Valentines Treats Raspberry Almond Cookies
Highlighted under: Festive Planning
I always look forward to making these delightful Raspberry Almond Cookies for Valentine's Day. The combination of chewy almond cookies with tart raspberry filling makes for a treat that’s both unique and indulgent. This recipe brings together the rich flavors of almond extract and raspberry jam to create a beautiful balance of sweetness and tartness. Each bite is a delightful surprise, making these cookies perfect for sharing or enjoying as a personal indulgence. Trust me, they disappear quickly at any gathering!
Creating these Raspberry Almond Cookies was a delightful experiment for me. I wanted to highlight the seasonal flavors of raspberry while keeping the integrity of a soft almond cookie intact. After several trials, I found that using raspberry preserves instead of fresh berries gave a consistent sweetness and tart balance, which results in a beautiful and delicious treat. The almond flour adds a lovely texture that complements the raspberry filling perfectly.
These cookies are not just visually appealing; they have a wonderfully chewy texture. The key is to let the cookies cool slightly before removing them from the baking sheet. This prevents them from breaking apart, allowing you to showcase their beautiful raspberry center. I believe the marriage of flavors and the perfect chew is what makes them so special, especially for Valentine's Day.
Why You Will Love These Cookies
- The sweet and tart raspberry jam pairs perfectly with the nutty flavor of almond.
- These cookies are a beautiful addition to any Valentine’s Day dessert table.
- They are surprisingly easy to make and impress anyone who takes a bite.
The Role of Almond Flour
Almond flour plays a crucial role in giving these cookies their unique texture and flavor. Its finely ground consistency allows for a chewy and moist cookie that contrasts beautifully with the tart raspberry filling. Additionally, the nutty undertones of almond flour enhance the overall taste, creating a delightful balance with the sweetness of the sugar and the tang of the jam.
If you're looking to make these cookies gluten-free, almond flour remains the best choice. However, if you need an alternative, consider hazelnut flour, which offers a similar flavor profile but may produce a slightly denser cookie texture. Just be sure to adjust the ratios to maintain balance in consistency.
Perfecting the Jam Filling
The raspberry jam is the heart of these cookies, providing that burst of tartness that rounds out the sweetness. When selecting raspberry jam, look for one with real fruit content for a more intense flavor. If you prefer a less sweet option, using a no-sugar-added jam can also work beautifully, giving you more control over the overall sweetness of the cookie.
A common pitfall is using too much jam, which can lead to overflowing during baking. Be sure to measure out a small teaspoon for each cookie—this amount not only keeps the cookie structurally sound but also guarantees you have enough jam for every bite.
Storing and Serving Tips
Once baked and cooled, these cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Place unbaked cookie balls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be baked straight from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time for fresh, warm cookies.
When serving these cookies, dusting with powdered sugar not only adds a touch of elegance but also balances the flavors visually and texturally. Pair them with a cup of tea or coffee to enhance their richness, or enjoy them as a delightful treat after dinner, showcasing their unique flavor pairing.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Filling
- 1/2 cup raspberry jam
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and almond extract, then mix until well combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the almond flour, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a dough forms.
Form the Cookies
Scoop out about a tablespoon of dough and flatten it in your hand. Place a small spoonful of raspberry jam in the center, then fold the dough around the jam to enclose it. Roll it into a ball and place it on the baking sheet.
Bake
Repeat this with the remaining dough. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Finish and Serve
Once cooled, dust the cookies with powdered sugar before serving if desired. Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
Pro Tips
- For an extra almond flavor, try adding a few drops of almond extract to the raspberry jam before filling the cookies. Also, ensure that the jam is not too runny to prevent spills during baking.
Scaling the Recipe
One of the great things about this recipe is its adaptability. If you're hosting a larger gathering, you can easily double or even triple the ingredient quantities. Just ensure your baking sheets are well-spaced in the oven to allow for even cooking, especially if using multiple sheets at once.
When scaling up, take care not to overcrowd the mixing bowl. Mixing large batches may require you to adjust your mixing time to ensure that all ingredients are evenly incorporated without overworking the dough.
Troubleshooting Tips
If your cookies spread too much while baking, it's possible that your dough may have been too warm or the butter was overly softened. Next time, try chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before forming balls. This will help maintain their shape during baking.
On the other hand, if the cookies are too crumbly, this might be due to excess flour. Make sure to measure accurately—using a scale can help. If you're even slightly off, the texture can be affected. Add a teaspoon of melted butter to help bind the dough if needed.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use another fruit jam?
Absolutely! Any fruit jam like strawberry or apricot works well in this recipe.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
→ Can I freeze the cookies?
Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies. Just make sure they're completely cooled before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
→ What can I serve with these cookies?
These cookies pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee, perfect for a romantic afternoon treat.
Valentines Treats Raspberry Almond Cookies
I always look forward to making these delightful Raspberry Almond Cookies for Valentine's Day. The combination of chewy almond cookies with tart raspberry filling makes for a treat that’s both unique and indulgent. This recipe brings together the rich flavors of almond extract and raspberry jam to create a beautiful balance of sweetness and tartness. Each bite is a delightful surprise, making these cookies perfect for sharing or enjoying as a personal indulgence. Trust me, they disappear quickly at any gathering!
Created by: Questa Beaumont
Recipe Type: Festive Planning
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 24 cookies
What You'll Need
For the Cookies
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Filling
- 1/2 cup raspberry jam
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and almond extract, then mix until well combined.
In another bowl, whisk together the almond flour, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a dough forms.
Scoop out about a tablespoon of dough and flatten it in your hand. Place a small spoonful of raspberry jam in the center, then fold the dough around the jam to enclose it. Roll it into a ball and place it on the baking sheet.
Repeat this with the remaining dough. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Once cooled, dust the cookies with powdered sugar before serving if desired. Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
Extra Tips
- For an extra almond flavor, try adding a few drops of almond extract to the raspberry jam before filling the cookies. Also, ensure that the jam is not too runny to prevent spills during baking.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 160 kcal
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 75mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 24g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 12g
- Protein: 2g