Almond Stocking Cookies

I get so excited when I see holiday cookies on the table. Almond Stocking Cookies are one of my favorites. They’re buttery, nutty, and shaped so cute for Christmas.

The first time I baked them, I thought they’d be tricky. But really, they were easy and fun. The almond flavor makes them taste so cozy and special.

Now I make them every holiday season. They bring smiles to everyone, and I know they will for you too. It feels like a little tradition baked into every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for the Holidays: These stocking-shaped cookies are ideal for holiday cookie exchanges, parties, or just as a fun baking project with the family.
• Almond Goodness: The combination of almond extract and finely chopped almonds gives these cookies a rich, nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the icing.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies are fun and easy to bake for bakers of all skill levels.
• Customizable Decorations: You can personalize these cookies with different colors of royal icing, sprinkles, and silver dragées for a stunning, festive touch.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Bake the cookies in advance and decorate them closer to the time you plan to serve or gift them.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Mixing Bowls: To combine dry ingredients and mix the wet ingredients.
• Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: For creaming the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure accurate measurements for the best results.
• Parchment Paper: To line the baking sheets, preventing cookies from sticking.
• Rolling Pin: For rolling out the cookie dough to an even thickness.
• Stocking-Shaped Cookie Cutters: To shape the dough into festive stocking shapes.
• Baking Sheets: For baking the cookies.
• Wire Rack: To cool the cookies after baking.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful almond cookies:

• Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (softened to room temperature) – Adds a rich, creamy flavor to the cookies.
• Granulated Sugar: 1/2 cup – Sweetens the dough and helps create the right texture.
• Brown Sugar: 1/2 cup (packed) – Brings a deeper sweetness and a subtle caramel flavor.
• Egg: 1 large – Helps bind the dough and adds structure.
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon – Adds a warm, aromatic flavor.
• Almond Extract: 1 teaspoon – The star ingredient that brings a nutty, aromatic flavor to the cookies.
• All-Purpose Flour: 2 1/4 cups – The base of the cookie dough, giving it structure.
• Baking Powder: 1/2 teaspoon – Helps the cookies rise and become light and airy.
• Salt: 1/4 teaspoon – Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
• Chopped Almonds: 1/2 cup (finely chopped) – Adds texture and enhances the almond flavor.
• Royal Icing or Colored Frosting: For decorating the cookies.
• Sprinkles and Silver Dragées: Optional decorations to add a festive touch.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Almond Stocking Cookies

1. Prepare the Cookie Dough

Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This process will take about 3-4 minutes. The butter should be soft enough to mix easily, but not melted.

Add the Egg and Extracts

Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined. The almond extract is what gives these cookies their distinctive flavor, so don’t skip it!

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the baking powder is evenly distributed and helps the dough rise evenly.

Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can cause the cookies to become tough.

Add the Chopped Almonds

Finally, fold in the finely chopped almonds using a spatula. The almonds add both texture and a delicious crunch to the cookies, enhancing their flavor and making them extra festive.

2. Chill the Dough

Once the dough is fully combined, divide it into two portions, wrap each portion in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough makes it easier to roll out and prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.

3. Roll Out the Dough

After chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Take one portion of the dough out of the fridge and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.

Use a stocking-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the cookies and transfer them to the prepared baking sheets. Make sure to space the cookies about 2 inches apart to allow for some spreading during baking.

4. Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them as oven times can vary. The cookies will firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they look slightly soft when you take them out of the oven.

Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

5. Decorate the Cookies

Once the cookies have completely cooled, it’s time to decorate! You can use royal icing or any colored frosting of your choice to pipe designs on the cookies. I love using a simple white royal icing to create a classic, festive look, but you can get creative with different colors to match your holiday theme.

Sprinkle the cookies with sprinkles or silver dragées for that extra touch of holiday sparkle.

Variations for Almond Stocking Cookies

While these almond cookies are already perfect as-is, here are a few ways you can switch things up:

• Different Nut Options: Instead of almonds, try using finely chopped hazelnuts, pecans, or walnuts for a different flavor profile.
• Add Chocolate Chips: If you’re a fan of chocolate, mix in some mini chocolate chips for a rich contrast to the almond flavor.
• Dip in Chocolate: After decorating the cookies with icing, you can dip the bottom half in melted chocolate for an indulgent twist.
• Sugar Cookies: If you prefer a simpler, less almond-heavy flavor, you can substitute the almond extract with more vanilla extract or just skip it altogether for a pure sugar cookie base.

How to Serve Almond Stocking Cookies

These festive cookies are perfect for a variety of occasions:

• Holiday Cookie Exchanges: Share these cookies with friends and family during a holiday cookie exchange. They make a great addition to any dessert table!
• As Gifts: Package the decorated cookies in a cute box or bag and gift them to friends, coworkers, or neighbors for a sweet holiday surprise.
• On the Cookie Tray: These cookies are a fantastic addition to your holiday dessert tray, alongside other treats like gingerbread cookies, sugar cookies, and fudge.
• As a Sweet Snack: Enjoy them with a warm cup of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate during cozy holiday afternoons.

Storing Almond Stocking Cookies

• Unfrosted Cookies: If you want to bake the cookies ahead of time, store the unfrosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
• Frosted Cookies: Once the cookies are decorated, store them in an airtight container. They will keep for about 3-4 days, though the royal icing may soften over time.
• Freezing the Dough: You can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Simply wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and store it in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, let the dough thaw in the fridge overnight before rolling it out and baking as usual.

Nutrition Information

Serving Size	Calories	Fat	Carbs	Protein
1 cookie	~140	7g	18g	2g

Conclusion

These Almond Stocking Cookies are a delicious and festive treat that will make your holiday season even more special. Whether you’re baking them for a family gathering, gifting them to loved ones, or simply enjoying them on a quiet afternoon, they are sure to become a beloved tradition. The rich almond flavor, crisp texture, and customizable decorations make these cookies a standout on any holiday dessert table. Try them out today and spread some holiday cheer!