If you’re dreaming of a cookie that wraps buttery, almond-studded dough around a luscious center of raspberry jam, then you’ve absolutely got to try this Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies: An Incredible Sweet Treat Recipe. These cookies are delicate yet satisfying, with a tender crumb and a melt-in-your-mouth snowy coating that perfectly balances the sweet-tart raspberry filling. Every bite feels like a little celebration of flavors and textures, making them an irresistible delight to bake and share with loved ones.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, bringing the right balance of richness, sweetness, and nuttiness to these charming cookies. You’ll find that a few simple pantry staples come together beautifully to create an exceptional dessert experience.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Provides the rich, creamy base and tender texture that these cookies are known for.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for rolling): Adds sweetness and creates that signature snowy coating once baked and rolled.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Lends warm, aromatic flavor that complements the almond and raspberry perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract: Intensifies the nutty taste, making these cookies truly stand out.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the sturdy yet crumbly structure of the cookie dough.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- 3/4 cup finely chopped almonds: Adds delightful crunch and a rich, toasty depth.
- 1/3 cup raspberry jam or preserves: The luscious heart of these cookies, delivering a burst of fruity brightness inside.
How to Make Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies: An Incredible Sweet Treat Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Mix Butter with Sugar
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key to incorporating air, which helps your cookies stay tender and delicate.
Step 2: Add Flavor Extracts
Next, stir in both the vanilla and almond extracts. These two extracts work hand in hand to achieve a fragrant and warming flavor base that will shine throughout your cookies.
Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Almonds
Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour and salt, stirring only until everything is just combined — overmixing can produce tough cookies. Gently fold in the finely chopped almonds to scatter that irresistible nuttiness throughout your dough.
Step 4: Shape and Fill the Cookies
Portion about one tablespoon of dough and flatten it slightly in your palm. Carefully add a half teaspoon of raspberry jam in the center, then tenderly fold and roll the dough around the jam, making sure to seal the filling inside. This step ensures that your cookies will have a perfectly gooey raspberry center trapped within each bite.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the filled dough balls onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 14-16 minutes, or until the bottoms just begin to turn golden. This prevents overbaking and keeps the cookies tender and crumbly.
Step 6: Finish with Powdered Sugar Snow
Once out of the oven, let the cookies cool for about five minutes, then roll them in powdered sugar while they are still warm. After they have completely cooled, give them one more gentle roll in powdered sugar to create that irresistible snowy finish—this final touch truly elevates this Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies: An Incredible Sweet Treat Recipe.
How to Serve Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies: An Incredible Sweet Treat Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra powdered sugar creates a beautiful snow-dusted effect, but you could also add a delicate drizzle of melted white chocolate for an elegant twist. Fresh raspberries on the side provide the perfect fruity complement and enhance presentation.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or rich coffee, balancing their sweetness with a warm beverage. For an indulgent dessert spread, serve alongside vanilla ice cream or creamy mascarpone for contrast in temperature and texture.
Creative Ways to Present
Place these almond snowball cookies in decorative tins lined with parchment paper for a charming gift. Arrange them in a tiered dessert stand at holiday parties to impress guests visually while letting their delightful fragrance fill the room.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. This preserves their tender texture and ensures each bite still delivers that perfect sweet-and-nutty harmony.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies: An Incredible Sweet Treat Recipe any time, freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They can stay delicious for up to three months. Just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
To refresh slightly chilled or frozen cookies, warm them gently in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. This revives their soft texture without melting the powdered sugar coating, so they look and taste freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts instead of almonds?
Absolutely! While almonds provide a classic flavor and crunchy texture, walnuts or pecans can also be delicious alternatives. Just chop them finely to maintain the right texture in the cookies.
Is it possible to make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Keep an eye on the dough as you mix since gluten-free flours can vary in absorbency, which might affect the dough’s consistency.
What type of raspberry jam works best?
A smooth, seedless raspberry jam or preserves is ideal for an even, gooey filling that’s not too chunky. Homemade jam or high-quality store-bought options both work wonderfully.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
To make a vegan version, replace the butter with a plant-based margarine and use a powdered sugar that’s certified vegan. The jam should be free of gelatin or other animal products as well.
Why is it important to roll the cookies twice in powdered sugar?
Rolling warm cookies initially lightly coats them so the sugar sticks well, and rolling again after they cool adds that signature snowball-like finish. This double coating also enhances sweetness and visual appeal.
Final Thoughts
This Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies: An Incredible Sweet Treat Recipe is truly a joy to bake and even more delightful to share. Its tender, nutty dough paired with the bright burst of raspberry jam captures the essence of a nostalgic, home-baked dessert with a special twist. Give these cookies a try—you might just find they become your new favorite sweet treat to make again and again.
Print
Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies: An Incredible Sweet Treat 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 these Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies, a perfect blend of buttery, nutty sweetness with a gooey raspberry jam center. These cookies are tender, dusted with powdered sugar, and ideal for holiday treats or any time you crave a charming sweet bite.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for rolling)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup finely chopped almonds
Filling
- 1/3 cup raspberry jam or preserves
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure cookies don’t stick and for easy cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the dough.
- Add Extracts: Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts to infuse the dough with aromatic flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the butter mixture, mixing gently just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Incorporate Almonds: Fold in the finely chopped almonds evenly distributing the nutty texture throughout the dough.
- Form and Fill Cookies: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and flatten it slightly in your hand. Place 1/2 teaspoon of raspberry jam in the center, then carefully fold and roll the dough around the jam to seal it inside, preventing leaks while baking.
- Prepare for Baking: Arrange the filled dough balls spaced about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow even expansion.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 14-16 minutes or until the bottoms just begin to turn golden, ensuring a tender yet firm texture.
- Initial Cooling and Rolling: Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet, then gently roll them in powdered sugar to coat while still warm.
- Final Sugar Dusting: Once completely cooled, roll the cookies again in powdered sugar for a beautiful snowball effect and extra sweetness.
Notes
- Substitute raspberry jam with other fruit preserves such as apricot or cherry to customize flavors.
- For enhanced flavor, toast the almonds lightly before chopping and adding to the dough.
- Store your cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days keeping them fresh and tender.
