Raspberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies Recipe
These Raspberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies are tender, buttery almond cookies with a sweet raspberry jam center. Rolled in powdered sugar, they offer a delightful contrast of flavors and a snowy appearance perfect for festive occasions or a lovely treat any time.
- Author: Hannah
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for rolling
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup finely ground almonds (almond meal)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup raspberry jam (seedless or strained for smooth filling)
For Garnish:
- Fresh raspberries (optional, for garnish)
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar. Use a mixer or spatula to cream them together until smooth and fluffy, which takes about 2 minutes.
- Add the Almond Flavor: Stir in the almond extract thoroughly to infuse the dough with a fragrant almond aroma.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, finely ground almonds, and salt to evenly distribute these dry ingredients.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture and gently mix until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Make the Cookie Balls: Scoop out about one tablespoon of dough and flatten it slightly in your hand to prepare for filling.
- Add the Raspberry Jam: Place approximately 1/2 teaspoon of raspberry jam in the center of the flattened dough. Carefully fold the dough around the jam and roll it into a smooth ball, ensuring the jam is fully enclosed.
- Prepare for Baking: Arrange the filled dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake the cookies for 15-18 minutes until the edges begin to turn lightly golden but the cookies remain pale, indicating a tender texture.
- Cooling Time: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to set.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: While the cookies are still warm, gently roll each one in powdered sugar to create a snowy coating, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Final Touch: Once fully cooled, dust the cookies with powdered sugar again for an extra festive appearance.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the cookies with fresh raspberries on the side if desired and enjoy the burst of almond and raspberry flavors in every bite.
Notes
- Ensure raspberry jam is seedless or strained for a smooth filling to avoid tearing the dough.
- Do not overbake to maintain a tender and delicate crumb.
- Use room temperature butter for easier creaming and better texture.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For variation, try other fruit jams like apricot or strawberry.
Keywords: almond snowball cookies, raspberry jam cookies, holiday cookies, almond cookies, powdered sugar cookies