Honey-Roasted Almond Shortbread with Sea Salt

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Buttery shortbread cookies studded with toasted almonds and a delicate honey glaze, finished with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for perfect sweet-savory balance. This american-inspired kid friendly ready in about 37 minutes pairs unsalted butter, granulated sugar, honey for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 16, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.

★ 4.2 (14 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 22 min Serves 16 American cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). In a large bowl, beat 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter and 1/2 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Mix in 2 tbsp honey and 1 tsp vanilla extract until fully incorporated, then gradually add 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, mixing until just combined.
  3. Step 3: Press dough evenly into a 9x9-inch greased baking pan, then scatter 1/3 cup sliced almonds over the top. Bake for 20-22 minutes until golden around the edges and the almonds are lightly toasted.
  4. Step 4: Remove from oven, sprinkle with 1/4 tsp flaky sea salt, and let cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Honey-Roasted Almond Shortbread with Sea Salt take to make?

Total time is about 37 minutes (15 min prep + 22 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Honey-Roasted Almond Shortbread with Sea Salt?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep unsalted butter from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Honey-Roasted Almond Shortbread with Sea Salt?

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 Honey-Roasted Almond Shortbread with Sea Salt for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 16 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 16). 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 Honey-Roasted Almond Shortbread with Sea Salt?

American kid friendly 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.

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