Best Almond Shortbread Sandwich Cookies Recipes

When it comes to cookies, there's nothing quite like the simplicity and buttery goodness of shortbread. The perfect combination of flour, sugar, and butter, shortbread cookies are a classic treat that can be enjoyed on their own or dressed up with various flavors and fillings. One popular variation of this classic cookie is the almond shortbread sandwich cookie - a delicate and flavorful treat that's sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

Ingredients

To make almond shortbread sandwich cookies, you'll need a few key ingredients including:

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour

For the Filling:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1-2 tablespoons milk

Instructions

1. Make the Cookies:

- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter, powdered sugar, and almond extract until light and fluffy.
- Gradually stir in the flour, mixing until the dough comes together and forms a ball.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Using a round cookie cutter, cut out circles of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake the cookies for 12-14 minutes, or until they're just starting to turn golden brown around the edges.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely before filling them.

2. Make the Filling:

- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, powdered sugar, and almond extract until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add in the milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency (you want the filling to be relatively thick, but still spreadable).
- Fill a piping bag fitted with a small round tip with the filling.

3. Assemble the Sandwich Cookies:

- Pair up the cooled cookies into sets of two that are about the same size.
- Pipe a small amount of the almond filling onto the bottom of one cookie in each pair.
- Gently press the top cookie down onto the filling, gently squeezing until the filling reaches the edges of the cookie.
- Repeat with the remaining cookies until all of the sandwich cookies are assembled.

Conclusion

Almond shortbread sandwich cookies are a delightful treat that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you're looking for a sweet treat to enjoy with your afternoon tea, or a delicious addition to your holiday cookie platter, these cookies are sure to satisfy. With their delicate almond flavor and buttery shortbread texture, these cookies are a true delight for the senses. Try making a batch of these easy-to-make cookies and indulge in their deliciousness today.

Shortbread cookies are a traditional Scottish delicacy, renowned for their buttery and crumbly texture. These versatile cookies can be baked in different flavor variations by adding almond, vanilla, or chocolate to them. Almond shortbread sandwich cookies are a treat for those who love the nutty flavor of almonds. The cookies are sandwiched together with almond-flavored cream or jam, making them a perfect snack that can be enjoyed with a hot cup of tea or coffee. Here are some valuable tips that can help you bake the perfect almond shortbread sandwich cookies:

Tip #1: Use high-quality almonds

When making almond shortbread sandwich cookies, using high-quality almonds is crucial. Almonds are the primary ingredient, and the quality of the almonds can make a significant difference in the cookie's overall taste. Therefore, it's best to buy whole almonds and grind them yourself because pre-ground almonds can contain additives, affecting the cookies' flavor. Toast your almonds lightly before grinding to release the oils and enhance their flavor.

Tip #2: Use unsalted butter

Unsalted butter is preferred when making shortbread cookies because of its pure buttery flavor. Using salted butter can alter the overall taste and balance of the cookie. It's important to use butter that's at room temperature as it will mix more evenly with the flour and sugar, resulting in a more tender cookie texture.

Tip #3: Don't overmix the dough

Overmixing the dough can result in a tough cookie texture. When combining the flour, sugar, and butter, mix the dough until it's just combined. Avoid overworking the dough, which can cause the gluten in the flour to overdevelop and make the cookie dough tough.

Tip #4: Chill the dough

After mixing the dough, it's essential to chill it before rolling it out. Chilling the dough will help the butter firm up, which will make it easier to handle the dough. The dough can be rolled and cut into shapes once it's chilled, and the cookies will hold their shape better during baking.

Tip #5: Flour the surfaces

When rolling the dough, it's important to dust the surface with flour to prevent the dough from sticking. You can also dust the rolling pin with flour to ensure the dough doesn't stick to it. When cutting the cookies, dipping the cookie cutter in flour can help prevent the dough from sticking to the cutter.

Tip #6: Bake at the right temperature

Baking cookies at the correct temperature is crucial for the cookies to turn out perfect. Preheat your oven to the correct temperature of 375°F (190°C). It's best to bake the cookies on the middle rack in the oven, as it will cook the cookies evenly. Overbaking the cookies will result in a crispy texture, while under-baking them will make them too soft.

Tip #7: Sandwich with almond-flavored filling

Once the cookies have cooled, it's time to sandwich them together with almond-flavored cream or jam. You can add almond extract to the cream or mix almond paste with the jam to give it an almond flavor. Make sure the filling is evenly distributed and not too much or too little, as it can make the cookies lopsided.

Conclusion

Almond shortbread sandwich cookies are a delicious treat that requires a few tips to ensure they come out perfect. Use high-quality almonds, unsalted butter, mix the dough lightly, chill it properly, and dust the surfaces with flour. Bake the cookies at the right temperature, and sandwich with almond-flavored filling for a tasty treat. With these tips, your almond shortbread sandwich cookies will be the perfect accompaniment to your next cup of tea or coffee.