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Amaretto Shortbread Cookies

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These buttery, tender Amaretto Shortbread Cookies feature toasted almonds and a hint of amaretto liqueur for a sophisticated twist on classic shortbread. Quick to make and perfect for holiday gifting, they’re a crowd-pleasing treat with melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped toasted almonds
  • 2 tablespoons amaretto liqueur
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure almond extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/4 cup extra toasted sliced almonds (for garnish)
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

  1. Let the butter come to room temperature. Toast almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant (about 3 minutes), then cool and chop finely.
  2. In a large bowl, beat unsalted butter with granulated sugar and powdered sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes on medium speed).
  3. Mix in amaretto liqueur, almond extract, and fine sea salt. Scrape bowl as needed.
  4. Gradually stir in all-purpose flour. Blend just until a soft dough forms—avoid overmixing. Add chopped toasted almonds and mix gently.
  5. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Pat or roll out to about 1/2 inch thickness. Cut with a 2-inch cookie cutter, or shape by hand into rounds.
  6. Place cookies on a lined baking sheet, spacing 1 inch apart. Sprinkle each with a few sliced almonds.
  7. Bake in a preheated 325°F oven for 12-15 minutes, until edges are lightly golden and centers are set. Rotate the pan halfway for even baking.
  8. Transfer cookies to a wire rack. While still slightly warm, dust with powdered sugar using a fine sieve.
  9. Once fully cooled, pack into airtight containers. Cookies stay crisp for up to 1 week.

Notes

For gluten-free cookies, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend. Vegan butter can be used for dairy-free adaptation. Toasting almonds enhances flavor—don’t skip this step! If dough is sticky, chill for 10 minutes. Cookies freeze well for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: amaretto shortbread cookies, holiday cookies, almond cookies, homemade gifts, easy cookie recipe, festive baking, Christmas cookies, shortbread, nutty cookies

Find it online: https://lucydishes.com/amaretto-shortbread-cookies-easy-holiday-treats-for-perfect-homemade-gifts/