Valentines Treats Raspberry Almond Cookies

Name: Valentines Treats Raspberry Almond Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon almond extract; 1/2 cup raspberry preserves; 1/2 cup sliced almonds

Highlighted under: Modern Kitchen

Whenever I think of Valentine's Day, my mind goes straight to these delightful Raspberry Almond Cookies. I love how the tartness of the raspberry preserves complements the nutty flavor of the almonds, making each cookie a mini celebration in itself. It's a simple yet elegant treat that I've found to be perfect for sharing with loved ones. Each bite melts in your mouth, and I can't resist the charming aroma that fills my kitchen as they bake. These cookies truly capture the essence of love and indulgence.

Created by

Primrose Cavendish

Last updated on 2026-01-06T13:41:34.590Z

My love affair with baking began when I decided to surprise my partner with homemade cookies for Valentine's Day. I experimented with raspberry and almond flavors, and to my delight, they married beautifully in these cookies. They're not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them perfect for gift-giving. The secret lies in using high-quality raspberry preserves, which adds a lovely tartness that perfectly contrasts the sweetness of the cookie.

I also discovered that chilling the dough for a few minutes helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking. It’s a small step, but it truly makes a difference. Every time I bake these cookies, they remind me of the special moments shared over sweet treats with loved ones, and they’ve become a cherished tradition in our home.

        Why You'll Love These Cookies
        The perfect blend of tart raspberry and nutty almond flavors
Delightfully chewy with a crispy edge
Great for sharing with friends or as a Valentine’s gift

      

Creating the Perfect Texture

Achieving the ideal texture in these Raspberry Almond Cookies relies heavily on the ratio of wet to dry ingredients. The combination of softened butter and sugar creates a light, airy base, while the addition of sliced almonds provides a delightful crunch. When you cream the butter and sugar, aim for a pale, fluffy consistency; this incorporates air and contributes to the chewy center we all love. Be cautious not to overmix the dough after adding the flour to prevent tough cookies.

Additionally, allowing the cookie dough to chill is crucial. This step firms up the butter, reducing spread while baking and helping the cookies maintain their shape. A short chill of 10 minutes works well, but you can also chill the dough for up to two hours if you wish to prepare it in advance. Just remember to wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap to avoid drying out.

Raspberry Preserves: A Flavorful Addition

Choosing the right raspberry preserves can significantly impact the flavor profile of these cookies. Look for high-quality preserves that are made with real fruit and minimal added sugars. This ensures a vibrant, tart raspberry flavor that shines through and balances the sweetness of the cookie. If you're feeling adventurous, consider making your own raspberry preserves for an even fresher taste, or substitute with other fruit preserves like apricot or cherry for a unique twist.

When filling the thumbprint with raspberry preserves, don’t be too shy. A generous 1/2 teaspoon creates a lovely burst of flavor in each bite. Just ensure not to overfill, as the preserves can bubble over during baking. Instead, keep a slight well in the center of each cookie to contain the filling, ensuring every bite is infused with that delightful berry tang.

Storing and Serving Your Cookies

Once baked, let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack to stop the cooking process and preserve their soft, chewy texture. If you plan to store them, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature where they will remain fresh for up to a week. If you want to extend their shelf life, consider freezing them. Flash freeze the cookies on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Just remember to thaw them at room temperature before serving.

These Raspberry Almond Cookies are versatile when it comes to serving options. They can be enjoyed alone with a cup of tea or coffee, or you can elevate the experience by drizzling them with melted chocolate for a decadent touch. For a romantic touch, consider plating them with fresh raspberries and a sprig of mint as a garnish. This not only adds visual appeal but also highlights the delicious flavors of the cookies.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon almond extract
1/2 cup raspberry preserves
1/2 cup sliced almonds

Instructions

Steps

Prepare the Dough

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In another large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and almond extract, then gradually add the flour mixture until combined.

Chill and Shape

Chill the cookie dough in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making small balls. Press a thumbprint into the center of each cookie.

Fill with Raspberry

Fill each thumbprint with about 1/2 teaspoon of raspberry preserves and sprinkle with sliced almonds on top.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for added flavor and decoration.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your cookies come out too flat, this could indicate that the butter was too warm or that the dough wasn't chilled long enough. Make sure your butter is softened but still cool to the touch, and always chill the dough to help maintain shape during baking. You can also try adding a tablespoon of extra flour to the dough if you encounter this issue.

Conversely, if your cookies are too dry or crumbly, you may have overbaked them. Keep an eye on them as they bake; they should be lightly golden around the edges and still slightly soft in the center when removed from the oven. If they seem overly well-done, reduce your baking time by one or two minutes for your next batch.

Recipe Variations

While raspberry and almond make a classic pairing, this cookie recipe is quite adaptable. Try swapping out almond extract for vanilla or hazelnut to create a different flavor profile. You can even experiment with adding white chocolate chips or diced dark chocolate to the dough for a rich contrast to the tart raspberry.

For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend that contains xanthan gum. This will help maintain the cookie structure. Always test a small batch first to ensure your chosen flour behaves well with the rest of the ingredients.

Making a Larger Batch

If you're planning on baking for a crowd, this recipe can easily be doubled. Simply multiply each ingredient by two, and ensure you have adequate baking sheets and space in the oven. To keep the baking consistent, you might need to bake in batches. Remember, cookies can be stored at room temperature or frozen, so making extra is a great strategy for later enjoyment.

When scaling up, it may be helpful to measure certain ingredients by weight for precision, especially flour and sugar. This ensures that each cookie remains equally delicious, with the perfect texture regardless of the batch size. Utilize a kitchen scale for accuracy and efficiency to make your baking experience even smoother.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other fruit preserves instead of raspberry?

Absolutely! Any fruit preserves will work well, such as apricot or strawberry.

→ How should I store these cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to three months. Just thaw in the refrigerator before using.

→ What can I use instead of almond extract?

You can replace it with vanilla extract for a different flavor profile.