Almond Tree Cookies

Prep Time: 2 hours  Start to Finish: 2 hours

Makes: 4 dozen cookie  Calories per Cookie: 80

Sometimes the simplest ingredients can make the perfect cookie.  This cookie has only 4 ingredients! (minus the frosting).  But this is a win all around.  They are the perfect consistency, a little crunchy on the outside but nice and fluffy on the inside.  With a hint of almond, and not too sweet, these cookies will have your guests going in for seconds and thirds.

The other thing I love about these cookies is the presentation.  You can put them out on a plate like I did in the shape of a Christmas Tree, which makes the dessert table more festive and fun!

Ingredients

Cookies

  • 1 cup butter or margarine, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

Frosting

almond tree cookies icing.jpg
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons butter or margarine softened
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons milk
  • 8 or 10 drops green food color

Directions

  1. Heat oven to 350 degrees.  In medium bowl beat 1 cup butter, the granulated sugar and almond extract with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth.  On low speed, beat in flour.
  2. Shape dough into 1 inch balls; place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets.
  3. Bake 12 to 15 minutes or until firm to touch.  Cool 1 minute; remove from cookie sheets to cooling racks.  Cool completely, about 30 minutes.
  4. In small bowl, beat powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons butter and the milk on medium speed until smooth and spreadable.  Stir in green food color until uniform color.  
  5. Spoon frosting into resealable food-storage plastic bag.  Seal bag; cut off tiny corner of bag.  Squeeze bag to pipe tree shape into zigzag pattern on each cookie with frosting.
almond tree cookies baked.jpg

I actually used an icing tip in my ziplock bag to get a smaller and more precise line.  These cookies were delicious!  I recommend doubling the recipe.

<3 P.S.

I added little star sprinkles to the tops of some of the cookies to give it a more decorative look like the star on a Christmas tree!