The crispy cookie has always been my kind of cookie. OB likes soft chewy cookies. The only cookie that we can seem to agree upon are Oreo cookies. Who doesn’t love Oreo cookies? Except for the new watermelon flavored Oreo cookies. I haven’t tried them, but there seems to be something inherently wrong with the idea of a watermelon flavored Oreo cookie, but I am getting off subject.
About a year ago a Fresh Market opened by our house. One day while getting lunch there, I stumbled upon their almond pillow cookies. I had gone in to get a soup and wanted a cookie as a sweet end to my lunch. I love almond flavored desserts, so I decided to give this cookie a try. That first bite changed my life. For having been a crispy cookie lover all of my life, I was officially converted. This tender flaky cookie with the soft almond center was revolutionary. A heavenly cookie as soft as a pillow. That day I went back and bought a whole box. I became an almond cookie pusher. Insisting that everyone I knew must try these cookies. Because they where the most amazing cookies in the world.
Sadly though not everyone has a Fresh Market near by, so not everyone can partake in the joy of the almond pillow cookie. Until now! As an almond pillow cookie pusher, I had to find a way for everyone to try a cookie. Today I spent all day in my kitchen working up a sweat trying to decipher the code to these delectable cookies. I tested a few cookies to see if it was the right texture and to make sure I had the right cookie to filling ratio. I think I cracked the code or at least I got really close.
I started with my mantecadios recipe, which is basically and almond shortbread cookie. Then I played around with the almond paste filling. I wanted the filling to be gooey but still able to roll into a ball. I also wanted the cookies flat and smooth like they are at the store. Let me show you what I did.
To make the cookie dough and filling is really easy. The time consuming part is shaping the cookies. Just be sure to cream the butter and sugar before adding the remaining cookie dough ingredients.
To make the filling you need a can or tube of almond paste, an egg yolk, almond extract and sugar.
The almond paste is hard packed so you will need to use your fingers to break it up.
Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and beat until well combined.
Using a medium cookie scoop, scoop out a ball of cookie dough. Also roll a scant tablespoon (5 oz) of almond paste into a ball.
Flatten the cookie dough evenly in the palm of your hand.
Place the almond paste mixture in the center of the cookie dough patty.
Fold the cooking dough about the almond paste mixture, pinching it closed on all sides.
Gently roll the ball evenly.
Place the cookie ball on a parchment lined sheet pan. Using the palm of your hand gently flatten the cookie dough.
If your A little OCD, like I am, you can use a cookie cutter to trim the fringed edges of the cookie.
Lay all your cookies on the sheet pan. They can be placed relatively close together since they don’t spread.
Bake the cookies at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes. Be sure to keep and eye on them as you don’t want them to brown.
Let the cookies cool on the sheet pan and lightly dust with powdered sugar.
It was the moment of truth. The cookie were ready. Would they be everything I hoped they would be?
I am not to one to toot my own horn, but these cookies are the bomb, yo! They pack an almond punch, with flaky shortbread edges and a soft warm center.
Make these cookies, share them with your friends and family and monuments will be erected in your honor.
I fell in love with the almond pillow cookie all over again. Look at that soft crumb center. It could be yours if you choose.
Well I have done my job and pushed almond pillow cookies out to everyone. If you will excuse me I will be in the kitchen with a giant glass of milk and a sheet pan of cookies.
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Now for a behind the scenes look at Almond Pillow Cookies.
Can I help you Girlie?
Would you like a crumb?
You can get it.
Keep trying.
Girlie eventually got the crumb and then asked me for more.
Make plenty of these cookies because everyone will ask for more.
**This post is sponsored by no one but me, myself and I.
Almond Pillow Cookies
Ingredients
Cookie
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 cup butter (2 sticks)
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
Filling
- 1 8 oz can almond paste
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 egg yolk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons almond extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 F.
- Cream sugar and butter in a large bowl. Mix in egg yolk, milk and almond extract. Blend in the flour a little at a time, until well combined and chunky. Cover an place in refrigerator to cool.
- In a mixing bowl combine all filling ingredients. Beat until well combined and the mixture comes together.
- Using a medium cookie scoop, scoop balls of the cookie dough. Roll and flatten the balls in the palm of your hand. Take a scant tablespoon of filling (or .5 oz) roll in a ball and place in the middle of the cookie dough. Wrap the cookie dough around the filling and roll until even. Place ball on parchment lined sheet pan and press flat with the palm of your hand. If you want clean edges use a round cookie cutter to clean the edges. Repeat with the remaining dough.
- Bake the cookies for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on the cookies you don't want them to brown.
- Let cook on cookie sheet, dust with powdered sugar. Serve.
Thank you so much for the recipe n the step by step visual how to make these delicious cookies, I love almond n can’t wait to get a can of solo almond paste at Safeway n make these for my husband, he will love them I’m sure ,, I love your baby my granddaughter has one just like that her name. Is Sasha she is the most gentle dog ever , she has two boys n Hunter can do anything to her n a 3 month old too ,, Thank You again for posting this cookie can’t wait to try , ??????
My smallest cookie scoop made 32 fill balls. I put them in the freezer while I made 32 cookies with the cookie dough. Having the filling chilled but not frozen made them easier to roll inside the cookie. I also used a small juice glass with a flat bottom, dipped lightly in sugar to press the cookies on the baking sheet. My cookies were a nice size, about 2 1/2 inches in diameter and about 1/2 inch thick. I’ve never made them before so no sure if they’re supposed to be flat.
Hi!
Can these be made a few days ahead of time? I have a cookie party this weekend and wanted to pre-make them.
Thanks!
Yes, if its going to be more than 3 days I recommend freezing them. Otherwise, you can keep then in an airtight container at room temperature.
Thank you for posting this recipe. Fresh markets pillow cookies are my favorite but just found out they no longer sell them individually. I personally like to pair an almond pillow cookie with a raspberry pillow cookie and could not see paying $10 for 24 cookies I look forward to making these and sharing with others. Do you happen to have the recipe for the raspberry pillow cookie?
Can you use almond flour to make these cookies instead of all purpose flour?
No, almond flour behaves very differently than AP flour. You will end up with very different results.
Hi there,
Going to follow everyone else and say that the ones found at Wegmans are absolutely sinful! That being said, I wonder why you don’t use any baking soda? Would that flatten the cookies? I have them in the oven now and I guess I worry because they look so soft but they smell GREAT! I will update once they are out of the oven and have tried one.
Update: while tasty, they do seem to be missing something. Another recipe i’ve seen does use baking soda but even still others don’t so i’m not sure what it is. I followed everything to a T so i’m a bit bummed. they aren’t bad, don’t get me wrong! But they didn’t come out as fluffy as i’d liked. Will try again and probably tweak it. Thanks!
I think what is missing might be salt. I bake with unsalted butter and if a cookie recipe doesn’t call for salt, I usually add it anyway. I added about a teaspoon to this recipe and it was amazing.
I made these after trying a similar cookie at Wegman’s – these are close but not quite right. The flavor was perfect but the cookie was “dryer” than what I wanted. Any thoughts or suggestions on how to get a more soft, chewier cookie?
I’m excited to try the recipe. I just discovered the almond pillow cookies at Fresh Market last week and quickly declared them my favorite cookie. Now, my family may get a chance to try them because I never share.
Thank you for deciphering the recipe!
Thanks for the recipe! We love the pillow cookies from The Fresh Market, as well. Decided to try to make my own for the holiday’s! Can’t wait to make these! Look divine! Oh…Gorgeous Choccie! Pretty bias since we have a Choccie, too! Her name is Bailee. Awesome dogs!
THIS IS AWESOME!! You are an amazing baking genius! No only have you figured it out, you figured out an even BETTER cookie, because the Fresh Market one uses whole eggs which tend to dry a cookie out quickly, but you use a higher butter to sugar ratio AND you also use just the egg YOLK. Your cookies are even better! And that you shared the recipe with us is so kind of you I cannot thank you enough!
I would love to try the Almond Pillow cookies and Coffee Biscoff Bundt cake but can’t seem to figure out where to find just the recipe with list of ingredients, etc.? What am I missing?
Hi, I noticed that the ingredients list on the Fresh Market package include egg whites, salt, and vanilla. I made your recipe and the cookies were tasty, but am wondering why you chose not to include those ingredients.
Thank you!
Her cookie dough recipe is actually BETTER that the FM one! You don’t need salt if you use a salted butter, that has plenty! AND She uses just the yolks which make the cookie texture more moist and her butter ratio to the sugar is higher too…it works even better ! It is a softer dough and makes a very soft. Her recipe is actually an improvement, did not think it possible, but amazingly, it is!
I tried these after purchasing at the FM at our mountain cabin in Asheville, NC. You are correct….these things changed my life. Absolutely the best cookie I’ve EVER eaten!!!
Have you used raspberry filling for these? I love the pillow cookies from Fresh Market and been looking for a raspberry filled cookie recipe that is close, but haven’t found one. Please let me know what you think?
I saw heck yeah! I enjoyed the raspberry pillow cookies this past week. 🙂 I would use a raspberry preserve or jam.
Hi! How many cookies does this recipe make? I apologize if this is stated somewhere – i didn’t see it 🙂
Hi Jana, I made these last night. They made around 15-16 medium-sized cookies. I had filling leftover so am making a 2nd batch of the cookie dough tonight to use up the rest of the filling. You could make the a bit smaller to get more cookies out of the batch 20+.
For the filling, can I use marzipan instead of almond paste and leave out the sugar and egg yolk since marzipan has more egg and sugar then almond paste?
I just got home from Fresh Market with a bag full of these. I was going to try to decipher the recipe and then I found your blog. Yay! Trying these tomorrow. They are heavenly. Thanks. Li
Okay, first I have to mention that I have never had the delight of tasting almond pillow cookies, but I love marzipan; which uses almond paste. Your cookie recipe has truly inspired me to make these. What’s not to love about almond flavored cookies? I love making cookies for my family, so I am headed to the market today to buy the ingredients I need. The mixer will be fired up as soon as possible. Thanks for sharing. I am happy I found your post.
P.S. Your doggie is a beauty.
I have recently become obsessed with Fresh Market’s Almond cookies! They are so delicious. I bought the last box they had in the store today and thought….I really need to figure out this recipe! Mostly because I’m concerned that they will be sold out next time I have a craving!! Being lazy, my first go to was Pinterest. I just knew someone else had to share my love for these amazing cookies. And there you were! I can’t wait to try these. Bless you for doing all the leg work!
You are very welcome! I recently moved and don’t have a fresh market nearby. I have to make them if I want them.
I also am in love with the Almond Pillow Cookies and I just started a search for the recipe and low and behold here is the exact one I was looking for.
And it happens that the store I got mine from is also a Fresh Market. Well they won’t be the only ones in the neighborhood to have these now.
Thank you!…not sure if my scale will thank you though.
I am so glad! Aren’t they the best!! If I have some in the house they don’t last long.
Surely the recipe shouldn’t read 5 oz of filling per cookie, perhaps .5 oz?
I’m in love with Fresh Market Almond Pillow Cookies, but it’s 35 miles one way to get them. I’ve noticed the past few times that their cookies are much thinner than when I first discovered them. Glad to find your recipe. The mixer will be busy !
I came upon your site after searching for “cookies made with almond paste” and wow! Your pictures, content and recipes are right up my ally. You hooked me with the pictures of Girlie stealing a crumb – smiling still. This cookie was a hit with my husband who never met an almond flavored anything he didn’t like. I normally only go for a bite of cookie (I’m a born dough eater), but I had three of these. Yes, they’re THAT good! Instead of regular flavored almond paste I used Odense brand chocolate and the cookies turned out beautifully. The paste was frozen then thawed before I used it, but that didn’t seem to affect the texture of flavor. Absolutely delicious!
omg. i have never been to fresh market until today. i saw these cookies and was intrigued. i got back to the office, took one bite…ONE BITE OF HEAVEN! oh. my. goodness. gracious. they are divine. it was like my teeth were gliding through silken clouds and then the flavor exploded in my mouth and sending all of my senses to a taste utopia. i was telling a friend about them and didn’t feel she adequately understood the deliciousness i described…so i googled almond pillow cookies and got this page…with your post…and i sent her a picture. and then i read your post…and yes! you have perfectly described them…and you clearly understand and appreciate them the way they deserve. thank you so much. i’m going to try your recipe…because…well…it’s obvious, isn’t it? 🙂
Made the cookies as you suggested but I made them with a small cookie scoop – they were
absolutely delicious. Didn’t have trouble with the center coming out or anything else.
Your recipe was absolutely terrific – will incorporate them in my cookie trays for Christmas
next year..
Do you have any other recipes for cookies?
Love to cook.
Francine
bouncing around your blog (bc yes, I look at food to pass time) and I am dyingg for these cookies! also, your dog. I love your dog too 🙂
Absolutely FABULOUS recipe. Thank you so much!!!
Love these, but mine keep leaking the almond filling…..any suggestions?
It could be your dough to filling ratio or you can try chilling the cookies for 30 mins before baking them.
Thanks for the suggestions, Meseidy…..
I gave my sister a couple of these cookies and she went nuts and has since made them herself.
BTW, I make my own almond paste, rather than the canned…..it’s much more cost-effective.
Recipe for homemade almond Paste ? I would love to try!
I have never made an almond paste. I purchase it from the store.
Best cookies in the world. Yes!
These are also my favorite cookies, but the ones I made were so…..dry. I’m gonna try half shortening next time but what did I do wrong? I only had 12 cookies so maybe mine were too big?
These are also my favorite cookies but the ones I made were so dry! The recipe only made 12, I’m thinking mine were too big?
Genius. Simply genius. Making these as soon as I can get my hands on some almond paste. Thank you!
Oh, if only I weren’t allergic to nuts… 🙁
I have to agree with your opinion of watermelon oreos. Saw those in the store and did a double take – couldn’t believe anyone would make anything so hideous.
On the other hand your almond cookies look heavenly! Will be trying those out this week. Thanks for another fun recipe!
I wondered to myself how that creative meeting went and what executive thought, “Yeah that sounds like a great idea!”
G’day! Your cookies look lovely, true!
Always enjoy seeing step by step photos and could go for one of these now too!
Cheers! Joanne
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