Description
Sand Dollar Cookies are delicate, buttery sugar cookies decorated with sliced almonds to resemble pretty little sand dollars. Featuring lightly crisp edges and tender centers, these charming cookies are perfect for beach-themed parties, summer celebrations, coastal gatherings, or a fun baking project with kids.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 2 tablespoons milk, as needed
Decoration
- 1/3 cup sliced almonds
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until combined evenly.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and creamy, approximately 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add Egg and Extracts: Beat in the large egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), mixing until fully incorporated into the butter mixture.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a soft dough forms. If the dough feels too dry, add milk one teaspoon at a time to reach the proper consistency.
- Chill Dough: Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes to firm up for easier handling.
- Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough to about 1/4-inch thickness to ensure the cookies bake evenly.
- Cut Cookies: Use a round cookie cutter approximately 2 to 3 inches wide to cut out circles from the dough. Place the cut cookies evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheets.
- Decorate Cookies: Arrange five sliced almonds on each cookie to create a sand dollar design, placing one almond in the center and four almonds evenly spaced around it. Press the almonds gently into the dough so they adhere.
- Add Sugar Topping: Lightly sprinkle each decorated cookie with granulated sugar for added sweetness and texture.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 9 to 12 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn pale golden. Avoid overbaking to maintain tender centers and prevent browning.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes after baking, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- Chill the dough if it becomes too soft to roll or cut cleanly for best results.
- For a stronger almond flavor, use both almond extract in the dough and lightly toast the sliced almonds before decorating.
- Do not overbake; the cookies should remain pale with only lightly golden edges to keep a tender texture.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- These cookies make delightful treats for beach-themed parties, summer picnics, and edible gifts.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
