If you have a sweet tooth and love a cookie that feels like a warm hug, then let me introduce you to the delightful world of Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies: An Incredible Sweet Treat Recipe. These cookies are a heavenly blend of tender, buttery almond dough wrapped around a luscious burst of raspberry jam, finished with a snowy coat of powdered sugar that adds a delicate sweetness and that classic melt-in-your-mouth texture. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in or searching for the perfect homemade gift, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites to turn to when you want to impress with something truly special yet surprisingly simple.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these ingredients is a breeze, yet each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures that make Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies: An Incredible Sweet Treat Recipe so unforgettable.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides a rich, creamy base that makes the cookies tender and melt in your mouth.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus more for rolling): Adds sweetness and helps achieve the classic snowy finish.
- 1 teaspoon almond extract: Infuses the dough with a fragrant, nutty flavor that enhances the almonds.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Creates structure and gives the cookies that lovely crumbly texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the other flavors.
- 1/2 cup finely chopped almonds: Adds an irresistible crunch and nutty depth.
- 1/2 cup seedless raspberry jam: The star of the show—the jam brings a sweet and tangy surprise inside each cookie.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (optional, for added texture): Gives a slight crunch and contrast if you like your cookies with a bit more texture.
How to Make Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies: An Incredible Sweet Treat Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and helps your cookies bake evenly. Having everything ready ahead of time keeps your process smooth and enjoyable.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key because it aerates the butter, ensuring your cookies stay tender and light.
Step 3: Add Almond Extract
Stir in the almond extract next. This small addition brings a subtle but unmistakable almond aroma that’s essential to these cookies’ charm.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually mix in the flour and salt until just combined. Be careful not to overmix here, as that could affect the delicate crumb you’re aiming for.
Step 5: Fold in the Chopped Almonds
Add the finely chopped almonds, folding them gently into the dough to ensure even distribution without toughening the texture.
Step 6: Shape and Fill the Cookies
Take about a tablespoon of dough and flatten it slightly in your palm. Add about half a teaspoon of seedless raspberry jam to the center. Then, carefully fold the dough around the jam, sealing it inside and rolling it into a smooth ball. This step turns simple cookies into a wonderful surprise with every bite.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the cookies an inch apart on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes or until the cookie bottoms turn a delicate golden color, signaling they’re perfectly cooked but still soft inside.
Step 8: The Powdered Sugar Finish
Once out of the oven, let the cookies cool for about five minutes, then gently roll them in powdered sugar while still warm for that gorgeous snowy look. After cooling completely, roll them again for an extra touch of sweetness and that classic almond snowball cookie appearance.
How to Serve Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies: An Incredible Sweet Treat Recipe
Garnishes
These cookies are already stars on their own, but you can elevate their presentation with a light dusting of extra powdered sugar right before serving or a few whole almonds placed artfully on the plate for that extra nutty flair.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a warm beverage like a fragrant cup of chamomile tea or a rich hot chocolate to complement the almond and raspberry flavors perfectly. A dollop of fresh whipped cream or a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream also pairs beautifully for a lovely dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, arrange the cookies in a circle on a pretty platter and place a small bowl of raspberry jam right in the center for dipping. Alternatively, stack them in a clear jar or wrap them up with a ribbon as a sweet gift that looks as delightful as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your remaining Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies: An Incredible Sweet Treat Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature, where they stay fresh and tender for up to five days. If you want to keep them longer, be sure to consider freezing to lock in freshness.
Freezing
To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. This keeps them from sticking together and preserves their texture for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy these cookies warm, pop them in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm them briefly in a low oven. This brings back that freshly baked comfort and enhances the gooey raspberry center.
FAQs
Can I use other types of jam?
Absolutely! While raspberry jam is classic and delicious, you can swap it with apricot, blackberry, or even strawberry jam to create a new flavor twist that complements the almond dough beautifully.
What if I don’t have almonds on hand?
You can replace almonds with other nuts like pecans or walnuts, finely chopped. Just keep in mind that almonds offer a signature flavor that pairs uniquely well with the jam, so the taste will vary slightly.
How do I keep the jam from leaking during baking?
Using seedless, thick jam is key to preventing leaks. Also, sealing the dough thoroughly around the filling helps trap the jam inside, giving you a perfect pocket of flavor.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This recipe calls for all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free as is. However, you can try substituting with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking, but the texture might be a bit different.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
To make a vegan version, use a plant-based butter substitute and ensure your powdered sugar is vegan-friendly. Also, check that your jam does not contain gelatin or other animal-derived ingredients.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies: An Incredible Sweet Treat Recipe enough if you’re looking to bake up something that’s truly special yet easy and incredibly rewarding. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, delivering that ideal mix of buttery crunch and sweet-tart surprise every time. Go ahead and give this recipe a try—I promise it will delight your taste buds and bring smiles all around!
Print
Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies: An Incredible Sweet Treat Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 34 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies are a delightful sweet treat featuring buttery almond-flavored dough encasing a vibrant dollop of raspberry jam. These soft, crumbly cookies have a snowy powdered sugar coating that enhances their delicate texture and festive appearance, perfect for holiday gatherings or any time you crave a delicious homemade dessert.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus more for rolling)
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup finely chopped almonds
Filling
- 1/2 cup seedless raspberry jam
Optional
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for added texture, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which ensures a tender cookie texture.
- Add Almond Extract: Stir in the almond extract to infuse the dough with a rich, nutty flavor.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Fold in Almonds: Gently fold in the finely chopped almonds evenly throughout the dough to add a pleasant crunch and enhance the almond flavor.
- Form Cookies with Jam Filling: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and flatten it slightly in your palm. Place approximately 1/2 teaspoon of raspberry jam in the center, then carefully fold the dough around the jam, sealing it completely to form a smooth ball.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the filled dough balls on the prepared baking sheet about 1 inch apart to allow room for slight spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 12–14 minutes or until the bottoms turn a light golden color, indicating they are perfectly baked.
- Initial Cooling and Sugar Coating: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes so they set slightly but remain warm enough to roll in powdered sugar.
- Final Sugar Coating: Roll the warm cookies in powdered sugar, let cool completely, then roll again to achieve a snowy, festive finish.
Notes
- Use thick seedless raspberry jam to prevent leaking during the baking process.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- Feel free to experiment with other jam flavors such as apricot or blackberry for variety and different taste profiles.
