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
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!
Raspberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies Recipe
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
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add the almond extract and mix well. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, salt, and almond flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- 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 to form a ball, ensuring the preserves are fully enclosed. Repeat with the remaining dough.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are set but not browned.
- Roll in Powdered Sugar: Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes, then gently roll each cookie in powdered sugar while still warm. Allow the cookies to cool completely, then roll them once more in powdered sugar for a snowy finish.
Notes
- For a Festive Touch: Add a pinch of ground cinnamon to the powdered sugar for a hint of spice.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.