Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive Appearance: The powdered sugar coating gives these cookies a snowball-like look, ideal for holiday gatherings.
- Delightful Flavor Combination: The nutty almond dough pairs perfectly with the sweet-tart raspberry filling.
- Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: These cookies are tender and buttery, offering a satisfying bite.
- Versatile and Customizable: Easily adapt the filling or add-ins to suit your preferences.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup almond flour (or finely ground almonds)
- ⅓ cup raspberry preserves
- Additional powdered sugar (for rolling)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and ½ cup of powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the almond extract until fully incorporated. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, salt, and almond flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Shape the Cookies: Take about 1 tablespoon of dough and flatten it in your palm. Place ½ teaspoon of raspberry preserves in the center, then carefully wrap the dough around the filling to form a ball, ensuring the preserves are fully enclosed. Repeat with the remaining dough.
- Bake: Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are set but not browned.
- Coat with Powdered Sugar: Allow the cookies to cool for about 5 minutes. While still warm, gently roll each cookie in powdered sugar. Once they have cooled completely, roll them again in powdered sugar for a snowy finish.
Servings and Timing
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour
Variations
- Alternative Fillings: Experiment with different fruit preserves like strawberry, apricot, or blackberry for varied flavors.
- Nutty Addition: Incorporate finely chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts into the dough for added texture.
- Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough for a refreshing citrus note.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary needs.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Place unbaked cookie dough balls on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for 2 hours. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, you can bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
- Reheating: These cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature and do not require reheating.
FAQs
What can I use instead of almond flour?
You can substitute almond flour with finely ground hazelnuts or use an equal amount of all-purpose flour, though the almond flavor will be less pronounced.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, both the dough and baked cookies can be frozen. For unbaked dough, freeze the shaped balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a container. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
How do I prevent the raspberry filling from leaking?
Ensure the dough completely encloses the raspberry preserves and is sealed well to prevent any leaks during baking.
Can I use other types of jam?
Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite jam or preserves, such as strawberry, apricot, or blueberry.
How should I store leftover cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Can I add other ingredients to the dough?
Yes, you can mix in mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit for added flavor and texture.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure the almond flour is gluten-free.
Can I make these cookies smaller?
Yes, you can make smaller cookie balls, but be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly to prevent overbaking.
Why do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling the dough helps it firm up, making it easier to handle and preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Are these cookies suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, all the ingredients used are vegetarian-friendly.
Conclusion
Raspberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies are a delightful treat that combines a tender almond-flavored exterior with a sweet raspberry center. Their festive appearance and melt-in-your-mouth texture make them perfect for holiday gatherings or as a special homemade gift. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies are a must-try for any baking enthusiast.
Raspberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in the festive flavors of Raspberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies. These buttery, almond-flavored treats with a sweet raspberry center are perfect for holidays or special occasions. Keyword: raspberry almond cookies recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup almond flour (or finely ground almonds)
- ⅓ cup raspberry preserves
- Additional powdered sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Cream butter and ½ cup powdered sugar until fluffy. Mix in almond extract. Gradually incorporate all-purpose flour, salt, and almond flour to form a soft dough.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes.
- Preheat Oven: Set to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Shape Cookies: Take 1 tablespoon of dough, flatten, add ½ teaspoon raspberry preserves, and seal to form a ball. Repeat.
- Bake: Arrange balls on a baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart, and bake for 12-15 minutes.
- Powdered Sugar Coating: Cool cookies for 5 minutes, roll in powdered sugar while warm, and roll again once fully cooled.
Notes
- Experiment with alternative fillings like apricot or strawberry preserves.
- Add citrus zest for a bright flavor twist.
- Substitute almond flour with hazelnut meal or additional all-purpose flour if necessary.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
