These Vanilla Almond Sugar Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic sugar cookie, made special with the hint of almond extract. Perfect for any occasion, they're sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
The magic begins with all-purpose flour, which gives the cookies their structure. Add a touch of baking soda to help them rise just enough, while a pinch of salt enhances all the flavors. We use unsalted butter, softened to room temperature, to create that melt-in-your-mouth texture. The sweetness comes from granulated sugar, and a large egg adds richness and binds everything together. For flavor, we’re using both pure vanilla extract and almond extract, which complement each other beautifully. Finally, rolling the dough balls in sugar gives the cookies a delightful, crunchy finish.
These cookies are delightful on their own, but consider serving them alongside a homemade vanilla or almond-flavored ice cream for a luxurious dessert. They also pair well with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot cocoa for a cozy treat.
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready to bake these beauties. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup and perfectly baked cookies.
In a medium bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: the flour, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures everything is evenly distributed before you mix it with the wet ingredients.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. You’re looking for a light and fluffy texture here, which means mixing for about 3-4 minutes. This creates the perfect base for your cookies.
Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter and sugar mixture, beating until everything is well combined. The extracts infuse the dough with their lovely aromas.
Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix until just combined—overmixing can make your cookies tough, and we definitely don’t want that!
Now, it’s time to shape the cookies. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then coat each one in sugar. This gives them a sweet, crunchy exterior.
Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Use the bottom of a glass to flatten them slightly—this helps them bake evenly.
Bake in your preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them; every oven is a bit different. Once baked, let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
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