If you adore delicate, melt-in-your-mouth treats with a burst of fruity goodness, then this Raspberry-Filled Almond Snow Cookies Recipe is going to be your new favorite. These cookies marry the rich, nutty flavor of almond with a sweet and tangy raspberry jam center, all wrapped in a tender, buttery dough dusted with powdered sugar. They look as enchanting as snowflakes on a winter morning and taste even better, offering a perfect balance of textures and flavors that will make you reach for one after another without hesitation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Raspberry-Filled Almond Snow Cookies Recipe is how effortlessly simple the ingredients come together to create something truly special. Each component plays a key role — from the creamy butter that adds luscious richness to the almond extract that infuses a warm, nutty aroma, and the raspberry preserves that provide that irresistible fruity surprise.
- Unsalted butter: Using softened butter ensures a smooth, creamy dough with perfect consistency.
- Powdered sugar: Incorporated in the dough and for coating, it adds the signature light sweetness and delicate finish.
- Almond extract: Just a teaspoon elevates the nuttiness and brings out the almond flour’s depth.
- All-purpose flour: The base of the dough, it creates a tender but sturdy structure for the cookies.
- Salt: A pinch balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Almond flour: Adds texture and a rich almond flavor that’s unmistakable in these cookies.
- Raspberry preserves: The jewel inside each cookie, offering a burst of juicy tartness that contrasts beautifully with the sweet dough.
How to Make Raspberry-Filled Almond Snow Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by creaming the softened butter with the powdered sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy—this step is key to giving the cookies that dreamy texture. Then stir in the almond extract for that irresistible nutty aroma. Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour, salt, and almond flour, folding everything together until a soft dough forms. Your dough should be smooth but still hold its shape when handled.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
Wrap your dough or cover the bowl tightly, then refrigerate for 30 minutes. This chilling step is vital because it firms up the dough, making it easier to shape and allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while preventing spreading during baking.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Preparing your workspace ahead saves time and ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.
Step 4: Shape and Fill the Cookies
Ready for some hands-on fun? Using about a tablespoon of dough, flatten it gently in your palm. Spoon approximately half a teaspoon of raspberry preserves right in the center. Fold the dough around the filling, sealing it completely, and roll it into a smooth ball. Place each ball on the baking sheet, leaving about an inch between each to give them room to bake properly.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, keeping a close eye so they set without browning—the goal is a soft, pale cookie that practically melts on your tongue. After removing from the oven, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Coat with Powdered Sugar
Once fully cooled, gently roll each cookie in powdered sugar until generously coated. This final step gives the cookies their snow-white, festive look and adds the quintessential touch of sweetness that complements the raspberry filling perfectly.
How to Serve Raspberry-Filled Almond Snow Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra festive touch, sprinkle a few whole toasted almonds or a tiny drizzle of melted dark chocolate on top of the powdered sugar just before serving. Fresh raspberries placed on the side can echo the filling and brighten the presentation with a pop of color.
Side Dishes
These almond snow cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of tea, especially herbal varieties like chamomile or a fragrant Earl Grey. They also complement a rich hot chocolate or a lightly brewed coffee for an afternoon indulgence that feels cozy and elegant.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress guests or create a stunning dessert display? Stack your cookies in a pyramid on a decorative plate dusted lightly with extra powdered sugar. Wrap a small box of them tied with twine or a festive ribbon as delightful homemade gifts. You can even sandwich two cookies with a dab of buttercream or raspberry jam for a mini cookie sandwich treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Raspberry-Filled Almond Snow Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They keep fresh for up to a week, maintaining their tender crumb and sweet filling. Avoid refrigerator storage, as that can dry them out.
Freezing
If you want to save these little treasures for later, freeze fully cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag or container. They freeze beautifully for up to three months and thaw quickly at room temperature without losing texture or flavor.
Reheating
To gently refresh your cookies after storage or freezing, warm in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for 5 minutes. This will revive the buttery softness and slightly melt the raspberry preserves, making them taste freshly baked all over again.
FAQs
Can I substitute raspberry preserves with another fruit jam?
Absolutely! While raspberry adds a delightful tartness, you can experiment with strawberry, apricot, or even blueberry preserves depending on your preference for a different but equally delicious result.
Is almond flour necessary for the recipe?
The almond flour adds a lovely nutty texture and depth of flavor that enhances the almond extract. You could try finely ground almonds if you don’t have almond flour, but avoid skipping it entirely to keep the cookie’s signature taste.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend. You may need to adjust the amount slightly to achieve the right dough consistency.
Why do the cookies need to be chilled before baking?
Chilling firms the dough, which helps prevent spreading during baking and makes it easier to handle when shaping around the raspberry filling. It also improves the final texture.
Can I use frozen raspberry preserves?
It’s best to use room temperature or thawed preserves so you can easily place the filling inside each cookie without it being too hard or too runny. Frozen preserves might disrupt the shaping process.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about the Raspberry-Filled Almond Snow Cookies Recipe that turns simple ingredients into a charming treat perfect for sharing. Whether for a holiday celebration, a thoughtful gift, or just a cozy afternoon snack, these cookies never fail to bring joy and smiles. I can’t wait for you to try making them and discover just how delightful these sweet, almond-kissed bites with their luscious raspberry centers can be in your kitchen.
Print
Raspberry-Filled Almond Snow Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 20 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Raspberry-Filled Almond Snow Cookies are delicate, buttery treats featuring a soft almond-infused dough filled with sweet raspberry preserves. Rolled generously in powdered sugar, they offer a perfect balance of nutty flavor and fruity sweetness, ideal for holiday gatherings or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 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, stirring until a soft, cohesive dough forms.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm it up, which helps with shaping later.
- 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.
- Shape and Fill the Cookies: Scoop approximately 1 tablespoon of dough and flatten it gently in your hand. Place 1/2 teaspoon of raspberry preserves in the center, then fold the dough around the filling and roll it into a smooth ball. Arrange the cookies on the prepared baking sheet about 1 inch apart to allow for slight spreading.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cookies are set but not browned. After baking, allow the cookies to 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 have cooled thoroughly, roll each cookie generously in powdered sugar to give them their characteristic snowy appearance and added sweetness.
Notes
- Use almond flour or finely ground almonds for the best texture and almond flavor.
- Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading and makes shaping easier.
- Be careful not to overbake to maintain a tender, delicate cookie texture.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Optional: For a festive touch, drizzle melted white chocolate over the top after coating with powdered sugar.
