Raspberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies Recipe

These raspberry-filled almond snowball cookies are a delightful holiday treat! With a buttery almond-flavored dough and a surprise raspberry center, they’re perfect for festive gatherings or as a sweet homemade gift. Lightly rolled in powdered sugar, they look like little snowballs—ideal for a winter dessert platter!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicate and Buttery: The combination of almond and butter creates a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Festive and Elegant: The powdered sugar coating makes these cookies look like mini snowballs, perfect for holiday occasions.
• Fun Surprise Center: The hidden raspberry filling adds a burst of fruity flavor and color.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, these cookies come together easily.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup almond flour (or finely ground almonds)
• 1/3 cup raspberry preserves
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the almond extract and mix well. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, salt, and almond flour, blending until a soft dough forms.
3. Shape the Cookies: Take about 1 tablespoon of dough and flatten it in your palm. Place 1/2 teaspoon of raspberry preserves in the center, then carefully wrap the dough around the filling, forming a ball and making sure the preserves are fully enclosed. Repeat with the remaining dough.
4. Bake the Cookies: Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are set but not browned.
5. Roll in Powdered Sugar: Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes, then roll each cookie gently in powdered sugar while they’re still warm. Allow the cookies to cool completely, then roll them once more in powdered sugar for a perfect snowy finish.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Electric mixer or hand whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
• Cooling rack

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving: These cookies are wonderful as part of a holiday cookie platter or as a simple dessert with tea or coffee.
• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months; just thaw at room temperature before serving.

Recipe Variations

• Different Fillings: Substitute the raspberry preserves with strawberry, apricot, or cherry preserves for a different fruity center.
• Add Spices: Add a pinch of ground cinnamon or cardamom to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor.
• Nut Options: Try using hazelnut flour or finely ground pecans instead of almond flour for a unique twist.

Helpful Notes

• Sealing the Dough: Be sure to wrap the dough carefully around the raspberry filling so that it’s completely enclosed, preventing leaks during baking.
• Almond Extract: The almond extract adds depth to the almond flavor, but you can also use vanilla extract for a milder taste.
• Rolling Twice: Rolling the cookies in powdered sugar twice (once warm and once cool) helps the sugar coating stick well and gives them a festive, snowy look.

Tips from Bakers

• Chef Dorie Greenspan: For added aroma, toast the almond flour briefly in a pan before mixing it into the dough.
• Chef Mary Berry: If your dough feels sticky, chill it in the fridge for about 15 minutes before shaping to make it easier to handle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I use regular granulated sugar instead of powdered sugar in the dough?
No, powdered sugar is best for creating a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture in these cookies.

Q2: Can I use jam instead of preserves?
Yes, jam can work too, but preserves are slightly thicker and less likely to seep out during baking.

Q3: How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour. Almond flour is naturally gluten-free, so you can keep that as is.

Q4: Do these cookies need to be refrigerated?
No, these cookies are fine stored at room temperature in an airtight container. However, refrigerating can help them last longer if needed.

Q5: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the dough, wrap it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready, let the dough soften slightly at room temperature before shaping.

Enjoy the Festive Flavor of Homemade Snowball Cookies

These raspberry-filled almond snowball cookies are the perfect holiday treat with their delicate texture, sweet surprise center, and snowy appearance. They make a beautiful addition to any holiday spread and are sure to impress family and friends. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday gift or to share with loved ones, these cookies are a festive, delicious choice for any occasion!

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