Almond Orange Shortbread Cookies
Buttery shortbread cookies enhanced with almond flour and fresh orange zest for a fragrant citrus twist. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 35 minutes layers (2 sticks), softened unsalted butter, powdered sugar, all-purpose flour into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 110 calories and feeds 24, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks), softened unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1 tbsp, finely grated orange zest
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). In a large bowl, beat 1 cup softened unsalted butter with 3/4 cup powdered sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Step 2: Stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract and 1 tbsp finely grated orange zest until evenly combined.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup almond flour, and 1/4 tsp salt; gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.
- Step 4: Roll the dough into a log about 2 inches in diameter, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Step 5: Slice chilled dough into 1/4-inch thick rounds and place them 1 inch apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Step 6: Bake for 18-20 minutes until the edges are just beginning to turn golden; remove from oven and cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Almond Orange Shortbread Cookies take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Almond Orange Shortbread Cookies?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Almond Orange Shortbread Cookies?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Almond Orange Shortbread Cookies for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 24 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 24). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Almond Orange Shortbread Cookies?
American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
