If you have a soft spot for melt-in-your-mouth cookies with a burst of fruity freshness, this Raspberry-Filled Almond Snow Cookies Recipe is about to become your new favorite indulgence. These delicately crumbly almond-flavored treats hold a luscious spoonful of raspberry preserves at their heart, creating a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. Dusted generously in powdered sugar, they look as enchanting as a winter wonderland—perfect for sharing with friends or savoring with a cozy cup of tea. Trust me, once you try these lovely cookies, they’ll leap to the top of your baking list every holiday season or whenever you want something truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just a handful of simple yet essential ingredients, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between wholesome nuttiness and sweet tartness. Each element plays a vital role in creating the cookie’s tender crumb, vibrant flavor, and beautiful snowy appearance.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: This gives the dough its rich, creamy softness and helps achieve the perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for rolling): Sweetens gently and provides that signature snow-dusted finish.
- 1 tsp almond extract: Boosts the almond flavor, making every bite fragrant and irresistible.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy base of the dough, providing structure and balance.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and prevents sweetness from tasting flat.
- 1/2 cup almond flour (or finely ground almonds): Adds a lovely nutty depth and tender crumb to the cookie.
- 1/3 cup raspberry preserves: The star of the filling, offering a tart and juicy pop that contrasts so beautifully with the buttery dough.
How to Make Raspberry-Filled Almond Snow Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by creaming together the softened butter and the initial 1/2 cup of powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—this step is key for that airy, delicate texture. Then, stir in the almond extract to infuse the dough with its signature flavor. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, salt, and finely ground almond flour. Mix gently until you achieve a soft, cohesive dough. Be careful not to overwork to keep those cookies tender.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
Cover your dough with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container, then pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Chilling firms the dough up and makes it much easier to handle when you shape the cookies later.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple prep not only prevents sticking but helps the cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly.
Step 4: Shape and Fill the Cookies
Here’s where the magic happens! Take a tablespoon of the chilled dough and flatten it gently in your palm. Place about 1/2 teaspoon of raspberry preserves right in the center, then carefully fold the dough around the filling. Roll it into a smooth ball, making sure the jam is completely sealed inside. Place the cookies about an inch apart on your prepared baking sheet to give them space to bake without sticking together.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Watch closely—the cookies should be set and just starting to firm up, but definitely not brown. This ensures they stay tender and crumbly rather than crisp or dry. Once out of the oven, let them cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Coat with Powdered Sugar
When the cookies are fully cooled, generously roll each one in powdered sugar. This final snowy coat not only looks beautiful but adds a delicate sweetness that ties the whole cookie experience together.
How to Serve Raspberry-Filled Almond Snow Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an elegant presentation, sprinkle a few extra whole almonds or a light dusting of edible glitter on the powdered sugar. A tiny fresh raspberry on the side can also echo the filling flavor while brightening the serving plate.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair brilliantly with a warm beverage like chamomile tea, a rich cup of coffee, or even a glass of cold milk. For a luxurious touch, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a simple whipped cream to complement their richness.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re gifting these cookies, try stacking them in a clear jar with layers of powdered sugar or tying a rustic ribbon around a tiered plate display. For parties, you can arrange them in a circle with fresh raspberries and mint leaves for an eye-catching centerpiece that invites everyone to indulge.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They maintain their delightful texture for up to one week and are perfect when you want a ready-made treat for tea time.
Freezing
If you’d like to keep your Raspberry-Filled Almond Snow Cookies Recipe on hand longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first. Once frozen, transfer them to a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. They can be stored for up to three months without losing their wonderful texture and flavor.
Reheating
To bring frozen cookies back to life, allow them to thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. If you prefer a slightly warm cookie, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes. Be careful not to overheat, or the delicate almonds and jam center could lose their charm.
FAQs
Can I substitute the raspberry preserves with another jam?
Absolutely! While raspberry preserves complement the almond beautifully, feel free to use strawberry, apricot, or even blackberry jam to give a unique twist. Just be sure to choose a thick preserve to avoid the filling leaking during baking.
Is almond flour necessary, or can I use all-purpose flour only?
The almond flour adds a lovely nutty flavor and tender crumb that’s essential to the cookie’s character. Using only all-purpose flour will change the texture, making the cookies less delicate and rich, so almond flour is highly recommended if you can find it.
Why do I need to chill the dough before baking?
Chilling firms up the butter in the dough, which helps the cookie hold its shape better during baking. It also prevents the cookies from spreading too much, ensuring you get that perfect pocket of raspberry jam inside each one.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend, but be mindful that texture and rise may vary. Almond flour helps keep the texture tender, so maintaining that portion is key when going gluten-free.
How can I make the raspberry filling less sweet?
Try using a preserves with no added sugar or mix the raspberry jam with a bit of lemon juice to cut the sweetness. You could also use fresh mashed raspberries thickened slightly with chia seeds for a natural, tangy filling.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Raspberry-Filled Almond Snow Cookies Recipe that makes every bite feel like a little celebration. Whether it’s for a festive occasion or a casual afternoon treat, these cookies bring joy and a hint of nostalgia with their tender crumb and fruity surprise inside. I hope you’ll enjoy baking and sharing these delightful snow cookies as much as I do—once you do, I bet they’ll become a beloved staple in your recipe collection too!
Print
Raspberry-Filled Almond Snow Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 20 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Raspberry-Filled Almond Snow Cookies are delicate, buttery treats featuring a soft almond-flavored dough wrapped around a sweet dollop of raspberry preserves. Lightly dusted with powdered sugar, they offer a perfect balance of nutty richness and fruity sweetness, ideal for holiday celebrations or anytime you crave a melt-in-your-mouth cookie.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for rolling)
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup almond flour (or finely ground almonds)
Filling
- 1/3 cup raspberry preserves
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the almond extract. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, salt, and almond flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough tightly and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm it up, which will make it easier to handle during shaping.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Shape and Fill the Cookies: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and flatten it in your hand. Place 1/2 teaspoon of raspberry preserves in the center. Carefully fold the dough around the filling and roll it into a smooth ball. Arrange the balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart to allow for gentle spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they are set but not browned. After baking, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Coat with Powdered Sugar: Once the cookies are completely cool, roll each cookie generously in powdered sugar to create the classic snowy appearance and add a sweet finish.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh almond flour or grind your own almonds finely to enhance the almond flavor and texture.
- Ensure the butter is softened but not melted to achieve the right dough consistency.
- Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Use a piping bag or small spoon to control the quantity of raspberry preserves easily while filling the cookies.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days; they also freeze well for longer storage.
