The Story & Intro
Bonjour my friends! 👋 It’s your girl Lacamorea your Paris-born, America-loving kitchen butterfly who finds joy in butter, sugar, and anything warm from the oven. Today I’m sharing a recipe that brings together my childhood memories in France and my cozy baking life here in the U.S.: Almond Shortbread Cookies.
When I was little, I’d stand on my tiptoes near my grandmother’s wooden kitchen table as she shaped delicate buttery cookies with her wrinkled, soft hands. She always added a sprinkle of ground almonds because she said it made the cookies “sing.” Those Almond Shortbread Cookies were her love language… and now they’ve become mine.
Fast-forward to my American life, where every holiday, family gathering, or random Tuesday night becomes an excuse to bake these Almond Shortbread Cookies. They’re buttery, light, crisp around the edges, and melt-in-your-mouth tender everything I adore in a classic French cookie, but super easy for American kitchens.
These Almond Shortbread Cookies aren’t just cookies to me they’re a bridge between two worlds: the cobblestone streets of Paris and the wide-open comfort of my American kitchen. And every time I bake them, I feel that same childhood joy, the same urge to sneak little pieces of dough when no one’s looking (don’t tell grandma 😄).
Short 100-Word Story Version
Bonjour friends! I’m Lacamorea, your Parisian-born baker who found a new home and a bigger kitchen—in America. Growing up, my grandmother made the most magical Almond Shortbread Cookies, always adding crushed almonds for extra flavor. I used to sneak tastes of the dough when she wasn’t looking, and today those buttery cookies are still my favorite comfort treat. These Almond Shortbread Cookies combine my French childhood memories with my American kitchen adventures, creating a simple, elegant recipe that melts in your mouth and warms your heart. They’re my go-to cookie for holidays, gatherings, or anytime cravings strike.
Why You’ll Love These Almond Shortbread Cookies
These cookies are pure buttery perfection. They’re crisp yet tender, lightly sweet, and beautifully flavored with almonds. Plus:
• Only a handful of ingredients
• Kid-friendly
• Freezer-friendly
• Perfect for gifting
• Come out beautifully every time
Ingredients
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup finely ground almonds (almond meal)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Optional: Sliced almonds for topping
• Optional: Powdered sugar for dusting
Step-by-Step Instructions
Make the Dough
Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy about 2–3 minutes. Add the vanilla and almond extracts and mix again.
Add Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, ground almonds, and salt. Add the dry mixture to the butter mixture and mix until a soft dough forms.
Chill
Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it tightly, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Cold dough prevents spreading and creates that perfect shortbread texture.
Shape & Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the dough out to ¼-inch thickness and cut into cookies using your favorite shapes (circles, squares, stars go wild!).
Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, sprinkle with sliced almonds if desired, and bake for 10–12 minutes until the edges are just lightly golden.
Cool & Dust
Cool completely on a wire rack and dust with powdered sugar for that classic, elegant finish.
Serving Suggestions
• Serve with tea, coffee, or hot chocolate
• Pair with fresh berries for a light dessert
• Box them up as a beautiful edible gift
• Dip half the cookie in melted dark chocolate for a fancy twist
• Crumble over ice cream for irresistible crunch
Tips for Perfect Almond Shortbread Cookies
• Use real butter no substitutions!
• Don’t overmix; shortbread should stay tender
• Chill the dough to prevent spreading
• Bake only until edges are lightly golden
• Store in an airtight container up to 1 week
Recipe Card 📜✨
⏰ Time
Prep: 15 min
Chill: 1 hour
Bake: 12 min
🛒 Ingredients
(Full list provided above no changes needed)
👩🍳 Instructions
- Cream butter & sugar
- Add extracts
- Combine dry ingredients
- Form dough & chill
- Roll, cut & bake
- Cool & dust
📝 Notes
• Dough freezes beautifully
• Use almond flour for stronger almond flavor
• Add orange zest for a citrus twist
🍽 Nutrition (per cookie)
Approx.: 110 calories | 7g fat | 10g carbs | 1g protein
Conclusion
And there you have it, my sweet friends cookies that taste like warm memories, buttery happiness, and simple joy. These Almond Shortbread Cookies remind me of family, comfort, and the magic of baking something with your own two hands. Whether you’re enjoying them in a Parisian café (in your imagination) or your cozy American kitchen, they’ll bring a little joy to every bite.
Thanks for cooking with me see you in the next delicious recipe! 😘🍪