Grandma's Festive Raspberry Almond Bliss Cookies
These delightful Raspberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies are a cherished holiday classic passed down from my grandma. Their buttery almond flavor pairs wonderfully with a tart raspberry jam filling, making them the perfect treat for Christmas gatherings and holiday celebrations. The combination of the crunchy almond coating and the sweet glaze adds a touch of elegance to your holiday dessert table. Whether you're baking for family or gifting to friends, these cookies are sure to be a hit! Prepare a double batch because they disappear quickly!
36
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
1/2 cup (softened)
sugar
1/3 cup
salt
1/4 teaspoon
vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon
egg
1 large (separated; yolk and white used separately)
flour
1 cup
finely chopped almonds
3/4 cup
raspberry jam
1 cup (approximate)
powdered sugar
1 cup (approximate)
milk
1 tablespoon (approximate)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter until smooth and fluffy.
2
Add in the sugar, salt, vanilla extract, and the yolk of one egg. Beat until the mixture is light and creamy.
3
Gradually incorporate the flour into the mixture, stirring gently until fully combined.
4
Wrap the dough tightly in waxed paper and refrigerate for at least two hours, or overnight for best results.
5
Once chilled, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
6
Roll the dough into small balls, about 1/2 inch in diameter.
7
In a separate bowl, lightly beat the egg white. Dip each dough ball into the egg white, then roll them in the finely chopped almonds until fully coated.
8
Place the coated balls on an ungreased cookie sheet, leaving space between each. Use your thumb or the back of a teaspoon to make an indent in the center of each ball.
9
Spoon a little raspberry jam into each indent, filling them generously.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges.
11
Let the cookies cool on the cookie sheet for 1 minute before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
12
While the cookies are cooling, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar and milk in a bowl until you achieve a thick consistency. Adjust the quantities as needed.
13
Once cooled, frost the top of each cookie with a small dab of glaze, then enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Grandma's Festive Raspberry Almond Bliss Cookies?
These are a cherished holiday classic featuring a buttery almond thumbprint cookie filled with tart raspberry jam and topped with a sweet glaze.
What are the primary flavors in this recipe?
The cookies feature a blend of buttery almond dough and sweet-tart raspberry jam.
How many cookies does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 36 servings.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 300 degrees Fahrenheit (150 degrees Celsius).
How long should the dough be chilled?
The dough needs to be refrigerated for at least two hours, or overnight for the best results.
What ingredients are needed for the cookie base?
You will need softened butter, sugar, salt, vanilla extract, one egg yolk, and flour.
How do I prepare the egg for this recipe?
The egg should be separated; use the yolk in the dough and the white for the almond coating.
How large should I roll the dough balls?
Each ball of dough should be approximately 1/2 inch in diameter.
What is used to coat the cookies?
The dough balls are dipped in egg white and then rolled in finely chopped almonds.
How do I create the center indent in the cookies?
Use your thumb or the back of a teaspoon to make a small indent in the center of each dough ball.
What filling is used for these cookies?
The indents are filled with raspberry jam before baking.
How long should the cookies bake?
Bake the cookies for approximately 20 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
Should the cookie sheet be greased?
No, the cookies should be placed on an ungreased cookie sheet.
How long should the cookies cool on the pan?
Let them cool on the cookie sheet for one minute before transferring them to a wire rack.
What are the ingredients for the glaze?
The glaze is made by mixing powdered sugar and milk.
When should I apply the glaze?
Apply a small dab of glaze to the top of each cookie once they have cooled completely.
Can I use a different type of jam?
While raspberry is traditional, you can substitute other jam flavors if desired.
What type of nuts are best for the coating?
The recipe specifically calls for finely chopped almonds.
Is it okay to use cold butter?
The butter should be softened to ensure it creams properly with the sugar.
What is the texture of these cookies?
These cookies are buttery and soft with a crunchy almond exterior and a sweet jam center.
How do I achieve a thick glaze consistency?
Adjust the ratio of powdered sugar and milk until the desired thickness is reached.
Can the dough be made a day in advance?
Yes, refrigerating the dough overnight is actually recommended for the best results.
Why is it called a thumbprint cookie?
It is named after the method of using your thumb to create the space for the jam filling.
What type of flour is used?
The recipe calls for standard all-purpose flour.
Are these cookies suitable for gifting?
Yes, their elegant appearance and festive flavors make them perfect for gifting during the holidays.
What should I do if the dough is too soft to roll?
Ensure the dough has been chilled for at least two hours to make it easier to handle.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, the recipe author suggests preparing a double batch as they disappear quickly.
Is vanilla extract necessary?
Vanilla extract adds depth to the buttery flavor profile and is highly recommended.
How much raspberry jam is needed?
You will need approximately one cup of raspberry jam for the filling.
Do I need to grease the wire cooling rack?
No, the cookies are stable enough to be placed directly onto a standard wire rack once slightly cooled.