Description
Delight in these tender, almond-flavored snowball cookies filled with a sweet and tangy raspberry jam center. These Raspberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies combine buttery dough with ground almonds and a luscious jam surprise, dusted in powdered sugar for a festive, snowy finish. Perfect for holiday treats or any cozy occasion!
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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 the mixture is smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Add the Almond Flavor: Stir in the almond extract until fully incorporated, releasing a delightful aroma.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground almonds, and salt to evenly distribute the dry components.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture, mixing gently just until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the texture tender.
- Make the Cookie Balls: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and flatten it slightly in your palm, preparing it to hold the jam filling.
- Add the Raspberry Jam: Place approximately 1/2 teaspoon of raspberry jam in the center of the flattened dough. Carefully fold the dough over the jam, sealing edges thoroughly and rolling it into a smooth ball to prevent leaking.
- Prepare for Baking: Arrange the jam-filled dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the cookie edges are lightly golden but the centers remain pale and tender.
- Cooling Time: Remove cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to set.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: While still warm, roll each cookie gently in powdered sugar, creating the signature snowball appearance. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Final Touch: Once cooled, dust the cookies with powdered sugar again for an extra snowy and festive finish.
- Serve and Enjoy: Optionally serve with fresh raspberries on the side. Enjoy these delicate almond snowball cookies, bursting with sweet raspberry jam.
Notes
- Use vegan butter as a dairy-free alternative without compromising texture.
- Powdered sugar can be substituted with coconut sugar or sugar alternatives, though flavor may vary.
- Vanilla extract can replace almond extract if needed.
- For gluten-free, use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour.
- Substitute ground almonds with finely chopped walnuts or hazelnuts if desired.
- Ensure the jam is well enclosed to prevent leakage during baking.
- Dough can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and refrigerated.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months; thaw before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Raspberry Cookies, Almond Snowball Cookies, Jam Filled Cookies, Holiday Cookies, Almond Dessert, Raspberry Jam Cookies, Snowball Cookies Recipe
