Satisfy your sweet tooth with this delicious and easy Skillet Almond Shortbread recipe. Perfect for a cozy night in or for impressing guests at your next dinner party.
Fall is here, and there’s nothing more comforting than the aroma of buttery shortbread baking in a cast iron skillet. This skillet almond shortbread combines the classic flavors of traditional shortbread with the rustic charm of cast iron cooking, creating a dessert that’s both elegant and effortlessly delicious.
If you’re a fan of shortbread cookies, you’re going to love this almond shortbread recipe. It takes everything wonderful about individual cookies and transforms it into one showstopping dessert that serves a crowd.
What Makes This Almond Skillet Shortbread Special
I have to admit, I’m completely obsessed with chocolate chip cookies – from my Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Cake to my Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches. But there’s one cookie that gives chocolate chip a serious run for its money: shortbread cookies.
There’s something magical about the simplicity of shortbread. With just flour, butter, salt, and sugar, you create pure buttery perfection. This skillet shortbread takes that beloved simplicity and elevates it with toasted almonds and the rustic presentation of cast iron cooking.
Why Make Shortbread in a Cast Iron Skillet
Making desserts in a cast iron skillet is a game-changer, especially for this almond skillet shortbread. The heavy bottom ensures even heat distribution, creating those coveted crispy edges while keeping the center perfectly tender. Plus, there’s something beautifully rustic about serving dessert straight from the skillet – it doesn’t need to look Pinterest-perfect to be absolutely delicious.
Cast iron skillets are incredibly versatile for baking. You can make bread, desserts, casseroles, and pies all in the same pan. This skillet almond shortbread recipe is just the beginning of what you can create with your trusty cast iron.
Ingredients for Skillet Almond Shortbread
The beauty of this almond shortbread recipe lies in its simplicity. You only need five basic ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry:
- Butter – Use high-quality unsalted butter for the best flavor
- All-purpose flour – The foundation of any good shortbread
- Granulated sugar – Provides sweetness and helps create the perfect texture
- Salt – Enhances all the other flavors
- Sliced almonds – Adds crunch and nutty flavor
How to Make Skillet Almond Shortbread
This skillet almond shortbread recipe couldn’t be easier to make:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F and lightly butter your 10-inch cast iron skillet
- Mix the dough by combining softened butter, sugar, flour, and salt until it forms a cohesive dough
- Press into skillet and spread the dough evenly, pressing it down firmly
- Add almonds by sprinkling sliced almonds over the top and gently pressing them in
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the edges are golden brown
- Cool and slice while still warm in the skillet
Tips for Perfect Almond Skillet Shortbread
- Use room temperature butter for easier mixing and better texture
- Don’t overwork the dough to keep your shortbread tender
- Press firmly into the skillet to prevent crumbling when sliced
- Score before cooling for cleaner cuts
- Toast your almonds first for extra flavor depth
Serving and Storage Ideas
This skillet shortbread is perfect for entertaining. Serve it warm from the skillet with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or let it cool completely and cut into wedges for a more traditional presentation.
Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to one week, or freeze individual pieces for up to three months.
Variations on This Almond Shortbread Recipe
Once you’ve mastered this basic almond skillet shortbread, try these delicious variations:
- Add a drizzle of chocolate over the cooled shortbread
- Substitute pecans or walnuts for the almonds
- Mix in a teaspoon of almond extract for more intense almond flavor
- Sprinkle with coarse sea salt before baking
Why This Recipe Works Every Time
This skillet almond shortbread recipe is foolproof because it relies on simple techniques and quality ingredients. The cast iron skillet does most of the work, creating even heat distribution and that signature rustic appearance that makes any dessert look intentionally beautiful.
Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe delivers consistent, delicious results every single time. It’s the perfect dessert for fall gatherings, holiday parties, or whenever you want something sweet without too much fuss.
Ready to fall in love with your cast iron skillet all over again? This skillet shortbread is just the beginning – stay tuned for more rustic, comforting recipes that celebrate the versatility of cast iron cooking!
Recipe adapted from Trisha Yearwood
Commonly Asked Questions
Yes! While cast iron gives the best results with crispy edges, you can use a 9-inch round cake pan or pie dish. Just reduce the baking time by 5-10 minutes and watch for golden edges.
Your skillet shortbread is ready when the edges are golden brown and the center feels set but not hard. It should have a light golden color all over. Don’t overbake, as it will continue cooking slightly in the hot skillet after removing from the oven.
Yes! Use a larger 12-inch cast iron skillet or make two separate skillets. The baking time may increase by 5-10 minutes for a thicker shortbread.
Absolutely! Pecans, walnuts, or hazelnuts work wonderfully. You can also mix different nuts together. Just keep the total amount the same as the sliced almonds called for.
Similar Recipe
If you like this cast iron dessert recipe, you will like the ones below:
- Blueberry Skillet Cake Recipe
- Deep Dish Apple Pizza
- Skillet Dutch Apple Pie Recipe
- Skillet Buttery Cornbread Recipe
Items you’ll need for this recipe
Skillet Almond Shortbread Recipe
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 8–10 1x
Description
This Skillet Almond Shortbread is buttery and nutty. This is perfect for a snack or a rustic dessert. The best thing is that this recipe is made using common ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ c. + 2 tbsp. Sugar
- 1 ½ sticks unsalted butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- 1 ½ c. flour
- ½ tsp. Salt
- 1 tsp. Almond extract
- 1 tsp. Vanilla extract
- ½ c. sliced almonds
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 Degrees. Line a medium sized cast iron skillet with aluminum foil and spray with baking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the melted butter, 1 ½ cups of sugar, and eggs and stir until well mixed. Sift in the flour and salt and mix until well blended. Add in both extracts and stir. Pour in the shortbread batter into the lined cast iron skillet. Smooth the top and sprinkle with sliced almond and sugar.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until topos is golden brown. Use the foil to lift the shortbread out of the skillet. Allow to cool for 15 minutes and serve or cut into triangles and store in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Category: Dessert
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