Valentines Treats Raspberry Almond Cookies

Name: Valentines Treats Raspberry Almond Cookies
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup almond flour; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon almond extract; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 egg; 3/4 cup raspberry jam; 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted

Highlighted under: Soft Cooking

As someone who adores baking for special occasions, I couldn't resist creating these delightful Raspberry Almond Cookies for Valentine's Day. The sweet tangy raspberry filling perfectly complements the nutty almond flavor, resulting in a treat that's not just visually appealing but also indulgently delicious. Baking these cookies is a labor of love that fills the kitchen with enticing aromas, making it hard to wait for them to cool before enjoying one (or three!). Whether for a romantic dinner or a treat for friends, these cookies are sure to impress anyone.

Created by

Miranda Keats

Last updated on 2026-01-06T15:09:34.823Z

I had a moment of inspiration while thinking about how to make our Valentine’s Day special this year. I decided to incorporate fresh raspberries and almond flavors into a cookie recipe that would surprise and delight my loved ones. The combination of tart raspberry and sweet almond is simply irresistible.

As I experimented with the dough, I discovered that to elevate the flavor, toasting the almonds before mixing them in added a wonderful depth to the cookies. I also found that chilling the dough before baking resulted in a tender texture that holds up beautifully, making them the ideal treat to share on this lovely occasion.

Why You'll Love These Cookies
The perfect balance of sweet and tart with raspberry jam center
Nutty almond flavor in every bite for a delightful crunch
Visually stunning cookies that are perfect for sharing

Mastering the Cookie Dough

The key to achieving a perfect cookie dough lies in the creaming of the butter and sugar. Start with softened butter, ideally at room temperature, as this allows for better incorporation of air, resulting in a light texture. When you cream them together for 3-5 minutes, aim for a pale, fluffy consistency that's noticeably lightened in color. This airiness is what will contribute to a tender cookie, so take your time with this step.

Once you've combined the butter and sugar, introducing the egg and almond extract adds moisture and flavor. Make sure to beat the egg in until it's fully integrated, which should take no more than a minute. If your dough appears too soft after mixing in the dry ingredients, consider chilling it for longer to ensure better handling during shaping.

Getting the Filling Just Right

For the raspberry filling, using a quality raspberry jam is crucial. Look for a brand with minimal added sugars and real fruit content to get that vibrant tart flavor that complements the almonds perfectly. If you prefer a fresher alternative, homemade raspberry compote can be made by simmering fresh or frozen raspberries with a bit of sugar until thickened, giving a fresher taste to your cookies.

When spooning the jam into the cookie dough, be careful not to overfill. A teaspoon is usually enough to avoid the jam spilling out during baking, which can create a mess on your baking sheet. Shape the dough with a delicate hand to seal in the filling, as pressing too hard can lead to a tough cookie.

Baking and Storing Tips

Baking at the right temperature is essential for these cookies to achieve that perfect golden edge while retaining a soft, chewy center. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and ensure it's fully heated before placing the cookies inside. If the edges start browning too fast, you might need to rotate the trays halfway through baking for even results.

For storing, these cookies can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days, maintaining their delightful texture. If you'd like to extend their life, place them in the freezer between layers of parchment paper for up to three months. Just remember to let them thaw at room temperature for about 15 minutes before savoring!

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make the perfect Valentine's Treats Raspberry Almond Cookies:

Cookies Base

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup almond flour
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon almond extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 egg

Filling

3/4 cup raspberry jam
1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted

Once you have everything, let’s get started on making these delightful cookies!

Instructions

Follow these steps for baking the perfect Raspberry Almond Cookies:

Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes using an electric mixer.

Add Egg and Extract

Beat in the egg and almond extract, mixing until well incorporated.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.

Chill the Dough

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.

Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets

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

Shape Cookies

once chilled, scoop out the dough and flatten it in your palm to form a small disk. Place a teaspoon of raspberry jam in the center, fold the edges over to seal, and roll it into a ball.

Bake Cookies

Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Let them cool on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks.

Finish with Almonds

Once cooled, you can press sliced almonds gently on top of each cookie for an extra touch.

Enjoy these cookies fresh or stored in an airtight container for later!

Pro Tips

To enhance the almond flavor, consider adding a few drops of almond extract to the raspberry jam before filling the cookies. It intensifies the flavor beautifully!

Variations to Explore

While the raspberry and almond combination is delightful, you can experiment with different fruit fillings and nut pairings. Try swapping out the raspberry jam for strawberry or apricot preserves, which offer their own unique flavor profiles. If you're in the mood for something a bit more indulgent, incorporating a piece of dark chocolate in the center instead of jam will create a rich surprise with every bite.

For those who prefer a more nutty flavor, consider adding finely chopped pistachios or walnuts along with the almond flour. This substitution not only enhances the crunch factor but also diversifies the taste profile, making each bite an adventure.

Decorating Ideas

To elevate the visual appeal of your cookies, consider drizzling a simple almond glaze on top after they cool. Mix powdered sugar with a touch of almond extract and milk or water to create a smooth glaze that provides a beautiful and sweet finish. This not only enhances presentation but also adds an additional layer of sweetness, tying in beautifully with the almond flavor.

Another fun idea is to infuse some color into your cookies with edible glitter or sprinkles. Use heart-shaped sprinkles for a romantic touch, especially when gifting these cookies as Valentine's Day treats. Just be sure to apply them right after baking while the cookies are still warm, allowing them to stick nicely.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your cookies are spreading too much while baking, it could be due to dough that isn’t chilled sufficiently. Always make sure to refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. If you notice your cookies are too firm or dry after baking, consider adding a little more butter or a splash of milk into the dough next time for a softer texture.

On the flip side, if your cookies didn't rise as expected, it might be due to old baking soda or baking powder. Ensure these leavening agents are fresh, as they are essential for providing lift and lightness to your cookies. Every ingredient plays a significant role in the final product, so swap and adjust mindfully for the best outcome!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen raspberries instead of jam?

Yes, you can use fresh or frozen raspberries, but be mindful that they may create more moisture. Cook them down slightly to thicken before using.

→ How should I store these cookies?

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

→ Can I substitute almond flour with another type of flour?

While almond flour adds a unique flavor, you can substitute it with an equal amount of all-purpose flour, but the taste and texture will vary.

→ Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the dough ahead and freeze it for up to a month. Just thaw it before baking.