A buttery shell with a jammy surprise – perfect for tea time or dessert!
These raspberry almond filled snowball cookies are a delightful twist on classic snowballs. The buttery, crumbly exterior gives way to a burst of raspberry-almond jam that melts in your mouth. Ideal for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy afternoon snack.
Looking for a cookie with a surprise center? These raspberry almond filled snowballs deliver a perfect balance of textures and flavors. The buttery shell is crisp on the outside and tender inside, while the jammy filling adds a sweet-tart punch. They pair beautifully with milk, tea, or coffee.
What makes these cookies special is the hidden almond-raspberry filling. The combination of tart raspberry and nutty almond creates a flavor explosion that’s both familiar and exciting. Plus, they’re easy to make with just a few ingredients and minimal steps.
Whether you’re hosting a tea party or baking for a family gathering, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Their melt-in-your-mouth quality and elegant presentation make them a standout treat.
Save this recipe for your next baking session and discover why these cookies are a must-try for any dessert lover.
Why This Recipe Works
⏰ Surprising Center
The hidden raspberry-almond filling adds an unexpected burst of flavor that elevates these cookies from ordinary to extraordinary.
💰 Easy to Make
With just a few simple ingredients and minimal steps, these cookies are perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
👥 Make-Ahead Friendly
The dough can be shaped and chilled in advance, making these cookies ideal for holiday baking or busy weeknights.
🌟 Versatile
The filling can be customized with different jams or nuts to suit your taste preferences or seasonal availability.
Raspberry Almond Filled Snowball Cookies Recipe
A buttery shell with a jammy surprise – perfect for tea time or dessert!
🛒 Ingredients
- - 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- - 1 cup powdered sugar
- - 2 cups all-purpose flour
- - 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- - Pinch of salt
- - 1 cup raspberry-almond jam (store-bought or homemade)
- - Coating: 1/2 cup powdered sugar (optional)
👨🍳 Instructions
Prepare Dough: In a large bowl, cream butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add flour, almond extract, and salt. Mix until a dough forms. Chill for 30 minutes.
💡 Tip: Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading during baking.
Shape Cookies: Roll dough into 1-inch balls. Use your thumb to create a small indentation in each ball. Fill each with about 1 teaspoon of raspberry-almond jam. Seal by rolling the edges together.
💡 Tip: Use a toothpick to gently press the edges together for a secure seal.
Bake: Place cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Chill for 10 minutes. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
💡 Tip: Chilling the shaped cookies ensures even baking.
Coat (Optional): While cookies are still warm, roll them in powdered sugar for a sweet finish.
💡 Tip: If the sugar clumps, sift it before coating.
Store: Cool completely and store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
💡 Tip: For longer storage, freeze unbaked cookies for up to 2 months.
Nutrition (per serving):
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter
Provides a rich, buttery flavor and tender texture. Use softened butter for easy mixing.
Substitutions: Salted butter (reduce added salt slightly)
Powdered Sugar
Creates a delicate, sweet crust. It dissolves easily into the dough.
Substitutions: Granulated sugar (results in a denser texture)
Almond Extract
Adds a nutty aroma that complements the raspberry filling. Use high-quality extract for best flavor.
Substitutions: Vanilla extract (less intense flavor)
Raspberry-Almond Jam
The star of the show! Look for a jam with visible raspberry pieces and a pronounced almond flavor.
Substitutions: Homemade jam (see recipe below)
Pro Tips for Perfect Raspberry Almond Filled Snowballs
⚠️ Dough Consistency
The dough should be firm but pliable. If too sticky, add a bit more flour. If too dry, add a teaspoon of milk.
🍵 Filling Technique
Use a small spoon or piping bag to fill the indentations evenly. Avoid overfilling to prevent leakage during baking.
❄️ Chilling Tips
Chill the shaped cookies for at least 10 minutes to firm up the dough and ensure even baking.
✨ Coating Options
Experiment with coatings like cinnamon-sugar, cocoa powder, or crushed nuts for added texture and flavor.
Variations & Customizations
Double the Filling
Use 2 teaspoons of jam per cookie for an extra burst of flavor. Roll the cookies in granulated sugar for a sweet contrast.
Mini Versions
Make smaller cookies (1/2-inch balls) for bite-sized treats. Adjust baking time to 8-10 minutes.
Different Fills
Swap the raspberry-almond jam with other combinations like apricot-almond, cherry-cranberry, or peach-cinnamon.
Gluten-Free Option
Use gluten-free flour and ensure the jam is gluten-free. These cookies are naturally gluten-free if using certified ingredients.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The warm cookies paired with cold ice cream create a delightful contrast.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing complement to the rich cookies.
- Almond Biscotti: For a nutty, crunchy side that enhances the almond flavor.
🍷 Drink Pairings:
A glass of cold milk balances the sweetness, while a cup of Earl Grey tea complements the almond flavor. For a dessert wine, try a late harvest Riesling.
Make-Ahead Instructions & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
Shape the cookies and chill for up to 24 hours before baking. The dough can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
Refrigerator Storage
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days. They may become slightly soft, so refrigerate for best texture.
Freezer Storage
Freeze baked cookies in a single layer in a ziplock bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating Instructions
Warm cookies in the oven at 300°F for 3-5 minutes to restore their crispness. Avoid microwaving as it can soften the texture.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: Why did my cookies spread too much?
A: The dough may not have been chilled enough. Ensure the dough is firm before baking. If cookies still spread, try reducing the oven temperature by 10°F.
Q: My filling leaked. What went wrong?
A: The cookies might have been overfilled. Use a piping bag for precise filling and ensure the dough is well-sealed. Chill the cookies longer to set the filling.
Q: How do I prevent the cookies from burning?
A: Rotate the baking sheet halfway through cooking for even browning. Keep an eye on the last few minutes of baking.
Q: Can I use a different type of jam?
A: Yes! Experiment with seasonal jams like blackberry-lavender or peach-mango. Ensure the jam is not too runny to avoid leakage.
Final Thoughts
These raspberry almond filled snowball cookies are a delightful fusion of textures and flavors. The buttery shell and jammy center create a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and nutty notes. Whether you're baking for a special occasion or a cozy afternoon treat, these cookies are sure to impress.
With their elegant presentation and easy preparation, these cookies are a must-try for any dessert lover. Don’t forget to pair them with a refreshing drink for the complete experience. Save this recipe and enjoy the magic of melt-in-your-mouth cookies!
