely ground whole almonds, almond extract and a big old whole almond, front and center on each cookie.
I love baking with almonds because almonds have no sodium or cholesterol and have 6 grams of protein per serving, and they’re certified by the American Heart Association.
I used a combination of butter for that incredible rich flavor and shortening for that melt-in-your mouth texture. A winning combo without a doubt, and I think one of the reasons why these cookies are super special.
Step-By-Step Instructions
The first step is to whisk together flour, almonds, confectioners’ sugar, corn starch and salt until well combined. Set aside.
The second step is to combine butter and shortening, then beat on medium speed until fluffy, about 2 minutes. You’ll add your almond extract, then turn the mixer to low and slowly add the flour mixture, beating until you have a well combined ball of dough.
The third step is to shape the dough into balls, about one tablespoon each and place on prepared tray, about 2 inches apart. Flatten each cookie with the bottom of a glass that has been dipped in some granulated sugar and then press a whole almond into the center of each cookie.
The last step is to bake for 12-14 minutes, until just lightly browned and firm when gently touched. You’ll let the cookies stand on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, before transferring to wire rack to cool completely.
If you’re looking for a quick, easy and delicious cookie recipe these Almond Meltaways are the perfect choice. They package beautifully and they also freeze well.
I hope you bake a batch this Christmas!
Please let me know if you give the recipe a try. And if you have any questions about the recipe, just drop a comment below. Enjoy!
A Few Cook’s Notes for Almond Meltaways
Process the almonds in a food processor until just finely ground. Be sure not to overwork them into a paste.
Definitely use the combination of butter and shortening, not just butter. I think the combination is what gives the cookies their awesome flavor and texture.
More Delicious Holiday Cookie Recipes to Enjoy
Almond Meltaways
Print Recipe Pin RecipeIngredients
- 1 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup whole almonds, finely ground
- 2/3 cup confectioners' sugar
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/8 tsp. salt
- 1/2 cup (one stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup shortening, room temperature
- 2 tsp. almond extract
- whole almonds, for garnish
- granulated sugar, for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, almonds, confectioners' sugar, corn starch and salt until well combined. Set aside.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, fitted with paddle attachment, combine butter and shortening. Beat on medium speed until fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add almond extract. Turn the mixer to low and slowly add the flour mixture, beating until you have a well combined ball of dough.
- Shape the dough into balls, about one tablespoon each and place on prepared tray, about 2 inches apart. Flatten each cookie with the bottom of a glass that has been dipped in some granulated sugar and then press a whole almond into the center of each cookie.
- Bake for 12-14 minutes, until just lightly browned and firm when gently touched. Let stand on baking sheet for 5 minutes, before transferring to wire rack to cool completely.
For some reason, I cannot find the instructions for entering the giveaway on Instagram! I am new there and have only posted once. Those books look awesome and I would love to have them. Thanks
It’s up! Good luck and Happy Holidays Karen!
I agree – let’s not start talking about the gym just yet ;) I say that because I know I’m gonna want to enjoy all the holiday treats over the next few weeks and these look like a delicious place to start! Perfect with a tall glass of milk :) Pinned! Happy Monday to ya!
I know right Dawn?! I’m not going to be a holiday fun sucker! I’m all about the cookies!
Almond flavor always remind me of the holidays because of a Swedish almond cake my family used to make around Christmas. I’ll have to try these cookies to relive that experience! They look PERFECT!
I really enjoy the almond flavor of these Kelsie! I hope you enjoy them!!
These cookies look amazing! I hear ya about eating waayyyy too many cookies! I keep baking and I’ve gotta try them – right? I can’t wait to give these almond meltaways a try! More cookies to eat!!!
Yay! I knew I could count on you to join the party Kathy!
These seriously look like they would melt in your mouth Mary Ann! What a perfect holiday cookie! And awesome giveaway too!
They do Leanne! I just love that almond flavor too!
Loving these beautiful cookies! Simply perfect for the season :)
Thanks Jennifer! I’m all about the nuts this season!
1. “buttery, light and crispy” <– gimme.
2. These photos are SO gorgeous!
Thanks so much Jennifer! I bet you’d love these!
These almond cookies are so lovely, Mary Ann! I love anything almond, and I can almost smell these baking right here in my kitchen! Pinning so I can! Thanks for another great cookie recipe!
Yay! I hope you enjoy them Laura!
Mary Ann, these cookies look delicious! I love their simplicity. I bet they’re so addictive!
They really are quite simple Kelly, but the flavor is anything but!
Triple the almond? These will surely go fast in my house!! I love their melty quality! Anything with almond at the holidays is a favorite of mine! Pinned!
Mine too Annie! I love the buttery, crisp texture of these and I bet you will too! Hope you give them a go!
What a mouthwatering cookie and such a generous giveaway! So many fabulous cookie books to love and share. No doubt they’ll be extra gym time to deal with come January. I’m attempting to get ahead of it now and make it a priority every day (really trying to motivate myself – lol!) Beautiful post Mare!
Thanks so much Traci! It’s going to be tough! So many treats baking in my kitchen this holiday season!
These cookies look absolutely delicious, Mare!!!! I love almond everything, so these cookies have my mouth watering! I love that you used both butter and shortening too! I bet these just melt in your mouth!! I’d say they are perfect for a holiday cookie tray, but let’s be real, I don’t want to share! ;) Pinned! Cheers!
Lol! The butter and shortening combo works perfectly with these Chey! Thanks for pinning!
What a great giveaway and those cookies are amazing! I will be adding these to my baking list!
Yay! Hope you enjoy them Leigh Ann!
These little bites of heaven would melt away ALL my stress! :)
Yes they would Natasha! I know you’d love them!
You seriously have the luckiest neighbors!!
Lol!
I have a friend that has given baby son to the world a month ago after lot of bumpy days and tears. We ( several friends ) decided to make her Christmas cookies so she could enjoy the holidays just as every body would, so while making them I will send her our ( and yours too ) love and good wishes for her and her beautiful child. It’s all about Christmas, right ? Mary Ann, at the first glace, I knew this ones are perfect to enjoy and share. Thank you !
That’s a lovely idea! I know she’ll just love these! Chistmas is the perfect time to share with the ones you love!
These are a perfect cookie for a cookie exchange, so simple yet full of flavor – they’re great cookies!
I LOVE how easy they are Kevin! And all that almond flavor!
Gym? I don’t even know what that word means anymore ;) I was sold on these cookies as soon as I read ‘meltaways’. Yum!!
Lol! You’d LOVE these Katherine!
Any cookie with the word ‘meltaway’ in the title has my full attention. We make an assortment of cookies to give to friends and neighbors and this just made the list!!
Yay! I know you’re going to love these Marissa! So happy they made the list!
I just fell in love. these cookies sound so buttery and delicious. I am a lover of all things almond, so I think I need these in my life!
You’re going to love these Danielle!
I love almond cookies, these look heavenly!
Me too Laura! We’re loving these this season!
Please clarify if the nuts in this recipe are raw, unroasted and unsalted. So many different ways nuts are sold, want to make sure. Thanks.
Hi Grace. The link for Diamond’s Whole Almonds is in the post. They are whole, unseasoned almonds. I bet you’re going to LOVE these cookies. They’re so easy to make and that triple almond flavor is fabulous. Happy Holidays!
Almonds are so energetic and healthy for a human body. which implies that this is far more healthier bcz of the addition of the milk though
I’ll go for a healthy cookie any day!
Can I use my almond flour in these or do I need to grind fresh?
You can use almond flour Becky. Enjoy!
Is 1 cup flour 120g?
Everyone measures differently.
Can almond flour be used instead of ground almonds? (Costco brand)?
How long do they keep at room temperature?
You can use almond flour Jody. For these cookies I spooned the flour into my measuring cup and then leveled off with a knife. They will keep 3-7 days in an airtight container. These also freeze well.