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Almond Butter Sticks are a melt-in-your-mouth delicious and tender cookie made with a cream cheese dough and an almond extract sugar filling.
Sometimes I make these around the holidays and each time I do, I wonder why they aren’t on our dessert tray every Christmas. It may not be the first cookie the kids grab but that’s because they don’t know any better – and we should keep it that way.
The tender cream cheese dough is a dream to work with.
Roll into a 12″ x 12″ square, spread with softened butter and cut it in half.
Mix granulated sugar with almond extract then spread on half the buttered dough.
Seal the two pieces together and brush with a lightly beaten egg white. Sprinkle with sliced almonds and a teaspoon of coarse sugar.
Cool before cutting these almond butter sticks, then store in an airtight container.
That is “if” you have any left. The recipe makes about 24-28 cookies you won’t have to worry about storing them for long.
Thanks for PINNING!
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PRINT THE RECIPE!
Almond Butter Sticks
Ingredients
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (170g)
- 2 teaspoons almond extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (196g)
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ cup unsalted butter room temperature, plus 1 tablespoon (divided) (113g plus 15g)
- 6 ounces cream cheese room temperature (170g)
- 1 egg separated (white reserved for glazing)
- ⅓ cup sliced almonds (32g or 1 ⅛ oz)
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375° F.
- Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a small bowl combine the sugar and almond extract; cover with plastic wrap and set aside.
- In a medium bowl whisk together the flour, salt and baking powder.
- In a large mixing bowl combine 8 tablespoons (½ cup) butter and cream cheese. Beat on low until blended. Add the egg yolk and blend until smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and blend again. Add half the flour mixture and beat on low until combined scraping the sides as needed. Add the remaining flour and blend just until the dough starts to come together.
- Transfer the dough to a floured work surface. Knead by hand about 25 strokes until the dough is pliable. Roll or press into a 12x12-inch square. Spread with the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter.
- Cut the dough in half and place one half on the prepared cookie sheet, butter side up.
- Spoon the sugar mixture to within ½-inch of the dough edges all the way around. Place the remaining dough half, butter side down, over the sugar. Press the edges tightly to seal.
- Brush the dough with a lightly beaten egg white. Sprinkle with almonds and coarse sugar.
- Bake 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. It's best removed from the oven when you think it needs one or two more minutes.
- Cool at least 30 minutes.
- Cut the pastry in half lengthwise and then into ½-inch by 2 ½-inch strips crosswise.
- Store in an airtight container.
Recipe Notes
- Slightly adapted from a recipe by Pillsbury
Nutrition
Here are a few more recipes you might also enjoy:
I absolutely love these Scandinavian Almond Bars from The View from Great Island. I’ve had them and they really are fantastic. If you love almond extract and almond flavoring as much as I do, I bet you’ll love these gluten-free Italian Almond Cookies from Barefeet in the Kitchen. I’m also drooling over these pretty Chocolate Dipped Almond Cookies from Foodiecrush. And don’t miss my most popular cookie recipe ever, for Raspberry Almond Shortbread Thumbprints. All wonderful holiday cookies!
Linda
10 out of 10! These are delicious. I had this recipe pinned for a couple years on my “recipes to try” board. Boy do I wish I made them sooner. These are a keeper. I will be making another batch soon. Thank you for sharing.
Tricia Buice
Thank you Linda. I adore these little cookies too. Thanks for commenting and for “finally” trying the recipe. 😁
Vedi
Excuse me Tricia is there any chance to get the measurements for these in grams too?
½ cup unsalted butter room temperature, plus 1 tablespoon (divided)
6 ounces cream cheese
Tricia Buice
Hi Vedi. I updated the printable recipe card. Enjoy!
deanna
My new favorite recipe for my Christmas cookies. Absolutely delicious and easy!
Tricia Buice
Thanks Deanna. I made these again for a family gathering a few days ago. So good! Absolutely one of my favorite Christmas cookies.
Geeta
Hi I would love to try this recipe 😋 Is there a video that I can possibly follow 😉
Tricia Buice
Hi Greeta. Yes there is a video just above the printable recipe card. The video is also on our YouTube Channel. I just made these again yesterday. Always one of my absolute favorites! Enjoy
Kris
I serve this as the third course at breakfast at my B&B. My guest absolutely love them! I’m sure I use too much course sugar on top, but it’s so yummy.
Thank you so much for this delightful little bar!
Tricia Buice
Thanks Kris! We truly appreciate you taking the time to comment, and for sharing one of my favorite bars with your guests. Terrific!