Raspberry Almond Shortbread Cookies: A Delightful Treat for Every Occasion

Why You’ll Love Raspberry Almond Shortbread Cookies

  • Irresistibly Buttery: The classic shortbread base is rich, crumbly, and melts in your mouth.
  • Bursting with Flavor: The sweet-tart raspberry jam combined with the nutty flavor of almonds creates a harmonious blend.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday cookie tray or a simple snack, these cookies fit right in!
  • Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these delightful cookies in no time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cookies:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup almond flour (for added flavor and texture)
  • 1/2 cup raspberry jam (or any berry jam of your choice)

For Garnish:

  • Sliced almonds (optional)
  • Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. Make the Cookie Dough

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and almond extract, mixing until well combined. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, salt, and almond flour until the dough comes together. It should be soft but not sticky.

3. Roll and Cut the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it to about 1/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes. If you want to create a thumbprint in the center of each cookie, make a small indentation with your thumb or the back of a spoon.

4. Fill with Raspberry Jam

Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets. Spoon a small amount of raspberry jam into the center of each cookie, being careful not to overfill.

5. Bake the Cookies

Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

6. Garnish and Serve

Once cooled, you can sprinkle the cookies with powdered sugar and garnish with sliced almonds for an extra touch. Enjoy these delightful cookies with a cup of tea or coffee!

Tips for Perfect Raspberry Almond Shortbread Cookies

  • Chill the Dough: If the dough is too soft to roll, consider chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
  • Quality Jam: Using high-quality raspberry jam will elevate the flavor of your cookies. You can also try homemade jam for a personal touch.
  • Make Ahead: These cookies can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to a week or frozen for longer storage.

Nutritional Benefits

These cookies offer a delightful balance of flavor and texture while also providing some nutritional benefits from almonds. Almonds are rich in healthy fats, fiber, and protein, making these cookies a satisfying treat.

Conclusion

Raspberry Almond Shortbread Cookies are a delightful treat that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Their buttery texture, combined with the tartness of raspberry and the nuttiness of almonds, creates a cookie experience that’s simply unforgettable. Try this recipe today, and bring a touch of sweetness to your day.

Leave a Comment