Almond Paste Cookies: An Easy-to-Make, Tasty Treat
Recipe Discovery
This handwritten recipe was recently discovered in my mother-in-law's old recipe box. I have been slowly working my way through her collection of recipes as well as my mother's recipes to determine which of them we wish to keep.
Now I will be the first to tell you that eating almond paste cookies despite the fact of them containing some healthful attributes will never make the portion of the food pyramid that nutritionists espouse. But for an aromatic and delicious sweet treat these cookies are hard to beat for flavor. Eat and enjoy them in moderation if you can control yourself!
Cookie Ingredients
- 1 cup butter at room temperature
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup almond paste (I used just 7 ounces which came in one package.)
- 1/2 cup nutmeats
Instructions
- Cream the butter with the sugar and when well mixed beat in the eggs.
- Add the flour and baking soda to the creamed mixture. I almost always sift the dry ingredients together just to make sure that there are no lumps in the mixture so that it gets evenly distributed in the batter.
- Mix in the almond paste. If the dough gets too stiff and hard to work with, add a few drops of water. Since I only used 7 ounces or 198 grams of the paste instead of the 8 ounces it called for in the recipe I did not have to add any water. Apparently this nut paste used to be sold in larger packages years ago.
- Finally mix in the nuts. You can use any kind of nut you may have on hand.
- Drop by half rounded teaspoonfuls onto greased cookie sheets. I used Pam cooking spray. Leave plenty of space between the cookies because they spread out quite a bit. I only put 12 cookies on each normal sized cookie sheet and it was perfect. Note: The recipe did not call for this but I decided to press a slivered almond on the top of each ball of dough before baking just for decorative purposes.
- Bake in a 325 degree Fahrenheit oven for 15 minutes or until the edges of the cookies turn a golden brown.
- After the cookies are out of the oven, let them rest for 30 to 60 seconds before removing from the cookie sheet to a wire rack for cooling.
Makes about 4 1/2 dozen cookies.
Assembling and baking these delicious tasting cookies...
Click thumbnail to view full-sizeThe brand that I used was Odense. According to their packaging, they have been in business since 1909 and it is "Made in Denmark using California Almonds."
They have some great sounding recipes inside the box all of which use this rich tasting almond paste as an ingredient. They include the following:
- Biscotti
- Almond Apple Crumb Pie
- Macaroons, and
- Pound Cake
It would be worth purchasing a box just to acquire those recipes!

This is the exact brand we used with great success in making this delicious cookie recipe. My mother-in-law also used to use this same brand in making other pastry recipes.
Are you ready to make some almond paste cookies?
Please rate me. Thanks!
Some Background Information about Almond Trees & Locations Where They are Grown
Originating from the Mediterranean countries, these trees are now grown in many other parts of the world where suitable growing conditions are met. This includes places like Spain, Greece, Turkey, Northern Africa and even parts of the United States among other locations.
These particular trees thrive in warm to even hot temperatures as long as they get sufficient water. They do not like overly humid conditions. The gigantic Central Valley of California where a good percentage of United States food is grown is just about perfect for the growing of these trees. Just about three fifths of the worlds production comes from California and much of it is exported.
Eating various types of nuts can be a healthful addition to one's diet.
- Almonds are a good source of fiber.
- They are high in protein.
- They contain Vitamin E as well as some B vitamins and minerals.
- Additionally they have mostly monounsaturated fats which can potentially lower cholesterol among other good effects on the body.
In our home we typically keep roasted ones on hand as well as blanched slivered ones, almond extract and occasionally almond milk for drinking.
Did you know that you can make your own milk and paste from these nuts? The video below shows just how easy it is to accomplish making the milk. Left over pulp can be used for soothing skin treatments by adding a few other fragrant ingredients.
There are many online recipes which will help one in making your own almond paste if desired. Many of the recipes only have these 4 ingredients:
- Whole blanched almonds
- Powdered sugar
- An egg white and
- Almond Extract
There are many variations. As infrequently as I need this ingredient in my recipes, I think that I will simply purchase the tried and true Odense brand in the grocery store when needed.
Questions & Answers
© 2013 Peggy Woods
Comments are welcomed.
I think I might try this. I've had a can of almond paste in my pantry for a long time-- but I think it's still good. We have a lot of almond orchards around here. A few years ago a dady not far from here was taking out a lot of old almond trees and giving away the wood to anyone who would clear it away-- made really nice firewood.
Hi Peggy, I will have to look for almond paste because these cookies make me want to eat the picture. lol I love almonds and I will love these cookies. Not to mention that almonds are so good for you. Thanks for sharing.
Blessings to you.
I love almonds, and I have enjoyed almond cookies. I will share your hub on Pinterest, and I need to try this recipe.
One of my absolute favorites!
Visiting back, Peggy. Thank you for taking the time to say hey and let me know we are thought of.
As always, Angels are bringing blessings and hugs your way ps
Cookies in the kitchen are like diamonds in the sky :)
Thanks for the informative hub. My sons LOVE marzipan so I bet they'll adore these cookies.
This recipe sounds very yummy and brings childhood memories back of when I lived in Italy. This pastry shop made almond cookies and they were topped with candied red and green cherries or a round sliver of candied orange peel. I miss them dearly, will have to try this almond cookie recipe!
This sounds good and I love almond cookies. Thanks for sharing the recipe Peggy. Voted up and shared in my fb account.
These cookies look delicious and using your Mother in Law's recipe is such a wonderful way to pay her tribute. I've never tried using almond paste in any recipes. This looks interesting. The hubby loves almond cookies.
I also learned much about almonds that I didn't know. Thanks!
i don't have butter, can i use sunflower oil?
These look so good and the house will smell divine while they bake. I am a huge fan of almonds...in salads and in so many other dishes. I have to try this. Bookmarking to add to my baking list for this Christmas.
Angels are on the way to you ps
Thanks Peggy. Good to know.
Peggy, would the almond paste be in the refrigerated section?
The cookies look so good. I'll have to check and see if any of our stores carry almond paste.
I honestly don't like almonds but I'm always into trying new recipes with foods I don't like. Weird right ? Overall, neat recipe. :)
I was raised in Sicily as a child and there they use almond paste a lot for cookies. I will give your recipe a try as I miss these types of cookies a lot. I bet that a candied cherry on top will make these cookies very similar to those I have eaten during my childhood.
I love this type of cookie and have never made them myself. I appreciate your straightforward recipe and the background information about almond trees. Thanks for the informative hub.
Looks good Peggy, I love almonds and "easy to make" sounds right up my alley, lol.
I love almond cookies. I can't wait to try these. They look mouthwatering.
Hi Peggy! I love cookies and this one I am really going to try. If I am not up to the mark, I am really going to ask a bag of these mouthwatering delectable cookies from you.
Well, this is more than a cookie recipe hub. This is an education! I love the history that you started with before sharing your delectable recipe.
Peggy - I voted up and all across except for funny. This is really a beautiful presentation. I love the hand written recipe card by your mother. That made the hub even more special. The photos of the almond cookies are fabulous. Thanks and pinning and sharing too.
A wonderful recipe with useful photos. I love almond cookies. Voted up, useful and interesting. Shared and pinned.
Now I must get back to baking. Thanks for sharing this, Peggy!
More great cookies! I need to get a full sized oven! :D Voted up, awesome, tweeted, pinned and shared! :)
I have never heard of almond paste before, but these cookies sound so delicious! Next time I have the "baking itch" I will definitely try them! Voted up, useful, pinning and sharing! :)
Yummy :) interesting recipe ...
Loving almonds the way I do, I know these cookies are just waiting for me to whip up. So glad you're sharing this and so will I.
I love almonds and love the flavoring that almond paste gives pasteries. This looks like such a great recipe. Up and awesome.
These almond cookies look very soft and yummy. Almond itself is very tasty and hope this is another wonder recipe of your mother. Up, beautiful, useful, interesting and sharing.
Need to try them as I've never tasted the ones made with almond paste. Voting this up, useful and interesting. Rated 5 stars and shared.
Yummy! I love a good thin, crispy cookie! Almonds are really so good for you too. I have never tried almond cookies, but plan on fixing that now. Voting up and yummy! (Maybe that's useful.) LOL :)
Ok, I love cookies!! I love home-made's even more. I so love your hubs! Thanks for another delightful read. Voted up!
I'd never heard of almond paste before, which is odd, since almonds are one of my favorite nuts. This recipe sounds delicious -- I'll forward this to the family cook. Voting this Up, Interesting and Useful.
I can just about taste them! I eat a handful of almonds every day for the health benefit. I can see how these cookies would not only be beneficial, but so wonderful as a treat. Great hub design and recipe idea. Voted up.
I love almonds and this recipe sounds very delicious to me.
I know these are delicious cookies. You have a great library of recipes collected from your mother and mother-in law. I love the aromatic smell of almond extract. It is hard to control yourself with these delicious and moist cookies. They really make nice gifts and desserts for any special luncheon. Or to just have with coffee. Thanks for sharing your delicious recipe. Awesome hub with photos and videos.
Oops, sorry, I didn't actually watch the video yet.
Yeah, it is better to be safe than sorry when it comes to nut allergies. Usually when I "take a chance", I regret it later!
Have a good weekend, Peggy!
I know these cookies will be so delicious! Perfect for so many things, not just eating. Put a few in a zip-lock bag to send home with guests -- if there are any left after desert! You've provided great photos again, too.
Voted up, useful, 5 more stars, and will share!
I love your recipe, Peggy. My mom usually make almond cookies with different ingredient on Idul Fitri celebration. I think the almond cookies more delicious if it accompanied by hot tea in the evening. Thanks for writing and share with us. Voted up and pressing this buttons, except funny. Cheers :-)
Prasetio
I love the taste of almond paste, so I'm sure that I would enjoy these cookies. In fact, I'm certain that I wouldn't be able to eat just one, as your photo caption suggests! Thanks for the recipe, Peggy.
I made some delicious almond cookies for gifts years ago, and then I lost the recipe. I am pinning this one for future use. They look lovely. Great info and videos too :)
Hi Peggy enjoyed reading this article and love this awesome recipe sounds and looks delicious ! Well done !
Vote up and more !!! Sharing !
The recipe looks great, the facts your provided are interesting, and I was surprised that almond milk could be made using almond paste! I think the photo of the handwritten recipe card is charming.
I love almonds, and I use almond extract in some of my cookie recipes, because I like the taste it gives cookies. I have never tried almond paste, though.
The only problem I would have with making these is that almonds give me a really bad headache that won't go away until the next morning (even if I take ibuprofen, which makes most of my headaches go away). Before I discovered that was the cause, I had headaches all of the time. It is tragic to be allergic to them! But for some reason, some kinds of almonds don't give me a headache. It's kind of a hit-or-miss.
I may try this at some point, anyway! Thanks for sharing this with us!
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