If you’re looking for a festive cookie that bursts with flavor and charm, the Raspberry-Filled Almond Snow Cookies – Festive Treat Recipe is exactly what you need. These delicate, buttery cookies envelop a sweet and tangy raspberry center, dusted with a snowy coat of powdered sugar that adds a whimsical touch to every bite. Perfectly tender with a subtle almond aroma, they make any occasion feel special, whether enjoyed with a cup of tea or shared at holiday gatherings. This recipe brings together simple ingredients to create a memorable dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward creating these irresistible cookies. Each component plays a crucial role, from the creamy butter that ensures a tender crumb to the raspberry jam that adds a lovely burst of fruity sweetness. Read on to see why each ingredient is essential.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: The foundation of our cookie dough, it provides richness and tenderness that’s simply unbeatable.
- ½ cup powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting): For sweetness and the iconic snowy finish that makes these cookies unforgettable.
- 1 teaspoon almond extract: A little goes a long way in infusing that warm, nutty aroma that complements the raspberry perfectly.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The structure of the cookies, ensuring they hold their shape while staying soft.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors beautifully.
- ½ cup raspberry jam (or fresh raspberry filling): The heart of the cookie, adding a juicy, fruity surprise in every bite.
How to Make Raspberry-Filled Almond Snow Cookies – Festive Treat Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This sets the stage for perfectly baked cookies that won’t stick, ensuring an easy release and a flawless shape every time.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter together with the powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This step is key for creating the light, melt-in-your-mouth texture kernels that almond snow cookies are known for.
Step 3: Add Almond Extract
Mix in the teaspoon of almond extract until it is fully incorporated. This delicate flavor will elevate the cookie dough, infusing each bite with that lovely nutty essence that pairs so well with raspberries.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add this dry mix to your butter mixture, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix; you want just enough to bring everything together for tender cookies.
Step 5: Fill and Shape
Scoop out 1-tablespoon portions of dough and flatten each slightly with your fingers. Place a small spoonful of raspberry jam right in the center. Then carefully wrap the dough around the jam to form a sealed ball. This ensures the raspberry stays locked inside, creating that delightful surprise when you bite in.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place your dough balls on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know they are ready when their bottoms turn a light golden brown and the whole kitchen smells divine. This quick bake time keeps the cookies tender and buttery.
Step 7: Dust with Powdered Sugar
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool just enough to handle, then roll them in powdered sugar. If you want an extra festive look and a thicker sugary crust, give them a second rolling once the first layer has set. This coats them in a snowy, sweet blanket perfect for winter celebrations.
How to Serve Raspberry-Filled Almond Snow Cookies – Festive Treat Recipe
Garnishes
For an elegant touch, dust extra powdered sugar over the serving plate or add a few fresh raspberries alongside the cookies. A sprig of mint or edible flowers can make your display pop, inviting everyone to dig in and enjoy the festive vibe these cookies bring.
Side Dishes
Raspberry-Filled Almond Snow Cookies go wonderfully with warm beverages like tea, coffee, or even hot cocoa. Serving them alongside a rich, creamy cheese plate complements the almond and raspberry flavors, making your dessert spread truly stand out.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider arranging the cookies in a pyramid on a festive platter or wrapping small batches in cellophane tied with ribbons as delightful gifts. Layer them between sheets of parchment in a pretty tin or stack them with wax paper for a charming cookie tower that guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These cookies stay fresh at room temperature for several days when stored in an airtight container. Keeping them in a single layer with parchment paper between each layer helps maintain their delicate texture and keeps the raspberry jam from making the dough soggy.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 3 months. Just wrap them tightly on a baking sheet, freeze solid, then transfer to an airtight freezer bag. When you’re ready, bake them straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time as needed.
Reheating
To revive any stored cookies, gently warm them in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for 5 minutes. This refreshes their buttery softness and slightly melts the raspberry filling, creating a freshly baked experience each time!
FAQs
Can I use fresh raspberries instead of jam?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can make a fresh raspberry filling by cooking down fresh raspberries with a bit of sugar until thickened. Just be sure the filling is cool and thick to avoid dough sogginess.
What if I don’t have almond extract?
You can substitute vanilla extract, but the almond flavor is truly special in these cookies. If possible, try to find almond extract for the authentic taste that defines this festive treat recipe.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
The recipe calls for all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. To make them gluten-free, you can experiment with 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blends, but results might vary. Be sure to use a blend with xanthan gum for best texture.
How do I prevent the jam from leaking out during baking?
Make sure to fully enclose the jam with dough and pinch tightly to seal the edges. Slightly chilling the dough before baking can also help maintain shape and prevent leaking.
Can these cookies be made vegan?
With some tweaks, yes! Substitute vegan butter and use a plant-based powdered sugar, then ensure your jam doesn’t contain gelatin or animal products. The texture might differ slightly but they’ll still be lovely.
Final Thoughts
These Raspberry-Filled Almond Snow Cookies – Festive Treat Recipe never fail to bring joy and warmth to any occasion. Their tender almond-flavored dough combined with the luscious raspberry center and snowy powdered sugar finish make them a standout treat you’ll want to bake year after year. Go ahead, try them out for yourself and get ready to wow your friends and family with these little bites of festive magic!
Print
Raspberry-Filled Almond Snow Cookies – Festive Treat Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Raspberry-Filled Almond Snow Cookies are a festive, buttery treat featuring a delicate almond-flavored dough wrapped around a sweet raspberry jam center. Lightly dusted with powdered sugar, they offer a perfect balance of nutty richness and fruity sweetness, ideal for holiday celebrations or any special occasion.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
Filling
- ½ cup raspberry jam (or fresh raspberry filling)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Prepare Butter Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter together with ½ cup powdered sugar until the mixture becomes smooth and fluffy, which helps create a light texture for the cookies.
- Add Almond Extract: Mix in the teaspoon of almond extract thoroughly to infuse the dough with a sweet, nutty aroma that complements the raspberry filling.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and ½ teaspoon salt to evenly distribute the salt and remove any lumps, then gradually add this flour mixture to the butter mixture, stirring just until a soft dough forms without over-mixing to keep the texture tender.
- Shape Cookies with Filling: Scoop out 1-tablespoon portions of the dough and flatten each slightly. Place a small spoonful of raspberry jam in the center of the flattened dough, then carefully wrap the dough around it, forming a sealed ball to keep the jam inside during baking.
- Bake: Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes until the edges are lightly golden, indicating they are cooked through.
- Cool and Dust with Sugar: Allow the cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheet, then roll them in powdered sugar while warm for adhesion. For a thicker snowy coating, roll in powdered sugar a second time once cooled completely.
Notes
- Choose a high-quality raspberry jam or fresh raspberry filling for vibrant flavor.
- Make sure butter is softened but not melted to achieve the right dough consistency.
- Do not overmix the dough after adding flour to keep cookies tender.
- For extra almond flavor, consider adding a few drops of almond extract into the powdered sugar dusting.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- These cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature before dusting with powdered sugar again.
