Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup finely chopped almonds
- 1/2 cup raspberry jam (for filling)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step ensures your cookies will have a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Add Flavor Extracts: Mix in the vanilla and almond extracts until thoroughly incorporated. These extracts enhance the almond flavor and complement the raspberry filling.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. The dough should be soft but not sticky. Fold in the finely chopped almonds to distribute them evenly throughout the dough.
- Shape and Fill: Scoop out a tablespoon of dough and flatten it into a small disc in your palm. Place approximately 1/2 teaspoon of raspberry jam in the center of the disc. Gently fold the dough around the jam, rolling it into a ball to seal in the filling.
- Bake: Place the filled dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about an inch between each one. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden brown.
- Cool and Dust: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. While still warm, dust the cookies generously with powdered sugar. Let them cool completely before serving to ensure the jam sets properly.
Notes
- Softened Butter: Ensure your butter is softened but not melted for the best creamed texture. Melted butter can result in a greasy dough that doesn’t hold its shape.
- Quality Jam: Use a high-quality raspberry jam for a rich and flavorful filling. Avoid watery or overly sweet jams, as these can seep out during baking.
- Cooling: Let the cookies cool on a wire rack after dusting with powdered sugar. This helps them firm up and prevents them from breaking apart.
- Powdered Sugar Coating: Dusting the cookies while they’re warm ensures the sugar adheres properly, creating a beautiful “snowball” effect.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes