Almond Blossom Cookies
Almond Blossom Cookies: it sounds fancy enough for a bakery window, but still comforting enough to eat three in one sitting. The hint of almond flavor paired with buttery dough and melty chocolate in the center makes these a glow-up version of the classic blossom cookie we all grew up with.
They’re soft, slightly chewy, sweet without being overwhelming, and rolled in sparkly sanding sugar so they basically show up dressed for the occasion. Whether it’s Valentine’s Day, Christmas, Halloween, or just a random Tuesday that needs a cookie — these Almond Blossom Cookies understood the assignment.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Soft, buttery cookies with a subtle almond flavor (chef’s kiss)
• Cream cheese makes them extra tender and rich
• Customizable sanding sugar colors for every holiday and celebration
• Classic chocolate center because life is better with chocolate
• Perfect for cookie swaps, parties, or stress baking
Basically: pretty cookies that taste even better.
Making Almond Blossom Cookies
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy (about 2 minutes).
Add the sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Beat until fully combined, scraping down the sides as needed.
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients on low speed until just combined.
(The dough will be thick — that’s exactly what you want.)
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill for 1 hour.
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Pour the sanding sugar into a small bowl.
Roll about 1 tablespoon of dough into balls, then roll each ball in sanding sugar until fully coated.
Place cookies about 2 inches apart on the baking sheets.
Use the bottom of a glass to gently press each cookie down slightly.
Bake for 12–13 minutes, until edges are set and bottoms are lightly golden.
Remove from the oven and immediately press a Dove chocolate heart (or Hershey Kiss) into the center of each cookie.
And if you accidentally run out of chocolate (no judgment… it happens), don’t panic. These Almond Blossom Cookies are still ridiculously delicious all on their own. The buttery, soft centers with that hint of almond flavor and sparkly sugar coating absolutely hold their own without a chocolate topper. Are they technically still “blossom” cookies? Debatable. Are they still going to disappear in record time? 100% yes.
Allow cookies to cool completely before storing — the chocolate takes a little longer to set, especially if you plan on stacking them.
How to Customize These Almond Blossom Cookies
This is where the sanding sugar really shines ✨
Try:
- 💗 Pink & red for Valentine’s Day
- 🍀 Green for St. Patrick’s Day
- 🎃 Orange for Halloween
- 🎄 Red & green for Christmas
- 🎉 Your favorite color for birthdays
You can also swap the chocolate hearts for classic Kisses, dark chocolate, or even mini peanut butter cups.
Healthier(ish) Options
Want to lighten them up just a bit?
- Use half whole wheat flour for a subtle nutty flavor
- Try a reduced sugar sanding sugar roll (or skip it entirely)
- Use dark chocolate centers for less sweetness
Still a cookie though. Let’s not lie to ourselves.
Cookies!
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Almond Blossom Cookies
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp. almond extract
- 1 cup sanding sugar (color(s) of choice)
- 40 Dove hearts or Hershey Kisses, unwrapped
Instructions
- In medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In large bowl, beat together butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add sugar, egg, vanilla, and almond extract. Scrape sides as needed.
- With beaters on low speed, add dry ingredients to wet. Mix until combined. Dough will be thick. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line cookie sheets with parchment paper. Pour sanding sugar into small bowl.
- Roll 1 tablespoon of cookie dough between your hands, then roll in sanding sugar. Place 2 inches apart. Using bottom of glass, gently flatten each cookie. Bake for 12-13 minutes. Remove from oven and place a chocolate on top of each hot cookie. Chocolate will melt slightly, so let cookie and chocolate cool completely on wire rack before storing. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Almond Blossom Cookies
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