Welcome to the enchanting world of holiday baking, where every bite tells a story of warmth, joy, and delicious indulgence! As the festive season twinkles brighter, there’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of freshly baked cookies filling your home. And when it comes to creating unforgettable holiday treats, these delectable **Almond Meltaways** stand in a league of their own. Imagine a cookie that is perfectly buttery, incredibly light, delicately crispy, and absolutely bursting with rich almond flavor. These aren’t just cookies; they’re tiny treasures designed to melt in your mouth and leave a lasting impression on your holiday cookie tray.
This special post is proudly sponsored by Diamond of California Nuts, a brand synonymous with quality and a staple in countless kitchens. As always, all opinions and the passion for these recipes are 100% my own. Your support for the brands that make culinary creativity possible here at The Beach House Kitchen is deeply appreciated.
Indeed, it’s the most wonderful time of the year! The holiday spirit is infectious, and with it comes the irresistible allure of seasonal treats. While the calendar might only show early December, I confess, I’ve already embarked on a delightful journey through an array of holiday cookies. It’s a sweet tradition that often leads to a playful resolution for more gym time in January, but for now, let’s simply savor every delightful moment.
Before we fast-forward to New Year’s resolutions, let’s fully immerse ourselves in the present joy. And what better way to do that than with these extraordinary **Almond Meltaways**? These cookies are a testament to simple ingredients coming together to create something truly magical, offering a blissful escape with every delicate bite. They are the epitome of what a holiday cookie should be: comforting, elegant, and utterly delicious.
I crafted these delightful holiday cookies in collaboration with my cherished partners at Diamond of California Nuts, and I can confidently say, they are nothing short of SPECTACULAR! If your heart yearns for a holiday cookie that delivers a lusciously buttery, melt-in-your-mouth experience with a subtle crispness and an undeniable explosion of almond goodness, then your search ends here. These **Almond Meltaways** are precisely what you’ve been dreaming of, embodying everything a perfect festive cookie should be.
What makes them truly exceptional? It’s their extraordinary triple almond flavor. Yes, you read that right – TRIPLE the almond sensation in every single cookie! This layered approach ensures an unparalleled depth of flavor that will enchant even the most discerning palates. We don’t just hint at almond; we celebrate it!
The secret to this intense almond profile lies in three key elements. First, finely ground **Diamond of California Whole Almonds** are incorporated directly into the dough, lending a delicate texture and foundational nutty taste. Second, a generous dash of pure almond extract amplifies the aroma and flavor, ensuring every crumb sings with almond essence. Finally, each cookie is crowned with a beautiful, whole Diamond of California almond, providing a delightful visual appeal and a satisfying textural crunch right in the center. This thoughtful combination creates a symphony of almond flavor that is both robust and beautifully balanced. You’ll also be pleased to know that you’ll only need a handful of common pantry ingredients to bring these beauties to life, making them incredibly accessible for any home baker.
During the bustling holiday season, we all appreciate recipes that are quick, easy, and undeniably delicious. These **Almond Meltaways** tick all those boxes, making them a perfect addition to your holiday baking repertoire. They allow you to create something truly special without spending hours in the kitchen, freeing up more time for cherished moments with loved ones.
For the exquisite texture of these cookies, I’ve chosen a harmonious blend of butter and shortening. The butter provides that undeniably rich, classic flavor we all adore, contributing to a golden hue and a tender crumb. Shortening, on the other hand, is the magic ingredient responsible for the signature “melt-in-your-mouth” quality, creating a lighter, almost ethereal texture that truly lives up to the “Meltaway” name. This dynamic duo is a winning combination, elevating these cookies from simple treats to something truly extraordinary and unique, setting them apart on any holiday cookie platter.
Expert Baking Tips for Perfect Almond Meltaways:
Achieving the perfect texture and flavor in your **Almond Meltaways** starts with a few key techniques. When processing your Diamond of California almonds in a food processor, it’s crucial to pulse them until they are just finely ground. Be careful not to overwork them, as this can release their natural oils and turn them into an almond paste, which will alter the cookie’s texture. You want a fine, flour-like consistency for the best results.
Furthermore, do not underestimate the power of using the precise combination of butter and shortening as specified in the recipe. While all-butter cookies are delicious in their own right, the shortening is indispensable here. It imparts a delicate tenderness and helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much, ensuring that signature “melt-in-your-mouth” quality without compromising the rich flavor contributed by the butter. This thoughtful blend is, without a doubt, one of the primary reasons these cookies achieve their awesome flavor and unparalleled texture.
Of course, another undeniable reason for the supreme quality of these cookies is the star ingredient: Diamond of California Almonds. When it comes to baking, especially for cherished holiday treats, selecting only the finest ingredients makes all the difference. Diamond of California has consistently delivered top-tier nuts for generations, ensuring that every bite of your homemade creations is nothing short of perfection.
Diamond of California Nuts are truly “made for homemade.” Their whole almonds are not only exceptionally flavorful but also come with impressive nutritional credentials. They contain no added sodium, are cholesterol-free, and pack a healthy punch with 6 grams of protein per serving. What’s more, they are certified by the American Heart Association, making them a smart and wholesome choice for all your baking adventures. Choosing Diamond of California means choosing quality, taste, and a touch of wholesome goodness for your family and friends.
I am incredibly proud to be a Diamond of California #MadeForHomemade partner. This collaboration allows me to share my passion for baking with high-quality ingredients, and I eagerly anticipate bringing you many more fabulous recipes featuring their superb nuts throughout the coming year. Prepare for a continuous stream of delicious inspiration!
And to add a sprinkle of holiday cheer, Diamond of California is joining me in a very special holiday GIVEAWAY right here at The Beach House Kitchen! This is your chance to stock up on premium nuts and expand your baking library.
One fortunate winner will receive a generous shipment of assorted Diamond of California nuts, including a bounty of their fantastic whole almonds – perfect for whipping up countless batches of these stunning **Almond Meltaways**. But that’s not all! To further fuel your culinary creativity this holiday season, the prize package also includes three of my absolute favorite baking cookbooks. These aren’t just any books; they are masterpieces from some of the most talented bakers in the industry, filled with inspiration and recipes that will transform your kitchen into a haven of sweet aromas.
The lucky recipient will take home: Baker’s Royale by the brilliant Naomi Robinson, the delightful Oh Sweet Day! by Fanny Lam, and the comprehensive The Cookie Book by Rebecca Firth. Three truly AWESOME books penned by three incredibly talented bakers, guaranteed to become treasured additions to your collection!
This exciting giveaway is open to all US residents and kicks off today, December 3rd, concluding promptly at 11 PM EST on December 9th. I will personally announce the winner on my Instagram stories on Monday, December 10th. For all the comprehensive details on how to enter and boost your chances of winning, simply head over to my Instagram account (CLICK HERE). Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to elevate your holiday baking!
Good luck to everyone entering, and I wish you all the happiest and most delicious baking adventures this holiday season! May your kitchens be filled with warmth, laughter, and the irresistible scent of these incredible **Almond Meltaways**. Enjoy every moment, and every delightful bite!
Almond Meltaways
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Ingredients
- 1 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup Diamond of CA whole almonds, finely ground
- 2/3 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/8 tsp. salt
- 1/2 cup (one stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup shortening, room temperature
- 2 tsp. almond extract
- Diamond of CA whole almonds, for garnish
- granulated sugar, for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (160 degrees C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, finely ground Diamond of California whole almonds, confectioners’ sugar, cornstarch, and salt until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. Set aside.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the room temperature unsalted butter and shortening. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take approximately 2 minutes. Add the almond extract and mix until just incorporated. Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the dry flour mixture, beating until a well-combined ball of dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
- Portion the dough into small balls, using about one tablespoon for each cookie. Place the shaped dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced about 2 inches apart to allow for even baking. Gently flatten each cookie with the bottom of a drinking glass that has been dipped in granulated sugar (to prevent sticking and add a touch of sparkle). Finally, carefully press a whole Diamond of California almond into the center of each flattened cookie for garnish and an extra burst of almond flavor.
- Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly browned and the cookies feel firm when gently touched. Avoid overbaking to maintain their delicate texture. Let the cookies stand on the baking sheet for 5 minutes after removing from the oven; this allows them to firm up before transferring. Then, carefully move them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your homemade **Almond Meltaways**!