Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies – Festive Holiday Treats
There’s something truly magical about Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies – Festive Holiday Treats that combine the cozy nostalgia of crumbly almond cookies with the vibrant burst of sweet raspberry jam inside. These delightful treats are perfect to share with loved ones during the holidays or any time you want to brighten up your dessert table. Imagine biting into soft, buttery cookies dusted with powdered sugar, revealing a luscious raspberry filling that perfectly balances nutty richness and fruity brightness. These Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies – Festive Holiday Treats are not only a feast for the taste buds but also super charming little bites of joy anyone can master at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly Balanced Flavor: The tart raspberry filling complements the mild almond cookie, creating a harmonious taste sensation.
- Festively Beautiful: Powdered sugar coating mimics freshly fallen snowflakes, perfect for holiday celebrations.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and true almond essence for an authentic, homemade taste.
- Easy to Make: No complicated steps, making these treats accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
- Great for Gifting: Pack them in decorative tins for a charming seasonal gift that everyone will appreciate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for a handful of simple but essential ingredients that create the perfect texture and flavor combo. Each component plays a key role, from the ground almonds for nuttiness to the raspberry jam that adds sweet acidity, resulting in Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies – Festive Holiday Treats that are both rich and refreshing.
- Almond Flour: Provides the tender, moist texture and nutty undertone.
- All-Purpose Flour: Adds structure to keep the cookies from crumbling too much.
- Unsalted Butter: Ensures richness and helps create the melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- Powdered Sugar: For dusting, giving the classic snowball look and gentle sweetness.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warm, comforting notes.
- Almond Extract: Intensifies the almond aroma and depth.
- Raspberry Jam: The luscious filling bursting with sweet, tangy raspberry flavor.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
Variations for Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies – Festive Holiday Treats
Feel free to tweak this recipe based on your taste buds or dietary preferences. It’s wonderfully adaptable, letting you create unique spins while still keeping the festive spirit alive.
- Nut-Free Version: Swap almond flour with oat flour or gluten-free flour for a safe alternative.
- Different Fruit Fillings: Try apricot, cherry, or blueberry jam instead of raspberry for a fruity twist.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Add melted dark or white chocolate on top for an extra indulgence.
- Spiced Almond Cookies: Incorporate cinnamon or nutmeg in the dough for warm holiday spices.
- Vegan Adaptation: Use vegan butter and a flax egg replacement while maintaining the jam filling.
How to Make Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies – Festive Holiday Treats
Step 1: Prepare the Almond Cookie Dough
Start by creaming softened unsalted butter with powdered sugar until light and fluffy. In a separate bowl, combine almond flour, all-purpose flour, salt, vanilla, and almond extracts. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter mixture until a smooth, soft dough forms.
Step 2: Shape and Fill the Cookies
Take small portions of dough and flatten each into a little disk. Place a small spoonful of raspberry jam in the center, then carefully fold and seal the dough around the filling, shaping it into a ball.
Step 3: Bake Until Golden
Place the stuffed dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-18 minutes or until the bottoms turn light golden while the tops stay tender.
Step 4: Dust with Powdered Sugar
Once the cookies are slightly cooled but still warm, generously dust the tops with powdered sugar to give them that iconic snowball appearance that’s both festive and inviting.
Pro Tips for Making Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies – Festive Holiday Treats
- Use Room Temperature Butter: It blends better and creates a smooth cookie dough base.
- Don’t Overfill with Jam: A teaspoon is enough to prevent leaking while ensuring flavorful bites.
- Chill the Dough: Refrigerate briefly before shaping for easier handling and better texture.
- Watch Baking Time Closely: Overbaking can dry out cookies; aim for a light golden bottom.
- Powdered Sugar When Warm: Dust right after baking for a soft, slightly melted sugar coating.
How to Serve Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies – Festive Holiday Treats
Garnishes
For a photogenic holiday spread, add a little extra powdered sugar dusting right before serving and sprinkle some finely chopped toasted almonds on top for crunch and elegance.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a warm cup of spiced tea, vanilla bean hot chocolate, or even a chilled glass of sparkling rosé for a sophisticated holiday dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the cookies in a festive tin lined with colored parchment paper, stack them on a tiered cake stand for parties, or wrap a small box tied with a satin ribbon to gift these delightful Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies – Festive Holiday Treats.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. This helps maintain the perfect balance of soft almond cookies and fresh jam filling.
Freezing
Freeze unbaked dough balls on a lined tray before baking; once solid, transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time to enjoy fresh-baked cookies anytime.
Reheating
Warm the cookies in a low oven (300°F or 150°C) for about 5 minutes to revive their soft texture and enhance the aroma of almond and raspberry before serving.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought raspberry jam for these cookies?
Absolutely! Quality store-bought raspberry jam works perfectly, but choose one with a smooth texture and natural sweetness to maintain the cookie’s flavorful balance.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
The traditional recipe uses all-purpose flour, so they’re not gluten-free, but you can substitute with gluten-free flour blends or oat flour to make a gluten-free version.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container, Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies – Festive Holiday Treats stay fresh for about five days at room temperature.
Can I make these cookies ahead for holiday parties?
Yes! You can prepare the dough or shape the filled cookies a day before and refrigerate, then bake fresh on the day of your event for the best taste.
What type of almond flour works best?
Blanched almond flour is ideal as it has a fine, light texture that helps create soft yet sturdy cookies without a gritty feel.
Final Thoughts
These Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies – Festive Holiday Treats are a true holiday treasure, blending nutty, buttery dough with vibrant sweet raspberry centers for an unforgettable bite. Whether you’re baking them for family, gifting a batch, or indulging by yourself, this recipe turns simple ingredients into a festive experience that feels both cozy and special. Give this recipe a try—you’ll soon find these cookies becoming a beloved holiday tradition in your kitchen like they have in mine.
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PrintRaspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies – Festive Holiday Treats
Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies are festive holiday treats featuring soft, buttery almond cookies with a luscious raspberry jam center. Dust with powdered sugar for a snowy appearance, these cookies perfectly balance nutty richness and sweet-tart fruitiness, making them ideal for gifting or sharing during the holidays.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free flour substitute)
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup almond flour (blanched)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for variation)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus more for dusting)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Filling
- 2/3 cup raspberry jam
Instructions
- Prepare the Almond Cookie Dough: Start by creaming softened unsalted butter with powdered sugar until light and fluffy. In a separate bowl, combine almond flour, all-purpose flour, salt, vanilla, and almond extracts. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter mixture until a smooth, soft dough forms.
- Shape and Fill the Cookies: Take small portions of dough and flatten each into a little disk. Place a small spoonful (about 1 teaspoon) of raspberry jam in the center, then carefully fold and seal the dough around the filling, shaping it into a ball.
- Bake Until Golden: Place the stuffed dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-18 minutes or until the bottoms turn light golden while the tops stay tender.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: Once the cookies are slightly cooled but still warm, generously dust the tops with powdered sugar to give them the iconic snowball appearance that is both festive and inviting.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter for a smooth cookie dough base.
- Do not overfill with jam; about a teaspoon prevents leaking and ensures flavorful bites.
- Chill the dough briefly before shaping for easier handling and improved texture.
- Watch baking time closely to avoid drying out cookies—aim for a light golden bottom.
- Dust powdered sugar while cookies are still warm for a soft, slightly melted sugar coating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: almond cookies, raspberry filled cookies, holiday cookies, snowball cookies, festive desserts, gluten free cookies
