If you are on the lookout for a delightful treat that brings together nutty goodness and fruity sweetness, look no further than this Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies Recipe. These cookies charm with their tender, buttery crumb that gently crumbles in your mouth, revealing a luscious burst of raspberry jam right at the center. The dusting of powdered sugar gives them a magical snowball appearance, making them perfect for festive occasions or any time you desire a heartwarming homemade dessert. With just the right balance of almond essence and vibrant raspberry filling, this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and mouthfeel that define these irresistible cookies.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and tenderness that melts in your mouth.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus more for coating): Adds sweetness and a delicate satin finish when dusted.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings a warm, aromatic backbone to the dough’s flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract: Intensifies the nutty almond character perfectly complementing the raspberry.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Creates the structure needed for that classic snowball bite.
- 1 cup finely ground almonds or almond flour: Adds depth of texture and luscious almond flavor throughout.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
- 1/2 cup raspberry jam (seedless preferred): The star filling that delivers a sweet and slightly tart surprise inside every cookie.
How to Make Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This preparation ensures even baking and effortless cleanup later, setting you up for cookie success from the get-go.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and creamy. This step is essential because it incorporates air, which makes the cookies tender and helps the powdered sugar bond beautifully with the dough.
Step 3: Add Extracts for Flavor
Blend in the vanilla and almond extracts until fully combined. These two extracts work in harmony to bring out that unmistakable almond cookie aroma along with a hint of warmth that makes the Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies Recipe so comforting.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients with Wet
Add the all-purpose flour, ground almonds, and salt to the creamed mixture. Stir until a soft dough forms. The almond flour makes the texture satisfyingly nutty and moist while the salt gently lifts the flavor profile to new heights.
Step 5: Shape and Fill the Cookies
Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough, flatten it gently in your palm, and place 1/2 teaspoon of your seedless raspberry jam right in the center. Carefully fold the dough around the jam, rolling it into a smooth, sealed ball. This step is the heart of the Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies Recipe—it locks the sweet raspberry surprise inside each tender bite.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Arrange the filled dough balls on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them approximately 1 inch apart to allow gentle spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for 14 to 16 minutes, just until the bottoms turn lightly golden while the tops remain pale. This subtle coloration means you’ll have a tender cookie with a hint of crunch on the bottom.
Step 7: Powder Sugar Coating
Once out of the oven, let the cookies cool for about 5 minutes. While still warm, roll them generously in powdered sugar. When they have fully cooled, roll them again for that signature snowball look and extra touch of sweetness, ensuring that your Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies Recipe is as visually stunning as it is delicious.
How to Serve Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar is classic, but you can also sprinkle a tiny pinch of finely chopped toasted almonds over the top just before serving. This adds an inviting crunch and a hint of toasty aroma that beautifully contrasts the soft sweetness of the cookies.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of tea, rich coffee, or a chilled glass of milk. For a special occasion, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream alongside the cookies elevate your dessert experience to an indulgent level.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these cookies nestled on a bed of fresh raspberries for a burst of color and a complementary tart flavor. You can also create a festive platter by alternating cookies with raspberry jam-filled chocolates or almond brittle for visual variety and textural delight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, where they will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 5 days. The powdered sugar coating helps maintain their signature snowy appearance even after storage.
Freezing
If you want to save these treats for later, you can freeze the unbaked dough balls separated on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer them into a resealable bag or airtight container. When ready, bake straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. Alternatively, you can freeze the fully baked cookies as well to keep your homemade magic on hand.
Reheating
Warm leftover cookies gently in a low oven (about 300°F) for 5 to 7 minutes or until just heated through. This refreshes the tender crumb and lightly softens the raspberry jam center without melting the powdered sugar coating.
FAQs
Can I substitute the raspberry jam with another fruit filling?
Absolutely! While raspberry jam offers a lovely tartness that complements the almond, you can use apricot, cherry, or even strawberry preserves. Just be sure to use a seedless variety for the smoothest texture.
Is it necessary to use almond extract in this recipe?
While not strictly necessary, almond extract greatly enhances the almond flavor, making the cookies taste richer and more authentic. If you don’t have it, you can omit or substitute with a small amount of vanilla extract, although the almond flavor will be less pronounced.
Why do I need to roll the cookies in powdered sugar twice?
Rolling the cookies in powdered sugar twice ensures a beautiful, thick snowy coating that sticks well to the cookies. The first roll on warm cookies allows the sugar to melt slightly and stick. After cooling, the second roll adds a pristine, powdery finish.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! Chilling the dough for around 30 minutes to an hour makes it easier to handle when shaping the cookies. It also helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
What is the best way to prevent the jam from leaking during baking?
To prevent leaking, make sure to seal the dough tightly around the jam and roll the cookie into a smooth ball with no cracks or openings. Handling the dough gently but firmly helps keep the jam snug inside during baking.
Final Thoughts
If you want a cookie that combines buttery almond richness with a surprise punch of fruity sweetness, this Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies Recipe is your new go-to. It’s straightforward to make, yields charmingly elegant results, and tastes just like a warm hug from the inside out. Whether for holidays, gifts, or everyday indulgence, you’ll fall in love with every bite. Give it a try—you deserve a little joy wrapped in powdered sugar today!
Print
Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Total Time: 36 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in the tender, buttery Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies, a perfect holiday dessert featuring a soft almond dough wrapped around a sweet raspberry jam center, finished with a generous coating of powdered sugar for a snowy look and melt-in-the-mouth texture.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus more for coating)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup finely ground almonds or almond flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Filling
- 1/2 cup raspberry jam (seedless preferred)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes a few minutes of mixing. This step creates a tender texture for the cookies.
- Add Flavoring: Mix in the vanilla extract and almond extract until fully combined, infusing the dough with aromatic flavors.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, finely ground almonds, and salt to the creamed mixture, stirring gently but thoroughly until a soft dough forms.
- Shape Cookies with Jam: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough, flatten it slightly in your hand, then place 1/2 teaspoon of raspberry jam in the center. Carefully fold the dough around the jam, sealing it completely, and roll into a smooth ball to encase the filling.
- Arrange for Baking: Place the shaped cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart to allow room for slight spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 14 to 16 minutes, or until the bottoms of the cookies are lightly golden while the tops remain pale for a delicate appearance.
- First Sugar Coating: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes on the baking sheet, then gently roll the warm cookies in powdered sugar to begin the snowy coating.
- Second Sugar Coating: Once the cookies are completely cooled to room temperature, roll them again in powdered sugar to create a beautiful double-layered snowball effect.
Notes
- You can substitute raspberry jam with other fruit preserves such as apricot or cherry to vary flavors.
- Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before shaping makes the dough easier to handle and can result in a firmer cookie.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
