If you’re on the hunt for a delightfully tender, buttery cookie with a luscious surprise inside, this Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies Recipe is your new best friend. These cookies perfectly balance the rich, nutty flavor of almonds with a sweet and tangy raspberry jam center, all wrapped up in a soft, melt-in-your-mouth dough. Each bite is like a little festive celebration, making them perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring with your favorite cup of tea. Trust me, once you try this recipe, these almond snowball cookies will quickly become a cherished classic in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step in baking these irresistible cookies. Though simple and straightforward, each ingredient plays a crucial role in shaping the flavor and texture, ensuring your Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies Recipe turns out perfectly every time.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Provides the rich, creamy base that makes the cookies so tender and flaky.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting: Adds delicate sweetness and a subtle, snowy finish post-baking.
- 1 teaspoon pure almond extract: Packs in that signature nutty aroma that defines these snowball cookies.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives structure to the dough without weighing it down.
- 1/2 cup finely ground almonds (almond meal): Infuses the cookies with natural almond flavor and adds a pleasing texture contrast.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- 1/2 cup raspberry jam (seedless preferred): The star filling that delivers a burst of vibrant fruitiness in the center.
How to Make Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, making cleanup a breeze later on.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is essential because it aerates the butter, giving your cookies a tender crumb and that classic melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Step 3: Add Almond Extract
Stir in the pure almond extract to the butter and sugar mixture. This little addition is what sets these cookies apart, delivering that unmistakable almond aroma and making every bite feel special.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground almonds, and salt. Then gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring gently just until combined. Overmixing can toughen the cookies, so keep it delicate here.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Divide the dough into two halves and roll each into a log about 1.5 inches in diameter. Wrap them up in plastic wrap and pop them in the fridge for 30 minutes. Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to slice and preventing the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
Step 6: Slice and Assemble
Once chilled, slice the logs into 1/4 inch thick rounds. Place half of these rounds on your baking sheet. Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of raspberry jam onto each, then top with the remaining rounds. Press the edges gently together to seal the jam inside—this is what creates that delightful surprise center.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cookies for 12 to 15 minutes, watching closely for lightly golden bottoms while keeping the tops pale and soft. This careful baking ensures your Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies Recipe stays tender and not overly browned.
Step 8: Cool and Dust
Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before generously dusting them with powdered sugar. This final dusting adds that iconic snowball look and an extra touch of sweetness that makes them irresistible.
How to Serve Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While the powdered sugar dusting is traditional and charming, you can also add a fresh raspberry or a tiny mint leaf on top for a pretty touch. If you want a bit of sparkle, a light drizzle of melted white chocolate complements the almond and raspberry flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of black tea or a creamy latte, balancing the sweetness with subtle bitterness. For a festive spread, serve alongside a cheese board featuring mild cheeses like Brie or Camembert, which highlight the cookie’s nutty profile.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the cookies in a decorative tin lined with parchment, or stack them in a clear jar tied with a pretty ribbon for gifting. You can also sandwich them with a thin layer of whipped cream for an indulgent treat at your next party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To preserve their softness, place parchment paper between layers and dust with a bit more powdered sugar if needed before serving.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies either baked or unbaked. For unbaked dough logs, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months, then thaw and bake as usual. For baked cookies, freeze in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to an airtight container; thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
If you want to bring back that freshly baked warmth, pop the cookies in a preheated 300°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes. This gentle reheating revives their tender texture without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use other jam flavors in the Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! While raspberry jam is classic, you can experiment with apricot, strawberry, or even blueberry jam. Just choose a thick, seedless variety to avoid leakage during baking.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
Not as written, since this recipe calls for all-purpose flour. However, you can substitute a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup if you want to make them gluten-free. Just keep in mind texture and baking times may vary slightly.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and chill the dough logs a day in advance. Just keep them tightly wrapped in the refrigerator and slice before baking. This makes it a perfect recipe for planning ahead during busy holidays.
What is the best way to seal the jam inside the cookies?
Press the edges of the dough rounds gently but firmly together to create a good seal. If you find the dough too soft, chilling it a bit longer helps it stay intact while baking.
How do I prevent the cookies from browning too much?
Keep an eye on the baking time, aiming for light golden bottoms but pale tops. If your oven tends to run hot, you can rotate the tray midway or tent the cookies lightly with foil to avoid overbaking.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about these Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies Recipe that makes baking feel like sharing a little joy. From their tender texture and nutty aroma to the jammy surprise at the center, these cookies are destined to become a treasured favorite. So grab your ingredients, gather your loved ones, and enjoy the warmth and sweetness of this delightful treat. You won’t regret it!
