Soft Almond Pillow Cookies Recipe

These almond-filled butter cookies are a delightful blend of buttery cookie dough and a rich, sweet almond filling. With a perfectly crisp exterior and a chewy, nutty center, they make an irresistible treat for any occasion. The almond paste filling adds a fragrant and luxurious touch, elevating these cookies from a simple dessert to a show-stopping centerpiece. The process of making these cookies is as fun as the final result, involving rolling and shaping dough around a delicious almond center. Perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring with a cup of tea, these cookies are sure to become a favorite.

Key Ingredients for Almond-Filled Butter Cookies

• Butter (1 cup, or 2 sticks) – Provides a rich, creamy base and ensures a tender, melt-in-the-mouth texture.
• Almond Paste (8 oz can) – The heart of the filling, adding a sweet, nutty flavor that contrasts beautifully with the buttery dough.
• All-Purpose Flour (2 1/4 cups) – Gives structure to the cookies, balancing out the richness of the butter.
• Sugar (1/2 cup + 1/2 cup) – Adds sweetness to both the dough and filling, caramelizing slightly in the oven for a perfect golden finish.
• Egg Yolks (2 yolks) – Adds richness to the dough and helps bind the filling, enhancing the overall flavor.
• Almond Extract (3 teaspoons) – Intensifies the almond flavor in both the dough and filling, making the cookies aromatic and irresistible.
• Milk (1 tablespoon + 1 tablespoon) – Adds moisture to the dough and filling, ensuring a soft and chewy texture.

Simple Steps to Almond Bliss

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Cream the sugar and butter in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Mix in the egg yolk, milk, and almond extract until combined. Gradually blend in the flour until the dough comes together and has a chunky consistency. Chill the dough in the refrigerator to firm up.
2. For the filling, combine almond paste, sugar, milk, egg yolk, and almond extract in a mixing bowl. Beat until smooth and well combined.
3. Use a medium cookie scoop to portion out balls of chilled cookie dough. Flatten each dough ball in the palm of your hand, then place a small ball of almond filling in the center. Wrap the dough around the filling, rolling it into a smooth ball.
4. Arrange the filled dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, flattening them slightly with your palm. For a professional finish, use a round cookie cutter to trim the edges. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
5. Bake the cookies for 15-20 minutes, watching closely to prevent them from browning. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet before dusting them with powdered sugar.
6. Serve and enjoy these delightful almond-filled treats!

Pro Tips for Perfect Almond-Filled Butter Cookies

• Chill the Dough: Ensure the dough is adequately chilled to prevent spreading during baking.
• Watch the Bake Time: Keep a close eye on the cookies in the oven to avoid over-baking; they should be pale in color, not brown.
• Neat Edges: Use a round cookie cutter to trim the edges after flattening the dough balls for a uniform, bakery-style appearance.
• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They also freeze well for longer storage.

How to Store Leftovers and Keep Them Fresh

To store your almond-filled butter cookies, allow them to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They will keep at room temperature for up to one week, retaining their buttery texture and almond flavor. If you’d like to keep them longer, they can be frozen in a single layer in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. To enjoy them later, simply thaw at room temperature and dust with powdered sugar before serving.