As I sifted through a collection of cherished recipes, I stumbled upon a simple, yet enchanting one that transports me back to sunlit kitchens and sweet summertime gatherings: the Best Raspberry Almond Shortbread Cookies. These delightful bites offer a harmonious combination of buttery shortbread, tangy raspberry jam, and a satisfying crunch from sliced almonds. What’s more, they’re incredibly easy to whip up, making them perfect for both seasoned bakers and newcomers looking to impress friends and family. Not only do they evoke nostalgia, but they also add a charming touch to any tea party or festive occasion. Ready to bake? Let’s dive into the sweet world of cookies that promise to make your kitchen feel like home!
Why Are These Cookies So Special?
Nostalgic Flavor: These cookies whisk you back to warm summer afternoons with their delightful blend of buttery shortbread and tart raspberry jam.
Easy Preparation: With only a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginners can create these delicious treats.
Customizable Options: Feel free to switch the raspberry jam for strawberry or apricot, matching your tastes or what you have on hand.
Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Whether for tea parties, holiday gatherings, or just a special family dessert, they never fail to impress!
Perfect Texture: Enjoy the satisfying contrast of a soft center with the crunch of sliced almonds, making each bite a delightful experience.
Enjoy baking these cookies today, and don’t forget to also check out my Moist Banana Muffins for a scrumptious breakfast treat!
Best Raspberry Almond Shortbread Cookies Ingredients
For the Dough
• Unsalted Butter – Use room temperature for a light, fluffy texture.
• Granulated Sugar – This adds sweetness and contributes to a melt-in-your-mouth feel.
• Almond Extract – Imparts a warm, nutty aroma; substitute with vanilla extract for nut-free options.
• All-Purpose Flour – Forms the structure of the dough while keeping it tender.
For the Filling
• Raspberry Jam – Offers a sweet-tart burst; feel free to use strawberry or apricot if you prefer!
For the Topping
• Sliced Almonds – Adds crunch and enhances the almond flavor; can be omitted for a nut-free version.
• Powdered Sugar (optional) – Dust before serving to enhance the visual appeal of your cookies.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Best Raspberry Almond Shortbread Cookies
Step 1: Prep the Dough
Begin by creaming 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and ¾ cup of granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. Next, mix in 1 teaspoon of almond extract, followed by gradually adding 2 cups of all-purpose flour until the dough just comes together and forms a soft texture, signaling it’s ready for chilling.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape each into a disc. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This crucial step for the Best Raspberry Almond Shortbread Cookies ensures the dough firms up, preventing any spreading during baking. While waiting, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
Step 3: Shape the Cookies
Once the dough has chilled, place one disc on a lightly floured surface and roll it out to about ¼ inch thickness using a rolling pin. Use your favorite cookie cutter to cut out shapes, transferring them to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Continue this process until you’ve cut all the dough, ensuring some space between each cookie for even baking.
Step 4: Add the Filling
Using a teaspoon, dollop a small amount of raspberry jam onto the center of each cookie. For added texture and flavor, sprinkle a few sliced almonds over the top of each jam-filled cookie. This sweet-tart filling beautifully complements the buttery shortbread, making these cookies a delightful treat.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 14-18 minutes, or until the edges are gently golden. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-baking, as they should remain soft in the center. The fragrant aroma will fill your kitchen, signaling that the Best Raspberry Almond Shortbread Cookies are almost ready.
Step 6: Cool the Cookies
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to sit on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. This resting time helps them firm up slightly before transferring them to a wire rack. Place the cookies on the rack to cool completely, allowing their flavors to deepen and making them irresistible to taste.
Best Raspberry Almond Shortbread Cookies Variations
Feel free to get creative with these delightful cookies! Each twist adds a unique touch that will make these treats your own.
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Nut-Free: Replace almond extract with an equal amount of vanilla extract and omit sliced almonds for a deliciously allergen-friendly version.
Kids and adults alike will appreciate these cookies, allowing everyone to indulge without worry. -
Jelly Swap: Use strawberry, apricot, or peach jam instead of raspberry for a refreshing flavor change.
Each choice brings a new character to your cookies, perfect for sampling different taste experiences. -
Chocolate Drizzle: Add a gourmet flair by melting dark chocolate and drizzling it over the cooled cookies.
This decadent touch harmonizes beautifully with the jam-filled center, elevating each bite. -
Citrus Zing: Incorporate zest from a lemon or orange into the dough for a bright, fruity twist.
The citrus notes add an unexpected freshness that complements the sweetness perfectly. -
Oatmeal Crunch: Mix in 1/2 cup of rolled oats into the dough for extra texture and chewiness.
This hearty addition gives a rustic charm, making them feel even more like homemade favorites. -
Spiced Variation: Sprinkle in a 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the flour mixture for a warm, cozy flavor.
These spices evoke a sense of comfort, wrapping you in memories of baked treats from childhood. -
Iced Treats: Top with a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk for a sweet finishing touch.
The drizzle adds a delightful sweetness that complements the cookies’ buttery essence remarkably. -
Serve With Ice Cream: Pair these cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.
The contrast of warm cookies and cold ice cream creates a delicious treat that your family will adore!
Once you’ve created your delightful cookies, consider serving them with a cup of tea or alongside a slice of Moist Banana Muffins for a comforting afternoon treat!
What to Serve with Best Raspberry Almond Shortbread Cookies
These delightful cookies can transform a simple gathering into a heartwarming occasion, pairing beautifully with various accompaniments.
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Herbal Tea: A soothing cup of chamomile or mint tea enhances the cookie’s buttery notes, creating a cozy pairing for afternoon breaks.
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Sparkling Wine: The bubbles in sparkling wine cut through the sweetness, balancing the tart raspberry jam for a festive treat.
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Fresh Berries: A mix of raspberries and strawberries adds a fresh element that mirrors the cookie’s fruity filling, delightful and visually appealing.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Pairing these cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a heavenly contrast of temperatures, elevating your dessert experience to new heights.
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Dark Chocolate Drizzle: A light drizzle of melted dark chocolate adds a rich touch that complements the sweetness of the cookie beautifully, offering an indulgent treat.
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Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream brings airiness and creaminess that balances the crunchy texture of the sliced almonds, making every bite delightful.
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Lemonade: A glass of fresh lemonade provides a refreshing citrus lift that brightens the entire dessert table, enhancing flavors while adding a touch of summer cheer.
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Cheese Platter: Serving these cookies with mild cheese like Brie or cream cheese creates a delightful contrast, bridging sweet and savory in every bite.
Embrace the joy of these complementary flavors and make your next gathering extra special!
Storage Tips for Best Raspberry Almond Shortbread Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days to keep them fresh and flavorful.
Fridge: These cookies can last up to 7 days in the refrigerator when kept in an airtight container, but be sure to allow them to come to room temperature before serving.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. To maintain quality, wrap them individually or stack them in layers with parchment paper in between.
Reheating: To enjoy them warm, reheat frozen cookies directly from the freezer in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes.
Make Ahead Options
These Best Raspberry Almond Shortbread Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerating it. Alternatively, for even longer storage, freeze the dough for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight before rolling it out and shaping the cookies. To maintain that delightful soft center and crunchy almond topping, avoid over-baking; keep an eye on them as they bake for 14-18 minutes. With these make-ahead tips, you can enjoy fresh, homemade cookies with minimal last-minute effort!
Expert Tips for Best Raspberry Almond Shortbread Cookies
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Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough for at least an hour will prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking, ensuring they maintain their shape.
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Measure Flour Accurately: Use a spoon to fluff the flour in its container, then scoop and level it off when measuring. This prevents any excess flour that could lead to overly dense cookies.
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Customize Your Jelly: Feel free to substitute raspberry jam with your favorite flavors like strawberry or apricot for a personal twist on the Best Raspberry Almond Shortbread Cookies.
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Baking Time: Keep a close watch on the cookies during baking. They should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center—over-baking can lead to a dry texture.
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Storage Matters: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer freshness, freeze them for up to three months.
Best Raspberry Almond Shortbread Cookies Recipe FAQs
What kind of butter should I use for the cookies?
Absolutely! Use unsalted butter at room temperature for the best texture. This allows for easier creaming with sugar, creating that light and fluffy cookie base. If you only have salted butter, you can still use it; just omit the added salt in the recipe.
How should I store the Best Raspberry Almond Shortbread Cookies?
You can store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for about 3 days to keep them fresh and flavorful. For longer storage, they can also be kept in the fridge for up to 7 days or frozen for up to 3 months. If freezing, be sure to wrap them in plastic wrap or a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn!
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough! I often do this for quick treats later. Shape your cookie dough into discs and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag or airtight container. The dough will last up to 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to bake, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time if baking from frozen.
Are there any common issues I should watch for while baking?
Very good question! One common issue is cookie spreading. To avoid this, ensure you chill the dough adequately (for at least 1 hour), as this firms up the butter and helps the cookies maintain their shape. Additionally, accurate measuring of flour is key—too much can make your cookies dry and hard. Remember to fluff your flour before scooping!
Can I make these cookies nut-free?
Absolutely! For a nut-free version, simply substitute almond extract with vanilla extract, which gives off a lovely aroma without the nuts. You can also omit the sliced almonds entirely. These delightful cookies will still be deliciously sweet and satisfying!
Best Raspberry Almond Shortbread Cookies You’ll Love to Bake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by creaming the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Mix in almond extract and then gradually add all-purpose flour until just combined.
- Divide the dough into two portions, shape into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thickness and cut out shapes.
- Dollop raspberry jam onto the center of each cookie and sprinkle sliced almonds on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 14-18 minutes until edges are golden. Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.