As I stood in the kitchen, the sweet aroma of melting butter mingled with the delicate notes of almond extract filling the air, I knew something magical was about to happen. These Raspberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies have become my go-to festive treat, offering a melt-in-your-mouth delight with each bite. Not only are they quick and easy to whip up, but they’re also a fantastic crowd-pleaser, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy tea parties. With a luscious raspberry jam center and a snow-dusted finish, they embody the warmth and joy of the season. Plus, for those seeking dietary options, there’s a gluten-free adaptation waiting to impress! Curious how to create these gourmet-style cookies at home? Let’s dive in! Why Are These Cookies a Holiday Must-Have? Breathtakingly Delicious: Each bite of these Raspberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies transports you to a world of buttery goodness and fruity delight. The sweet raspberry center is a game changer, making them truly irresistible. Festive Appeal: With their snowy powdered sugar coating, these cookies bring a charming touch to any holiday dessert table, ensuring they catch everyone’s eye. Quick & Easy: Perfect for those busy days, you can have these cookies ready in no time, allowing you to focus on spending time with loved ones. Versatile Variations: Whether you prefer strawberry or apricot jam, there’s a flavor for everyone. You can even create gluten-free options without sacrificing taste! Impressive & Memorable: These cookies are not just treats; they’re memories waiting to be created during gatherings and festive moments. Serve them at your next holiday cookie exchange or surprise a friend with a jar of these delights! For more cookie inspiration, check out our delicious Bake Cookies Chocolate or festive Turkey Sugar Cookies. Raspberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies Ingredients • Here’s everything you need to create these delightful holiday cookies! For the Dough Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and tenderness; ensure it’s softened for easy creaming. Powdered Sugar – Provides sweetness and a smooth texture; extra for dusting helps add a festive touch. Vanilla Extract – Enhances flavor complexity; use pure extract for the best taste. Almond Extract – Offers a strong almond flavor that complements the cookies; adjust quantity to taste. All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure to the cookies; can be swapped with a gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free options. Finely Ground Almonds (Almond Meal) – Adds texture and flavor; substitutable with more flour if desired, but almond meal is recommended for best results. Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavors; ¼ teaspoon is sufficient for this recipe. For the Filling Raspberry Jam – Creates a sweet, tangy center; opt for seedless varieties for a smoother filling and can substitute with other jams like strawberry or apricot. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Raspberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies Step 1: Preheat the Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup. This preparation sets the stage for your Raspberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies, allowing them to bake evenly and develop that perfect golden base. Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and ½ cup of powdered sugar using an electric mixer. Beat them together for about 3-4 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it helps create a delicate texture in your cookies; the creamy blend should appear pale and airy. Incorporate 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and ½ teaspoon of almond extract into the mixture and beat until well combined. Step 3: Prepare the Dry Ingredients In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 ¾ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of finely ground almonds (almond meal), and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly for about 1-2 minutes, ensuring they are evenly distributed and ready to be combined. This step not only adds structure but also contributes to the delightful nutty flavor of the Raspberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies. Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures Gradually add the dry mixture to the creamed butter and sugar, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. This should take about 2-3 minutes; you will know it’s ready when the dough starts to pull away from the sides of the bowl and forms a cohesive ball. Make sure to pause and scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are incorporated into the dough. Step 5: Shape the Cookies Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll them into balls using your hands. Space each ball about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Aim for uniform sizes to ensure even baking. This step is essential because it will help your Raspberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies bake consistently and develop that inviting melt-in-your-mouth quality everyone’s looking for. Step 6: Bake the Cookies Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes. The bottoms should turn lightly golden, while the tops will remain pale. Keep a close watch during the last few minutes to avoid over-baking. Once they are done, take them out and allow the cookies to cool on the tray for about 5 minutes; this cooling time helps them firm up slightly. Step 7: Create the Jam Center After allowing the cookies to cool slightly, gently flatten the tops of each cookie. Use your thumb or a small spoon to create an indentation in the center of each cookie. Fill these indents generously with raspberry jam, ensuring each cookie has that delightful fruity center to complement the almond flavor. The raspberry filling adds a festive touch and makes the cookies all the more irresistible. Step 8: Final Cooling and Powdered Sugar Coating Finally, allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheets. Once they’ve cooled down, roll each cookie in powdered sugar to achieve a beautiful snowy finish. This not only elevates their presentation but also adds a touch of sweetness that perfectly complements the tangy raspberry filling. Your Raspberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies are now ready to impress! Expert Tips for Raspberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies Perfect Butter Texture: : Make sure your unsalted butter is softened to room temperature. Cold butter won’t cream properly, leading to denser cookies. Jam Quality Matters: : Opt for high-quality, seedless raspberry jam to achieve a smooth filling. Chunks of fruit can detract from the tender texture of the cookies. Gluten-Free Adjustment: : If you’re adapting the recipe, use a certified gluten-free flour blend while keeping almond meal; this will maintain the cookies’ signature flavor and texture. Don’t Overbake: : Keep an eye on the cookies while baking. They should be lightly golden on the bottoms but remain pale on top. Overbaking can dry them out. Make-Ahead Convenience: : These Raspberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies can be prepared in advance! Bake, cool, and store in an airtight container or freeze to enjoy fresh later. How to Store and Freeze Raspberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies Airtight Container: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This will keep them soft and delicious while preventing them from drying out. Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Thawing Instructions: To enjoy frozen Raspberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies, simply allow them to thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours. Re-dust with powdered sugar before serving for that snowy finish! Reheating: If you prefer a warm cookie, gently reheat them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes, ensuring they remain tender and delightful. Make Ahead Options These Raspberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the holiday rush! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. For the best results, let the dough rest at room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking. Additionally, once baked and cooled, these cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To finish, dust them with powdered sugar just before serving for that delightful snowy effect, ensuring they remain just as delicious as when they were fresh! What to Serve with Raspberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies? These delightful treats are a perfect way to wrap up a heartwarming meal or festive get-together. Rich Hot Chocolate: A cup of creamy hot chocolate complements the buttery flavors while adding a cozy touch to your dessert experience. Chai Tea: The aromatic spices in chai tea balance the sweetness and provide an extra layer of warmth. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream elevates the cookies’ fruity center and adds a refreshing coolness. Fresh Berries: Serve with a side of mixed berries for a burst of freshness that contrasts beautifully with the cookies’ sweetness. Savory Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses adds an intriguing balance, creating a delightful contrast to the sweet raspberry flavor. Spiced Cider: Warm spiced apple cider brings a festive flavor that pairs wonderfully with the almond and raspberry notes. Pistachio Nuts: A sprinkling of crushed pistachios on the cookies adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that enhances each bite. Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzling melted chocolate over the cookies creates an indulgent touch that chocolate lovers will adore. Holiday Fruit Salad: A colorful fruit salad adds brightness and a refreshing element to your dessert table. Raspberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies Variations Customize your baking experience with these delightful twists to enhance your Raspberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies! Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend while keeping the almond meal for texture. Enjoy the same delightful taste with a gluten-free option! Jam Flavor Swap: Experiment with different jam flavors like strawberry, apricot, or blueberry for an exciting twist that caters to your personal taste. Each flavor change offers a new, fruity dimension! Nutty Topping: Sprinkle chopped pistachios or slivered almonds on top of the jam before the cookies cool for added crunch and a vibrant pop of color. This variation not only enhances the flavor but also the presentation! Almond Paste Addition: For a richer flavor, incorporate a small amount of almond paste into the cookie dough. It will elevate the almond taste, making each bite even more delicious. Cocoa Infusion: Add 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a chocolatey twist. The mix of chocolate and almond is simply heavenly! Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy heat, mix in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a subtle warmth that complements the cookie’s sweetness beautifully. It’s a cozy variation perfect for the holiday season! Dairy-Free Option: Use a plant-based butter alternative to make these cookies dairy-free. They will still remain rich and delicious while meeting various dietary needs. Mini Cookies: For bite-sized treats, reduce each portion to a teaspoon instead of a tablespoon. These mini versions are perfect for parties or as little gifts that everyone loves! Remember, these Raspberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies are all about making special memories. For more sweet inspiration, don’t miss our delightful Bake Cookies Chocolate and the festive Turkey Sugar Cookies recipes! Enjoy the fun of creating your unique spins on this classic treat! Raspberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies Recipe FAQs How do I select the right raspberries or jam for this recipe? Absolutely! When choosing raspberry jam, opt for high-quality seedless varieties to achieve a smooth and sweet filling that pairs perfectly with the cookies. Look for jam that is bright in color and lists real fruit as a primary ingredient for the best flavor. If you prefer using fresh raspberries, ensure they are ripe, plump, and free of dark spots, which indicates ripeness and sweetness. What’s the best way to store Raspberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies? I recommend storing your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will maintain their freshness and deliciousness for up to 5 days! If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option. Can I freeze the Raspberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies? Very! To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours. Then transfer them to a zip-top bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours and re-dust with powdered sugar if desired for that snowy appearance. What should I do if my dough is too crumbly? If you find your dough is too crumbly, don’t worry! Just add a tablespoon of softened butter or a little bit of water to the mixture, gradually incorporating it until the dough comes together. Make sure to mix gently, as overworking the dough can affect the final texture of your cookies. It should feel soft and slightly sticky but still manageable. Are these Raspberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies safe for those with allergies? When considering allergies, these cookies contain almonds, gluten, and dairy. For a gluten-free adaptation, use a certified gluten-free flour blend while retaining the almond meal for flavor. Always check the specific ingredients in your jam for potential allergens, and if you’re serving anyone with serious allergies, make sure to inform your guests of the ingredients used. Can I use other jams besides raspberry? Absolutely! You can create delightful variations by substituting raspberry jam with other flavors like strawberry, apricot, or even blueberry. Each option adds a unique twist while maintaining the cookie’s characteristic melt-in-your-mouth texture. Experiment and find your favorite flavor combinations! Raspberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies That Melt Your Heart These Raspberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies are a melt-in-your-mouth treat, featuring a sweet raspberry jam center and a snowy finish, ideal for holiday gatherings. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 15 minutes minsCooling Time 5 minutes minsTotal Time 35 minutes mins Servings: 24 cookiesCourse: CookiesCuisine: DessertCalories: 120 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Dough1 cup unsalted butter softened½ cup powdered sugar plus extra for dusting1 teaspoon vanilla extract use pure extract½ teaspoon almond extract adjust quantity to taste1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour can be swapped with gluten-free flour1 cup finely ground almonds (almond meal) recommended for best texture¼ teaspoon saltFor the Filling1 cup raspberry jam opt for seedless varieties Equipment Mixing BowlElectric mixerBaking SheetsParchment PaperWhiskmeasuring cupsmeasuring spoons Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.Cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and ½ cup of powdered sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy.In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 ¾ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of finely ground almonds, and ¼ teaspoon of salt.Gradually add the dry mixture to the creamed butter and sugar, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll them into balls, spacing them about 2 inches apart on the baking sheets.Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes until the bottoms are lightly golden; let them cool for about 5 minutes.Gently flatten the tops of each cookie and create an indentation in the center. Fill with raspberry jam.Allow the cookies to cool completely, then roll in powdered sugar before serving. Nutrition Serving: 1cookieCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 2gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 50mgPotassium: 30mgSugar: 5gVitamin A: 2IUCalcium: 1mgIron: 2mg NotesThese cookies can be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container. They are perfect for holiday gatherings and can be frozen for future enjoyment. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
