Preparation

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is ideal for baking cookies. It ensures they cook evenly and develop a lovely golden color. Preheating is crucial because it helps the cookies rise properly and achieve that perfect texture.

Step 2: Prepare the dough

Next, it’s time to prepare the dough. Begin by mixing the softened butter and powdered sugar in a large bowl. Use a hand mixer or a whisk to cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, making your cookies tender.

Mixing butter and sugar

When you mix the butter and sugar, aim for a pale, creamy consistency. This step is essential for achieving the right texture in your cookies. It also helps to distribute the sweetness evenly throughout the dough.

Incorporating almond flour and extracts

After creaming the butter and sugar, gradually add the almond flour, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix until everything is well combined. The almond flour gives the cookies their unique flavor and texture, while the extracts enhance the overall taste.

Step 3: Chilling the dough

Once your dough is mixed, it’s important to chill it. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps it firm up, making it easier to shape the cookies later.

Importance of chilling for texture

Chilling the dough is crucial for achieving the right texture. It prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking. This way, they maintain their lovely round shape and soft center.

Step 4: Shaping the cookies

After chilling, take the dough out of the fridge. Use a small cookie scoop or your hands to form uniform balls, about 1 inch in diameter. This ensures that all your cookies bake evenly.

Tips for uniform size and shape

To keep your cookies uniform, try using a cookie scoop. This tool helps you measure out the dough consistently. If you prefer, you can also roll the dough between your palms for a smooth finish.

Step 5: Filling with raspberry jam

Now comes the fun part—filling the cookies! Take each dough ball and make a small indentation in the center using your thumb. Fill this space with about half a teaspoon of raspberry jam.

Techniques for filling without mess

To avoid a mess, be gentle when making the indentation. You want enough space for the jam but not so deep that the cookie breaks. After filling, pinch the dough around the jam to seal it, ensuring the filling stays inside while baking.

Step 6: Baking the cookies

Place the filled cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake them in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should be lightly golden around the edges when done.

Baking time and signs of doneness

Look for a slight golden color on the bottom of the cookies. They may appear soft when you take them out, but they will firm up as they cool. This is a good sign that they are perfectly baked!

Step 7: Dusting with powdered sugar

Once the cookies have cooled completely, it’s time to dust them with powdered sugar. Place the sugar in a fine mesh sieve and gently shake it over the cookies for an even coating.

Best practices for even coating

To achieve an even dusting, hold the sieve about 6 inches above the cookies. This distance allows the sugar to fall lightly, creating a beautiful snowy effect. Make sure to dust them just before serving for the best presentation!