There’s nothing quite like the warm scent of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house — it has a way of instantly bringing everyone together. Last weekend, while prepping for a small gathering, I had a sudden craving for something sweet yet sophisticated. That’s when I turned to my beloved recipe for Soft Raspberry Almond Sandwich Cookies. The moment I took that first bite, I was transported to a world of melt-in-your-mouth delight. The luscious raspberry jam nestled between the soft almond cookies offers the perfect contrast of flavors that you’ll find hard to resist.
What I adore most about these cookies is their versatility. Whether you’re hosting a tea party, looking for a delightful dessert to impress guests, or simply want a tasty treat at home, these sandwich cookies fit the bill beautifully. Plus, they’re easy to prepare in advance, ensuring you have more time to enjoy the company of loved ones. Let’s dive in and make some magic in the kitchen with this indulgent recipe!
Why Love Raspberry Almond Sandwich Cookies?
Irresistible flavors: The sweet-tart raspberry jam perfectly complements the nutty almond taste, creating a delightful explosion of flavor with each bite.
Easy prep: With straightforward steps, these cookies come together quickly, making them a breeze to whip up for any occasion.
Make-ahead magic: Bake and fill in advance, allowing flavors to meld beautifully for fresh treats whenever you need them.
Party pleaser: These elegant cookies are a guaranteed hit at gatherings, bringing smiles to both family and guests alike.
Customizable: Switch up the jam for endless variations, from classic strawberry to exotic passionfruit, making every batch unique!
Raspberry Almond Sandwich Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookies
- Unsalted Butter (170 g) – Creates a rich, tender texture; make sure it’s slightly softened for best blending.
- Granulated Sugar (225 g) – Adds just the right sweetness while helping achieve light, tender cookies.
- Egg (1 large, 50 g) – Acts as a binder, providing crucial structure; weighing eggs ensures you’re consistent.
- Egg Yolk (1) – Enhances moisture and rich flavor in the cookie.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tsp) – Infuses a lovely warmth; choose pure vanilla for the best taste.
- Almond Emulsion (1/4 tsp) – Delivers a robust almond flavor without any alcohol; it’s perfect for these cookies.
- All-Purpose Flour (260 g) – Provides the crucial structure necessary for cookie integrity.
- Almond Flour (112 g) – Adds to a tender crumb; this flour is also a fantastic gluten-free option.
- Salt (3/4 tsp) – Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavors of the cookies.
- Baking Soda (1/8 tsp) – Helps with browning and gives the cookies some delightful rise.
For the Filling
- Raspberry Jam – This sweet, tangy filling is essential for that indulgent taste; opt for high-quality jam for superior flavor.
How to Make Raspberry Almond Sandwich Cookies
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Cream Together: In a stand mixer, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium-low speed for about 1 minute until light and fluffy. This creates a rich base for your cookies.
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Add Wet Ingredients: Incorporate the egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond emulsion. Mix until all ingredients are just combined, ensuring a smooth batter.
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Sift and Combine: Sift the all-purpose flour, almond flour, salt, and baking soda together. Gradually mix this dry blend into your wet ingredients until incorporated, forming a soft dough.
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Chill the Dough: Roll the dough between two sheets of parchment paper to achieve a thickness of 1/4 to 1/8 inch. Chill in the refrigerator for about 60 minutes; this will help your cookies maintain their shape when baked.
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Preheat and Cut: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). After removing the chilled dough, cut out circles using a cookie cutter and chill again for 10 minutes for optimal texture.
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Bake: Place the cookie rounds on parchment-lined baking sheets and bake for 8–11 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. The cookies should be soft yet firm to the touch.
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Cool and Assemble: Allow your cookies to cool completely. If desired, coat the edges in granulated sugar for added sweetness, then spread raspberry jam on one cookie and sandwich with another.
Optional: Dust with powdered sugar before serving for a beautiful finish!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Raspberry Almond Sandwich Cookies Variations
Get ready to unleash your inner culinary artist and switch up this delightful recipe in fun new ways!
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JAM SWAP: Try different jams like blueberry or strawberry for a fruity twist that keeps things interesting.
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GLUTEN-FREE: Substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour for a gluten-free version; just note the texture may be denser!
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CITRUS ZING: Add a teaspoon of orange zest to the cookie dough for a bright, zesty edge that pairs wonderfully with raspberry.
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NUTTY FLAVOR: Incorporate finely chopped walnuts or pistachios into the dough for an added crunch and flavor contrast.
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CHOCOLATE DRIZZLE: Melt dark chocolate and drizzle it atop the cooled sandwich cookies for a decadent finish that chocolate lovers will adore.
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SPICE IT UP: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cookie dough for a warm spiced flavor, which pairs beautifully with the sweetness of raspberry.
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POWDERED SUGAR DUSTING: Lightly dust the finished cookies with powdered sugar for an elegant touch that enhances their visual appeal.
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SANDWICH SIZE: Make larger cookies by using a bigger cookie cutter, creating a more indulgent treat that is perfect for sharing!
What to Serve with Raspberry Almond Sandwich Cookies?
These delightful cookies are a sweet experience that are best enjoyed as part of a charming dessert spread.
- Fresh Berries: A medley of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries brightens the plate, adding freshness that perfectly balances the almond cookies’ sweetness.
- Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream serves as a delightful contrast to the cookie’s soft texture, enhancing the overall indulgence. It can even be a creamy dip for the cookies!
- Iced Tea: A refreshing glass of sweetened iced tea offers a sweet contrast, complementing the tartness of raspberry jam beautifully while making for a delightful afternoon treat.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Adding a light drizzle of melted dark chocolate over the sandwich cookies creates a luxurious twist that elevates the presentation and flavor profile to gourmet status.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: A subtle tanginess from cream cheese frosting serves as a luscious pairing, providing an extra layer of flavor that sings alongside the cookies.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve these cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dreamy dessert. The creamy texture melts into the cookies, creating a delightful duo!
- Coffee or Espresso: A warm cup of coffee or a shot of espresso adds a sophisticated touch, enhancing the nutty flavors of the almond cookies while giving you that perfect afternoon pick-me-up.
How to Store and Freeze Raspberry Almond Sandwich Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days. They’ll stay soft and delightful, ready to satisfy your sweet cravings.
Fridge: If your kitchen is particularly warm, keep cookies in the fridge to maintain freshness for up to 10 days. Just allow them to come to room temperature before enjoying.
Freezer: Unfilled cookies can be frozen for up to a month in a sealed container. For extra convenience, freeze the dough for up to three months; just thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking.
Reheating: If you prefer warm cookies, gently microwave them for about 10 seconds. This revives their soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture, making your Raspberry Almond Sandwich Cookies feel freshly baked again!
Expert Tips for Raspberry Almond Sandwich Cookies
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Chill the Dough: Make sure to chill the dough adequately before baking. This helps retain the cookie’s shape and leads to a tender texture.
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Quality Jam Matters: Use high-quality raspberry jam to elevate your cookies’ flavor. A rich jam enhances the overall taste of the Raspberry Almond Sandwich Cookies.
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Avoid Overbaking: Keep an eye on the baking time. Overbaking can dry out the cookies, so remove them when the edges are golden but the centers are still soft.
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Fill with Care: When applying jam, leave a 1/4 inch border around the edges. This prevents overflow when the cookies are sandwiched together, ensuring each bite has the perfect amount of filling.
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Let Them Rest: For the best flavor, allow the assembled cookies to rest for a few hours before serving. This lets the jam soften the cookies slightly without making them mushy.
Make Ahead Options
These Raspberry Almond Sandwich Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks who want to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by rolling it out and chilling it in the fridge. For even more convenience, you can bake the cookies and leave them unfilled for up to 3 days at room temperature before serving. To maintain their delightful texture, store the unfilled cookies in an airtight container. When you’re ready to serve, simply assemble them with raspberry jam, and enjoy that melt-in-your-mouth experience. With these make-ahead tips, you’ll have delicious treats ready for any occasion!
Raspberry Almond Sandwich Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best raspberries for my jam?
Absolutely! When selecting raspberries, look for plump, firm berries with a deep red color and no dark spots. They should smell sweet and fruity. Avoid using berries that are mushy or have visible signs of mold, as these can affect the flavor and quality of your raspberry jam filling.
What is the best way to store Raspberry Almond Sandwich Cookies?
For the best freshness, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days. If it’s particularly warm, keeping them in the fridge extends their life to about 10 days; just make sure to bring them back to room temperature before enjoying.
Can I freeze these sandwich cookies?
Very! You can freeze unfilled cookies for up to a month or freeze the dough for up to three months. To freeze the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and place it in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, simply thaw the dough in the fridge overnight before rolling and cutting as instructed.
What should I do if my cookies turn out dry?
If your Raspberry Almond Sandwich Cookies come out dry, it may be due to overbaking. Make sure to bake them just until the edges are golden and the centers are slightly soft. To add moisture, you can try placing a slice of bread in the container with the cookies; the bread helps maintain moisture levels.
Can these cookies be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make a gluten-free version of Raspberry Almond Sandwich Cookies, you can use all almond flour in place of all-purpose flour. You’ll notice a different texture, but the flavors will remain delicious, and they will still be wonderfully soft. Just keep in mind that almond flour tends to spread more, so adjust your baking time accordingly.
Are these cookies safe for pets or people with allergies?
Be cautious! While the cookie ingredients are safe for humans, they could be harmful for pets, especially chocolate or certain nuts. Always check for common allergens, like gluten or nuts, if you’re serving to someone who has allergies, and consider using alternate fillings if needed.
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Raspberry Almond Sandwich Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a stand mixer, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium-low speed for about 1 minute until light and fluffy.
- Incorporate the egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond emulsion. Mix until all ingredients are just combined.
- Sift the all-purpose flour, almond flour, salt, and baking soda together and gradually mix into your wet ingredients until incorporated.
- Roll the dough between two sheets of parchment paper to a thickness of 1/4 to 1/8 inch. Chill in the refrigerator for about 60 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut out circles using a cookie cutter and chill again for 10 minutes.
- Place the cookie rounds on parchment-lined baking sheets and bake for 8–11 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- Allow your cookies to cool completely. Spread raspberry jam on one cookie and sandwich with another.