Almond Meltaway Cookies are delicate, buttery treats that quite literally melt in your mouth. With a soft, tender texture and a sweet almond glaze on top, these cookies are perfect for holiday baking, bridal showers, tea time, or whenever you’re craving something light and sweet. They’re easy to make and impossible to resist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Soft, tender texture that melts in your mouth
Subtle almond flavor in both the cookie and glaze
Easy one-bowl dough with no chilling required
Great for holidays, gifting, or everyday sweet cravings
Elegant and simple presentation
Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly
Bakes in just minutes
No rolling or cutting needed
Tastes like bakery-style cookies
A sweet and simple cookie everyone loves

ingredients

Almond Meltaway Cookies 10 Almond Meltaway Cookies are delicate, buttery treats that quite literally melt in your mouth. With a soft, tender texture and a sweet almond glaze on top, these cookies are perfect for holiday baking, bridal showers, tea time, or whenever you're craving something light and sweet. They're easy to make and impossible to resist.

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Unsalted butter (softened)
Granulated sugar
Egg
Almond extract
All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt

For the glaze:

Powdered sugar
Almond extract
Milk
Sliced almonds (optional, for topping)

directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the egg and almond extract until fully combined.
Add the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms.
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Place them on the baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
Use the bottom of a glass or measuring cup to gently flatten each cookie.
Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden.
Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before glazing.
For the glaze, mix powdered sugar, almond extract, and milk until smooth.
Spoon a small amount of glaze onto each cookie and top with sliced almonds, if desired. Let glaze set before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 24 cookies
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 8–10 minutes
Total time: 25–30 minutes

Variations

Add lemon zest to the dough or glaze for a citrus twist
Swap almond extract with vanilla or orange extract for a new flavor
Dip half the cookie in melted white or dark chocolate
Use food coloring in the glaze for holidays or themed events
Sprinkle with nonpareils or sanding sugar before the glaze sets
Add a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon for a warm note

storage/reheating

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them extra soft, add a slice of bread to the container. They can also be frozen (unglazed or glazed) for up to 2 months. Let thaw at room temperature before enjoying. No reheating is necessary.

FAQs

What makes these cookies “meltaway”?

The high butter content and fine texture of the dough create a super soft, melt-in-your-mouth feel.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Butter is highly recommended for the best flavor and texture, but margarine can be used in a pinch.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe scales up well for larger batches.

Do I have to chill the dough?

No chilling is needed—these cookies go straight from mixing to baking.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for best results.

Can I make the glaze thicker or thinner?

Yes, adjust the milk amount to reach your preferred glaze consistency.

What kind of almond extract should I use?

Pure almond extract provides the best flavor—avoid imitation if possible.

Why did my cookies spread too much?

Too-warm butter or too much milk in the glaze can cause spreading. Make sure butter is softened, not melted.

Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, shape the dough into balls and freeze on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Bake from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes.

Are these cookies nut-free?

They contain almond extract, but you can use vanilla instead and omit sliced almonds for a nut-free version.

Conclusion

Almond Meltaway Cookies are a delightful, easy-to-make treat that offers soft texture, sweet almond flavor, and elegant simplicity. Perfect for celebrations or everyday indulgence, these cookies are sure to be a hit with anyone who tries them. Once you make a batch, don’t be surprised if they disappear in minutes!

Almond Meltaway Cookies