I learned about these delicious cookies from my co-worker. The way she described them intrigued me so much that I asked her for the recipe. It is basically cookies with hidden chocolate kisses inside them. Her version uses shortbread dough to wrap around the chocolate kisses. I found one that uses almond cookie dough instead. I prefer the latter one because it uses chocolate kisses with almonds, which is my favorite of all the chocolate kisses. The recipe is simple and easy to follow. The tedious part is wrapping the dough around the kisses. But it was worth it; IT IS SO GOOD! I am not a big fan of cookies. But with these cookies, I can eat a whole bowl of it if I don’t control myself. I am so excited; I want to share it with you guys. Indulge! 😀
Cooking Tips for Perfect Almond Cookies
To ensure your almond cookies come out perfectly every time, start by measuring your ingredients accurately. Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for the flour and sugar. Too much flour can make the cookies dry, while too little can result in a dough that won’t hold together. Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before you wrap it around the chocolate kisses is another crucial step. This helps the dough firm up, making it easier to handle. If the dough feels sticky, you can lightly flour your hands or the work surface to prevent sticking. When wrapping the dough around the kisses, make sure to cover them completely. This prevents any chocolate from leaking out during baking. An even thickness of dough will also ensure that the cookies bake evenly. Lastly, keep an eye on the baking time. Since ovens can vary, start checking for doneness a couple of minutes before the recommended time. The edges should be lightly golden and the centers should look set but not overbaked.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
These almond cookies are delightful on their own, but you can elevate them with a few serving suggestions. Pair them with a glass of cold milk or a steaming cup of coffee for a delicious afternoon treat. For a fun twist, try drizzling melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for extra sweetness and a beautiful presentation. You can also sprinkle some crushed almonds on top for added texture and a nutty flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, experiment with different types of chocolate kisses. There are many flavors available, like caramel or peanut butter, that can change the entire vibe of the cookie. For a seasonal touch, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough, especially around the holidays. This adds warmth and a hint of spice that complements the almond flavor beautifully. If you want to make these cookies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Just ensure the blend works well for baking, as some can yield different textures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of chocolate kisses?
Sure! While the recipe calls for milk chocolate kisses with almonds, you can swap them for regular milk chocolate kisses or even dark chocolate kisses if you prefer a richer flavor. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness if you’re using a darker chocolate.
How should I store the cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to stay fresh longer, you can refrigerate them, but let them come back to room temperature before enjoying.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and wrap it around the kisses, then freeze the unbaked cookies for up to three months. Just bake them straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
What are some good serving suggestions?
These almond cookies are perfect for parties or as a sweet treat with coffee or tea. You can dust them with powdered sugar for a pretty finish or serve them alongside some fresh fruit for a nice contrast.
What common mistakes should I avoid?
One common mistake is not chilling the dough long enough, which can make it hard to wrap around the kisses. Also, be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can lead to tougher cookies.
Secret Almond Cookies
Ingredients
- 36 milk chocolate kisses with almonds
- 1 cup salted butter softened
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ¾ cups all purpose flour
- 1 cup finely chopped sliced almonds
- ½ teaspoon almond extract optional
- Powdered sugar icing sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Remove the foil from the chocolates. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter, sugar and vanilla until light and fluffy. Add the flour, chopped almonds and almond extract, if using and blend well.
- Shape about 1 tablespoon of dough into 36 balls. Shape one dough ball around each chocolate, covering it completely. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Do the same with the rest of the dough balls. Use a second cookie sheet if needed.
- Bake 10-12 minutes or until set but not brown. Cool slightly and roll in icing sugar.
- Cool completely and roll in icing sugar again before serving.
- Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
I love this idea, your cookies look delicious!
Thanks Rosie 🙂