Festive Ruby Raspberry Almond Shortbread Delights
These delightful cookies are a holiday staple in our household, bringing a splash of color and sweetness to our festive table. With their buttery, crumbly texture and a luscious raspberry jam center, they are not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. The aroma of almond wafting through the kitchen elevates the holiday spirit, making these cookies perfect for sharing with family and friends. Easy to make and beautifully festive, they are a wonderful addition to any holiday celebration.
36
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
1 cup (softened)
sugar
2/3 cup (granulated)
almond extract
1/2 teaspoon (for dough)
flour
2 cups (all-purpose)
raspberry jam
1/2 cup (good quality)
powdered sugar
1 cup (for glaze)
almond extract
1 1/2 teaspoons (for glaze)
whipping cream
3 teaspoons (for glaze)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract. Beat the mixture at medium speed until it becomes creamy, scraping down the bowl occasionally.
2
Reduce the mixer speed to low, then gradually add in the flour while mixing until thoroughly combined. Once mixed, cover the dough and refrigerate it for at least one hour or until firm.
3
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line ungreased cookie sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
4
Shape the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared cookie sheets, leaving approximately 2 inches of space between each ball.
5
Using your thumb, gently press an indentation into the center of each cookie ball. Don’t worry if the edges crack slightly; this is normal.
6
Carefully fill each indentation with about 1/4 teaspoon of raspberry jam, being cautious not to overfill.
7
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 14-18 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
8
After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 1 minute before transferring them to a cooling rack set over wax or parchment paper to cool completely.
9
In the meantime, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons of almond extract, and 3 teaspoons of whipping cream in a small bowl until smooth and at your desired consistency.
10
Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle the icing over them and allow it to harden for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Festive Ruby Raspberry Almond Shortbread Delights?
These are buttery, crumbly holiday cookies featuring a luscious raspberry jam center and a sweet almond-flavored glaze.
How many cookies does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 36 cookies.
How long should I chill the cookie dough?
The dough needs to be refrigerated for at least one hour or until it is firm enough to handle.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) for baking these cookies.
What type of flour is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of all-purpose flour.
How much raspberry jam do I need for each cookie?
Use approximately 1/4 teaspoon of raspberry jam to fill the indentation in each cookie.
Why do the edges of the cookies crack when I press them?
Slight cracking at the edges is normal when making the thumbprint indentation and does not affect the final result.
How long do the cookies need to bake?
Bake the cookies for 14 to 18 minutes until the edges are lightly golden brown.
What are the ingredients for the almond glaze?
The glaze is made from 1 cup of powdered sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons of almond extract, and 3 teaspoons of whipping cream.
How do I prepare the cookie sheets?
Line ungreased cookie sheets with parchment paper to prevent the shortbread from sticking.
What size should the dough balls be?
Shape the chilled dough into 1-inch balls.
How much space should be left between cookies on the baking sheet?
Leave about 2 inches of space between each dough ball to allow for even baking.
When should I apply the glaze to the cookies?
Drizzle the glaze over the cookies only after they have cooled completely.
How long does the glaze take to harden?
Allow the icing to harden for at least 30 minutes before serving the cookies.
What type of butter is best for this recipe?
Use 1 cup of softened butter to ensure it creams well with the sugar.
Can I use a different flavor of extract?
While almond extract provides the signature festive flavor, you could technically substitute it with vanilla if preferred.
How do I make the indentation in the cookies?
Use your thumb to gently press an indentation into the center of each dough ball before adding the jam.
Should I use a specific speed when mixing the flour?
Yes, reduce the mixer speed to low when gradually adding the flour to avoid overworking the dough.
How long should the cookies cool on the baking sheet?
Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 1 minute before moving them to a cooling rack.
What should I do if the glaze is too thick?
You can adjust the consistency by whisking in very small amounts of additional whipping cream until smooth.
Is it necessary to use high-quality jam?
The recipe recommends using a good quality raspberry jam for the best flavor and texture.
What prevents the cookies from sticking to the cooling rack?
Place the cooling rack over wax or parchment paper to catch any glaze drips and make cleanup easier.
What is the first step in making the dough?
Beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract at medium speed until creamy.
Are these cookies suitable for holiday gifting?
Yes, their festive appearance and almond-raspberry flavor make them perfect for sharing with family and friends.
What gives the cookies their crumbly texture?
The high butter content and shortbread-style dough create the signature crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 total ingredients: butter, sugar, almond extract, flour, raspberry jam, powdered sugar, and whipping cream.
Does the recipe include nutritional information?
The provided recipe details do not include specific calorie or macronutrient counts.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized as a Dessert.
Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, since the dough requires at least an hour of chilling, it is well-suited for advance preparation.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
The tags include shortbread, cookies, holiday dessert, raspberry, almond, and Christmas.