Easy Almond Shortbread Cookies

Today I am sharing the recipe for Almond Shortbread Cookies, which are known to be tender, soft, and have a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Although, shortbread can also be made plain but this version has an Almond Florentine layer on top, which gives it a delicious twist. Needless to say, these cookies are a classic treat for tea time.

Recipe at a Glance

For Cookie Base:

Room temperature ingredients- egg, unsalted butter

Icing/ confectioner’s sugar

Ground almonds, almond powder or almond meal, can be grounded at home

Flours- all-purpose, corn flour

Salt

For Almond Layer:

Sugar– granulated

Dairy – Butter, heavy cream

Honey – for that additional sweetness, and caramel hint

Sliced Almonds – or chopped or silvers

Step by Step Process

For Cookie Base:

• Cream butter and sugar, add in the egg.

• Sift dry ingredients and add to the butter mixture along with almond powder and mix.

• Roll out the dough to 9- 10 inches square and refrigerate for 1 hour or freeze for 15 minutes.

• Using a fork, prick holes and bake in a preheated oven at 375 F for 15-18 minutes.

For Almond Florentine:

• Toast the almonds on a baking sheet for 5-8 minutes.

• Place all the ingredients except toasted almonds in a sauce pan and stir on medium heat until it comes to boil.

• Add in the toasted almonds & spread the mixture on the cookie layer.

• Bake in a preheated oven at 375 F for 15-18 minutes.

• Cool slightly before cutting in desired shapes.

FAQs

Serving Suggestions

Shortbread cookies are a perfect compliment with a steaming hot cup of tea or coffee.

You can also serve these with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or even a dollop of whipped cream for that extra indulgence.

Traditionally Florentine cookies pair so well with delicate Panna Cotta. You can find the recipe here. If you serve panna cotta for any dinner/lunch, pair it with these cookies, you can’t really go wrong with this combination.

Substitutions & Variations

You can enhance the flavor of your shortbread cookies by adding zest of lemon, orange etc.

Another variation is to incorporate spices like cinnamon, nutmeg or cardamom for a warm and aromatic twist to the traditional recipe.

You can also dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate or drizzle chocolate on top for a decadent touch.

Storage and Make Ahead

After baking and cooling shortbread cookies, you need to store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Its best to place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking and maintain their delicate texture.

These cookies can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

You can also freeze these cookies before or after baking. To freeze cookie dough, shape the dough into a disc, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Simply, thaw the dough in the refrigerator before baking. Roll, press and bake.