Delicious Raspberry Almond Kiss Cookies: A Buttery, Sweet, and Irresistible Treat
Welcome to the delightful world of Raspberry Almond Kiss Cookies! These aren’t just any ordinary cookies; they’re a classic with an enchanting twist, combining the rich, buttery goodness of almond-flavored cookies with the sweet surprise of a chocolate kiss and a vibrant raspberry drizzle. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are a true celebration of flavor and texture, destined to become a favorite for all almond lovers and anyone seeking a truly special homemade treat.
This almond cookies recipe is designed to be approachable and enjoyable for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned pros. The cookie dough comes together effortlessly, and the cookies bake to golden perfection in a matter of minutes. The result is a batch of wonderfully soft and chewy chocolate kiss cookies, boasting a profound sweet almond flavor beautifully complemented by a delicate hint of tart raspberry. It’s a symphony of tastes that will leave everyone reaching for another.
The Enduring Charm: A Brief History of Kiss Cookies
Kiss cookies, particularly those featuring the delightful Hershey’s Kiss, have long held a cherished spot in the hearts of cookie enthusiasts. While their exact origins are shrouded in a bit of mystery, it’s widely believed that variations of almond-based cookies first emerged in Europe, where almonds were a readily available and highly prized ingredient. Over the centuries, the basic cookie recipe evolved, with countless adaptations and regional variations emerging, each adding its unique touch to the beloved treat.
The “kiss” element likely gained widespread popularity with the introduction of Hershey’s Kisses in the early 20th century, adding a recognizable and much-loved chocolate component. These cookies quickly became a staple, especially during the festive holiday season. Their simple yet elegant appearance and customizable nature made them an ideal candidate for gifting, holiday parties, and family gatherings. Whether you’re continuing a family tradition or starting a new one, baking a batch of these classic Almond Kiss Cookies is a wonderful way to bring joy and deliciousness to any occasion.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Raspberry Almond Kiss Cookies
These aren’t just cookies; they’re an experience! Here’s what makes our Raspberry Almond Kiss Cookies truly irresistible:
- Perfectly Balanced Texture: Prepare for a delightful interplay of textures in every bite. The cookie itself is wonderfully soft and chewy, providing a comforting base. This contrasts beautifully with the satisfying crunch of the almond chocolate kiss nestled on top, creating an experience that keeps you coming back for more.
- Exquisite Flavor Profile: Each cookie is a masterpiece of flavor. The rich, buttery base is infused with a sweet, nutty almond extract that creates a depth of taste. This is perfectly balanced by the creamy sweetness of the chocolate kiss and further elevated by the bright, slightly tart notes of the raspberry drizzle. It’s a sophisticated blend that appeals to all palates.
- Versatile for Every Occasion: From an elegant dessert for a dinner party to a comforting snack with your afternoon tea or coffee, these cookies fit right in. They are easy to transport, making them a fantastic choice for potlucks, picnics, school events, or as thoughtful homemade gifts during the holidays. Their beautiful appearance and delightful taste make them a standout treat no matter where they’re served.
- Simple & Rewarding Baking Project: Don’t let their gourmet taste intimidate you! This recipe is incredibly straightforward, making it an excellent project for novice bakers. The ingredients are common, the steps are clear, and the outcome is consistently impressive, ensuring a rewarding baking experience every time.
- A Festive & Colorful Treat: The vibrant pink drizzle against the golden cookie and dark chocolate kiss makes these cookies visually stunning. They add a pop of color to any dessert spread, making them particularly appealing for celebrations and festive occasions like Christmas or Valentine’s Day.
Essential Ingredients for Your Almond Kiss Cookies
Crafting these delectable cookies begins with a selection of common pantry staples. Here’s a detailed look at the ingredients you’ll need and their role in creating the perfect homemade almond cookies:
For the Buttery Almond Cookie Dough:
- Unsalted Butter (½ cup, softened): The foundation of any great cookie! Using softened butter is crucial for achieving a smooth, creamy mixture with the sugars, which ultimately contributes to the cookies’ tender texture and rich flavor.
- Granulated Sugar (½ cup): Provides essential sweetness and helps the cookies spread slightly, contributing to a pleasant chewiness.
- Light Brown Sugar (½ cup, packed): Adds a deeper, molasses-rich sweetness and moisture to the dough, ensuring the cookies remain soft and chewy.
- Large Egg (1): Acts as a binder, holding all the ingredients together and providing structure. It also contributes to the cookies’ richness and helps achieve that golden-brown finish.
- Almond Extract (1 teaspoon): This is where the magic happens! Almond extract delivers the distinct, fragrant almond flavor that defines these cookies. Don’t skimp on this for an authentic taste.
- All-Purpose Flour (2 cups): The primary structural component of the cookie. Proper measurement (spooned and leveled, not scooped) is key to preventing dry or dense cookies.
- Baking Soda (1 teaspoon): A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise and puff up, giving them a lighter, softer texture.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Essential for balancing the sweetness and enhancing all the other flavors in the cookie dough, preventing them from being overly saccharine.
- Additional Granulated Sugar (a few tablespoons): Used for rolling the cookie dough balls before baking, providing a delightful sparkly exterior and a subtle crunch.
- Chocolate Kisses with Almonds (40 pieces): The iconic topping! These add a burst of rich chocolate and extra almond flavor, making each cookie a true “kiss” cookie.
For the Irresistible Raspberry Drizzle Glaze:
- Powdered Sugar (1 cup): Forms the base of our smooth and sweet glaze. Sifting it can help prevent lumps.
- Milk (1 tablespoon): Used to thin the glaze to the perfect drizzling consistency. You might need slightly more or less depending on your desired thickness.
- Seedless Raspberry Jam (4 teaspoons): Infuses the glaze with a vibrant fruit flavor and beautiful pink color. Using seedless jam ensures a perfectly smooth drizzle.
- Almond Extract (¼ teaspoon): A touch more almond extract in the glaze harmonizes with the cookie’s flavor, enhancing the overall almond experience.
Crafting Your Own Almond Chocolate Kiss Cookies: A Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these easy steps to create a batch of incredibly delicious Raspberry Almond Kiss Cookies. Precision and patience are your best friends in baking!
1. Prepare the Dough:
Begin by combining the softened butter with both granulated and brown sugars in a large mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer, cream these ingredients together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined. This process incorporates air, contributing to the cookies’ tender texture. Next, beat in the egg and the almond extract until fully incorporated. Ensure the almond extract is evenly distributed for consistent flavor.
In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures they are thoroughly combined before being added to the wet mixture. Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to tough cookies. Stir until no white streaks of flour are visible.
2. Chill the Dough: The Secret to Perfect Cookies
Once your dough is ready, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This chilling step is absolutely crucial for several reasons: it solidifies the butter, which prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking, ensuring they hold their shape beautifully. It also allows the flavors to meld and develop, resulting in a more flavorful cookie. While chilling, you can unwrap your chocolate kisses and set them aside, ready for action!
3. Bake to Perfection:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, retrieve your chilled dough from the refrigerator. Roll the dough into uniform 1-inch balls. For a sparkling finish, roll each dough ball in additional granulated sugar before placing them. Arrange the sugared dough balls about 2 inches apart on an ungreased baking sheet. This spacing allows them to spread slightly without touching.
Bake for 9-10 minutes. The cookies should be lightly golden around the edges and set in the center. Avoid overbaking, as this can make them dry. They will continue to set as they cool.
4. The Finishing Touches: Kisses and Glaze:
As soon as the cookies emerge from the oven, immediately and gently press one chocolate kiss into the center of each warm cookie. The residual heat from the cookie will slightly soften the chocolate, helping it adhere perfectly. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before carefully transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. This ensures they firm up and prevent the kisses from melting too much.
While the cookies are cooling, prepare your raspberry drizzle. In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar, milk, seedless raspberry jam, and the additional almond extract. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth and has a drizzling consistency. If it’s too thick, add a tiny bit more milk; if too thin, a touch more powdered sugar. Once the cookies are fully cooled, use a fork or a piping bag with a very small tip to artfully drizzle the vibrant raspberry glaze over the top of each cookie.
Now, serve your magnificent Raspberry Almond Kiss Cookies and savor every delightful bite!
Creative Variations of Almond Kiss Cookies
While our Raspberry Almond Kiss Cookies are perfect as they are, these versatile treats lend themselves beautifully to customization. Here are several exciting variations to inspire your next baking adventure, allowing you to tailor them to different tastes and occasions:
- Classic Chocolate Almond Kiss Cookies: For the ultimate chocolate lover, consider adding 2-3 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder to your cookie dough. You can also roll the cookie balls in chocolate sprinkles or finely chopped almonds before baking. This variation offers a deeper, more intense chocolate-almond experience.
- Peanut Butter Almond Kiss Cookies: Introduce a nutty twist by adding ½ cup of creamy peanut butter to your cookie dough along with the butter and sugars. Replace the traditional Hershey’s Kiss with a mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup for an irresistible peanut butter and chocolate fusion.
- Salted Caramel Almond Kiss Cookies: Elevate the flavor with a gourmet touch. Incorporate ½ cup of soft caramel bits or chopped caramel candies into the cookie dough. After pressing in the chocolate kiss, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top for a delightful sweet and salty contrast that truly awakens the palate.
- Citrus Zest Almond Kiss Cookies: Brighten up the flavor profile by adding 1 tablespoon of finely grated lemon or orange zest to the cookie dough. This adds a refreshing, aromatic note that complements the almond beautifully. You can even add a tiny bit of citrus juice to the glaze for an extra zing.
- White Chocolate Raspberry Almond Kisses: For a different look and taste, use white chocolate kisses instead of milk chocolate. This creates a softer, creamier chocolate note that pairs wonderfully with the raspberry drizzle.
- Spiced Almond Kiss Cookies: During cooler months, add ¼ teaspoon of ground cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, comforting twist. These spices pair excellently with almond and chocolate.
These simple modifications can transform your basic almond kiss cookie recipe into a range of exciting new treats, perfect for impressing guests, satisfying diverse preferences, or simply enjoying a delicious change of pace at home.
Almond Kiss Cookies with Raspberry Drizzle
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Cookies, Dessert
American
almond cookies, Almond Kiss Cookies, raspberry cookies, chocolate kiss cookies
15 minutes
10 minutes
25 minutes
40 cookies
102kcal
Jessica & Nellie
Prevent your screen from going to sleep
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- Additional granulated sugar for rolling
- 40 chocolate kisses with almonds unwrapped
Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 TBSP milk or more, as needed
- 4 tsp seedless raspberry jam
- ¼ tsp almond extract
Instructions
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Prepare Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and both sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and 1 tsp almond extract until well combined.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture, stirring until just combined and no white streaks of flour remain. Do not overmix.
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Chill: Cover the bowl of dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
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Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Remove chilled dough from the fridge. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in additional granulated sugar. Place the sugared balls 2 inches apart onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake for 9-10 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
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Add Toppings: Immediately press one chocolate kiss with almond into the center of each warm cookie as they come out of the oven. Transfer cookies to wire racks to cool completely.
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In a small bowl, combine powdered sugar, milk, seedless raspberry jam, and ¼ tsp almond extract for the glaze. Whisk well until smooth. Once cookies are completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top of each cookie using a fork or piping bag. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
For longer storage, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions about Raspberry Almond Kiss Cookies
What is the significance of almond cookies in Chinese New Year?
Almond cookies hold a special place in Chinese New Year celebrations, symbolizing good fortune, prosperity, and happiness. Their round shape represents completeness, unity, and the coin-like appearance is believed to bring wealth. The sweet almond flavor itself is associated with a joyful and sweet life. While our Raspberry Almond Kiss Cookies are a modern twist, they carry a similar spirit of sweetness and good wishes.
Are almond kiss cookies good for Christmas?
Absolutely! Almond Kiss Cookies are an excellent choice for Christmas and other holiday festivities. Their rich almond flavor pairs wonderfully with other traditional holiday spices, and the vibrant raspberry drizzle adds a festive splash of color that makes them stand out on any cookie platter. They’re perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or as homemade gifts.
Can I use a different jam for the glaze?
Yes, you can absolutely customize the glaze with your favorite jam! While raspberry adds a beautiful color and tartness, other seedless jams like strawberry, blueberry, apricot, or even cherry would work wonderfully. Just ensure you use a seedless variety for a smooth, elegant drizzle. The key is to maintain the right consistency for drizzling, adjusting milk or powdered sugar as needed.
How long do these almond cookies stay fresh?
These delicious almond cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, maintaining their delightful texture and flavor. For longer preservation, they freeze exceptionally well. Place them in an airtight freezer-safe container or bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. To enjoy them later, simply thaw them at room temperature for a few hours before serving.
Do I have to chill my cookie dough? What if I skip it?
Yes, chilling the cookie dough is a non-negotiable step for this recipe, and it serves several important purposes. Firstly, it allows the butter in the dough to firm up. This solidification helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking, ensuring they maintain a beautiful, slightly domed shape and a desirable thickness. Skipping this step can lead to thin, flat, and overly crispy cookies. Secondly, chilling the dough gives the flavors, especially the almond extract, more time to meld and intensify, resulting in a richer, more complex taste. It’s a small wait that makes a big difference in the final product!
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, these cookies are excellent for making ahead! You can prepare the dough and chill it for up to 2-3 days in the refrigerator before baking. This makes them perfect for holiday baking when you need to spread out your kitchen time. Once baked and decorated, they store well at room temperature for up to a week, or you can freeze the baked cookies as mentioned above.
What kind of chocolate kisses should I use?
We specifically recommend using Hershey’s Kisses with almonds for an extra layer of almond flavor and a delightful crunch. However, if you can’t find them or prefer a different chocolate, regular milk chocolate Kisses, dark chocolate Kisses, or even white chocolate Kisses would also work beautifully. Choose your favorite to customize the chocolate experience!
Discover More Favorite Cookie Recipes Here:
- Mini Chocolate Cheesecakes
- Peppermint Shortbread Cookies
- Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies
- Raspberry Cheesecake Cookies
- Chocolate Peppermint Blossoms
- Cherry Almond Cookie Bars
- Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies
- Cherry Cheesecake Cookies
- Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars
- Strawberry Cheesecake Lush
- Holiday Star Cookies
- Peppermint Fudge Sugar Cookies
- Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
- Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars
- Chocolate Caramel Linzer Cookies
These delightful Almond Kiss Cookies are truly a joy to bake and share. Made with simple, accessible ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen, they offer an incredible flavor experience with minimal fuss. Their buttery texture, rich almond taste, and vibrant raspberry-chocolate finish make them perfect for any celebration, or simply to brighten an ordinary day. These blossom cookies are more than just a treat; they’re a gesture of warmth and affection, ideal for whipping up a batch to share with family and friends during the holidays or whenever you crave something sweet and special.
