There’s something truly magical about biting into a cookie that’s just the right balance of soft and chewy with a rich almond flavor that sings in every bite. This Soft & Chewy Almond Paste Cookies Recipe brings together the delightful texture you crave with the deep nuttiness of almond paste, creating a treat that feels both special and totally comforting. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon tea or a festive gathering, these cookies are incredibly easy to whip up and impossible not to love. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the warm, nutty aroma that invites smiles and seconds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential to achieving the perfect texture and flavor in your almond paste cookies. Each one plays its role, from lending sweetness to boosting that soft chewiness and adding a beautiful golden color when baked.
- Almond paste (8 oz): The star ingredient, providing rich almond flavor and moisture for softness.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Adds sweetness and helps with the cookie’s structure.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup): Gives a delicate sweetness and helps create the right crumbly texture.
- Egg whites (2 large): The binding agent that keeps these cookies tender yet structured.
- Almond extract (1 tsp): Intensifies the almond flavor, making each bite more aromatic.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Sliced almonds (1/2 cup, optional): Adds crunch and a gorgeous finishing touch.
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting): Creates a pretty, delicate coating that’s fun to nibble on.
How to Make Soft & Chewy Almond Paste Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 325°F (160°C). While that warms up, line your baking sheet with parchment paper—this simple step ensures your cookies bake evenly and come off without sticking, preserving their perfect shape.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Break down your almond paste into small pieces right in a large mixing bowl. It may feel sticky, but don’t worry! Add in the granulated and powdered sugars and mix them together until the mixture becomes crumbly. This initial step creates the base texture that will turn soft and chewy after baking.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Next, incorporate the egg whites, almond extract, and salt. Beat everything until the dough turns smooth and sticky. This blending hydrates the almond paste and combines all those lovely flavors, giving you a dough that’s ready to be shaped into delightful cookies.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Roll your dough into 1-inch balls with your hands—it’s fun and a bit therapeutic! Place each ball onto the parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure to space them about 2 inches apart. This spacing lets the cookies spread perfectly without sticking together.
Step 5: Garnish and Bake
If you want a bit of extra crunch and a pretty look, press sliced almonds gently onto the top of each cookie. Then pop the tray into your oven. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, watching for the edges to turn a light golden brown—that’s your cue they’re ready to come out!
Step 6: Cool and Dust
Once baked, let your cookies cool right on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to set up, then transfer them carefully to a wire rack. If you like, sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar over the top for a snowy, festive finish that adds a touch of sweetness and charm.
How to Serve Soft & Chewy Almond Paste Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar brings out the elegance of these cookies, but if you’re feeling adventurous, try drizzling melted dark chocolate or dipping half of each cookie for a decadent touch that pairs beautifully with the almond base.
Side Dishes
These almond paste cookies go wonderfully alongside a hot cup of tea, freshly brewed coffee, or even a glass of cold milk. For a special twist, serve them with a side of vanilla ice cream or a light fruit compote to balance their dense sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange these cookies in a festive cookie tin with colorful tissue paper for gifting, or stack them on a tiered serving tray for parties and gatherings. You can also sandwich them with almond buttercream or jam for a delightful twist that turns them into a mini dessert sensation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover almond paste cookies fresh by placing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay soft and chewy for up to 5 days when stored properly, making them perfect for snacking over the week.
Freezing
If you want to save these treats for later, you can freeze the baked cookies. Lay them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months and thaw beautifully without losing their tender texture.
Reheating
To enjoy your cookies warm, just pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This gentle heat brings back that freshly baked softness and enhances the almond aroma. Avoid microwaving as it can dry them out.
FAQs
Can I use marzipan instead of almond paste in this recipe?
Marzipan is sweeter and denser than almond paste, so it can be used but will alter the cookie’s texture and sweetness. If you prefer a less sweet and softer cookie, almond paste is the better choice for this recipe.
Why do these cookies stay soft and chewy compared to other almond cookies?
The combination of almond paste and egg whites creates a moist, tender dough that doesn’t dry out like traditional cookie dough. The sugars and almond paste keep the cookies soft even after baking.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe naturally does not call for any flour, which makes it gluten-free by default. Just be sure your almond paste and any add-ins are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
What is the best way to store these cookies if I want to make them in advance?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If made several days ahead, freezing is a better option to keep their texture fresh. Thaw completely before serving.
Can I add other flavors or mix-ins to this recipe?
Absolutely! While almond is the star flavor, you can mix in a handful of mini chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or even a touch of orange zest for an extra dimension. Just be careful not to overpower that beautiful almond paste taste.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the joy of sharing a batch of homemade Soft & Chewy Almond Paste Cookies Recipe with friends and family. This recipe is one of those keepsakes that’s simple enough for a quick afternoon bake yet impressive enough to serve at any special occasion. I can’t encourage you enough to give it a go—you’ll be rewarded with cookies that feel like a little bite of almond heaven every time!
Print
Soft & Chewy Almond Paste Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Soft & Chewy Almond Paste Cookies are a delightful treat featuring rich almond flavor and a tender, chewy texture. Perfect for almond lovers, they combine almond paste and almond extract to create a sweet, nutty cookie that is elegantly simple and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz almond paste
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 large egg whites
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional Garnish
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Prepare Dough: In a large mixing bowl, break the almond paste into small pieces. Add both granulated sugar and powdered sugar, mixing with your hands or a spoon until the mixture becomes crumbly and well combined.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg whites, almond extract, and salt to the crumbly mixture. Continue mixing until the dough becomes smooth and sticky, indicating that it’s ready to be shaped.
- Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls using your hands. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing each ball about 2 inches apart to allow for slight spreading during baking.
- Garnish: If desired, gently press sliced almonds onto the top of each cookie to add texture and enhance the almond flavor.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies turn lightly golden, indicating they are perfectly baked while still remaining soft inside.
- Cool and Dust: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the cookies to cool for 5 minutes on the sheet. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Before serving, dust the cookies lightly with powdered sugar for an elegant finishing touch.
Notes
- Be careful not to overbake the cookies; they should remain soft and chewy with just lightly golden edges.
- If you don’t have almond paste, you can use marzipan as a substitute.
- For extra almond flavor, use pure almond extract rather than imitation.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- For a gluten-free variation, ensure that your almond paste and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
