Advertisements

Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies are a classic treat known for their buttery texture, delicate almond flavor, and sweet raspberry center. These cookies melt in your mouth and offer the perfect balance of nutty richness and fruity brightness. Whether you’re preparing a holiday cookie tray, hosting a winter gathering, or simply craving a soft cookie with a flavorful surprise inside, this recipe delivers elegance and comfort in every bite.

These snowball cookies stand out because they combine traditional shortbread softness with the unexpected delight of jam hiding in the center. Rolled twice in powdered sugar for a snowy finish, they are visually stunning and irresistibly delicious. Their simplicity and rich flavor make them ideal for both beginner bakers and seasoned home cooks.

Advertisements

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect holiday cookie that looks festive and tastes incredible.
Soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture enhanced by finely ground almonds.
Hidden raspberry filling adds a burst of sweetness and flavor.
Customizable with spices, citrus, or different jams.
Make-ahead friendly and great for gifting or parties.

Advertisements

Ingredients Breakdown

Key Ingredients for the Cookie Dough

Unsalted butter
Creates the soft, crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth base that snowball cookies are famous for.
Powdered sugar
Creamed with butter to give the dough a smooth, delicate sweetness.
Vanilla and almond extracts
These two flavorings enhance the cookie’s aroma. Almond extract, in particular, brings a signature nutty warmth.
All-purpose flour
Provides the structure needed for the dough while keeping the texture light.
Finely ground almonds or almond flour
Adds richness, tenderness, and depth of flavor.
Salt
Balances sweetness and elevates all other flavors.

Ingredients for Filling and Coating

Raspberry jam
Thick preserves work best to prevent leaking and to create a flavorful center.
Powdered sugar
Used to coat the cookies twice for the iconic snowy look.

Optional Additions

Cinnamon
Adds a warm, spicy note perfect for winter.
Lemon zest
Brightens the flavor and complements the raspberry filling.

Advertisements

Tips and Tricks

Chill the dough: Refrigeration prevents your cookies from spreading and helps them maintain their round shape.
Use thick preserves: Thin jam can seep out during baking. Choose a jam with a sturdy texture for best results.
Keep cookies uniform in size: This ensures even baking across the entire batch.
Don’t overbake: The bottoms should be lightly golden but not browned.
Roll while warm: The first powdered sugar coating sticks best when cookies are still warm.
Roll again once cooled: This creates the perfect snowy exterior.

Variations and Customizations

Flavor Swap
Replace raspberry with strawberry, blackberry, apricot, or cherry preserves.
Nut Alternatives
Instead of almonds, try finely ground pecans, walnuts, or pistachios for a different charm.
Spiced Snowballs
Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the dough for a warm, spiced twist.
Citrus Variation
Lemon or orange zest brightens the dough and balances the butteriness beautifully.
Chocolate Version
Fill the center with a small chocolate piece instead of jam for a decadent surprise.

Pairing Suggestions

Serve these cookies with hot tea, espresso, or hot chocolate for a comforting treat.
Pair with vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of warm and cold textures.
Add them to a holiday cookie platter alongside shortbread, gingerbread cookies, or chocolate crinkles.

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
Freezer Friendly: Freeze baked cookies for up to three months. Defrost at room temperature and re-roll in powdered sugar if needed.
Make-Ahead Dough: Refrigerate dough for up to 48 hours or freeze for future baking.