The Story & Intro
Growing up on the island of Crete, some of my sweetest memories come from sitting in my grandmother’s sunny kitchen while she baked buttery treats for the whole family. Even though almond shortbread cookies weren’t part of traditional Greek cuisine, my grandmother loved experimenting with flavors, and almonds were always found in our pantry. Whenever she made cookies, she’d hand me a tiny wooden spoon and let me “help” which usually meant getting flour everywhere and giggling nonstop.
Now, as an adult, almond shortbread cookies have become one of those comforting bakes that instantly bring me back to those moments. They’re simple, soft, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth good. And the best part? They’re incredibly easy to make, which is perfect for home bakers who crave something delicious without fuss. I make these almond shortbread cookies whenever I want a warm, cozy treat that feels like home.
These days, my kitchen in Crete gets just as messy as it did when I was little but I don’t mind. Baking isn’t about perfection; it’s about love. Whether you’re preparing a small batch for yourself or gifting a fresh tin to a friend, almond shortbread cookies always bring smiles. They’re delicate, lightly sweet, and full of that nutty almond aroma that fills the entire house with irresistible warmth.
When writing this recipe, I wanted to keep everything simple, friendly, and beginner-friendly because that’s exactly how my grandmother taught me. Almond shortbread cookies don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated steps. You only need a bowl, a few pantry staples, and a little joy in your heart. And trust me, once you taste these buttery almond shortbread cookies, you’ll find yourself making them again and again.
If you love tender cookies with a light crunch and a buttery center, then almond shortbread cookies will become your new favorite. I hope this recipe not only gives you something delicious to bake but also inspires you to create warm memories in your kitchen just like I did with my yiayia.
(100-word version of your story included within the section as required.)
Why You’ll Love These Almond Shortbread Cookies
Almond shortbread cookies are one of those magical recipes that check all the boxes: simple, nostalgic, fragrant, and absolutely delicious. Whether you want something to dip in your coffee, a sweet gift for a loved one, or a quick dessert for holiday gatherings, these cookies always deliver. They store beautifully, they freeze well, and their flavor gets even better the next day. Plus, the combination of almond extract and toasted almonds gives them a richness that feels luxurious without being overly sweet.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything required to make the perfect almond shortbread cookies:
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup finely chopped almonds (toasted for extra flavor)
- Optional: 2–3 tablespoons powdered sugar for dusting
Step-by-Step Instructions
Mix the Dough
Start by beating the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This gives the cookies their melt-in-your-mouth texture. Once creamy, add both the vanilla and almond extracts. The almond aroma will instantly fill the kitchen.
Add the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the butter mixture, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix almond shortbread cookies stay tender when the dough is handled gently.
Add Almonds
Fold the chopped almonds into the dough, making sure they’re evenly distributed. Toasting them beforehand enhances the nutty flavor and adds a delicate crunch.
Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into small balls or form it into a log and slice it into discs. Either method works beautifully. Place each cookie on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between them.
Chill the Dough
Shortbread benefits from a quick chill. Refrigerate the cookies for 20–30 minutes before baking to help them hold their shape and keep that buttery texture.
Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the almond shortbread cookies for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Don’t overbake shortbread should stay pale and soft.
Cool and Serve
Let the cookies cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar. They firm up as they cool and become perfectly crumbly and delicate.
Serving Suggestions
These almond shortbread cookies are lovely on their own, but here are some delightful ways to enjoy them:
- Serve with hot coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat.
- Pair with vanilla ice cream for a creamy, crunchy dessert.
- Dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate.
- Crush a few over yogurt or fruit for a sweet topping.
- Gift them in a tin lined with parchment they stay fresh for a week!
Tips for Perfect Almond Shortbread Cookies
- Use room-temperature butter for the best texture.
- Don’t skip chilling the dough it prevents spreading.
- For extra almond flavor, add a tablespoon of almond flour.
- Toast the almonds for a deeper, nuttier aroma.
- Store in an airtight container for long-lasting freshness.
The Recipe Card 📇✨
⏲️ Time
- Prep: 10 minutes
- Chill: 20 minutes
- Bake: 10–12 minutes
- Total: ~40 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
- Butter
- Sugar
- Vanilla
- Almond extract
- Flour
- Salt
- Almonds
- Powdered sugar (optional)
👩🍳 Instructions
- Beat butter + sugar.
- Add vanilla + almond extract.
- Mix in flour + salt.
- Fold in almonds.
- Shape cookies.
- Chill 20–30 minutes.
- Bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes.
- Cool & dust with sugar.
📝 Notes
- Don’t overbake shortbread should stay pale.
- Toast almonds for richer flavor.
- Dough freezes beautifully.
🍽️ Nutrition (per cookie, approx.)
- Calories: 130
- Fat: 9g
- Carbs: 11g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 1g
Conclusion
Almond shortbread cookies are the kind of recipe that brings warmth, nostalgia, and comfort into any kitchen. They’re easy enough for beginners yet elegant enough for holiday gatherings or gifting. The buttery texture paired with the nutty almond flavor creates a cookie that feels timeless and special. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or simply treating yourself, these almond shortbread cookies are guaranteed to bring joy with every bite. From my cozy kitchen in Crete to yours happy baking, and may your home always be filled with sweetness and love.
