Chocolate Almond Cookies: A Crave-Worthy Delight
There’s something undeniably special about the moment you pull warm chocolate almond cookies from the oven. As the aroma of rich cocoa wafts through your kitchen, you can’t help but feel a wave of nostalgia—each cookie a soft, chewy treasure, inviting you to take a bite. These cookies have a mesmerizing blend of flavors; the sweet, crunchy almonds beautifully contrast the deep, dark richness of the chocolate. Prepare for a delightful experience that both kids and adults will appreciate. Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert or something to satisfy that late-night sweet tooth, this chocolate almond cookies recipe is your solution, bursting with comforting flavors and vivid textures.
Can you resist the allure of chocolate cookies fresh from the oven?
Imagine a day when you come home, tired and craving something indulgent. What could be more satisfying than sinking your teeth into a gooey, rich chocolate almond cookie? It’s the ultimate treat for any time of day—whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee in the morning or paired with a glass of milk in the evening. The delightful crunch of sliced almonds adds excitement, while the melty chocolate and vibrant M&Ms bring a playful touch to every bite. These cookies are not just snacks; they are a moment of joy you can enjoy anytime.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are countless reasons to love these chocolate almond cookies. For starters, this recipe is incredibly easy to whip up, making it perfect for both novice and seasoned bakers alike. With only a handful of ingredients, you’ll have a delightful treat without spending hours in the kitchen.
These cookies are a true crowd-pleaser, ideal for parties, family gatherings, or simply as a sweet reward after a long day. Plus, the allure of chocolate paired with almonds creates a mouthwatering mixture that everyone loves.
And let’s not forget—it’s kid-friendly! Watching little ones help shape the cookies or decorate them with M&Ms is a delightful bonding experience.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure while keeping these cookies delectably chewy.
- 1/4 cup black cocoa powder: Adds a deep, dark flavor that will take your taste buds to a new level.
- 1/2 tsp baking soda: Ensures that your cookies rise beautifully, creating soft texture.
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt: Elevates the sweetness and flavor, balancing out the rich cocoa.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough, giving it that irresistible sugary flavor.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Creates a luscious, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar: Adds moisture and a rich caramel flavor.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together, contributing to the cookies’ delightful chewiness.
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, comforting aroma and taste.
- Sanding sugar, for rolling: Adds a sugary crunch that makes each cookie sparkle.
- 48 sliced raw almonds: For decoration, providing a satisfying crunch.
- 1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips: Intensifies the chocolate flavor in each bite.
- 48 mini green M&Ms and 24 mini brown M&Ms: Eye-catching decorations that add fun appeal.
These ingredients promise cookies that are rich, indulgent, and utterly satisfying!
Timing
Time is of the essence, and these chocolate almond cookies cater to both fast cravings and leisurely baking experiences. You can indulge in the quick, luscious pleasure of these cookies by mixing and baking them in under an hour—perfect for unexpected guests or a midnight snack fix.
For a more luxurious take, chill the dough for a while longer. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a more enriched, complex taste. Either way, your output will be cookies that are gooey, delicious, and deeply satisfying.
Step-by-Step Instructions
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, black cocoa powder, baking soda, and kosher salt. This creates the dry base that will give your cookies their perfect texture.
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In a large bowl, beat the granulated sugar, softened butter, and light brown sugar until creamy and fluffy. The dreamy, sweet aroma will begin to fill your kitchen!
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Add one egg and beat until it’s fully incorporated. Then, add the vanilla and mix again to blend well.
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Gently add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and beat until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix to avoid tough cookies. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This crucial step helps the flavors deepen and gives the cookies their chewy consistency.
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Using a cookie scoop, scoop 24 portions of the chilled dough and roll them into balls. Coat each in sanding sugar for that sparkling finish.
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Flatten each ball into a 2-inch circle. This is where the fun begins! Roll smaller portions of dough into tiny balls for ears and coat them in sanding sugar.
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Arrange the small balls on top of the flattened circles, then gently place sliced almonds on them for eyes.
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Pop these delightful creations into the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges are beautifully set.
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Allow the cookies to cool for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
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While the cookies cool, melt the semisweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Use a piping bag to add cute dots onto the almonds and below the eyes, creating an adorable cookie design.
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For the bright finishing touch, add green and brown M&Ms for a splash of color and charm!
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These cookies can be made up to three days ahead and stored in an airtight container, making them perfect for meal prep or planned gatherings.
With these vivid descriptors, every bite is sure to be a melting moment of joy!
Nutritional Information
Nutritional values can vary based on the exact ingredients used, but on average, a single chocolate almond cookie contains approximately 160 calories. Though they are an indulgence, these cookies provide a well-balanced combination of flavors and textures. Remember, it’s perfectly okay to indulge now and then!
Healthier Alternatives
If you’d like to indulge but keep things a bit lighter, there are plenty of alternatives you can incorporate. Consider swapping out the granulated sugar for a low-sugar alternative, which will reduce the overall sweetness while maintaining the cookie’s texture.
For a dairy-free option, opt for coconut oil instead of butter, or nut milk instead of cream. Even gluten-free flours can adequately replace all-purpose flour if you desire. Making these small swaps can help you enjoy these chocolate almond cookies with less guilt while keeping the flavor intact!
Serving Suggestions
Imagine these delightful chocolate almond cookies served warm, maybe even alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. This comforting duo makes for a delightful dessert experience, perfect for family movie nights or summertime BBQs.
For special occasions, adorn the cookies with festive sprinkles or seasonal-colored M&Ms, transforming them into the star of the dessert table at holidays!
Common Mistakes
It can be easy to overlook certain steps while baking, which may lead to mishaps. One common mistake is overbaking your cookies. Trust your instincts and take them out of the oven before they are fully firm—they’ll continue to set as they cool.
Another pitfall is not allowing the dough to chill properly. Skipping this step can lead to overly spread cookies that lose their enticing shape.
Finally, be cautious when adding the M&Ms and almonds. Ensure they stick well or they may slide off the cookies once they cool!
Storing Tips
To keep your chocolate almond cookies fresh and tasty, allow them to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be stored on the counter for a few days, but for longer-lasting freshness, consider freezing portions.
Simply place them in freezer-safe bags or containers, and they can last up to two months! When you’re ready to indulge again, reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to bring back their ooey-gooeyness.
Tempted to Bake It ASAP?
Now that you have all the details on how to make chocolate almond cookies, why not treat yourself and your loved ones to this irresistible delight? The combination of rich chocolate with crunchy almonds is too good to pass up. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and prepare for a baking adventure you won’t regret. There’s nothing like savoring warm cookies straight from the oven!
FAQs
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Can I make the dough ahead of time and store it?
Yes! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 72 hours or freeze it for up to two months before baking. -
What is the best way to store leftover cookies?
Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness. -
Can I use other types of nuts instead of almonds?
Absolutely! Pecans, walnuts, or even hazelnuts can make delicious substitutions. -
What if I don’t have black cocoa powder?
You can substitute it with regular cocoa powder, but the color and flavor will differ slightly. -
Are these cookies suitable for gift-giving?
Definitely! Package them in a decorated box or tin for a charming homemade gift that friends and family will appreciate.
Indulge yourself with these delightful chocolate almond cookies, and embark on a journey filled with rich flavors and heartwarming memories!
Print
Chocolate Almond Cookies
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, chewy chocolate almond cookies with a delightful crunch from sliced almonds and colorful M&Ms.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup black cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- Sanding sugar, for rolling
- 48 sliced raw almonds
- 1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 48 mini green M&Ms
- 24 mini brown M&Ms
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, black cocoa powder, baking soda, and kosher salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the granulated sugar, softened butter, and light brown sugar until creamy and fluffy.
- Add one egg and beat until fully incorporated, then mix in the vanilla.
- Gently add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and beat until just combined. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Scoop 24 portions of the chilled dough, roll them into balls, and coat each in sanding sugar.
- Flatten each ball into a 2-inch circle, roll smaller portions for decoration, and arrange sliced almonds on top.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until edges are set. Allow cooling for 5 minutes.
- Melt semisweet chocolate and use a piping bag to add fun designs on the cookies.
- Add M&Ms for color and serve warm.
Notes
For a lighter version, try low-sugar alternatives or opt for dairy-free ingredients.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
