If you’re looking for a holiday cookie that is both beautiful and delicious, these Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies are a perfect choice. With a delicate almond flavor, a sweet raspberry center, and a powdered sugar finish, these cookies bring warmth and elegance to any holiday spread. Easy to make and a joy to eat, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive into the recipe details and discover what makes these cookies so special!
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
- Elegant and Festive: These snowball cookies, with their snowy powdered sugar coating, look beautiful on holiday trays.
- Sweet Surprise Inside: The raspberry filling adds a burst of flavor that complements the almond dough perfectly.
- Easy to Make Ahead: These cookies store well, so you can make them ahead of time for parties and gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather these simple ingredients for an elegant holiday cookie:
- Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich, tender cookie base.
- Powdered Sugar: Used in the dough and for rolling the cookies to give that snowy appearance.
- Almond Extract: Adds a delightful almond flavor that pairs wonderfully with raspberry.
- All-Purpose Flour: The main structure of the dough.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
- Almond Flour: Adds a nuttier, delicate texture.
- Raspberry Preserves: The perfect sweet, fruity surprise in the center.
- Extra Powdered Sugar: For rolling the cookies after baking.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies
Follow these easy steps to make a batch of these delicious holiday cookies:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add 1 teaspoon of almond extract and mix well.
Gradually add 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 cup of almond flour to the butter mixture, mixing until a soft, slightly crumbly dough forms.
Step 3: Shape the Cookies and Add Filling
Take about 1 tablespoon of dough and flatten it in your palm. Add 1/2 teaspoon of raspberry preserves to the center, then carefully wrap the dough around the filling, rolling it into a smooth ball. Ensure the preserves are fully enclosed to prevent leaks during baking. Repeat with the remaining dough.
Tip: If the dough is too soft, place it in the fridge for about 10 minutes to make handling easier.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
Place the prepared dough balls on the lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cookies are set but not browned. This helps them stay soft and buttery, with a light golden color.
Step 5: Roll in Powdered Sugar
Allow the cookies to cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet, then gently roll each warm cookie in powdered sugar. Once completely cooled, roll the cookies again in powdered sugar for that perfect snowy finish.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
These cookies are ready to be enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee. Their delicate almond flavor and fruity raspberry filling make them a delightful treat for any holiday gathering.
Tips for the Best Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies
- Use Cold Raspberry Preserves: Chilled preserves make it easier to handle and wrap in the dough without spreading.
- Roll in Powdered Sugar Twice: The double roll ensures a thick, snowy coating that makes these cookies look festive and taste delicious.
- Experiment with Fillings: While raspberry is a classic choice, you can try other fruit preserves, like strawberry, apricot, or even fig, for a unique twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make These Cookies Ahead of Time?
Yes! These cookies store very well. Simply keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or in the freezer for up to three months.
Can I Substitute Almond Flour?
If you don’t have almond flour, you can use finely ground almonds. The flavor and texture will be very similar.
What Can I Use Instead of Raspberry Preserves?
You can use any fruit preserves or jam that you enjoy. Apricot, strawberry, and blackberry are all excellent options for a flavorful filling.
How Do I Keep the Cookies from Spreading Too Much?
These cookies have minimal spreading, but chilling the dough before baking can help maintain their round shape, especially if your kitchen is warm.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are not only delicious but also very versatile. Here are a few ways to enjoy them:
- Holiday Dessert Platters: Add them to an assortment of holiday cookies for a beautiful, varied dessert display.
- Cookie Exchange Parties: These cookies are unique and impressive, making them a great choice for cookie swaps.
- Gift Boxes: Pack them in festive boxes or tins lined with parchment paper for a charming homemade holiday gift.
Variations on the Classic Snowball Cookie
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, try these fun variations:
- Chocolate Snowball Cookies: Add cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolate-almond twist.
- Lemon-Almond Snowball Cookies: Add lemon zest to the dough for a hint of citrus flavor.
- Nut-Filled Snowballs: Use a whole almond or hazelnut in place of the preserves for a crunchy center.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per Cookie)
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 2g
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.
Why These Cookies are Perfect for Holiday Baking
These Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies embody everything we love about the holiday season. They’re warm, sweet, and a little bit fancy. The almond and raspberry combination is classic and sophisticated, while the powdered sugar coating gives them a nostalgic feel. They’re easy to make, store beautifully, and look stunning on any dessert table.
With minimal ingredients and a straightforward process, you’ll be able to whip up a batch (or two!) of these cookies in no time. Whether you’re making them for a holiday party or to give as homemade gifts, they’re sure to impress everyone who tries them.
Conclusion
These Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies are a must-have for any holiday baking list. Their buttery almond flavor, sweet raspberry filling, and snowy powdered sugar coating make them festive and flavorful. Perfect for cookie trays, gifts, or just a cozy treat, these cookies will become a holiday favorite.
Try making them this season, and don’t be surprised if they disappear fast! Happy baking, and enjoy every delicious bite.
