Valentines Treats Raspberry Almond Cookies

Name: Valentines Treats Raspberry Almond Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup powdered sugar; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon almond extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup raspberry jam; Fresh raspberries for garnish (optional)

Highlighted under: Oven Kitchen

I love creating special treats for Valentine’s Day, and these Raspberry Almond Cookies are always a hit! The combination of tart raspberry and nutty almond flavor is absolutely divine. As I perfected the recipe, I found that using fresh raspberries melds beautifully with the buttery cookie base, creating a sweet and slightly tangy experience that’s simply irresistible. The cookies are also delightful to gift, wrapped in pretty packaging to share the love with friends and family. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become your go-to Valentine’s treat!

Created by

Maribel Hawthorne

Last updated on 2026-01-06T15:09:34.733Z

When I first made these Raspberry Almond Cookies, I was experimenting with flavors and textures. The vibrant raspberry filling is such a showstopper, especially when paired with the nutty flavor of almond extract. The first bite revealed a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness that I knew I had to share! I'm always impressed by how quickly they disappear at gatherings.

One key detail I discovered is to make sure the raspberries are gently folded into the dough, ensuring pockets of fruit throughout the cookies. This method keeps them light and airy, with little bursts of flavor. Plus, chill the dough before baking for that perfect chewy texture!

Why You'll Love These Cookies
Irresistibly crunchy exterior with a soft and chewy center
Delicious raspberry jam that adds a fruity twist
Perfect for gifting or enjoying with your loved ones

Mastering the Cookie Texture

Achieving the perfect texture in these Raspberry Almond Cookies is crucial. When creaming the butter and sugars, aim for a light and fluffy consistency, which usually takes around 3-5 minutes of mixing. This air incorporation not only enhances the texture, yielding a crunchy exterior, but also helps the cookies rise properly during baking. If the dough seems too soft after mixing, you can refrigerate it for 30 minutes to help solidify the dough before shaping.

When shaping the cookies, remember that they will spread while baking, so give them adequate space on the baking sheet. Flattening each dough ball slightly encourages a nice, even bake and allows for the center to become beautifully chewy. While baking, keep an eye on them; when you see the edges turning golden and the center still looks soft, it’s time to remove them from the oven to prevent overbaking.

Choosing the Right Raspberry Jam

The raspberry jam used for this recipe is a star ingredient that adds a burst of fruity flavor. Opt for a high-quality, seedless jam to avoid any crunch that might detract from the chewy texture of the cookie. If you prefer a more intense raspberry taste, consider making a quick homemade raspberry jam by gently cooking fresh raspberries with a bit of sugar over low heat until thickened—a fantastic way to customize the flavor.

For those looking to make this recipe vegan, a fruit preserve may be substituted for the jam, ensuring it still brings that delightful tang. This swap will maintain the soft interior while providing a unique flavor profile. Experiment with different fruits like strawberry or peach to find your perfect combination, keeping in mind that adjusting the sweetness of the dough might be needed depending on the tartness of the fruit.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

To keep these Raspberry Almond Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for up to a week, but I encourage savoring them within the first few days for the best texture and flavor. If you want to enjoy them later, these cookies freeze exceptionally well. Layer them with parchment paper in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Just remember to let them thaw at room temperature before serving to regain their delightful chewiness.

For a stunning presentation, consider arranging the cookies in a decorative box or tin, especially if you're gifting them. Adding a few fresh raspberries around the cookies can create an appealing visual contrast. Pair these cookies with a warm cup of tea or coffee for a cozy treat, or serve them at a Valentine’s Day gathering where their sweet-tart flavor can shine alongside other desserts.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon almond extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Filling

1/2 cup raspberry jam
Fresh raspberries for garnish (optional)

Combine all ingredients thoroughly before shaping.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

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

Make the Cookie Dough

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, powdered sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the almond extract.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture until combined.

Shape the Cookies

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and shape them into balls. Flatten each ball slightly with your hand on the baking sheet.

Add Raspberry Filling

Make a small indentation in the center of each cookie and fill it with about half a teaspoon of raspberry jam.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool on a wire rack.

Enjoy your delicious Raspberry Almond Cookies!

Pro Tips

To enhance the raspberry flavor, you can mix a bit of fresh raspberry puree into the jam before adding it to the cookies.

Flavor Variations

While the combination of raspberry and almond is heavenly, feel free to explore other flavors! For a tropical twist, you can replace the raspberry jam with mango or passion fruit jam. Almond can be substituted with vanilla extract, which will add a different aromatic depth to the cookies. Mixing in chopped nuts, such as pistachios or walnuts, can offer added crunch and complexity to the texture.

Making these cookies a bit more festive can also be achieved by incorporating a splash of orange zest into the dough. This simple addition brightens the flavor profile and enhances the fruity jam filling, marrying beautifully with the almond essence for a truly memorable treat.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your cookies spread too much during baking, it could be due to the dough being too warm. Make sure to chill the dough if it seems excessively soft or sticky. You can even pop the shaped cookies in the fridge for about 15 minutes before baking to help them maintain their shape. Alternatively, ensure you're measuring the flour correctly—too little flour can cause excessive spreading.

On the off chance that your cookies turn out too dry, it’s likely due to overbaking. Watch closely in the last few minutes; the cookies are done when the edges are golden but the centers still appear slightly soft. Removing them from the oven at this point allows them to continue cooking on the baking sheet slightly, creating that desired chewy texture.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen raspberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen raspberries; just be sure to thaw and drain excess liquid before adding them to the cookie dough.

→ Is there a gluten-free option for these cookies?

Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

→ Can I make the dough in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking.

→ How should I store these cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.