Name: Raspberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies: Melt-in-Your-Mouth Joy
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Unsalted Butter (softened to room temperature); 1/4 cup Powdered Sugar (plus more for dusting); 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (preferably pure extract); 1 teaspoon Almond Extract (adjust to taste); 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (or gluten-free flour); 1 cup Finely Ground Almonds (Almond Meal); 1/4 teaspoon Salt (just a pinch); 1/2 cup Raspberry Jam (preferably seedless)

As the holiday season approaches, there’s something utterly magical about the smell of warm cookies wafting through the kitchen. That’s where my Raspberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies come into play—these delightful little treats are both easy to whip up and gluten-free, making them the perfect addition to your festive celebrations. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and vibrant raspberry jam center, they’re sure to impress at cookie exchanges or cozy tea parties. Plus, they’re a breeze to make, giving you more time to enjoy the festivities while delighting your loved ones with a sweet homemade gift. Are you ready to add a sprinkle of joy to your holiday baking?

Why Are These Cookies Unforgettable?

Melt-in-your-Mouth Texture: Each bite offers a delightful softness, contrasting perfectly with the vibrant jam center, creating a taste sensation that will leave everyone wanting more.

Quick and Easy: You don’t need to be an expert baker to whip these up! The simple steps make them ideal for those busy holiday schedules.

Gluten-Free Adaptation: Enjoy festive flavors without worry. You can easily substitute ingredients to create gluten-free versions that everyone can savor.

Versatile Flavors: While raspberry jam shines in this recipe, feel free to experiment with strawberry or apricot for a twist! Check out my Pistachio Cream Cookies for more delightful options.

Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for cookie exchanges or gatherings, these treats are a guaranteed hit that’ll have everyone asking for the recipe!

Raspberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookie Ingredients

For the Cookie Batter

Unsalted Butter – Ensure it’s softened to room temperature for easy creaming and a rich flavor.
Powdered Sugar – Adds sweetness and helps create that light, melt-in-your-mouth texture; save some for dusting!
Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor; opt for pure extract for the best results.
Almond Extract – Infuses the cookies with a delightful nutty aroma; adjust the amount to suit your taste.
All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure; can easily be swapped for gluten-free flour for a gluten-free adaptation.
Finely Ground Almonds (Almond Meal) – Imparts nuttiness and improves texture, making them essential for your Raspberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies.
Salt – Just a pinch helps balance the sweetness for a better flavor profile.

For the Filling

Raspberry Jam – The delicious tart filling; prefer seedless varieties for a smooth and enjoyable bite.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Raspberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and optimal cookie release. This simple step sets the stage for baking your delightful Raspberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies, ensuring an evenly cooked and perfectly textured treat.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, combine softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes until it is light and fluffy, creating a creamy consistency that infuses air into the dough. The sweetness from the sugar is essential for these festive cookies.

Step 3: Add the Flavorings
Next, pour in the vanilla extract and almond extract into your creamed mixture. Beat on low speed just until combined, allowing the rich aromas to blend beautifully into the dough. This step enhances the overall flavor profile of your Raspberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies, making them irresistibly inviting.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, finely ground almonds, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into the creamed mixture, using a spatula or wooden spoon. Mix until just combined to form a soft dough, ensuring not to overwork it, which helps maintain the delicate texture of the cookies.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies
With your hands, scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into small balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring each ball is spaced about 2 inches apart to allow for spread. This spacing is crucial for your Raspberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies to bake evenly and retain their charming round shape.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Slide your baking sheets into the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Watch closely as the bottoms turn a light golden color while the tops remain pale. This visual cue is key to achieving the melt-in-your-mouth texture that these festive cookies are known for.

Step 7: Cool and Indent
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the tray for about 5 minutes. This cooling time allows them to firm up slightly. After resting, use your thumb or the back of a spoon to gently create an indentation in the center of each cookie, preparing for the luscious raspberry filling.

Step 8: Fill with Jam
With your cookies slightly cooled, spoon your favorite seedless raspberry jam into the indentations. The vibrant color and tangy taste of the jam beautifully compliment the nutty flavor of the cookies, enhancing the overall experience of your Raspberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies before you dust them with powdered sugar.

Step 9: Dust and Serve
Once the jam is filled, generously roll each cookie in powdered sugar for that classic snowy finish. This final touch not only adds sweetness but also enhances presentation. Allow the cookies to cool completely before serving, showcasing their delightful beauty at your holiday gatherings or cookie exchanges.

What to Serve with Raspberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies

Imagine the joy of sharing delightful treats that embrace the spirit of the season with family and friends.

Creamy Hot Chocolate: This rich, velvety drink complements the sweet, nutty cookies perfectly, creating a cozy pairing for chilly evenings. The cocoa and contrast of flavors elevate your dessert experience.
Mixed Berry Fruit Salad: A bright medley of fresh berries adds a refreshing touch, balancing the sweetness of your cookies while bringing vibrant colors to your presentation.
Almond Milk Latte: A warm almond milk latte harmonizes with the nutty aroma of the cookies, creating an inviting coffee moment at your gathering. It’s a sweet pick-me-up that pairs beautifully with every bite.
Peppermint Bark: This festive chocolate treat offers a crunchy texture and minty flavor that contrasts splendidly with the softness of the cookies, making for a delightful holiday snack combination.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melts into the warmth of the cookies, enhancing the raspberry jam’s sweetness while adding an extra layer of indulgence to your dessert table.
Gingerbread Cookies: For a classic holiday touch, serve these along with your snowball cookies. The spicy ginger and molasses flavors create a festive duo that everyone will appreciate.
Sparkling Apple Cider: A glass of sparkling apple cider brings a bubbly brightness to your dessert spread, perfectly complementing the cookies’ flavors while adding a celebratory touch to any occasion.

Raspberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies Variations

Feel free to get creative with your baking and customize your cookies to suit your taste buds!

Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with certified gluten-free flour while keeping almond meal for texture.
Jam Swap: Experiment with different flavors like strawberry, apricot, or blueberry jam for delightful twists!
Nutty Crunch: Top the jam with chopped pistachios or slivered almonds for an added texture and flavor contrast.
Chocolate-Almond: Mix in a tablespoon of cocoa powder into the dough for a chocolatey version of these cookies.
Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter alternatives to make these cookies dairy-free without sacrificing flavor.
Mini Versions: Roll smaller balls for mini cookies, making them perfect for parties or as gifts!
Spiced Twist: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough for a warm, aromatic touch to your cookies.
Festive Decor: Get creative with colorful sprinkles on top after dusting with powdered sugar for festive flair!

For even more cookie inspiration, check out my delightful Stuffed Pumpkin Cookies or indulge in my chewy and rich Chewy Oreo Cookies.

Expert Tips for Raspberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies

Room Temperature Butter: Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming, resulting in a light and fluffy cookie texture.
Quality Jam Matters: Always opt for high-quality seedless raspberry jam; it gives the best consistency and flavor for your filling.
Watch the Bake Time: Avoid overbaking; these cookies should have lightly golden bottoms while remaining pale on top for that melt-in-your-mouth effect.
Gluten-Free Adaptation: For a gluten-free version of your Raspberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies, use certified gluten-free flour combined with almond meal for the best results.
Perfect Indentation: Be gentle when creating indentations for the jam; too deep can lead to cookie breakage, while too shallow won’t hold enough filling.

How to Store and Freeze Raspberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cookies at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 5 days to maintain their delightful texture and flavor.

Fridge: If you prefer a chilled treat, place the Raspberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies in the fridge, where they can last for up to a week. Just remember to bring them back to room temperature before serving.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months.

Reheating: Thaw cookies at room temperature before serving. For a touch of warmth, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds or enjoy them chilled for a refreshing bite!

Make Ahead Options

These Raspberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing the ingredients and storing it in the refrigerator. Simply shape the dough into balls and refrigerate them (this helps maintain their texture). Additionally, you can bake the cookies and cool them completely, then store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, fill the cooled cookies with raspberry jam and dust them with powdered sugar for an instant festive treat. This makes your baking ahead seamless, allowing you to enjoy delightful, homemade cookies without the stress on busy days!

Raspberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the best raspberries for the filling?
When selecting raspberries, look for plump, firm berries with a deep color and no dark spots or mold. They should have a sweet aroma. For the jam, I suggest choosing seedless varieties, as they provide a smooth filling that blends perfectly into the cookies.

How should I store my cookies for maximum freshness?
To keep your Raspberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to enjoy them for longer, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them in an airtight container. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before enjoying!

Can I freeze these cookies? If so, how?
Absolutely! To freeze your cookies, start by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1-2 hours until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature, and for a delightful treat, warm them in the microwave for about 10 seconds.

What if my cookies turn out too crumbly?
If you find your Raspberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies are too crumbly, it could be due to over-mixing the dough or not enough moisture. Make sure to cream your butter and sugar well, avoiding excess flour by measuring accurately. If you need to, you can add a teaspoon of milk or almond milk into the dough to help bind it together in the mixing stage.

Are there any common allergens in this recipe?
Yes, this recipe contains common allergens such as almonds and butter. If you’re baking for someone with nut allergies, I recommend using sunflower seed butter as a substitute for butter or oil instead. Also, for a gluten-free option, use certified gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour to ensure the cookies are safe for everyone!

What’s the ideal way to serve these cookies?
These cookies are perfect for holiday cookie exchanges, tea parties, or as a sweet snack with your coffee. For an extra festive touch, consider dusting them with more powdered sugar right before serving for that snowy appearance!