Homemaking

Almond Cookie Recipe (Valentine's Day Cookie)

By Liz Lovery · Updated July 17, 2026

This almond cookie recipe is the perfect cookie to gift for Valentine's Day (or Galentine's Day!) They're easy to make and oh so delicious!

'Tis the season of love! In case the explosion of heart-shaped chocolate boxes or teddy bears galore in every store wasn't enough to remind you that it's Valentine's Day, well... this is your reminder! While many people believe this to be a Hallmark holiday, it actually has an interesting history. And it's all about St. Valentine. I won't bore you with the details but if you're curious, you can read all about it here.

While the traditions of Valentine's Day in modern time have become more extravagant as the years go on, showering your loved one with candy, chocolates, and flowers remains the same. But, if you're like me and CVS knick knacks just won't do, try making these delicious almond cookies instead! They pair beautifully with a thoughtfully set table for a Valentine's Day dinner at home.

Whether you're celebrating Galentine's Day with your besties this year or enjoying a romantic evening with your beau, these 5-ingredient almond cookies are the perfect way to show you care. And if you love scratch baking, you'll find the same approachable philosophy in my homemade pie guide and my lemon blueberry scones.

What Are Almond Cookies?

Almond cookies are soft, buttery drop cookies made with almond extract as the primary flavor. They have a texture somewhere between a shortbread and a sugar cookie: dense, tender, and just slightly crumbly at the edges. The almond extract gives them a warm, slightly floral flavor that's distinctly different from a standard sugar cookie. Topped with a simple almond glaze, they're simple enough to make on a weeknight and impressive enough to box up as a gift.

This recipe skips the food coloring if you want a simple everyday cookie, and leans into the pink frosting and Valentine's messages when you want something festive. The base recipe is the same either way. If you love gathering people around beautiful food, take a peek at the Paisley Project kitchen for design inspiration on creating a space that makes cooking feel like a joy.

What Ingredients Do You Need for Almond Cookies?

This recipe uses pantry staples you likely already have on hand. The almond extract does the heavy lifting on flavor, so don't substitute it.

For the cookies

• 1 cup unsalted butter (soft, but cold)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp almond extract
• 2 cups flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt

For the frosting

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp almond extract
• 2-3 tsp water
• 1 drop pink food coloring (optional, for pink frosting)

How Do You Make Almond Cookies Step by Step?

These come together in about 20 minutes start to finish. No chilling required, no rolling, no cookie cutters.

Step 1: Cream the butter and sugar

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. In an electric mixing bowl, cream the butter, sugar, and almond extract together until light and combined.

Step 2: Add the dry ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture 2 tablespoons at a time until completely combined. The dough will be soft but not sticky.

Step 3: Shape and bake

Roll the dough into small balls and flatten slightly with your palm or the bottom of a glass. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cook for 8-10 minutes. They will not look done when you pull them out. Let the cookies cool on the pan until they are just warm, then transfer to a cooling rack. They firm up as they cool.

Step 4: Make the frosting and decorate

Combine the powdered sugar, almond extract, and water in a small bowl. Mix until smooth. Add the pink food coloring if using. The frosting should be thick enough to drizzle and hold its shape. Drizzle a small spoonful of glaze on top of each cookie and decorate as you wish. Let set completely before stacking or packaging.

What Do Finished Almond Cookies Look Like?

When these come out of the oven they will look pale and underdone. That is exactly right. Leave them on the hot pan for a few minutes and they will continue to set. Once they move to the cooling rack and cool completely, they'll have a lightly golden bottom, a matte, slightly crackled top, and a tender, almost melt-in-your-mouth texture. Once frosted, the glaze sets to a smooth, slightly shiny finish.

You do not have to add the food coloring. These make great everyday cookies. The almond flavor is subtle and elegant on its own, and a simple white glaze is just as pretty as the pink version.

Almond Cookie Recipe FAQ

Can I make these almond cookies without a mixer?

Yes. You can cream the butter and sugar by hand with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula, though it takes more effort. Make sure your butter is soft enough to cream smoothly before you start. The dough comes together easily once the butter and sugar are combined.

Why do the cookies look underdone when I take them out?

That is intentional. These cookies continue to set on the hot pan after you pull them from the oven. If you bake them until they look done, they will be overdone by the time they cool. Pull them at 8-10 minutes when the tops look matte and just barely set, and let them finish on the pan for a few minutes before moving to the cooling rack.

How do I make the frosting the right consistency?

Start with 2 teaspoons of water and add more a few drops at a time. You want the frosting thick enough to mound slightly when spooned onto the cookie, not so thin that it runs off the edges immediately. If it gets too thin, add a little more powdered sugar. If using food coloring, add just one drop and stir fully before adding more.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes. The unfrosted cookies keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Frost them the day you plan to serve or gift them for the best presentation. The frosted cookies can also be stored at room temperature for 2-3 days once the glaze has fully set.

Can I skip the food coloring?

Absolutely. You do not have to add the food coloring. These make great everyday cookies with a plain white almond glaze. The pink is purely festive and has no effect on the flavor. Skip it any time you want a simpler, year-round cookie.

Can I use the dough to make cut-out cookies?

This dough is not designed for cut-out shapes. It is soft and works best as a drop-and-flatten cookie. If you want a firmer dough for cutting, you would need to add more flour and chill the dough before rolling, which changes the texture. For this recipe, stick with the ball-and-flatten method for the best results.