Description
Imagine a snowy winter day, the kind where the world outside is blanketed in white and the air smells crisp and cold. Inside, the warmth of your kitchen radiates comfort, and the promise of freshly baked treats fills the air. These Raspberry-Filled Almond Snow Cookies are the perfect addition to your baking repertoire during this cozy season. With their tender almond base, a delightful hidden raspberry center, and a generous coating of powdered sugar, they look as magical as a fresh snowfall—and taste just as enchanting.
This recipe combines the nutty richness of almonds with the fruity sweetness of raspberry preserves, creating a cookie that melts in your mouth while surprising you with a burst of flavor. It’s a recipe rooted in tradition but versatile enough for modern tastes. Perfect for holiday gatherings, gifting, or simply indulging with a cup of tea, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar (plus extra for rolling)
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup almond flour (or finely ground almonds)
- ⅓ cup raspberry preserves
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by creaming together the softened butter and powdered sugar in a large bowl. This step ensures your cookies will be tender and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Once the mixture is light and fluffy, add the almond extract, which gives these cookies their signature nutty aroma.
Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour, salt, and almond flour. The almond flour not only enhances the flavor but also adds a slight crumbly texture that’s characteristic of these cookies. Mix until a soft dough forms. It might feel a bit sticky, but that’s perfectly normal—refrigeration will make it easier to handle.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap or cover the bowl, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Chilling is crucial as it firms up the dough, making it easier to shape and preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
While your dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your cookies don’t stick and for easy cleanup.
Step 4: Shape and Fill the Cookies
Here’s where the magic happens! Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and flatten it slightly in your hand. Add a small dollop (about ½ teaspoon) of raspberry preserves to the center.
Now, gently fold the edges of the dough over the filling and roll it into a ball. This step might take a little patience, but the result is worth it. The dough should completely enclose the preserves to prevent any leaks during baking. Place the cookie dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until they are set but not browned. Over-baking can dry them out, so keep a close eye on them.
Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Cooling them completely ensures they hold their shape when coated in powdered sugar.
Step 6: Coat with Powdered Sugar
This is the finishing touch that gives these cookies their snow-like appearance. Once they are fully cooled, roll them generously in powdered sugar. For an extra snowy effect, you can even sift additional powdered sugar over the cookies before serving.
Notes
These cookies are a delightful blend of textures and flavors, with the soft almond dough perfectly complementing the vibrant raspberry center. They’re a great choice for anyone looking to impress guests or simply enjoy a festive treat.