Raspberry-Filled Almond Snow Cookies: A Sweet and Festive Delight!
Is there anything more magical than a buttery, almond-flavored cookie with a jewel-like raspberry center? These Raspberry-Filled Almond Snow Cookies are a holiday dream come true. With their delicate, nutty flavor and snowy powdered sugar finish, they’re the kind of treat that makes every occasion feel special.
Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, gifting them to friends, or sneaking one (or three) with your afternoon tea, these cookies are guaranteed to impress. They’re sweet, tangy, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Plus, they’re surprisingly simple to make, so you can whip up a batch without breaking a sweat.
Let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
- Perfect Flavor Combo: Almond and raspberry are a match made in dessert heaven. The rich, nutty cookie base pairs beautifully with the bright, tart jam.
- Snowy Elegance: Dusted with powdered sugar, these cookies are as pretty as a winter wonderland.
- Easy to Make: No fancy techniques or tools required—just simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
- Great for Gifting: Package them in a festive tin, and you’ve got a thoughtful, homemade gift that everyone will love.
- Customizable: Switch up the jam, add a drizzle of chocolate, or try a nut-free version—the possibilities are endless!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened) – For that rich, buttery base.
- 2/3 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting) – Sweetens the dough and gives the cookies their snowy finish.
- 1 tsp almond extract – Adds a subtle, nutty depth of flavor.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour – The foundation of the cookie dough.
- ½ cup ground almonds (or almond flour) – Enhances the almond flavor and gives the cookies a tender texture.
- ½ tsp salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- ½ cup raspberry jam or preserves – The star of the filling—choose a high-quality jam for the best results.
How to Make Raspberry-Filled Almond Snow Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the almond extract and mix until combined.
Gradually add the flour, ground almonds, and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms. Don’t worry if it feels a little sticky—that’s normal!
Step 2: Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to handle and shape.
Step 3: Shape the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Once the dough is chilled, roll it into small 1-inch balls. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Using your finger or the back of a spoon, gently press into the center of each dough ball to create a small indentation.
Step 4: Fill with Raspberry Jam
Spoon a small amount of raspberry jam (about 1 teaspoon) into the indentation of each cookie. Be careful not to overfill—just enough to sit neatly in the center.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on them! You want the cookies to stay pale for that snowy effect.
Step 6: Cool and Dust with Powdered Sugar
Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, generously dust them with powdered sugar for that classic “snowy” look.
Tips for Success
- Choose High-Quality Jam: The filling is a key part of the flavor, so pick a raspberry jam or preserve that you really love.
- Don’t Overfill: A small amount of jam goes a long way. Overfilling can cause it to bubble over and make a mess.
- Chill the Dough: This step is crucial for easy handling and for the cookies to hold their shape while baking.
- Use Ground Almonds or Almond Flour: For the best texture and flavor, finely ground almonds or almond flour is a must. You can even grind your own almonds at home for extra freshness.
Fun Variations to Try
- Berry Swap: Try using strawberry, blueberry, or blackberry jam for a different flavor profile.
- Chocolate Drizzle: After dusting with powdered sugar, drizzle the cookies with melted dark or white chocolate for an extra indulgent touch.
- Nut-Free Option: Substitute the ground almonds with oat flour for a nut-free version that’s just as delicious.
- Citrus Twist: Add a little orange or lemon zest to the dough for a bright, citrusy note.
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Refrigerator: For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezer: These cookies freeze beautifully! Place them in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
FAQs
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance. Just keep it wrapped in plastic wrap in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
Q: What if I don’t have almond extract?
You can substitute vanilla extract, but the almond flavor is what makes these cookies special, so I recommend using it if possible.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe doubles easily—perfect for gifting or feeding a crowd.
Final Thoughts
Raspberry-Filled Almond Snow Cookies are the kind of treat that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a cozy holiday movie. They’re sweet, nutty, and just the right amount of fancy without being fussy. Whether you’re baking them for a festive gathering, gifting them to loved ones, or indulging in a quiet moment with a cup of tea, these cookies are sure to bring a little extra joy to your day.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Did you try any fun variations? Let me know in the comments or tag me on social media—I love seeing your creations.
Happy baking! 🍪✨
