Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies: Your New Favorite Holiday Treat

Get ready to discover the magic of baking with these exquisite Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies! Imagine a tender, buttery almond cookie, gently crisp on the outside, giving way to a burst of vibrant raspberry jam in its heart, all cloaked in a delicate dusting of powdered sugar. These melt-in-your-mouth delights are a holiday classic and an absolute joy to bake, bringing warmth and cheer to any occasion.

This recipe is not just about making cookies; it’s about creating memories. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, our easy-to-follow guide will ensure your batch of Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies turns out perfectly every time. Let’s dive in and transform simple ingredients into something truly extraordinary!

Table of Contents

• 1. Introduction: The Perfect Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies
• 2. Why You’ll Adore These Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies
• 3. What You’ll Need: Ingredient List
• 3.1 Ingredient Spotlight: Highlighting Key Components
• 4. How to Make Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies: Step-by-Step Guide
• 4.1. Step 1: Preparing the Dough
• 4.2. Step 2: Shaping and Chilling
• 4.3. Step 3: Baking to Golden Perfection
• 4.4. Step 4: The Signature Snow Coating
• 5. Tips, Tricks, and Variations
• 6. Storing Your Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies
• Foire Aux Questions

1. Introduction: The Perfect Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies

There’s something incredibly nostalgic about snowball cookies, often called Russian Tea Cakes or Mexican Wedding Cookies. They evoke feelings of cozy winter evenings and festive gatherings. Our version, the Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies, elevates this classic with a delightful surprise inside.

The delicate almond flavor perfectly complements the sweet-tart raspberry filling, creating a harmonious blend that will tantalize your taste buds. This recipe is designed to be straightforward, ensuring even novice bakers can achieve bakery-quality results right at home.

2. Why You’ll Adore These Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies

Beyond their undeniable charm and festive appearance, these cookies are truly special. They offer a unique texture – buttery, crumbly, and tender – that makes them irresistibly addictive. The burst of raspberry jam adds a tangy counterpoint to the sweet, nutty cookie.

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3. What You’ll Need: Ingredient List

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to baking success. Here’s everything you’ll need to create these wonderful Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (for that classic almond flavor!)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup finely ground almonds or almond flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup good quality raspberry jam
• 1 cup powdered sugar, for coating (plus more for rolling)

3.1 Ingredient Spotlight: Highlighting Key Components

The quality of your ingredients truly shines in a simple recipe like this. Using softened unsalted butter is crucial for a smooth dough texture. High-quality almond extract deepens the nutty flavor without being overpowering, making these truly almond snowball cookies.

For the filling, choose a thick, flavorful raspberry jam. A thinner jam might seep out during baking. If your jam is too runny, you can gently warm it and reduce it slightly on the stovetop to thicken it before using. For more tips on baking ingredients, check out King Arthur Baking’s tips and techniques.

4. How to Make Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies: Step-by-Step Guide

Baking these delightful cookies is a straightforward process. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying your homemade Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies in no time!

1. 4.1. Step 1: Preparing the Dough

   In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This is a key step for tender cookies. Beat in the vanilla extract and almond extract until well combined.

   In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground almonds, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can lead to tough cookies.

2. 4.2. Step 2: Shaping and Chilling

   Take about a tablespoon of dough and flatten it slightly in your palm. Place about 1/2 teaspoon of raspberry jam in the center. Carefully fold the dough around the jam, sealing it completely, then roll it into a smooth ball. Repeat with the remaining dough and jam.

   Place the shaped cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Chill the cookies in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps them hold their shape and prevents the jam from oozing out during baking, ensuring beautiful raspberry desserts.

3. 4.3. Step 3: Baking to Golden Perfection

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the chilled cookie balls about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.

   Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The cookies will still be soft when removed from the oven, but they will firm up as they cool. Do not overbake these delicate butter cookies.

4. 4.4. Step 4: The Signature Snow Coating

   While the cookies are still warm, but cool enough to handle, gently roll them in powdered sugar. This first coat will melt slightly and adhere beautifully to the warm cookie.

   Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, roll them in powdered sugar a second time for that iconic “snowball” look. This double coating creates a perfect finish for your delightful powdered sugar cookies.

5. Tips, Tricks, and Variations

To ensure your Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies are absolutely perfect, here are a few extra tips:

• Jam Choice: While raspberry is classic, feel free to experiment with other fruit jams like apricot, strawberry, or even a citrus curd for a different twist.
• Nut Variations: If almonds aren’t your preference, you can substitute the ground almonds with finely chopped pecans or walnuts for a different nutty flavor profile, turning them into traditional wedding cookies.
• Flavor Boost: A pinch of cinnamon or cardamom in the dough can add a lovely warmth, especially for holiday baking.
• Chill Time is Key: Don’t skip the chilling step! It prevents spreading and helps the cookies maintain their spherical shape and jam filling integrity.

6. Storing Your Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies

These cookies keep beautifully, making them perfect for preparing ahead of time. Store your cooled Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. You can layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking and preserve their delicate powdered sugar coating.

For longer storage, these cookies can also be frozen! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving, and dust with fresh powdered sugar if desired.

Foire Aux Questions

Can I use a different kind of jam for the filling?

Absolutely! While raspberry jam offers a delightful tartness, feel free to experiment with other flavors like apricot, strawberry, or even a lemon curd for a different twist. Just ensure the jam is thick enough to prevent it from oozing out during baking. If it’s too runny, you can gently simmer it on the stovetop to reduce and thicken it before use.

How can I prevent the jam from leaking out of the cookies?

Several factors help prevent jam leakage. First, ensure your jam is thick. Second, make sure to thoroughly seal the dough around the jam, pinching it closed tightly before rolling into a ball. Most importantly, chilling the shaped cookies for at least 30 minutes before baking is crucial. This helps the butter firm up, setting the dough and preventing the jam from escaping too quickly in the hot oven.

Can I make the dough for these Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can! You can prepare the cookie dough (without the jam filling) and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When ready to bake, let it soften slightly at room temperature, then proceed with filling and shaping the cookies. This makes these cookies an excellent option for busy holiday baking schedules.