These Raspberry Almond Sandwich Cookies are a sweet treat that brings together soft almond-flavored cookies filled with a delicious raspberry jam. They’re simple and oh-so-tasty!
Making these cookies is like baking love into each bite! I like to enjoy them with a cup of tea. Trust me, one bite and you’ll be reaching for another! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is essential for the cookie structure. You can substitute with gluten-free flour if you’re avoiding gluten, but it might change the texture a bit.
Almond flour: This adds a nice nutty flavor. If you don’t have it, try using ground walnuts or hazelnuts for a different twist.
Unsalted butter: Use unsalted to control the saltiness. If you’re dairy-free, coconut oil or vegan butter works great too!
Granulated sugar: Traditional white sugar is used here, but you can swap it for coconut sugar to give a hint of caramel flavor.
Raspberry jam: While raspberry is classic, feel free to experiment with other flavors like apricot or strawberry for a fun twist!
How Do I Ensure My Cookies Stay Soft and Chewy?
To keep your cookies soft, it’s crucial to not overbake them. Follow these tips:
- Watch them closely! They should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the middle.
- Chill the dough as instructed. This helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.
- Let them cool completely before sandwiching with jam. If they are warm, they can be too soft and may break.
By following these steps, you’ll achieve fluffy, delightful cookies every time! Enjoy baking these delightful treats!
Raspberry Almond Sandwich Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (90g) almond flour
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- 1/2 cup raspberry jam (seedless if preferred)
- Optional: sliced almonds for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take approximately 15 minutes to prep, about 15 minutes to bake, and 30 minutes for chilling the dough. In total, you can expect about 1 hour to make these lovely cookies from start to finish, plus some extra time to cool down.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the cookies don’t stick while baking.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Use a mixer or a spoon to cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is important for a soft texture!
3. Add Egg and Almond Extract:
Next, beat in the large egg along with the almond extract until everything is well combined and smooth.
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, and salt. This ensures that your dry ingredients are evenly mixed before adding them to the wet ingredients.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Stir together until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix!
6. Chill the Dough:
Roll the dough into a log shape, about 1-2 inches in diameter. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and pop it in the refrigerator to chill for about 30 minutes. This helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
7. Slice and Arrange:
After chilling, remove the dough from the fridge and slice it into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Place these rounds on your prepared baking sheet, making sure they are spaced about 1 inch apart.
8. Optional Almond Garnish:
If you’d like, sprinkle some sliced almonds on top of each cookie for added texture and flavor before baking.
9. Bake the Cookies:
Bake the cookies in the oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning!
10. Cool Completely:
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack. Patience is key here so they don’t break apart!
11. Assemble the Sandwich Cookies:
Once the cookies are cool, spread about a teaspoon of raspberry jam on the flat side of one cookie and top it with another cookie to create a sandwich.
12. Finish with Powdered Sugar:
To make them extra special, dust the top of the sandwich cookies lightly with powdered sugar before serving.
13. Serve and Enjoy!
And there you have it! Your delicious Raspberry Almond Sandwich Cookies are ready to be enjoyed! Store them in an airtight container for up to 5 days, if they last that long!
These delicate almond cookies sandwich a luscious layer of raspberry jam, creating a delightful balance of nutty and fruity flavors wrapped in powdery sweetness. Happy baking!
Can I Use Other Types of Jam in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While raspberry jam is traditional, you can swap it out for other flavors like strawberry, apricot, or even a mixed berry jam. Just make sure it’s spreadable for the best texture.
Can I Make These Cookies Gluten-Free?
Yes! To make gluten-free Raspberry Almond Sandwich Cookies, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum for better binding.
How Should I Store the Cookies?
Store the sandwich cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, consider refrigerating them for up to a week.
Can I Prepare the Dough in Advance?
Definitely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and chill it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just take the dough out, slice, and bake it when you’re ready!
