Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies

Looking for a festive and delicious treat that combines the nutty flavor of almonds with the sweetness of raspberries? These Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies are a perfect choice. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and delicate balance of flavors, these cookies are sure to become a holiday favorite. The buttery cookie dough is rolled in finely chopped almonds, then filled with a sweet raspberry jam center, making each bite a delightful surprise. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or preparing a batch for gift-giving, these cookies are easy to make and sure to impress.

Perfect for any occasion, these snowball cookies not only look beautiful with their powdered sugar coating, but they also deliver a rich, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the tartness of raspberry jam. The light, crumbly texture of the cookies combined with the sweetness of the jam is an irresistible combination that will have everyone coming back for more. So, grab your mixing bowl and start baking—these cookies are the perfect treat for any sweet tooth!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Delicious Nutty Flavor

The finely chopped almonds add a rich, nutty flavor to the cookies that pairs perfectly with the raspberry filling, creating a taste that’s both sweet and savory.

2. Festive and Fun

These cookies are not only delicious but also visually stunning with their powdery coating and the vibrant pop of raspberry in the center, making them perfect for holiday gifting or parties.

3. Melt-In-Your-Mouth Texture

The cookies have a light, buttery texture that melts in your mouth, making each bite a delicious and indulgent experience.

4. Customizable Jam Filling

Feel free to experiment with different types of jam or preserves like strawberry or apricot if you want to change things up. The cookie dough works wonderfully with a variety of fillings.

5. Easy to Make

With simple ingredients and minimal effort, these cookies come together quickly, making them a great choice for both experienced and beginner bakers.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• Unsalted butter (softened)
• Powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting)
• Vanilla extract
• Almond extract
• All-purpose flour (gluten-free all-purpose flour can be used)
• Salt
• Finely chopped almonds (pecans or walnuts can be substituted)

For the Filling:

• Raspberry jam (or strawberry, apricot, or your preferred jam)

Variations

Gluten-Free Version

Use gluten-free all-purpose flour to make these cookies gluten-free without sacrificing taste or texture.

Other Nut Variations

Feel free to use chopped pecans or walnuts instead of almonds if you prefer a different flavor profile or simply don’t have almonds on hand.

Jam Variations

While raspberry jam is the classic choice, you can substitute it with any fruit jam or preserves, such as strawberry, apricot, or blueberry, depending on your taste preferences.

Chocolate Drizzle

For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle some melted chocolate over the cooled cookies before dusting with powdered sugar.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Mix the Cookie Dough

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until the dough comes together. Fold in the finely chopped almonds.

Step 3: Shape the Cookies

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 4: Add the Raspberry Jam

Make a small indentation in the center of each dough ball using your thumb or a spoon. Spoon about ½ teaspoon of raspberry jam into each indentation.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are lightly golden on the edges. Be careful not to overbake them.

Step 6: Cool and Dust with Powdered Sugar

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust the cookies with powdered sugar for that signature snowball appearance.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Room Temperature Butter: Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing and a smooth dough.
• Use a Cookie Scoop: To ensure all the cookies are the same size, use a cookie scoop to portion out the dough.
• Indentations: Be sure to make a deep enough indentation in the dough to hold the jam, but avoid pressing all the way through.
• Chill the Dough: If the dough is too soft to handle, refrigerate it for 15-30 minutes to firm it up before rolling.

How to Serve

These Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies are perfect as a sweet snack with a cup of tea or coffee. They also make a great gift, packaged in a beautiful box or tin for a thoughtful, homemade present. Serve them at holiday parties, bake sales, or just enjoy them as a treat on a cozy afternoon.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you want to keep them fresh longer, refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks.

Freezing

These cookies freeze wonderfully. After baking and cooling, place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply let them thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

If you prefer to eat them warm, you can pop them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes to refresh their texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Margarine can be used as a substitute for butter, but the cookies may not have the same rich flavor that butter provides.

2. Can I use a different type of nut?

Yes, pecans or walnuts can be used instead of almonds for a different flavor and texture.

3. Can I use a different jam?

Absolutely! Feel free to use any fruit jam or preserves, like strawberry, apricot, or blueberry, in place of raspberry jam.

4. How should I store these cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They can also be refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.

5. Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes, these cookies freeze well. Freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months and thaw at room temperature before serving.

6. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free all-purpose flour as a substitute for regular flour to make these cookies gluten-free.

7. Can I add chocolate to these cookies?

Yes, drizzle some melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for an added indulgence.

8. How do I prevent the jam from spilling out while baking?

Be sure to make a deep enough indentation in the cookie dough to hold the jam without it spilling over. You can also bake the cookies on parchment paper to help prevent any sticking.

9. Can I use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour?

You can use almond flour, but it may alter the texture of the cookies. If using almond flour, consider adding a binder like egg or a bit more butter.

10. How do I get the perfect shape for these cookies?

Use a cookie scoop to ensure uniform size, and make sure to gently press an indentation in the center of each dough ball for the jam.

Conclusion

Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the richness of butter and almonds with the sweetness of raspberry jam. Whether you’re preparing them for the holidays, a special occasion, or just as a treat for yourself, these cookies will not disappoint. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture, customizable filling options, and festive appearance, they are the perfect addition to any dessert table. Enjoy these irresistible cookies with a cup of tea or coffee, or share them with loved ones for a sweet surprise.

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