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; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon almond extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup raspberry jam; Powdered sugar for dusting

Highlighted under: Soft Favorites

I absolutely adore baking these Raspberry Almond Cookies for Valentine’s Day! The combination of sweet raspberry jam and nutty almond flavor creates a delightful treat that melts in your mouth. Each bite brings a wonderful harmony of textures and flavors that is simply irresistible. The best part is how easy they are to make, and the beautiful presentation makes them perfect for sharing with loved ones. Trust me, once you make these cookies, they will quickly become a cherished addition to your Valentine’s Day celebrations.

Created by

Celia Winterbourne

Last updated on 2026-01-06T16:09:34.745Z

Every Valentine’s Day, I look forward to making these charming Raspberry Almond Cookies. The bright raspberry filling adds a unique tartness that beautifully balances the sweetness of the cookie itself. A tip I always share is to chill the dough for a few minutes before rolling, which helps achieve that perfect soft texture while maintaining shape during baking.

When experimenting with this recipe, I discovered that adding a touch of almond extract elevates the flavor profile. It’s subtle but makes a world of difference. Pair these cookies with a cup of tea or coffee, and you have a delightful moment to savor.

        Why You'll Love These Cookies
        Perfectly balanced flavors of sweet and tart with a nutty twist
Soft and chewy texture that delights with every bite
Visually appealing – perfect for gifting or sharing on Valentine’s Day

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The key to achieving the perfect texture in these Raspberry Almond Cookies lies in the butter. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt level, which is important for balancing the sweetness of the cookie and the tartness of the raspberry jam. Make sure your butter is at room temperature for optimal creaming; this should take about 30-45 minutes outside the fridge. A properly creamed mixture will look light and fluffy, creating air pockets that contribute to a soft texture.

Another important ingredient is the almond extract, which adds a nutty depth that complements the raspberry jam beautifully. If you're looking for alternatives due to nut allergies, you can substitute it with an equal amount of vanilla extract. Alternatively, a few drops of coconut extract can provide a unique flavor twist while still keeping your cookies deliciously aromatic.

Techniques for Perfect Cookies

When shaping the cookies, ensure that the balls are uniform in size, about one inch in diameter, for even baking. Using a cookie scoop can help keep the sizes consistent. After making the indentation for the jam, you can use the back of a teaspoon to create a deeper hollow which will hold more filling and enhance the sweet, gooey center once baked.

Once the cookies are in the oven, watch them closely in the last few minutes of baking. You want the edges to be lightly golden while the centers remain soft. If you notice the tops losing their glossy sheen, it’s a sign that they are close to being done. Remember to give them a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack; this will help them set up properly without breaking.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon almond extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup raspberry jam
Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined. Chill the dough for about 15 minutes.

Shape and Fill the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the chilled dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make an indentation in the center of each ball with your thumb and fill with a small amount of raspberry jam.

Bake the Cookies

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, add crushed almonds on top of the jam before baking to give a delightful crunch. You can also substitute raspberry jam with other fruit preserves for a different flavor variation.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These Raspberry Almond Cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week, making them a great treat to bake in advance for Valentine’s Day. If you want to keep them even longer, consider freezing them. You can freeze the unbaked dough for up to three months. Just roll the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag for long-term storage. When you're ready to bake, just add a couple of extra minutes to the bake time directly from the freezer.

If you prefer to bake them first, let the cookies cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. To refresh them before serving, pop them in the oven at a low temperature (around 300°F or 150°C) for about 5 minutes. This will help revive their soft texture and bring back the sweetness of the raspberry jam.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

These cookies are delightful on their own, but you can elevate their presentation by drizzling a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and almond extract over them. This adds a touch of elegance and extra sweetness that pairs beautifully with the tart raspberry jam. For a fun variation, try using different types of fruit jams like apricot or blueberry, which will give the cookies a new twist in flavor while keeping the same beloved nutty essence.

For those looking to amp up the texture, consider folding in finely chopped almonds or pecans into the dough. This not only enhances the nutty flavor but also adds a satisfying crunch that contrasts with the soft cookie base. Experiment with different nut ratios, but be wary of overpowering the delicate balance of flavors; a handful should suffice to maintain harmony between the raspberry and almond.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of jam?

Absolutely! Try using apricot, strawberry, or even blueberry jam for a different flavor.

→ How should I store these cookies?

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

→ Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to a month. Just thaw in the refrigerator before baking.

→ What if I don't have almond extract?

You can omit it or substitute it with additional vanilla extract for a vanilla flavor.