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Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar using an electric mixer or a stand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2–3 minutes.
- Add the extracts: Mix in the vanilla extract and almond extract. These extracts are key to achieving that signature almond flavor that pairs perfectly with the raspberry filling.
- Add the dry ingredients: Gradually sift in the flour, ground almonds (almond meal or almond flour), and salt. Mix until the dough starts to come together. You’ll have a soft, somewhat crumbly dough that’s easy to shape.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
- Chill the dough: Divide the dough into two portions and wrap each one in plastic wrap. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough makes it easier to handle and helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.
Step 3: Shape the Cookies
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the cookies from sticking.
- Shape the dough: Once the dough is chilled, scoop out small portions using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop. Roll each portion into a ball and place it on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
- Form a well for the filling: Use your thumb or the back of a small spoon to gently make a small indentation in the center of each cookie ball. This well will hold the raspberry jam.
- Fill with raspberry jam: Spoon a small amount of raspberry jam into the center of each cookie. You don’t need a lot—just a small teaspoon of jam per cookie is enough to create a delicious burst of raspberry flavor.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
- Bake the cookies: Place the cookies in the preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The cookies should remain pale in color, but the edges should have a slight golden hue.
- Cool the cookies: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Dust with Powdered Sugar
- Dust with powdered sugar: After the cookies have cooled, lightly dust them with powdered sugar to create a snowy effect. You can use a fine mesh sieve or sifter to dust the sugar evenly over the top of each cookie. This step adds a beautiful finishing touch and a hint of sweetness.
Tips for Perfect Raspberry-Filled Almond Snow Cookies
- Use seedless raspberry jam: For the smoothest filling, use seedless raspberry jam or preserves. This ensures that the raspberry center remains smooth and easy to work with.
- Don’t overfill the cookies: When adding the jam to the center of the cookies, be careful not to overfill them. A small teaspoon of jam is all you need. Too much filling can spill over during baking and make the cookies harder to handle.
- Chill the dough: Chilling the dough is essential for shaping the cookies and preventing them from spreading too much during baking. It also helps the cookies retain their delicate texture.
- Decorate with flair: For an extra festive touch, you can add a few slivers of toasted almonds to the top of the jam before baking, or sprinkle chopped toasted almonds over the finished cookies after dusting with powdered sugar. This adds a bit of crunch and enhances the almond flavor.
- Make them ahead: These cookies are great for making in advance! They store well in an airtight container for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months. Just be sure to freeze them in a single layer before transferring them to a container.
Why You’ll Love Raspberry-Filled Almond Snow Cookies
Raspberry-Filled Almond Snow Cookies are the ultimate combination of buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture, nutty almond flavor, and the bright, sweet-tart raspberry jam center. These cookies are perfect for holiday baking, but they’re so delightful you’ll want to make them year-round. Their elegant look and irresistible taste make them a showstopper on any dessert table, and they’re the kind of cookie that’s perfect for gifting during the holiday season.
With their delicate almond flavor and the burst of raspberry, these cookies evoke a sense of warmth and joy, making them a wonderful treat to share with friends and family. Plus, they’re simple to make yet look impressive, so you can bring a touch of sophistication to your holiday celebrations without spending hours in the kitchen.
Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion, holiday gatherings, or just to enjoy with a cup of tea, these Raspberry-Filled Almond Snow Cookies will quickly become a beloved favorite. Give them a try, and enjoy the perfect balance of flavors that’s sure to delight everyone who takes a bite!
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