If you’re on the hunt for a delightful, melt-in-your-mouth treat that perfectly balances nutty richness and vibrant fruitiness, look no further than this Raspberry-Filled Almond Snow Cookies Recipe. Imagine the tender crumb of buttery almond cookies giving way to a luscious burst of raspberry jam at the center, all dusted with a delicate snowfall of powdered sugar. These enchanting cookies shine as a cozy dessert or a festive gift, combining simple pantry staples into something spectacularly inviting and delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to baking these irresistible cookies. Each component is essential, playing its own role in shaping the soft texture, the sweet almond aroma, and that perfect jammy surprise inside.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Provides the creamy base for tender, rich cookie dough.
- 2/3 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens and ensures a silky texture in the dough.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract: Boosts the nutty undertones that make these cookies unforgettable.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The structural star that shapes the cookie dough.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the sweet and nutty flavors beautifully.
- 1 cup finely ground almonds or almond flour: Infuses the cookies with their signature almond crunch and richness.
- 1/2 cup raspberry jam: The sweet-tart jewel tucked inside every cookie, bringing vibrant fruitiness.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for dusting): Creates that signature snow-kissed finish that’s both pretty and delicious.
How to Make Raspberry-Filled Almond Snow Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep your cookies from sticking. Then, cream together the softened butter and 2/3 cup powdered sugar in a large bowl until the mixture turns light and airy—this step is key for achieving that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts, two flavor boosters that will have your kitchen smelling heavenly.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and finely ground almonds. This combination adds the perfect balance of structure from the flour and that unmistakable nutty flavor from the almonds. Gradually fold these dry ingredients into the butter mixture, mixing gently until a soft dough forms. Soft but not sticky is the texture you are aiming for here.
Step 3: Shape the Cookies and Fill
Now comes the fun part—rolling the dough into tablespoon-sized balls. Place each ball on your prepared baking sheet and use your thumb or the back of a small spoon to create a small well in the center of each. Carefully spoon about half a teaspoon of raspberry jam into these indentations, tucking that sweet-tart surprise right inside. This step is what makes this Raspberry-Filled Almond Snow Cookies Recipe stand out as a dazzling thumbprint cookie variation.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cookies for 12 to 14 minutes, just until the edges start turning a gentle golden brown. This timing is crucial—too little baking and the cookies can be doughy; too long and they lose their softness. Once baked, allow the cookies to cool for about 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Finish with a Powdered Sugar Dusting
Once cool, dust the cookies generously with powdered sugar. This final touch enhances their snowy appearance and adds just the right hint of extra sweetness, making each bite a delightful balance of textures and flavors you’ll want to savor again and again.
How to Serve Raspberry-Filled Almond Snow Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar works beautifully, but if you’re feeling festive, sprinkle a few slivered almonds on top before baking or add a tiny mint leaf beside each cookie when serving for a pop of color and freshness. These little details elevate the already charming appearance.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or coffee, their sweetness perfectly balancing the bitterness of your favorite brew. For an indulgent twist, serve alongside vanilla ice cream or a scoop of whipped cream for a lovely dessert plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack them on a pretty plate lined with parchment paper and tie with a ribbon to give as a charming homemade gift. Or arrange them on a festive platter surrounded by fresh raspberries and almonds to create a stunning dessert centerpiece that invites everyone to indulge.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep these cookies fresh at room temperature in an airtight container for up to five days. Storing them this way helps maintain the delicate texture and keeps the raspberry jam wonderfully moist without drying out.
Freezing
If you want to prepare these Raspberry-Filled Almond Snow Cookies Recipe in advance, simply freeze the baked, cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container. They will keep well for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature gently to maintain their softness.
Reheating
To enjoy a warm cookie, pop one or two in the microwave for about 10 seconds or heat them briefly in a low-temperature oven. This will revive their fresh-baked charm and make the raspberry filling even more luscious.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of jam instead of raspberry?
Absolutely! While raspberry jam provides a lovely tart contrast, apricot, strawberry, or even blackberry jam work beautifully and offer delicious variations of the Raspberry-Filled Almond Snow Cookies Recipe.
Do I need to use almond extract if I have ground almonds?
The almond extract adds an extra layer of flavor that enhances the nuttiness beyond what the ground almonds provide, so it’s recommended for the fullest almond experience, but you can omit it if necessary.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Make sure the blend you use is measured cup-for-cup and contains xanthan gum or another binder to maintain texture.
Why do the cookies need to cool before dusting with powdered sugar?
Cooling prevents the powdered sugar from melting and clumping, ensuring a beautifully snowy finish that stays powdered rather than turning into syrupy patches.
How do I prevent the raspberry jam from leaking during baking?
Use just a small amount of jam—about half a teaspoon per cookie—and press the edges around the jam gently before baking. This helps the jam stay nestled in and reduces the chance of leaks.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Raspberry-Filled Almond Snow Cookies Recipe a try because it’s one of those rare treats that feels special but is surprisingly straightforward to make. Each bite is a little moment of joy—soft, nutty, and filled with bright raspberry sweetness that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones or cozying up on a quiet afternoon. Happy baking and even happier eating!
PrintRaspberry-Filled Almond Snow Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 34 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightfully tender almond snow cookies filled with sweet raspberry jam, dusted generously with powdered sugar for a festive treat. These thumbprint cookies combine the nutty flavor of ground almonds with a soft, buttery dough and a burst of fruity sweetness, perfect for the holidays or any special occasion.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup finely ground almonds or almond flour
Filling and Topping
- 1/2 cup raspberry jam
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened butter and 2/3 cup powdered sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which adds airiness to the dough.
- Add Extracts: Mix in the vanilla extract and almond extract thoroughly to infuse the dough with aromatic flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and finely ground almonds to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Form the Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter mixture, stirring continuously until a soft dough forms, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Shape the Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into a ball. Using your thumb or the back of a small spoon, gently press an indent into the center of each ball to create a well for the jam.
- Add the Jam Filling: Fill each indent with about 1/2 teaspoon of raspberry jam, taking care not to overfill to prevent spilling during baking.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the cookies spaced apart on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12–14 minutes until the edges are lightly golden, indicating they are cooked through.
- Cool the Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely to avoid sogginess.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: Once cooled, generously dust the cookies with powdered sugar to add a snowy, festive finish before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute raspberry jam with other jams such as apricot or strawberry for variety.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh for up to 5 days.
- For an extra almond flavor and decorative touch, press a sliced almond into the top of each cookie before baking.