Sand Dollar Cookies are a unique and delightful treat that perfectly capture the essence of summer and beach fun. With only six simple ingredients, these cookies are light, buttery, and infused with almond extract, making them an irresistible option for gatherings or holidays. Their crisp texture and delicate flavor will have you reaching for more, whether at a beach-themed party or on a festive holiday platter.
Why You’ll Love This Sand Dollar Cookies
These cookies are not just visually appealing; they come with a delightful taste that everyone will enjoy. Here are some reasons why you’ll love this Sand Dollar Cookies recipe:
1. **Easy to Make**: With just six ingredients, this is an easy Sand Dollar Cookies tutorial that anyone can follow.
2. **Perfect for Any Occasion**: Whether you’re hosting a beach party or celebrating a holiday, these cookies fit right in.
3. **Kid-Friendly Fun**: Kids will love making and decorating these cookies, making it a fun family activity.
4. **Deliciously Light**: The almond extract adds a unique flavor, making them a refreshing treat.
5. **Versatile**: You can easily adapt them with different toppings or variations.
6. **Great for Sharing**: These cookies make a fantastic addition to cookie platters and gifts.
Ingredients for Sand Dollar Cookies
Gather these items:
- 12 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract (or to taste; vanilla extract may be substituted or added)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- Sliced almonds (as needed)
How to Make Sand Dollar Cookies Step-by-Step
- Step 1: To the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add the butter and sugar. Cream until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
- Step 2: Add the egg and almond extract. Beat to incorporate, about 1 minute. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
- Step 3: Add the flour and beat on low speed until a smooth dough forms.
- Step 4: Pat the dough into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Step 5: Preheat oven to 350F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Step 6: Lightly flour your countertop, place the chilled dough on it, and roll out to about 1/4-inch thickness.
- Step 7: Cut the dough into round discs using a 2 1/2-inch cookie cutter. Place discs onto baking sheets, adding no more than 12 per sheet.
- Step 8: Place 5 almond slices into the center of each disc to create a sand dollar appearance.
- Step 9: Create small holes on each piece using a straw or an exacto knife. Remove excess dough with a toothpick.
- Step 10: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Step 11: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet before transferring to wire racks.
- Step 12: Optionally dust with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar before serving.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Sand Dollar Cookies
Keep these in mind:
- Use unsalted butter for best flavor.
- For less stickiness, add flour while rolling out the dough.
- Check cookies frequently as baking time may vary by oven.
- If the dough is too sticky, refrigerate it for a few more minutes.
Best Ways to Serve Sand Dollar Cookies
These cookies are perfect for:
- Beach-themed parties, paired with tropical drinks.
- Holiday platters, alongside other festive cookies.
- As a sweet treat for summer gatherings, enjoyed with fresh fruit.
How to Store and Reheat Sand Dollar Cookies
To store, place Sand Dollar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. For best results, thaw in the refrigerator before serving. This makes them a great option for meal prep!
Frequently Asked Questions About Sand Dollar Cookies
What are Sand Dollar Cookies?
Sand Dollar Cookies are delightful sugar cookies designed to resemble the shape of sand dollars, a type of flat sea urchin. They are often made with almond extract, giving them a unique flavor that pairs well with the beach theme.
Can I make Sand Dollar Cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week before baking. This makes it easy to have fresh cookies ready for any occasion without the last-minute rush.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Sand Dollar Cookies?
Ensure your butter is softened but not melted for the right texture. Also, watch the baking time closely, as these cookies can brown quickly. Following the Sand Dollar Cookies recipe closely will yield the best results.
Variations of Sand Dollar Cookies You Can Try
If you’re looking to mix things up, consider these variations:
- Sand Dollar Cookies with coconut: Add shredded coconut to the dough for a tropical flavor.
- Sand Dollar Cookies using shortbread: Substitute the dough with a shortbread recipe for a different texture.
- Sand Dollar Cookies with chocolate chips: Fold in chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
- Homemade Sand Dollar Cookies: Customize the dough with your favorite extracts or spices.
For more delicious cookie recipes, check out Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies or Pumpkin Patch Cookies. If you’re interested in learning about the health benefits of almond extract, visit Healthline.
Print
Sand Dollar Cookies: 6 Easy Steps to Sweet Perfection
- Total Time: 1 hour 12 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Unique and show stopping with only 6 ingredients! Light, buttery, perfumed with almond extract, and they have a crisp texture that softly crumbles in your mouth. Perfect for holiday platters or a light summery treat.
Ingredients
- 12 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract (or to taste; vanilla extract may be substituted or added)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- Sliced almonds (as needed)
Instructions
- To the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add the butter and sugar. Cream until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
- Add the egg and almond extract. Beat to incorporate, about 1 minute. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
- Add the flour and beat on low speed until a smooth dough forms.
- Pat the dough into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 350F and line 3 baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Lightly flour your countertop, place the chilled dough on it, and roll out to about 1/4-inch thickness.
- Cut the dough into round discs using a 2 1/2-inch cookie cutter. Place discs onto baking sheets, adding no more than 12 per sheet.
- Place 5 almond slices into the center of each disc to create a sand dollar appearance.
- Create small holes on each piece using a straw or an exacto knife. Remove excess dough with a toothpick.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet before transferring to wire racks.
- Optionally dust with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar before serving.
Notes
- Use unsalted butter for best flavor.
- For less stickiness, add flour while rolling out the dough.
- Check cookies frequently as baking time may vary by oven.
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 95
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 20 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg