Introduction

Almond Meltaway Cookies are delicate, buttery treats with a subtle almond flavor and a smooth, sweet icing on top. These cookies melt in your mouth, making them perfect for tea time or a special dessert.

A stack of five soft, round cookies with a light golden color is shown against a white marbled textured background. Each cookie is thick and slightly cracked on the surface. The top cookie has a smooth layer of white icing, with a bite taken out, revealing the soft, crumbly, pale yellow cookie inside. The icing layer is thin and glossy, sitting neatly on the cookie top. The cookie beneath the bitten one is partially visible with a layer of white icing that matches the top cookie’s icing. The stack is close-up, filling most of the frame, showing detailed textures of the cookies and icing. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons almond extract
1 cup powdered sugar
1 to 2 tablespoons milk (or substitute water)
1 teaspoon almond extract

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat and set aside.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
Step 3: Using a stand mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then add the egg and 2 teaspoons of almond extract, mixing until combined.
Step 4: Gradually add the flour mixture, about half a cup at a time, blending well after each addition until fully incorporated.
Step 5: Roll approximately 1 tablespoon of dough into small balls. Flatten each ball gently with your hands or the bottom of a cup to form a disk shape. Place the disks evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 6: Bake for 8 minutes. Although the cookies won’t appear browned, they are done. Remove from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: To prepare the icing, whisk together the powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon of milk, and 1 teaspoon of almond extract in a small bowl until smooth. Add an extra splash of milk if the icing is too thick.
Step 8: Spoon the icing over the cooled cookies, smoothing the tops. Allow the icing to set for about 10 minutes or until it hardens. Store the iced cookies in the refrigerator and bring them to room temperature before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a stronger almond flavor, try adding finely chopped toasted almonds to the dough.
You can substitute the almond extract with vanilla extract for a different but equally delicious flavor.
If you prefer a thicker icing, reduce the milk slightly; for a thinner glaze, add milk gradually until the desired consistency is reached.

Storage

Store the iced cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Before serving, let the cookies sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes to soften the butter and bring out their flavor. They can also be frozen un-iced for up to 3 months; thaw fully before icing.

How to Serve

Seven round soft cookies with smooth white icing on top are arranged on a round metallic cooling rack placed on a white marbled surface. Each cookie has one layer of golden-brown dough with a clean, even coating of white icing centered on top. Nearby, a white bowl filled with sliced almonds and a white egg carton holding two brown eggs are visible. A striped cloth is partly seen in the lower left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil and use a plant-based milk for the icing. The texture and flavor will be slightly different but still tasty.

What if I don’t have almond extract?

If almond extract is unavailable, vanilla extract is a great substitute. The cookies will lose their distinctive almond flavor but remain delicious and buttery.