Raspberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies for Holiday Baking

Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies bring a soft and tender bite with a surprise of raspberry filling tucked inside each cookie. The almond flavor blends with the buttery dough to create a cookie that melts in your mouth and leaves a light sweetness behind. Each cookie rolls in powdered sugar, which gives it a snowy look that fits the holiday season. They are charming to serve on a dessert tray and easy to enjoy with a warm drink.

These cookies offer a lovely twist on a familiar holiday favorite. The texture stays soft and delicate, while the raspberry filling adds a pleasant burst of flavor. If you enjoy soft and comforting cookies like this one, you may also enjoy my Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies, which follow the same easy method with a classic nut-based flavor. Both recipes bring simple steps and warm flavors together in a way that makes holiday baking feel relaxing and enjoyable.

Why You Will Love These Cookies

These cookies are shaped like small round snowballs and they melt beautifully in your mouth. The almond extract brings a gentle aroma that complements the raspberry center. Each cookie has a soft exterior that holds its shape while still keeping a tender bite. They are easy to make, quick to bake, and lovely to arrange on a cookie platter.

The ingredient list is simple and the dough requires no special tools. The cookies cool quickly, so you can coat them in powdered sugar within minutes. The raspberry filling brings a bright flavor that contrasts with the sweetness of the dough. These cookies stay fresh for several days, which makes them easy to prepare ahead of time for gatherings or gift boxes.

Ingredients You Will Need

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup powdered sugar plus extra for coating
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup finely ground almonds or almond flour
• 1 cup raspberry jam or thick raspberry filling
• 1 pinch salt

These ingredients combine to create a soft dough with a rich almond base and a sweet fruit center.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the dough

Place the softened butter in a large mixing bowl. Beat it until creamy and smooth. Add the powdered sugar and almond extract. Mix until everything looks light and fluffy. This will form the base of your dough and help the cookies stay soft after baking.

Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and add the ground almonds. Add a pinch of salt. Mix slowly until the dough comes together. It should feel soft but firm enough to shape into small balls. If the dough feels sticky, let it rest for a few minutes so the flour can absorb some of the moisture.

Step 2: Shape the cookies

Scoop a small amount of dough and roll it gently between your palms. Make a small indent in the center with your finger. Add a tiny spoonful of raspberry jam into the indent. Take a little more dough and place it over the filling. Seal it carefully so the jam stays inside during baking.

Roll the cookie lightly again so it becomes smooth and round. Place each cookie on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave a small space between each one so they bake evenly.

Step 3: Bake the cookies

Heat your oven to three hundred fifty degrees. Place the baking sheet on the center rack. Bake for about twelve to fourteen minutes or until the cookies look set and the bottoms turn pale golden. The tops should stay light in color so the powdered sugar coating will show well.

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes. This helps them firm up before moving them to a cooling rack. They will be soft when they come out of the oven, so be gentle when handling them.

Step 4: Coat the cookies

Pour a generous amount of powdered sugar into a large bowl. Once the cookies are cool enough to touch, place them in the sugar and roll them gently until each cookie is covered. Let them cool completely on a rack. Roll them in powdered sugar again for a thicker coating. This double layer gives them a pretty snow-covered look.

Step 5: Add final touches

Arrange the cookies on a plate or stand. The soft white coating will contrast with the raspberry inside when you bite into them. If you want a festive look, sprinkle a few extra almonds around the tray or place fresh raspberries nearby for color.

Helpful Tips

• Use almond flour for a smoother texture.
• Use a thicker jam so the filling does not leak out during baking.
• Chill the dough for ten minutes if it feels too soft to shape.
• Dust warm cookies lightly before the final sugar coating.

These small adjustments help you create a batch of cookies that holds together well and stays tender.

Storage Information

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. They stay soft and flavorful and the sugar coating keeps them looking fresh. If you place parchment paper between layers, the powdered sugar will not smudge.

You can freeze these cookies for up to one month. Thaw them at room temperature and roll them in a light dusting of powdered sugar again before serving.

Variations You Can Try

• Use apricot jam for a gentle fruit flavor that pairs well with almonds.
• Mix a small amount of lemon zest into the dough for a brighter taste.
• Coat the cookies with a blend of powdered sugar and finely crushed almonds for added texture.
• Use a chocolate filled center instead of raspberry for a rich variation.

Each variation brings a different touch while keeping the soft snowball texture that makes this recipe special.

FAQs

Can I use a different nut flour?

Yes, hazelnut flour or finely ground pecans work well, but almond flour is the classic choice for flavor and texture.

Can I use fresh raspberries instead of jam?

Use only jam or a thick fruit filling. Fresh berries release too much juice, and the cookies may break during baking.

Why are my cookies too crumbly?

Add a teaspoon of milk to the dough if it feels too dry. Work it in gently until the dough holds together.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can chill the dough for up to twenty-four hours before shaping and baking.

Closing Thoughts

These raspberry almond snowball cookies bring a touch of elegance to any holiday cookie tray. The soft almond dough surrounds the sweet berry center in a way that feels warm and comforting. The powdered sugar gives them a classic snowy finish that fits perfectly with winter baking traditions. They are simple to make and satisfying to share. Whether you bake them for family gatherings or holiday gifts, they add a bright flavor and a soft crumb that people enjoy in every bite.