Valentines Treats Raspberry Almond Cookies
Highlighted under: Favorite Baking Ideas
I absolutely love making these Raspberry Almond Cookies for Valentine's Day. The combination of sweet raspberry jam and almond flour creates a delightful texture and flavor that's both unique and satisfying. Each bite is a wonderful balance of sweetness and nuttiness, making them an instant favorite for anyone who tries them. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to whip up, so you can impress your loved ones without spending all day in the kitchen. Give them a try and see for yourself how delicious they are!
When I first experimented with these cookies, I wanted to create something that was both festive and flavorful. The idea of incorporating raspberry jam into a cookie was thrilling, and I was eager to see how the flavors would marry together. The result was a chewy cookie with a burst of berry goodness right in the middle, and it quickly became a beloved recipe in my household.
I found that using almond flour gives the cookies a rich, nutty flavor while also keeping them delightfully tender. One little tip I've learned is to thoroughly chill the dough before baking; it helps the cookies retain their shape and enhance their texture. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Delightful balance of sweet raspberry and nutty almond flavors
- Perfect for sharing with loved ones on Valentine's Day
- Simple to make, yet impressive to present
Mastering the Dough
Creating the perfect dough for these Raspberry Almond Cookies is crucial to achieving that delightful texture. Ensure your butter is softened, but not melted, as this helps create a tender crumb. When mixing the dough, avoid overmixing—just combine until the ingredients are well-blended. If you find the dough too sticky, adding a bit more almond flour can help achieve a more manageable consistency.
Refrigerating the dough is an important step that shouldn’t be skipped. This chilling process not only firms up the dough, making it easier to handle, but it also allows the flavors to meld beautifully. I recommend covering the dough tightly with plastic wrap or a silicone lid to prevent it from drying out during refrigeration.
Filling and Baking Tips
When making the indentation in each dough ball, aim for a depth that holds the jam without breaking through the bottom. A small measuring teaspoon works well for this task, allowing you to make uniform shapes. If you accidentally overfill, the jam may bubble over, so less is often more here. The ideal amount is just enough to create a bright jewel-like appearance atop your cookies.
Baking times may vary based on your oven's accuracy, so keep an eye on the cookies around the 10-minute mark. You're looking for edges that are lightly golden while the center remains soft. If you're unsure, use a toothpick to check doneness; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs when inserted into the center.
Ingredients
Gather your ingredients to ensure a smooth baking experience.
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup raspberry jam
Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
Instructions
Follow these steps carefully for perfectly baked cookies.
Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix the dough
In a bowl, combine almond flour, all-purpose flour, sugar, softened butter, egg, almond extract, baking powder, and salt. Mix until a dough forms.
Chill the dough
Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm it up.
Scoop and shape
Once chilled, scoop tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls. Make an indentation in the center of each ball.
Fill with jam
Spoon raspberry jam into each indentation, being careful not to overfill.
Bake the cookies
Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cool and serve
Remove from the oven, let them cool on the sheet for a minute, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy your delicious cookies with a cup of tea or coffee!
Pro Tips
- For extra flavor, you can add a sprinkle of chopped almonds on top before baking.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
These Raspberry Almond Cookies can easily be made ahead of time. After baking, let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They can last at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them; they can be frozen for up to three months. Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
If you prefer to make the dough ahead, you can refrigerate it for up to 2 days before scooping and baking. Alternatively, freeze the unbaked dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. You can bake them straight from frozen; just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Variations and Substitutions
While raspberry jam gives these cookies an amazing flavor, you can easily swap it out for other fruit jams or preserves. Strawberry or apricot provide a delightful twist, and using a citrus marmalade can add a bright zing that pairs beautifully with the almond flavor. If you're feeling adventurous, consider making a mixed jam cookie using whatever you have on hand.
For those looking to make these cookies gluten-free, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend or oat flour. This adjustment maintains the comforting texture while making the cookies suitable for those with dietary restrictions. Remember to check that your almond flour is also certified gluten-free.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use another type of jam?
Yes, feel free to substitute with your favorite jam like strawberry or apricot.
→ How should I store the cookies?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
→ Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the dough for up to three months. Just thaw it in the fridge before baking.
→ Are these cookies gluten-free?
If you use gluten-free all-purpose flour, these cookies can be made gluten-free.
Valentines Treats Raspberry Almond Cookies
I absolutely love making these Raspberry Almond Cookies for Valentine's Day. The combination of sweet raspberry jam and almond flour creates a delightful texture and flavor that's both unique and satisfying. Each bite is a wonderful balance of sweetness and nuttiness, making them an instant favorite for anyone who tries them. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to whip up, so you can impress your loved ones without spending all day in the kitchen. Give them a try and see for yourself how delicious they are!
Created by: Genevieve Porter
Recipe Type: Favorite Baking Ideas
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 24 cookies
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup raspberry jam
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a bowl, combine almond flour, all-purpose flour, sugar, softened butter, egg, almond extract, baking powder, and salt. Mix until a dough forms.
Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm it up.
Once chilled, scoop tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls. Make an indentation in the center of each ball.
Spoon raspberry jam into each indentation, being careful not to overfill.
Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Remove from the oven, let them cool on the sheet for a minute, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Extra Tips
- For extra flavor, you can add a sprinkle of chopped almonds on top before baking.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 45mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 18g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 9g
- Protein: 2g