Soft Almond Pillow Cookies Recipe

Soft Almond Pillow Cookies Recipe – These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth almond cookies are filled with a creamy almond paste filling, making them a perfect treat for any occasion. With a delicate texture and a sweet, nutty flavor, they are an irresistible dessert that will satisfy any sweet tooth. Ideal for holiday baking, afternoon tea, or as a delightful gift, these cookies are easy to make and sure to impress. Whether you’re craving a simple treat or looking to wow your guests, these soft almond cookies with their sweet almond paste filling are a must-try!

These soft almond pillow cookies are a delightful treat, perfect for any occasion. With a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth exterior and a sweet almond paste filling, these cookies are a must-try for almond lovers. The delicate balance of almond extract and the smooth, creamy filling creates a cookie that is as flavorful as it is soft. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering or enjoying them with a cup of tea, these cookies are sure to be a hit!

Ingredients:

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup butter, at room temperature
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tbsp milk
• 1 tsp almond extract
• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

For the Filling:

• 8 oz almond paste
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tbsp milk
• 2 tsp almond extract

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cookie Dough:
   • In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar using an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
   • Add the egg yolk, milk, and almond extract. Mix until well combined.
   • Gradually add the flour, a few tablespoons at a time, mixing until the dough becomes chunky and fully combined.
   • Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to chill.
2. Prepare the Almond Filling:
   • In a separate bowl, mix together the almond paste, sugar, egg yolk, milk, and almond extract until smooth and well incorporated.
3. Shape the Cookies:
   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
   • Scoop a portion of the chilled cookie dough and roll it into a ball. Flatten the ball slightly.
   • Place a small spoonful of the almond paste filling in the center, then reshape the dough ball to encase the filling completely.
   • Place the filled dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet and flatten them slightly.
4. Bake:
   • Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
   • Let the cookies cool completely on a cooling rack.
   • Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Tips:

• Be sure to chill the cookie dough to ensure the cookies hold their shape during baking.
• For a more intense almond flavor, you can add a little more almond extract to the filling.
• These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the freezer for longer storage.

Variations and Substitutions:

• Nut-Free Version: You can use a nut-free almond paste substitute, such as sunbutter or another nut butter, for a similar texture.
• Different Fillings: Experiment with other fillings such as raspberry jam, chocolate ganache, or hazelnut paste.
• Flour Alternatives: You can try using almond flour for a gluten-free version of these cookies.

FAQs:

Q: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
A: While margarine can be used, butter gives these cookies their rich flavor and tender texture. For the best results, stick to butter.

Q: How long can I store these cookies?
A: These cookies stay fresh for about a week at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve these soft almond pillow cookies as part of an afternoon tea spread.
• They are perfect for holiday gatherings, especially during Christmas or Easter.
• Pair with a cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or tea for a delightful treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

These almond pillow cookies are soft, buttery, and bursting with almond flavor. The delicate almond paste filling creates the perfect contrast to the tender cookie, making them irresistible. Whether you’re an almond enthusiast or simply love a good cookie, these are bound to become your new favorite sweet treat. With simple ingredients and easy steps, this recipe is a great addition to your baking repertoire!