Almond Pillow Cookies, with their delicate texture and hidden core of almond paste, are a charming treat that combines simplicity with a touch of elegance. Perfect for tea parties, special occasions, or as a refined finish to any meal, these cookies offer a delightful taste experience that almond lovers will adore. The soft, buttery dough wrapped around a sweet almond center makes each bite a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Mastering the Art of Almond Pillows
The key to these exquisite cookies is the perfect blend of buttery dough and rich almond paste, creating a surprise center that melts delightfully in your mouth. This recipe is not only about creating a delicious treat but also about enjoying the process of crafting something truly special from simple ingredients. Here’s how to make these elegant Almond Pillow Cookies.
- Preparation time: 45 minutes (including chilling)
- Cooking time: 12-15 minutes
- Serving: Makes about 24 cookies
- Equipment: Mixing bowl, baking sheet, electric mixer, wire rack
Almond Pillow Cookies Recipe:
This recipe is ideal for those who appreciate the subtle flavors of almond and enjoy a cookie that is not too sweet but delightfully satisfying. Each step is designed to ensure that the cookies come out perfectly every time.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 cup almond paste, cut into small pieces
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Directions:
- Prepare the Flour Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This dry mix will help create the structure of the cookies.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This is crucial for the texture of the cookies.
- Add Extracts: Beat in the vanilla and almond extracts to the creamed mixture, infusing the dough with their rich flavors.
- Combine with Flour Mixture: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until just incorporated to avoid overworking the dough.
- Form the Cookies: Take a small piece of dough, flatten it slightly, place a piece of almond paste in the center, and fold the dough around it, forming a small pillow shape. This encases the almond paste in a soft dough cocoon.
- Chill: Place the shaped cookies on a lined baking sheet and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up, which helps maintain their shape during baking.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until they are lightly golden, which indicates they are perfectly baked.
- Cool and Dust: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust them with powdered sugar for a sweet, attractive finish.
The Perfect Ending to a Perfect Cookie
These Almond Pillow Cookies are a true joy to make and even more delightful to eat. Their sophisticated appearance and refined taste make them suitable for any occasion where you want to impress your guests or simply treat yourself to something special. Enjoy these little pillows of joy with your favorite cup of tea or coffee for a truly relaxing and indulgent experience.
