Almond Star Sandwich Cookies are delicate, buttery shortbread-style cookies filled with a layer of jam and dusted with powdered sugar—perfect for holidays or any special occasion. Shaped like stars and paired together with a sweet filling, these cookies look just as beautiful as they taste. I love making them when I want something elegant but still homemade and nostalgic.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these cookies melt in my mouth with every bite. The almond flavor adds a subtle richness, and the jam center brings just the right amount of sweetness and tartness. They’re fun to make, especially around the holidays, and they’re always a hit on cookie trays or wrapped up as gifts. Plus, I can switch up the jam flavors depending on what I have on hand or what I’m in the mood for.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Unsalted butter, softened
Powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting)
Almond extract
Vanilla extract
All-purpose flour
Ground almonds or almond flour
Salt
Fruit jam or preserves (such as raspberry, apricot, or strawberry)

Directions

I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, I cream together the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
I mix in the almond and vanilla extracts.
I stir in the flour, almond flour, and salt until the dough comes together. I chill the dough for about 30 minutes if it feels too soft.
I roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick and use a star-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies. For half of the cookies, I cut a smaller star out of the center to create the “window.”
I place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden.
I let them cool completely before assembling.
I spread a small amount of jam on the whole cookie base, then gently press the cut-out star on top. I dust the finished cookies with powdered sugar before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 20–24 sandwich cookies (40–48 individual stars).
Total time: About 1 hour 15 minutes

Prep time: 45 minutes (including chilling and shaping)
Bake time: 8–10 minutes per batch

Variations

I sometimes add a touch of lemon zest to the dough for a fresh twist. If I don’t have almond flour, I pulse whole almonds in a food processor until finely ground. I’ve also filled these with Nutella or lemon curd instead of jam for a different flavor. Changing the cookie cutter shape makes them great for any season—not just stars!

storage/reheating

I store the assembled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If I want to keep them longer, I store the cookies and jam separately and assemble them fresh. They also freeze well (unfilled) for up to 2 months. I let them come to room temperature before filling and serving.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought almond flour?

Yes, I often use store-bought almond flour for convenience. Just make sure it’s finely ground for the best texture in the cookies.

What’s the best jam to use?

I like using raspberry or apricot jam because they’re slightly tart, which balances the sweetness of the cookies. Any thick fruit preserve works well.

Why do I need to chill the dough?

Chilling helps the dough firm up so it’s easier to roll and cut. It also prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, I usually make the dough a day in advance and keep it wrapped in the fridge. I let it sit out for a few minutes before rolling if it’s too hard.

How do I keep the cookies from getting soggy?

I assemble the cookies shortly before serving, especially if I’m using a very moist jam. Storing them in a cool, dry place helps keep them crisp.

Conclusion

Almond Star Sandwich Cookies are as delightful to eat as they are to look at. The buttery texture, sweet almond aroma, and colorful jam filling make them feel festive and special every time I bake them. Whether I’m gifting them, serving them for a gathering, or just enjoying them with a cup of tea, they never disappoint.