Raspberry Almond Snowball Cookies Recipe

This delightful recipe for raspberry almond snowball cookies offers a beautiful combination of rich flavors. The soft and buttery cookies are generously filled with a sweet raspberry jam center, providing a burst of fruitiness with each bite. The almonds add a wonderful crunch, while the light dusting of powdered sugar adds a layer of sweetness that complements the tart raspberry. Perfect for the holiday season or simply as a delightful treat to enjoy with your afternoon tea.

Photos of Raspberry Almond Snowball Cookies Recipe

The star ingredients of this recipe – almonds, raspberry jam, and powdered sugar – should be easily available in most supermarkets. However, keep in mind that for the almonds, we are looking for sliced ones, not whole. They are typically located in the baking aisle alongside other nuts. For the raspberry jam, always opt for a good-quality one as it will be the star filling in your cookies. Lastly, for the powdered sugar, make sure it's unsweetened, as it will be used for dusting the cookies.

Raspberry Almond Snowball Cookies Ingredients

All-purpose flour: This is the base of the cookie dough, providing structure and texture.

Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.

Sliced almonds: Adds a nice crunch and nutty flavor to the cookies.

Unsalted butter: Provides richness and helps in creating a soft, buttery texture.

Powdered sugar: Used to sweeten the cookie dough and for dusting the cookies.

Almond extract: Enhances the almond flavor in the cookies.

Raspberry jam: Sweet and tart, it serves as the delightful filling in the cookies.

One reader, Guillema Carmona says:

These raspberry almond snowball cookies are a delightful treat! The combination of the nutty almond flavor and the sweet raspberry jam is simply divine. The cookies are easy to make and turned out perfectly. They're a hit with everyone who tries them!

Guillema Carmona

Key Techniques for Perfect Raspberry Almond Snowball Cookies

How to prepare the dough: Combine the flour and salt in a mixing bowl, then cream together the butter and powdered sugar until smooth. Gradually add the flour mixture and sliced almonds, mixing until combined.

How to shape the cookies: Scoop the dough and shape it into balls, then make an indentation in the center. Add raspberry jam into the indentation and cover it with more cookie dough, sealing the edges.

How to chill the dough: Place the shaped dough balls in the refrigerator for 1 hour and 30 minutes to firm up.

How to coat the cookies with powdered sugar: Roll the warm cookies in powdered sugar, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool. Once cooled, roll them in powdered sugar again for a final coating.

How To Make Raspberry Almond Snowball Cookies

Looking for a quick treat to make for Christmas? Then these snowball cookies are the way to go! Enjoy each bite with stuffed raspberries and tasty almonds.

Preparation: 30 minutes

Cooking: 30 minutes

Chill Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Total: 2 hours 30 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

2cupsall-purpose flour
½tspsalt
¾cupsliced almonds
1cupunsalted buttersoftened
½cuppowdered sugar
½tspalmond extract
6tbspraspberry jamseedless
1½cupspowdered sugar

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Set aside.
Add almonds to a food processor and process until finely ground to tiny bits. Set aside.
In the bowl of an electric stand mixer set with the paddle attachment, cream together butter and ½ cup powdered sugar until combined and smooth.
Mix in almond extract.
Slowly add in flour mixture and mix just until combined.
Mix in sliced almonds, folding with a spatula to combine.
Scoop dough out ½ a tablespoon at a time, then shape the dough into a ball.
Make a fairly deep indention with a finger or thumb.
Add ½ teaspoon of the jam in the center, then scoop out another ½ tablespoon of cookie dough to cover the jam.
Gently bring some of the dough down on the sides to seal the dough ball.
Transfer to a plate.
Repeat with the remaining dough.
Transfer dough balls to refrigerator then chill 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F during last 15 minutes of chilling.
Transfer cookies to a baking sheet spacing them 2-inches apart.
Bake in preheated oven until set, about 11 to 13 minutes.
Remove from oven and allow to cool several minutes.
Pour the remaining 1½ cups powdered sugar into a small mixing bowl.
Lightly coat the warm cookies by carefully rolling them in the powdered sugar.
Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Roll once more in powdered sugar for the final coating.
Serve, and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 140.34kcal
Fat: 7.37g
Saturated Fat: 3.99g
Trans Fat: 0.25g
Monounsaturated Fat: 2.33g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.55g
Carbohydrates: 17.60g
Fiber: 0.56g
Sugar: 9.90g
Protein: 1.43g
Cholesterol: 16.27mg
Sodium: 41.23mg
Calcium: 10.16mg
Potassium: 30.94mg
Iron: 0.50mg
Vitamin A: 51.76µg
Vitamin C: 0.35mg

Pro Tip for Achieving the Ideal Texture in Snowball Cookies

When making these raspberry almond snowball cookies, it's crucial to chill the dough before baking. This helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevents them from spreading too much in the oven. Also, when filling the cookies with raspberry jam, be careful not to overfill. Too much jam can cause the cookies to break apart during baking. Lastly, for an even coating of powdered sugar, use a small sieve to dust the sugar onto the cookies. This will give them a beautiful, snowy appearance.

Time-Saving Tips for Whipping Up Snowball Cookies

Prep ahead: Prepare the cookie dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before shaping and baking.

Use a cookie scoop: Use a cookie scoop to portion the dough, ensuring uniform size and shape for even baking.

Chill the dough: Chilling the dough for at least 1 hour and 30 minutes helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents spreading during baking.

Double the batch: Consider making a double batch and freezing half for later use, saving time on future baking sessions.

Bake in batches: If your oven space allows, bake the cookies in batches to speed up the process and ensure even baking.

Substitute Ingredients For Raspberry Almond Snowball Cookies Recipe

all-purpose flour - Substitute with gluten-free all-purpose flour: This substitute is ideal for those who are gluten intolerant or have celiac disease. It provides a similar texture and structure to traditional all-purpose flour.
unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used as a dairy-free alternative to butter, and it adds a subtle coconut flavor to the cookies.
sliced almonds - Substitute with chopped pecans: Pecans provide a similar nutty flavor and crunch to the cookies, making them a great alternative to sliced almonds.
powdered sugar - Substitute with granulated sugar: If powdered sugar is not available, granulated sugar can be used as a substitute, although the texture of the cookies may be slightly different.
almond extract - Substitute with vanilla extract: Vanilla extract can be used as a substitute for almond extract, providing a different but equally delicious flavor profile to the cookies.
raspberry jam - Substitute with strawberry jam: Strawberry jam can be used as a substitute for raspberry jam, offering a similar fruity sweetness to the cookies.

Presentation Ideas for Festive Snowball Cookies

Elevate the cookie size: Present the raspberry almond snowball cookies in a larger size to create a grand and luxurious appearance. This will make them stand out and capture attention.
Incorporate edible flowers: Garnish the serving platter with delicate and colorful edible flowers to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to the presentation.
Utilize a tiered serving tray: Arrange the cookies on a tiered serving tray to create a visually appealing display, adding height and dimension to the presentation.
Add a dusting of edible glitter: Lightly dust the cookies with edible glitter to give them a shimmering and magical appearance, enhancing their visual appeal.
Serve on fine china: Present the cookies on exquisite fine china to elevate the overall presentation and create a sense of luxury and refinement.
Incorporate gold leaf accents: Adorn the cookies with delicate accents of gold leaf to add a touch of opulence and sophistication to the presentation.
Use a marble serving board: Display the cookies on a sleek and elegant marble serving board to create a modern and luxurious presentation that highlights the beauty of the cookies.
Create a symmetrical arrangement: Arrange the cookies in a perfectly symmetrical pattern on the serving platter to create a visually striking and harmonious presentation.

Essential Equipment for Making Almond Snowball Cookies

Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for grinding, chopping, and blending ingredients. It's great for finely grinding the sliced almonds in this recipe.
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for combining the dry ingredients, creaming the butter and sugar, and mixing the cookie dough. It's a versatile tool for various stages of the recipe.
Electric stand mixer: An electric stand mixer with a paddle attachment is used for creaming the butter and sugar together. It's a convenient tool for achieving a smooth and well-combined mixture.
Spatula: A spatula is handy for folding in the sliced almonds and ensuring all the ingredients are well combined without overmixing the dough.
Baking sheet: A baking sheet is necessary for placing the formed cookie dough balls before baking. It allows for even heat distribution and prevents the cookies from sticking.
Wire rack: A wire rack is used for cooling the baked cookies. It allows air to circulate around the cookies, preventing sogginess and ensuring they cool evenly.
Small mixing bowl: A small mixing bowl is used for coating the warm cookies with powdered sugar. It's the perfect size for rolling the cookies to achieve a light, sweet coating.

Storage and Freezing Guidelines for Raspberry Almond Snowball Cookies

Once the raspberry almond snowball cookies have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days
To keep the cookies fresh and prevent them from drying out, place a slice of bread in the container with the cookies
For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag for up to 2 months
To freeze, arrange the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer until frozen solid (about 1-2 hours)
Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, separating layers with wax paper or parchment paper to prevent sticking
To thaw frozen cookies, remove them from the freezer and let them come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving
If desired, you can refresh the powdered sugar coating on the thawed cookies by rolling them in a bowl of powdered sugar before serving

Reheating Tips for Leftover Snowball Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the raspberry almond snowball cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until they are heated through and slightly crispy on the outside. This method will help restore some of the crispiness that may have been lost during storage.
For a quicker option, you can use the microwave. Place the cookies on a microwave-safe plate and heat them in 10-second intervals until they reach your desired temperature. Be careful not to overheat them, as this can cause the cookies to become soggy or tough.
If you want to maintain the soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture of the snowball cookies, you can reheat them using the steam method. Boil water in a pot or kettle, and place a steamer basket over the top. Arrange the cookies in the steamer basket, making sure they don't touch the water. Cover the basket with a lid and steam for 1-2 minutes, or until the cookies are warm and soft.
For a more indulgent treat, you can reheat the raspberry almond snowball cookies in the oven and serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. This will create a delightful contrast of warm and cold, soft and crunchy textures.
If you want to refresh the powdered sugar coating on the cookies, let them cool for a few minutes after reheating, then gently roll them in a bowl of fresh powdered sugar. This will give them a renewed appearance and a sweet, velvety finish.

Surprising Trivia About Raspberry Almond Snowball Cookies

The snowball cookies are a delightful treat that originated in the United States. They are also known as Mexican wedding cookies or Russian tea cakes. These cookies are popular during the holiday season and are often made with nuts, such as almonds or pecans. They are typically rolled in powdered sugar, giving them a snowball-like appearance. The raspberry jam in this recipe adds a burst of fruity flavor to the traditional almond snowball cookies. Enjoy these delicious cookies with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful snack.

Budget-Friendly: Making Almond Snowball Cookies at Home

This raspberry almond snowball cookies recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The use of almonds and raspberry jam may increase the cost slightly, but the yield and flavor compensate for it. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15. The delightful combination of almond and raspberry creates a delectable treat. I rate this recipe an 8 for its taste and versatility.

Are Raspberry Almond Snowball Cookies Healthy?

The raspberry almond snowball cookies recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main ingredients contributing to its unhealthy status are:

All-purpose flour, which is refined and lacks fiber and nutrients
Butter, a significant source of saturated fat
Powdered sugar, a refined sugar that adds empty calories

Additionally, the recipe contains minimal nutritional value, as it lacks fruits (except for the small amount of raspberry jam), vegetables, or whole grains.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:

Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour or almond flour to increase fiber and nutrient content
Reduce the amount of butter by 25% and substitute the remaining portion with Greek yogurt or mashed avocado to decrease saturated fat content
Decrease the amount of powdered sugar used in the dough and for coating the cookies, or opt for a healthier alternative like coconut sugar or maple sugar
Increase the amount of raspberry jam used to boost the fruit content and add more natural sweetness
Incorporate additional nutrient-dense ingredients, such as chia seeds or ground flaxseed, to enhance the nutritional profile of the cookies

By implementing these changes, you can create a more balanced and nutritious version of the raspberry almond snowball cookies while still maintaining their delightful taste and texture.

Editor's Take: My Honest Opinion on This Snowball Cookie Recipe

The recipe for raspberry almond snowball cookies is a delightful combination of buttery, nutty, and fruity flavors. The use of almond extract and ground almonds adds a lovely depth to the cookie, while the raspberry jam provides a burst of sweet-tartness. The process of shaping the cookies with a hidden jam center makes for a fun and surprising treat. The final coating of powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and a beautiful snowy appearance. These cookies are perfect for any occasion and are sure to impress with their delicious taste and charming presentation.

Enhance Your Raspberry Almond Snowball Cookies Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Create a creamy and savory side dish to complement the sweet and nutty flavors of the raspberry almond snowball cookies.

Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest: Add a touch of freshness and brightness to your meal with this vibrant and flavorful side dish.

Honey Glazed Carrots: Balance out the richness of the cookies with these sweet and tender glazed carrots, adding a pop of color to your plate.

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts: Enhance the overall dining experience with these caramelized and tangy Brussels sprouts, offering a delightful contrast to the cookies.

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Lemon Garlic Roasted Chicken: This lemon garlic roasted chicken is a simple yet delicious dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. The tangy lemon and savory garlic infuse the chicken with mouthwatering flavor, and the crispy skin adds the perfect crunch.

Mango Coconut Chia Pudding: This mango coconut chia pudding is a refreshing and healthy dessert option that is perfect for a light and satisfying treat. The sweet mango and creamy coconut milk combine with the nutritious chia seeds to create a delightful pudding that is both delicious and nutritious.

Appetizers and Main Courses to Serve with Raspberry Almond Snowball Cookies

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Create a savory and indulgent appetizer by stuffing mushrooms with a flavorful mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs. Bake until golden and bubbly for a delicious start to any meal.

Spinach and Artichoke Dip: Whip up a creamy and cheesy spinach and artichoke dip for a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Serve with crispy tortilla chips or toasted bread for a satisfying and comforting snack.

Main Courses:

Chicken Alfredo: Indulge in a creamy and savory pasta dish that combines tender chicken with a rich and flavorful Alfredo sauce. The perfect comfort food for any occasion.

Beef Stir Fry: Experience the bold and vibrant flavors of a beef stir fry, packed with tender strips of beef, crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce. A quick and satisfying meal that's sure to impress.

Why trust this Raspberry Almond Snowball Cookies Recipe:

This recipe is a delightful combination of raspberry and almond flavors, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness. The use of unsalted butter ensures a rich and creamy texture, while the addition of almond extract enhances the aromatic profile. The incorporation of sliced almonds adds a delightful crunch to the cookies. Furthermore, the inclusion of raspberry jam provides a burst of fruity goodness in every bite. These cookies are a delightful treat for any occasion, and the step-by-step instructions ensure a successful baking experience.

Want to share your experience making these Raspberry Almond Snowball Cookies or have any tips to perfect the recipe? Join the discussion in the Baking and Desserts forum!

FAQ:

Can I use a different type of nut instead of almonds?

Yes, you can definitely use a different type of nut if you prefer. Pecans or walnuts would be great alternatives to the sliced almonds in this recipe.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Using salted butter will work fine, but you may want to adjust the amount of salt in the recipe to balance the flavor.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time and freeze them?

Absolutely! These cookies freeze very well. Once they are completely cooled, you can store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to a month.

Can I use a different flavor of jam?

Of course! Feel free to experiment with different flavors of jam to suit your taste preferences. Strawberry, blackberry, or apricot jam would all work well in this recipe.

Can I skip the step of rolling the cookies in powdered sugar?

Rolling the cookies in powdered sugar gives them a lovely snowball appearance and adds a touch of sweetness. However, if you prefer less sweetness, you can certainly skip this step.