Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies

Snowball cookies, known for their powdery, snowy appearance and melt-in-your-mouth texture, are a favorite treat around the holidays and special occasions. However, the traditional version gets a delightful makeover with these Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies. This recipe takes the crumbly almond-infused base of classic snowballs and adds a surprise raspberry filling in the center, making each bite a burst of sweetness wrapped in buttery, nutty goodness.

These cookies are perfect for holiday cookie trays, tea parties, or simply as an indulgent treat to enjoy with a hot cup of coffee or tea. The combination of raspberry and almond is a classic pairing—bright and fruity balanced with warm, nutty flavors that will have your guests asking for the recipe.

What are Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies?

Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies are a variation of traditional snowball cookies, often referred to as Russian Tea Cakes or Mexican Wedding Cookies. These cookies are typically made with butter, sugar, flour, and finely ground nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds. Once baked, they are rolled in powdered sugar, giving them their characteristic “snowball” appearance.

What makes this version unique is the addition of a raspberry filling at the center of each cookie. The raspberry adds a delicious pop of flavor and color, transforming these cookies into an elevated dessert. The almond flour in the dough complements the raspberry filling, creating a harmonious balance of nutty and fruity flavors.

The key components of the cookie include:

• Almond Dough: A soft, rich dough made from almond flour and butter, which creates a slightly crumbly yet melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Raspberry Filling: Sweet and tangy raspberry preserves add a burst of flavor inside each cookie, offering a pleasant contrast to the rich, buttery dough.
• Powdered Sugar Coating: After baking, the cookies are rolled in powdered sugar, giving them their iconic snowball look while adding extra sweetness.

The History of Snowball Cookies

Snowball cookies are enjoyed across many cultures under various names, including Russian Tea Cakes, Mexican Wedding Cookies, and Italian Butterballs. These cookies likely originated in Eastern Europe and later spread across different regions, with each culture adapting the recipe to their local tastes and ingredients.

In the United States, these cookies gained popularity during the holidays, with their powdered sugar coating resembling freshly fallen snow. While the traditional recipe calls for finely chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans, almonds have become a popular alternative due to their mild flavor and compatibility with fruit fillings like raspberry.

The filling variation is a more modern twist on the classic snowball cookie, adding layers of flavor and texture. Incorporating fruit, especially raspberry, provides a festive and colorful surprise, making these cookies a fun and sophisticated addition to any dessert table.

Why Raspberry and Almond?

The combination of raspberry and almond is widely loved in baking, and for good reason. The tartness of raspberry cuts through the richness of almond, creating a balance between sweet, nutty, and tangy flavors. Almond-based desserts, such as frangipane tarts or almond cakes, often incorporate raspberry jams or fresh berries because these flavors complement each other so well.

In these Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies, the almond dough provides a delicate, buttery base that melts in your mouth, while the raspberry filling adds a burst of fresh sweetness. The result is a cookie that’s both texturally pleasing and flavorfully complex, with the almond flour enhancing the nuttiness of the cookie and the raspberry offering a bright, juicy contrast.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies, you don’t need a ton of special equipment, but having the right tools on hand will help ensure your cookies turn out perfectly. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying this recipe for the first time, the right preparation will make the process much easier.

Essential Tools and Equipment

1. Mixing Bowls

You’ll need multiple mixing bowls—one for the dough and one for the raspberry filling. If you’re using a stand mixer, you’ll also need the mixer’s bowl for creaming the butter and sugar.

2. Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer

A hand mixer or stand mixer is essential for creaming the butter and sugar. This step is crucial to achieving the tender, light texture of the cookies. While you can do this by hand, using a mixer will ensure a smoother, more even dough.

3. Baking Sheets

Make sure to have at least two baking sheets ready for baking the cookies. Lining them with parchment paper or silicone baking mats will help prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier.

4. Small Cookie Scoop or Spoon

A small cookie scoop or spoon is handy for portioning the dough and creating evenly sized cookies. This helps ensure that each cookie bakes evenly and has a uniform shape.

5. Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats

Using parchment paper or silicone mats is essential for ensuring the cookies don’t stick to the baking sheet. They also provide an easy way to transfer cookies after they’ve baked.

6. Sifter or Fine Mesh Strainer

A sifter or fine mesh strainer is necessary for dusting the cookies with powdered sugar after they’ve cooled. This step gives the cookies their signature snowball look.

7. Cooling Rack

Once the cookies are out of the oven, transferring them to a cooling rack allows them to cool evenly without becoming soggy at the bottom.

Importance of Each Tool

Each tool plays a specific role in ensuring your Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies turn out perfectly. Here’s why they’re crucial:

• Mixing Bowls: Having multiple bowls keeps your ingredients organized and prevents cross-contamination between the dough and the raspberry filling.
• Hand or Stand Mixer: Creaming the butter and sugar until light and fluffy is critical for creating a tender cookie. A mixer ensures you get the right texture.
• Cookie Scoop: Using a scoop helps keep your cookies uniform in size, which ensures even baking and a consistent appearance.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents the cookies from sticking to the pan and allows for easy cleanup. It also ensures even heat distribution on the baking sheet.
• Sifter: Evenly dusting the cookies with powdered sugar creates that snowy finish and adds a touch of sweetness without overpowering the almond and raspberry flavors.
• Cooling Rack: Letting the cookies cool on a rack prevents moisture from accumulating at the bottom, ensuring they stay light and crumbly.

Ingredients List

Before you start baking, gather all of your ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make about 24 Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies:

For the Dough:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and creates a tender texture.
• ½ cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the dough while keeping it light and crumbly.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the dough.
• 1 teaspoon almond extract: Adds a rich, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the raspberry filling.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the cookies.
• ¾ cup almond flour: Adds a delicate almond flavor and a slightly more crumbly texture.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness of the cookie dough.

For the Raspberry Filling:

• ½ cup raspberry preserves or jam: Adds sweetness and a burst of fruity flavor at the center of each cookie.

For Coating:

• 1 cup powdered sugar: For rolling the cookies after they’ve baked to create the signature snowball appearance.

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

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar using a hand or stand mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add Vanilla and Almond Extracts: Beat in the vanilla extract and almond extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, and salt.
4. Mix the Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until a dough forms. The dough should be soft but not sticky.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

1. Chill for 30 Minutes: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat to 350°F (175°C): While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

Step 4: Shape and Fill the Cookies

1. Scoop the Dough: Once the dough is chilled, use a small cookie scoop or spoon to portion out the dough into 1-inch balls.
2. Add the Raspberry Filling: Make a small indentation in the center of each dough ball using your thumb. Spoon a small amount (about ½ teaspoon) of raspberry preserves into the center, then carefully pinch the dough around the filling to fully enclose it.
3. Roll into Balls: Gently roll the filled dough balls between your palms to create smooth, even rounds.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

1. Bake for 12-15 Minutes: Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spaced about 2 inches apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the bottoms are just lightly golden. The tops should remain pale.
2. Cool on a Rack: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack.

Step 6: Coat with Powdered Sugar

1. Roll in Powdered Sugar: While the cookies are still slightly warm, roll each one in powdered sugar to coat. Let them cool completely, then roll them again in a second layer of powdered sugar for a thicker, snowy coating.

Popular Variations of Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies

Although Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies are delicious in their classic form, you can easily customize the recipe with different fillings, flavorings, and toppings. Here are some popular variations to inspire your creativity.

1. Lemon Raspberry Snowball Cookies

The combination of lemon and raspberry brings a bright, refreshing flavor to these cookies. Adding lemon zest to the dough complements the tangy raspberry filling, making for a delightful citrus twist.

How to Make It:

• Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the dough when creaming the butter and sugar.
• Optional: Add 1 teaspoon of lemon extract in place of, or alongside, the almond extract for an extra citrusy boost.
• Proceed with the rest of the recipe, filling the cookies with raspberry preserves and rolling them in powdered sugar.

2. Chocolate Dipped Raspberry Almond Snowballs

For a more indulgent take, dip the cookies in melted chocolate after they’ve been rolled in powdered sugar. The rich chocolate coating adds another layer of decadence, making these cookies perfect for special occasions.

How to Make It:

• After the cookies have cooled and been coated in powdered sugar, melt ½ cup of dark or semi-sweet chocolate in the microwave or over a double boiler.
• Dip each cookie halfway into the melted chocolate and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet to set.
• For an added touch, sprinkle with crushed almonds or drizzle with white chocolate.

3. Vegan Raspberry Almond Snowball Cookies

To make this recipe vegan, simply swap out the butter and ensure your raspberry preserves are vegan-friendly. The result is a plant-based version that tastes just as delicious as the original.

How to Make It:

• Substitute unsalted butter with vegan butter or coconut oil.
• Ensure that the raspberry preserves are made without gelatin or other animal-derived ingredients.
• Follow the rest of the recipe as written.

4. Strawberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies

If you prefer strawberries over raspberries, this version is perfect for you. Strawberry preserves offer a slightly sweeter, less tangy alternative to raspberry, creating a different but equally delicious fruit-filled cookie.

How to Make It:

• Replace raspberry preserves with strawberry preserves for the filling.
• Optional: Add a touch of vanilla extract instead of almond extract for a more neutral flavor that lets the strawberry shine.

5. Nut-Free Raspberry Snowball Cookies

For those with nut allergies, you can still enjoy these cookies by making a few simple substitutions. Swap out the almond flour for another flour alternative and omit the almond extract for a safe, nut-free treat.

How to Make It:

• Replace almond flour with oat flour or coconut flour for a nut-free option.
• Substitute almond extract with vanilla extract or lemon extract to add flavor without nuts.
• Continue with the rest of the recipe as normal.

Side Dish Pairings for Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies

These cookies are delightful on their own, but pairing them with complementary dishes and beverages can elevate the experience. Here are a few pairing ideas to consider, whether you’re serving the cookies at a party, as part of a holiday spread, or enjoying them with an afternoon snack.

1. Hot Tea or Coffee

Hot beverages are a natural pairing for snowball cookies, balancing the sweetness of the powdered sugar with the warmth of tea or coffee. The flavors of almond and raspberry are enhanced when paired with the right drink, making each bite even more enjoyable.

Tea Suggestions:

• Earl Grey Tea: The subtle bergamot in Earl Grey tea complements the almond flavor in the cookies.
• Chamomile Tea: The floral notes of chamomile balance the sweetness of the raspberry filling.

Coffee Suggestions:

• Cappuccino: The frothy milk and bold espresso flavor of a cappuccino contrast well with the crumbly texture of the cookie.
• Americano: For a more straightforward coffee pairing, an Americano offers a slightly bitter counterpoint to the sweet cookies.

2. Fresh Fruit Salad

A fresh fruit salad of berries, citrus fruits, and melons adds a refreshing contrast to the rich, buttery cookies. The natural acidity of the fruit helps balance the sweetness, making for a light and satisfying dessert pairing.

Suggested Fruits:

• Raspberries: Echo the flavors of the raspberry filling while adding a tart, fresh element.
• Blueberries: Their mild sweetness complements the almond flavor in the cookie.
• Sliced Oranges: A bright, citrusy addition that pairs well with the almond and powdered sugar.

3. Vanilla Ice Cream

For a more indulgent pairing, serve the cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold, creamy texture contrasts with the crumbly cookie, and the vanilla enhances the sweetness without overpowering it.

Serving Tip:

• Slightly warm the cookies before serving to create a delicious contrast between the warm cookies and the cold ice cream.

4. Sparkling Wine or Champagne

For a more festive occasion, pair your cookies with a glass of champagne or sparkling wine. The light, bubbly nature of these drinks helps cleanse the palate between bites, allowing you to fully enjoy the balance of almond, raspberry, and sweetness in the cookies.

Suggested Wines:

• Prosecco: Light and fruity, it pairs beautifully with the almond and fruit flavors of the cookies.
• Brut Champagne: A drier option that offsets the sweetness of the cookies and provides a sophisticated pairing.

Nutritional Information for Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies

While these cookies are a delicious treat, it’s important to be mindful of the nutritional content, especially if you’re serving them during the holidays or to guests with specific dietary needs. Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutritional values per cookie:

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Cookie):

• Calories: 140 kcal
• Total Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 16g
  • Sugars: 8g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 40mg

These values are based on the classic recipe and will vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes you use.

Healthier Options for Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies

If you’re looking to make a healthier version of these cookies, there are several substitutions and adjustments you can make to reduce calories, fat, and sugar while still enjoying the delicious flavors of Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies.

1. Low-Sugar Version

To cut down on sugar without sacrificing flavor, consider using sugar-free raspberry preserves and reducing the amount of sugar in the dough. You can also opt for a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener in place of powdered sugar.

How to Make It:

• Replace the regular raspberry preserves with sugar-free preserves or no-sugar-added jam.
• Use confectioners’ erythritol or monk fruit sweetener in place of powdered sugar for coating.

2. Gluten-Free Version

For those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, you can easily make these cookies gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend. Almond flour is naturally gluten-free, so the substitution only needs to be made for the all-purpose flour.

How to Make It:

• Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour.
• Ensure your baking powder and other ingredients are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.

3. Dairy-Free or Vegan Version

To create a dairy-free or vegan version of these cookies, simply replace the butter with a plant-based alternative, such as vegan butter or coconut oil. This substitution will allow those with dairy allergies or dietary restrictions to enjoy the cookies.

How to Make It:

• Swap unsalted butter with vegan butter or coconut oil.
• Ensure that the raspberry preserves are also vegan-friendly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though these cookies are relatively easy to make, a few common mistakes can affect their appearance and texture. Here are some tips to ensure your Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies come out perfectly every time.

1. Overfilling the Cookies

If you add too much raspberry filling, it can leak out during baking and cause the cookies to crack or spread unevenly. Stick to the recommended amount of ½ teaspoon of filling per cookie to prevent this issue.

2. Not Chilling the Dough

Failing to chill the dough can cause the cookies to spread too much during baking, resulting in a flat, less attractive cookie. Make sure to refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before shaping and baking the cookies.

3. Skipping the Double Powdered Sugar Coating

Rolling the cookies in powdered sugar while they’re still warm is key to achieving that perfect snowball look. Don’t skip the second coating after the cookies have cooled—it creates a thicker, more even layer of sugar.

Storing and Reheating Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies

Properly storing your Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies ensures they maintain their texture and flavor for several days (or even weeks, if frozen). Whether you’re preparing them in advance for a holiday event or saving leftovers, following these guidelines will help preserve their freshness.

1. Storing at Room Temperature

These cookies can be stored at room temperature if you plan to enjoy them within a few days. The powdered sugar coating will stay intact, and the dough will remain soft.

How to Store:

• Place the cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
• Separate layers of cookies with sheets of parchment paper to keep them from clumping.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture.

Shelf Life:

• Room Temperature Storage: The cookies will stay fresh for up to 5 days.

2. Refrigeration

If you need to store the cookies for a longer period, you can refrigerate them to maintain freshness and keep the raspberry filling from becoming too runny.

How to Store:

• Use an airtight container and layer the cookies with parchment paper, as described above.
• Refrigerate to keep the filling firm, especially if you live in a warmer climate.

Shelf Life:

• Refrigeration Storage: The cookies can last for up to 1 week when stored in the fridge. Let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving to soften slightly.

3. Freezing

For long-term storage, these cookies freeze well. Freezing helps preserve their delicate texture and flavor, making them perfect for preparing in advance for holiday baking or gifting.

How to Freeze:

• Lay the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them until firm (about 1-2 hours).
• Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe container or a zip-top freezer bag. Place parchment paper between the layers to prevent sticking.
• Label the container with the date to keep track of their freshness.

Shelf Life:

• Frozen Storage: These cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Thawing:

• When ready to enjoy, remove the cookies from the freezer and allow them to thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. They should regain their soft, crumbly texture after thawing.

4. Reheating

These cookies don’t need to be reheated, as they are best enjoyed at room temperature or slightly cool. However, if you want to enjoy a slightly warm cookie, here’s how to reheat them without melting the powdered sugar:

How to Reheat:

• Microwave: Microwave one cookie on low power for about 10 seconds to gently warm the center without melting the sugar.
• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C) and warm the cookies for 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to ensure the powdered sugar doesn’t dissolve.

Expert Tips for Perfect Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies

To make your Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are a few expert tips and tricks to ensure success.

1. Chill the Dough

Chilling the dough is crucial for helping the cookies hold their shape during baking. If the dough is too warm, the cookies may spread and lose their snowball appearance. Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before shaping and filling the cookies.

2. Use the Right Amount of Filling

Adding too much raspberry preserves to the center of each cookie can cause the filling to leak out during baking. Stick to ½ teaspoon of filling per cookie to ensure the dough completely seals around the filling.

3. Double Roll in Powdered Sugar

For that iconic snowball look, roll the cookies in powdered sugar twice: once while they’re still warm and again after they’ve cooled completely. The first coat helps the sugar stick, while the second creates a thick, snowy layer.

4. Prevent Cracking

If your cookies tend to crack while baking, ensure the dough is thoroughly chilled and avoid overworking it. Gently handling the dough helps prevent cracking and ensures a smooth, round shape.

5. Use High-Quality Ingredients

Since these cookies rely on simple ingredients, using high-quality butter, almond flour, and raspberry preserves will make a noticeable difference in the final taste. Look for all-natural or homemade raspberry preserves for the best flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use other types of jam or fruit fillings?

Yes! Raspberry preserves can be swapped out for other fruit fillings, such as strawberry, apricot, or blueberry preserves. You can also try a combination of flavors for a fun twist. Just ensure the preserves you use aren’t too runny, as that could affect the structure of the cookie.

2. How can I prevent the cookies from flattening?

Cookies flattening in the oven can be caused by a few factors:

• Make sure the dough is chilled properly before baking.
• Measure the flour accurately—too little flour can cause the dough to spread too much.
• If your cookies are still flattening, you can refrigerate the shaped dough balls for 15 minutes before baking to help maintain their shape.

3. Can I freeze the cookie dough instead of the baked cookies?

Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and freeze it for later use. Shape the dough into balls (without filling), place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, thaw the dough balls in the refrigerator, fill with raspberry preserves, and bake as directed.

4. Why are my cookies cracking during baking?

Cracking can occur if the dough is too dry or overworked. Make sure the butter is properly creamed with the sugar, and avoid overmixing when adding the flour. Also, ensure the dough is chilled before shaping to prevent spreading and cracking in the oven.

5. How long do these cookies stay fresh?

At room temperature, these cookies will stay fresh for up to 5 days in an airtight container. In the refrigerator, they will last up to 1 week, and in the freezer, they can be stored for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies are the perfect combination of classic flavors and a modern twist. The almond-flavored dough, tangy raspberry filling, and powdered sugar coating create a cookie that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether you’re making them for a holiday event, a family gathering, or simply as a treat for yourself, these cookies are sure to impress.

With their versatility in terms of variations, pairings, and storage options, you can prepare these cookies ahead of time or enjoy them fresh out of the oven. By following the tips and techniques outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to master the art of making Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies and delight anyone who takes a bite.

Thank you for following along with this comprehensive guide! Happy baking, and enjoy the sweet satisfaction of creating these delectable cookies.

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