If you have a soft spot for cookies that feel like a cozy winter hug, then you are going to absolutely adore this Raspberry-Filled Almond Snow Cookies – Festive Treat Recipe. These delightful little gems combine tender, buttery almond-infused dough wrapped around a luscious burst of raspberry jam, dusted generously with snowy powdered sugar. They’re the perfect festive treat that feels both homey and sophisticated, perfect for sharing with friends or savoring by yourself on a chilly afternoon. Every bite melts in your mouth with a harmony of nutty sweetness and tangy fruit that will have you reaching for just one more cookie.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the secret behind these irresistible cookies. Each one plays an essential role: from the rich butter creating a tender crumb, to the almond extract imparting its fragrant charm, all the way to the vibrant raspberry jam adding a pop of flavor and color. These basics make the magic happen!
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Ensures the dough is tender and rich without any salty interference.
- Powdered sugar (½ cup plus extra for dusting): Makes the crumb delicate and dusted finish perfectly snowy.
- Almond extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a distinctive, fragrant nutty sweetness that elevates the cookie.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The sturdy base that holds everything together in a soft, yet structured dough.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances the almond flavor.
- Raspberry jam (½ cup): Provides a tangy, fruity center that bursts deliciously from inside every cookie.
How to Make Raspberry-Filled Almond Snow Cookies – Festive Treat Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick. This simple prep step sets you up for cookie perfection without any fuss.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This step is crucial—it incorporates air, giving your cookies that melt-in-your-mouth lightness combined with buttery richness.
Step 3: Add the Almond Extract
Mix in the almond extract now. This is where your cookie dough starts to develop a heavenly aroma, hinting at the lovely flavor that awaits. Make sure it’s fully combined so every bite is infused with that warm almond scent.
Step 4: Incorporate Flour and Salt
In a separate bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour and salt together. Then gradually add this dry mixture to the butter and sugar blend, stirring gently just until a soft dough forms. Overmixing here can make the cookies tough, so patience is key to maintaining their tender texture.
Step 5: Shape and Fill the Cookies
Scoop out about one tablespoon of dough for each cookie and flatten it slightly in your palm. Place a small spoonful of raspberry jam in the center, then carefully wrap the dough around the filling to form a sealed ball. This step creates that surprising, fruity center that is the hallmark of the Raspberry-Filled Almond Snow Cookies – Festive Treat Recipe.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the filled dough balls on your prepared baking sheet, spaced so they won’t stick together. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, just until the bottoms and edges begin to turn a light golden hue. This gentle baking preserves their soft texture while adding a subtle crunch.
Step 7: Dust with Powdered Sugar
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool slightly. Then roll them generously in powdered sugar, repeating for a second coating if you want your cookies extra snowy and festive. This finishing touch not only makes them look magical but adds a delicate sweetness to every bite.
How to Serve Raspberry-Filled Almond Snow Cookies – Festive Treat Recipe
Garnishes
These cookies are beautiful on their own, but you can add a bit of extra festivity with a sprinkle of toasted almond slices or a few fresh raspberries next to each cookie. Both will accentuate that lovely almond and raspberry flavor while giving the platter a vibrant look.
Side Dishes
For an indulgent treat, serve these cookies alongside a cup of hot tea, coffee, or even a rich hot chocolate. The warmth of the beverage perfectly complements the buttery softness and fruity centers, creating a cozy moment in every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday gatherings, arrange the cookies on a decorative tiered tray with sprigs of holly or pine needles. Alternatively, wrap a few in clear cellophane bags tied with a festive ribbon to give as charming edible gifts. Presentation adds a whole new level of joy to sharing this Raspberry-Filled Almond Snow Cookies – Festive Treat Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Raspberry-Filled Almond Snow Cookies – Festive Treat Recipe, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and tender for up to a week, making it easy to enjoy these festive delights anytime.
Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked dough balls before baking by placing them on a tray and freezing until solid, then transferring to a sealed freezer bag. When ready, bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. This lets you enjoy fresh cookies whenever the craving hits.
Reheating
To bring some warmth back to your stored cookies, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This reawakens their softness and melts the powdered sugar slightly, almost as good as fresh out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use fresh raspberries instead of jam?
Fresh raspberries can be used but they tend to release moisture during baking, which might make the cookies less structured. A thicker jelly or jam ensures the sweet center stays intact, but if you love fresh fruit, gently cooking them into a quick jam is a great compromise.
What if I don’t have almond extract?
While almond extract gives the cookies their signature flavor, you can substitute with vanilla extract for a milder, cozy twist. Just remember the unique nutty aroma will be less pronounced but the cookies will still be wonderful.
Can these cookies be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Be sure the blend contains xanthan gum or another binder to help the dough hold together since these cookies rely on structure for the jam filling.
Why do my cookies crack after baking?
Cracks often happen if the dough is too dry or overbaked. Make sure your dough is soft and fully mixed without overhandling it. Also, keep a close eye during baking to avoid drying them out; the ideal cookie should be lightly golden, not crunchy.
Can I use other fruit fillings instead of raspberry?
Definitely! Apricot, strawberry, or even cherry preserves all make excellent fillings. Choose your favorite fruit jam to customize your Raspberry-Filled Almond Snow Cookies – Festive Treat Recipe for any occasion.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Raspberry-Filled Almond Snow Cookies – Festive Treat Recipe enough if you’re looking for a cookie that’s both nostalgic and festive. They bring such joy to holiday tables and winter afternoons, with every bite showcasing the perfect balance of almond sweetness and bright raspberry goodness. Give this recipe a try and watch how it can become a treasured favorite for you and everyone you share it with!
Print
Raspberry-Filled Almond Snow Cookies – Festive Treat Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings (about 16 cookies)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Raspberry-Filled Almond Snow Cookies are delicate, buttery treats perfect for the holiday season. Soft almond-scented dough envelopes a sweet raspberry jam center, baked to a light golden and dusted generously with powdered sugar for a festive snowy finish. Ideal for gifting or enjoying with a cup of tea.
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 prepare for baking the cookies.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter together with ½ cup powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and fluffy, which helps create a light texture in the cookies.
- Add almond extract: Stir in 1 teaspoon almond extract to the creamed butter and sugar, ensuring it is evenly incorporated for that distinctive almond flavor.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of all-purpose flour and ½ teaspoon salt, then gradually add this to the butter mixture, mixing gently just until a soft dough forms without overworking it.
- Shape cookies with filling: Scoop out 1-tablespoon portions of dough and flatten each slightly. Place a small spoonful of raspberry jam in the center, then fold and seal the dough around the jam to form a neat ball.
- Arrange and bake: Place the filled dough balls evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes until the cookies are lightly golden on the bottom edges.
- Cool and sugar coat: Allow the cookies to cool slightly, then roll them in powdered sugar to coat. For a thicker snowy layer, repeat rolling in powdered sugar after they have fully cooled.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming with sugar.
- Seal the dough well around the jam to prevent leakage during baking.
- Use parchment paper on the baking sheet for easy removal and cleanup.
- For an extra almond kick, sprinkle a few sliced almonds on top before baking (optional).
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness up to one week.
