Soft & Chewy Almond Paste Cookies Recipe

If you’re dreaming of a treat that blends nutty richness, pure almond flavor, and a melt-in-your-mouth bite, these Soft & Chewy Almond Paste Cookies will transport you straight to Italian bakeries (without ever packing a suitcase). Every cookie offers a crisp edge, an irresistibly soft, chewy center, and a shower of snowy powdered sugar — all naturally gluten-free, with a simple ingredient list. Let’s dive into the world of almond essence and see why you’ll crave these beauties again and again!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of these Soft & Chewy Almond Paste Cookies is how just a handful of classic ingredients come together to create something truly magical. Each one adds to the signature taste, lovely texture, or beautiful finish — and when you use the best, the results always shine.

• Almond paste: The star! True almond paste (not marzipan) delivers rich nutty depth and the iconic chewiness in every bite.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the cookies develop that unforgettable crisp edge.
• Powdered sugar: Gives the dough tenderness and a gorgeous snowy finish once baked.
• Egg whites: Binds the mixture while keeping the cookies ever-so-light and delightfully chewy.
• Pure almond extract: Boosts the almond flavor, taking these cookies from good to absolutely irresistible.
• Salt: Just a pinch wakes up all the flavors and keeps sweetness perfectly balanced.
• Sliced almonds (optional): Lend an elegant crunch and make for bakery-worthy presentation.
• Extra powdered sugar (for dusting): One last dusting at the end creates that classic almond cookie look.

How to Make Soft & Chewy Almond Paste Cookies

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This small preparation step makes a big difference: parchment keeps the cookies from sticking and guarantees easy cleanup, leaving you more time to enjoy the baking process!

Step 2: Blend the Almond Paste and Sugars

Break up your almond paste into small chunks and add them to a food processor along with the granulated and powdered sugars. Pulse several times until the mixture looks sandy and everything is evenly combined — this helps the cookies come out with a smooth texture and those signature chewy middles.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients and Blend

Next, add the egg whites, pure almond extract, and salt directly into the food processor. Blend until a thick, sticky dough forms. It will be tacky, fragrant, and feel dense: this is what gives Soft & Chewy Almond Paste Cookies their perfect bite!

Step 4: Form the Cookies

Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to portion the dough into 1-inch balls. Place each one about 2 inches apart on your lined baking sheet — the cookies do spread a bit while baking. For extra crunch or a bakery-style touch, gently press a few sliced almonds into the tops of each cookie.

Step 5: Bake to Soft & Chewy Perfection

Bake for 15–18 minutes, watching for edges to turn lightly golden and centers to just set. Don’t overbake — the magic of Soft & Chewy Almond Paste Cookies is their delicate, chewy texture! When done, cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 6: Cool and Dust with Powdered Sugar

Once the cookies are completely cool, give them a generous dusting of powdered sugar. This final step not only adds a lovely finish but makes every bite feel straight out of a pastry shop. Gather your friends, because you’ve just made Soft & Chewy Almond Paste Cookies everyone will rave about!

How to Serve Soft & Chewy Almond Paste Cookies

Garnishes

Dress things up by nestling a whole almond on top before baking or finishing your cookies with a shower of extra powdered sugar just before serving. If you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of bittersweet chocolate or a hint of citrus zest brings even more personality to each bite.

Side Dishes

Serve these with an espresso, your favorite cappuccino, or a pot of fragrant tea for an elegant afternoon treat. They also pair beautifully with a fresh fruit platter or a small bowl of vanilla ice cream, turning a simple snack into a dessert to remember.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack these Soft & Chewy Almond Paste Cookies on a vintage cake stand for a party, wrap them in cellophane and ribbon as a thoughtful homemade holiday gift, or tuck several into a pretty tin for an Italian-inspired cookie exchange. However you share them, compliments are guaranteed!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Their chewy texture holds beautifully — just make sure they’re completely cool before packing to preserve their delicate crumb and fresh almond aroma.

Freezing

These cookies freeze like a dream! Once cooled, layer them between sheets of wax paper in an airtight container. They’ll keep for up to two months, and you can enjoy Soft & Chewy Almond Paste Cookies straight from the freezer or with a quick thaw.

Reheating

If you love your cookies slightly warm, pop a couple in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 3–5 minutes. This refreshes their texture and brings the almond aroma wafting back. Just let them cool for a moment before enjoying each glorious bite!

FAQs

Can I use marzipan instead of almond paste?

For best results, stick with true almond paste. Marzipan is sweeter, finer, and more candy-like, which can change the texture and flavor balance of Soft & Chewy Almond Paste Cookies.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

Look for lightly golden edges and centers that are just set, but not hard. Overbaking makes them crisp instead of chewy. Every oven is a little different, so start checking after 15 minutes!

Are these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, these Soft & Chewy Almond Paste Cookies are naturally gluten-free, making them perfect for sharing with friends or family who avoid wheat without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Can I make these without a food processor?

Absolutely! You can break up the almond paste by hand and mix the dough with a sturdy wooden spoon or with an electric mixer. Just make sure everything is well blended for the best chewy crumb.

What’s the difference between almond paste and marzipan?

Almond paste has more almonds and less sugar than marzipan, giving you that deeply nutty flavor and chewy texture. Marzipan is sweeter and more pliable, best for candy or cake decorations rather than cookies.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to fall for a cookie that’s simple yet absolutely unforgettable, Soft & Chewy Almond Paste Cookies belong on your baking list. There’s just something magical about their soft centers, concentrated almond taste, and elegant look — so grab your ingredients, call a friend to help, and make a batch that might just become your new tradition!

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