There’s something utterly delightful about the tender crunch of buttery almond cookies paired with the sweet burst of raspberry jam inside. This Almond Snowball Cookies with Raspberry Jam Recipe is a nostalgic treat that feels like a warm hug in cookie form—perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients & Why They Work
- Make It Your Way
- Step-by-Step: How I Make Almond Snowball Cookies with Raspberry Jam Recipe
- Top Tip
- How to Serve Almond Snowball Cookies with Raspberry Jam Recipe
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Final Thoughts
- Almond Snowball Cookies with Raspberry Jam Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’ve baked quite a few cookies in my life, but these almond snowballs filled with raspberry jam always hold a special spot in my kitchen. The combination of nutty, crumbly texture and the sweet tang of fresh jam is just irresistible—every bite feels a bit festive, even on an ordinary day.
- Perfect Balance of Flavors: The nutty almonds and raspberry jam complement each other beautifully without overpowering.
- Simple Yet Elegant: These cookies don’t need fancy techniques, making them friendly for all home bakers.
- Great Make-Ahead Treat: They hold up well for gifting and storing, perfect for busy days or last-minute celebrations.
- Fun to Assemble: I love how you can personalize the jam filling or experiment with different nuts to make them your own.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The magic of these Almond Snowball Cookies with Raspberry Jam Recipe is in the simple yet thoughtfully paired ingredients. Each one plays an important role—from that toasty almond crunch to the delicate sweetness of jam, making these cookies truly memorable.
- All Purpose Flour: The sturdy base that holds the cookie together but doesn’t make it tough.
- Toasted Ground Almonds: Adds rich nutty flavor and a beautiful crumbly texture—don’t skip toasting for max aroma.
- Pinch of Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- Unsalted Butter: Room temperature butter is key for that soft and tender crumb.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens gently and gives a delicate finish that melt-in-your-mouth feeling.
- Almond Extract: Boosts almond flavor without adding any extra texture.
- Seedless Raspberry Jam: The star filling — smooth and slightly tart for a surprising burst inside each bite.
Make It Your Way
I’ve played around with this Almond Snowball Cookies with Raspberry Jam Recipe over the years, tweaking the jam flavors or swapping nuts. Feel free to make it yours—this recipe is a wonderful canvas for your kitchen creativity.
- Variation: I sometimes swap raspberry jam for apricot or blackberry jam for a different fruity twist—both work beautifully, depending on the season.
- Dietary Adjustments: Use gluten-free flour blend if you’re avoiding gluten, and lightly toast chopped pecans instead of almonds for a fun change.
- Difficulty Level: These cookies are beginner-friendly but absolutely satisfying to make, especially if you love hands-on baking.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Almond Snowball Cookies with Raspberry Jam Recipe
Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients with Care
Start by stirring together the flour and salt in a bowl. Toast your almonds first to bring out their flavor and then grind them finely. Gently fold the ground almonds into the flour mixture so that each cookie has that gorgeous almond-packed texture.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar Fluffy
Using an electric mixer, beat the room temperature butter with powdered sugar until it becomes light and fluffy—this usually takes about 3-4 minutes. You’ll notice the mixture becomes pale and silky, which is perfect for a tender crumb.
Step 3: Bring the Dough Together
Add the almond extract to the butter mixture, then slowly add in the flour and almond mix. Beat on low speed just until combined—overmixing can toughen the cookies, so keep it gentle.
Step 4: Shape and Fill Your Cookies
This is my favorite part! Pinch off two 1-inch pieces of dough, roll each into balls, then hollow out the center slightly with your fingers. Using a tiny spoon, place about half a teaspoon of raspberry jam inside, then sandwich them together. Be sure to pinch around the edges so the jam doesn’t leak out while baking.
Step 5: Chill and Bake
Place the cookies on parchment-lined sheets and chill in the fridge for 1-2 hours. Chilling helps them hold their shape and prevents spreading. Then bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 11-12 minutes, until the bottoms just start turning golden.
Step 6: The Double Sugar Roll
Once warm, gently roll each cookie in powdered sugar. After they cool completely, roll them again for that classic snowy coating that almost melts in your mouth. This double sugar roll is what makes these cookies feel extra special.
Top Tip
Through years of baking these Almond Snowball Cookies with Raspberry Jam Recipe, I’ve learned a few secrets that make a huge difference in the final texture and flavor. Let me share a few insider tips that will help you nail these every time:
- Toasting Almonds: Don’t skip toasting the almonds; it transforms the flavor from bland to beautifully nutty and rich.
- Butter Temperature: Make sure your butter is soft but not melted—this makes the dough easier to work with and prevents greasy cookies.
- Chilling the Dough: Chilling is key! It firms up the dough and keeps the jam safely tucked inside without oozing out during baking.
- Double Powdered Sugar Coating: Rolling twice in powdered sugar gives a delicate, snowy finish that’s both beautiful and tasty.
How to Serve Almond Snowball Cookies with Raspberry Jam Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep it classic with a generous dusting of powdered sugar, but sometimes I like to add a tiny fresh raspberry or a sprig of mint on the side for that extra pop of color when serving guests. A light drizzle of dark chocolate can also be a lovely twist.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a simple cup of tea—Earl Grey or chamomile are my favorites. For a richer pairing, a cappuccino or hot cocoa enhances the almond and berry flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For holidays, I love arranging these cookies in a circular pattern on a pretty plate then sprinkling with edible gold dust for some sparkle. You could also fill decorative tins as heartfelt gifts—adding a handwritten note always wins hearts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, layered with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They stay fresh and tender for up to a week—perfect for enjoying over multiple cups of coffee.
Freezing
I’ve frozen these cookies successfully both before and after baking. If freezing dough balls, thaw in the fridge overnight before baking. Baked cookies freeze well in airtight containers—just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
To refresh cookies from the freezer or leftovers, pop them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes to revive their soft crumb and warm the jam slightly—just avoid overheating so they don’t dry out.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes! Store-bought ground almonds work perfectly, but I highly recommend toasting them lightly before using to bring out a deeper flavor and aroma for your Almond Snowball Cookies with Raspberry Jam Recipe.
If almond extract isn’t available, you can omit it or substitute with vanilla extract, though it won’t have that distinct almond punch. The toasted almonds will still add lovely nutty flavor to your cookies.
Absolutely! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Make sure the blend you choose contains xanthan gum or another binder to keep the texture just right. These cookies are naturally tender and adapt nicely to gluten-free versions.
The best way to avoid jam leaks is to pinch the dough tightly all around the edges after filling. Also, chilling the shaped cookies in the fridge before baking helps them hold their shape, which keeps the jam securely inside.
Final Thoughts
These Almond Snowball Cookies with Raspberry Jam Recipe is one I come back to whenever I want something cozy, festive, and just downright delicious. They’re easy enough for a weekday baking session but special enough for gifting or celebrations. I hope you find as much joy baking and eating these as I do—grab your apron and get ready to make some memories with these lovely little cookies.
Print
Almond Snowball Cookies with Raspberry Jam Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Filled Almond Snowball Cookies are buttery, tender delights with a delicious almond flavor and a sweet raspberry jam center. Coated in powdered sugar, they offer a perfect balance of nutty and fruity tastes, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- ¾ cup toasted ground almonds
- Pinch of salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
Filling
- ¼ cup seedless raspberry jam
Finishing
- Powdered sugar, for rolling
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, stir together the all purpose flour, toasted ground almonds, and pinch of salt until well combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, use an electric hand mixer to cream the unsalted butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add Flavor: Mix the almond extract into the creamed butter and sugar to infuse the dough with almond flavor.
- Combine Dough: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, beating on low speed just until combined to form the cookie dough.
- Shape Cookies: Divide dough into two-inch pieces and roll each into a ball about 1 inch in diameter.
- Create Filling Cavity: Use your fingers to create a hollow in each dough ball, then use a small spoon to add a scant half teaspoon of seedless raspberry jam inside.
- Seal Cookies: Place two filled dough balls together, pinching the dough carefully all around to encase the jam completely.
- Reshape and Chill: Gently reshape each sealed cookie into a smooth ball and place on parchment-lined baking sheets. Refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours to firm up.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the chilled cookies for 12 minutes or until the bottoms just begin to brown.
- Roll in Sugar: Remove cookies from oven and while still warm, roll them in powdered sugar.
- Cool and Coat Again: Once completely cool, roll the cookies in powdered sugar a second time for a beautiful snowy finish.
- Store: Keep cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container.
Notes
- To toast almonds, spread whole almonds on a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-10 minutes until golden and fragrant, then grind.
- Ensure butter is at room temperature to create a smooth and creamy dough.
- Use seedless raspberry jam to avoid seeds interfering with the filling texture.
- Refrigerating the shaped cookies before baking helps them hold their shape and prevents spreading.
- Rolling cookies in powdered sugar twice creates a lovely snowy coating that enhances both appearance and sweetness.
- For a nut-free version, substitute ground almonds with finely ground oats or additional flour, but the texture will be different.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 40 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
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