If you are craving a delightfully tender cookie that melts in your mouth with a burst of fruity sweetness, the Raspberry-Filled Almond Snow Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. These charming little cookies combine the rich nuttiness of almond flour with buttery goodness, wrapped around a luscious raspberry jam center. Finished with a snowy dusting of powdered sugar, they look as magical as they taste and are perfect for sharing or savoring alone with a warm cup of tea.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture. From the creamy butter that forms the base to the almond flour that adds a delicate nuttiness, these simple pantry staples come together effortlessly.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Provides the rich and creamy fat that ensures tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right sweetness while contributing to the cookie’s structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warm, comforting notes.
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract: Intensifies the almond flavor, making every bite aromatic and unique.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of the dough, giving it structure and the perfect crumb.
- 1 cup almond flour: Adds a lovely nutty taste and tender texture, keeping the cookies soft.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 1/2 cup raspberry jam: The jewel in the center, offering a sweet and tangy surprise in every cookie.
- Powdered sugar, for dusting: Gives these cookies their signature snowy appearance and an extra touch of sweetness.
How to Make Raspberry-Filled Almond Snow Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar
Start by beating the softened butter together with the granulated sugar until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. This step is essential because properly creamed butter and sugar create a tender, fluffy texture for your cookies.
Step 2: Add Extracts
Next, mix in the vanilla and almond extracts. These little bursts of flavor make the cookies irresistibly fragrant and add depth to their taste profile.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Gradually stir in the all-purpose flour, almond flour, and salt until the dough comes together. Be gentle here to avoid overmixing, which can make cookies tough rather than tender.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to handle and ensuring your cookies hold their shape during baking.
Step 5: Preheat and Prepare
While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Preparing this ahead will make the process smoother once you start forming your cookies.
Step 6: Shape and Fill
Take about one tablespoon of the chilled dough and flatten it into a small circle. Spoon a dollop of raspberry jam in the center, then carefully fold the dough over to encase the jam completely. Roll gently to form a neat ball, making sure no jam peeks out to prevent any sticky mess while baking.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Arrange the cookie balls on your prepared baking sheet, keeping them spaced about 2 inches apart to allow for slight spreading. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until the edges turn a light golden color. The smell filling your kitchen at this point is absolutely irresistible!
Step 8: Cool and Dust
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once completely cooled, generously dust them with powdered sugar to give that snowfall effect that makes these cookies so enchanting.
How to Serve Raspberry-Filled Almond Snow Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While the classic powdered sugar dusting is stunning on its own, consider adding a few fresh raspberries or a sprig of mint as a garnish for an elegant presentation. This invites a pop of color and freshness that complements the cookie’s flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of hot tea, freshly brewed coffee, or even a glass of cold milk. The delicate sweetness of the cookies balances perfectly with the warmth or creaminess of your beverage choice, making for a cozy treat.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, arrange the Raspberry-Filled Almond Snow Cookies Recipe on a decorative platter or tiered stand. You can also stack them alongside other festive treats like chocolate-dipped biscotti or spiced nuts to create a stunning dessert spread that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Keep them away from direct sunlight or heat to maintain their delicate texture and flavor.
Freezing
The dough can be frozen well before baking. Simply shape the filled cookie balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the bake time, for a quick sweet fix anytime.
Reheating
To refresh your cookies, warm them briefly in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This softens the cookie and warms the jam center, making them taste just like freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use other jam flavors in this recipe?
Absolutely! While raspberry jam is traditional here, you can experiment with apricot, blueberry, or even strawberry jams. Just choose a jam with a good balance of sweetness and tartness to keep the cookies balanced.
Is almond flour necessary, or can I use only all-purpose flour?
Almond flour adds a lovely nutty flavor and tender texture that all-purpose flour alone cannot replicate. However, if you cannot find almond flour, you can use 3 cups of all-purpose flour instead, although the flavor will be less rich.
How long can I refrigerate the dough before baking?
The dough can be refrigerated for up to 48 hours before baking. Just be sure to wrap it tightly to prevent it from drying out.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure your blend is one meant for baking to maintain the right texture.
What causes the jam to leak during baking, and how can I prevent it?
Jam leakage usually happens if the dough isn’t sealed tightly around the filling. Roll the dough gently but firmly and pinch all edges closed. Chilling the dough before baking also helps keep the jam sealed inside.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Raspberry-Filled Almond Snow Cookies Recipe that makes it a standout for holidays, gatherings, or just a personal sweet moment. The combination of buttery, nutty dough and bright raspberry jam creates a perfect bite every time. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try baking this recipe and watch how these delightful cookies become a fast favorite in your home too.
Print
Raspberry-Filled Almond Snow Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these Raspberry-Filled Almond Snow Cookies, featuring a tender almond and all-purpose flour dough enveloping a sweet raspberry jam center, all dusted with powdered sugar for a festive, snowy finish. Perfectly buttery and subtly flavored with vanilla and almond extracts, these cookies offer a delightful combination of textures and flavors that are ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Filling and Finishing
- 1/2 cup raspberry jam
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until creamy and smooth to create a light, fluffy base for the dough.
- Add flavor extracts: Mix in the vanilla extract and almond extract thoroughly to infuse the dough with a delicate almond-vanilla aroma.
- Incorporate the flours and salt: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, almond flour, and salt, mixing gently until a soft dough forms, making sure not to overwork it.
- Chill the dough: Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm it up for easier handling.
- Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Shape the cookie dough: Take about 1 tablespoon of dough and flatten it into a small circle by hand, preparing it for the jam center.
- Add the raspberry jam: Spoon a small amount of raspberry jam into the center of the dough circle, balancing enough filling without overflow.
- Enclose the filling: Gently fold the dough over the jam and roll it into a smooth ball, ensuring the jam is fully encased to prevent leaking during baking.
- Arrange on baking sheet: Place the jam-filled dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them approximately 2 inches apart to allow for slight spreading.
- Bake the cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden, indicating perfect doneness.
- Cool the cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they set properly.
- Dust with powdered sugar: Once cooled, generously dust the cookies with powdered sugar to create a snowy, festive appearance that enhances their almond flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter for easier mixing and a better texture.
- Ensure the dough is well chilled before shaping to prevent stickiness and ease handling.
- Be careful to fully seal the jam inside the dough to avoid leakage during baking.
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to one week.
- For a different flavor twist, consider using other fruit jams like apricot or strawberry.
