Raspberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love these Raspberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies because they’re light, tender, and absolutely full of flavor. The buttery, nutty almond cookies pair beautifully with the sweet raspberry filling, making each bite a perfect balance of sweetness and richness. These cookies are perfect for the holidays or any occasion when you want to impress your friends and family with a delicate, flavorful treat. The best part? They’re so easy to make, and the melt-in-your-mouth texture will have everyone coming back for more!

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for rolling

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon almond extract

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ½ cup finely chopped almonds (or almond flour)

• 1 jar (about ¼ cup) raspberry jam or preserves

(Hint: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Dough:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

3. Add the Extracts: Stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract, mixing until well combined.

4. Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, salt, and finely chopped almonds (or almond flour) to the butter mixture. Mix until just combined. The dough should be soft but not sticky.

Shape the Cookies:

5. Form the Dough Balls: Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

6. Make an Indent for the Filling: Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to make a small indent in the center of each dough ball, creating a little well to hold the raspberry jam.

7. Add the Raspberry Jam: Spoon a small amount of raspberry jam (about ½ teaspoon) into the indent of each cookie.

Bake the Cookies:

8. Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden brown.

9. Cool the Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Finish the Cookies:

10. Roll in Powdered Sugar: Once the cookies are completely cool, roll them in powdered sugar to coat them lightly. You can also dust them with more powdered sugar just before serving for a snowball effect.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 20-24 cookies, depending on the size. Prep time is about 15 minutes, and baking time is 12-15 minutes. These cookies are best served once they’ve cooled and have had time to absorb the sweetness of the powdered sugar.

Variations

These Raspberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies are versatile, and you can easily make them your own:

• Use other fruit preserves: Instead of raspberry jam, try strawberry, apricot, or blueberry jam for a different fruity twist.

• Add more flavor: You can experiment with other extracts like hazelnut, vanilla, or lemon to give the dough a unique flavor.

• Chocolate drizzle: Drizzle some melted chocolate on top of the cookies after baking for an extra indulgent touch.

Storage/Reheating

These cookies store well at room temperature for up to 1 week. Keep them in an airtight container to maintain their delicate texture. If you have leftovers, they can also be frozen for up to 2 months. To thaw, let them sit at room temperature for a few hours.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to use a blend that works well for cookies to get the best texture.

Can I use different nuts instead of almonds?

Yes! You can substitute the finely chopped almonds with hazelnuts, pecans, or walnuts. The flavor and texture will change slightly, but it will still be delicious.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before rolling and baking.

Can I make the jam-filled center ahead of time?

While it’s best to fill the cookies with jam just before baking, you can prepare the dough and store it in the refrigerator. Just fill the indents with the jam right before baking.

Can I add more jam to the filling?

You can add a little more jam if you prefer a juicier center, but be careful not to overfill the cookies, as the jam might spill out during baking.

Conclusion

These Raspberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies are a perfect blend of buttery almond flavor and sweet, tangy raspberry jam. The soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and delicate flavor make them a wonderful addition to any holiday cookie tray or special gathering. With their elegant appearance and delicious taste, these cookies are sure to become a beloved favorite for years to come!