Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies

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Introduction

When it comes to holiday baking, few treats are as universally loved as snowball cookies. Their soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and delicate sweetness make them a favorite at many celebrations. But what if we could elevate this classic cookie with a fruity twist? Enter Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies—a decadent variation on the beloved snowball cookie, combining the warmth of almond flavor with a bright, tangy raspberry filling.

These cookies are perfect for any festive occasion, from holiday gatherings to a special treat for an afternoon tea. The fusion of buttery dough, almond essence, and a burst of raspberry in the center makes each bite an irresistible indulgence. Whether you are looking to surprise your guests with something new or simply enjoy a personal favorite with a twist, Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies will surely become a new staple in your baking repertoire.

In this article, we will explore why these cookies are a must-try, provide a step-by-step guide on how to make them, and share tips and variations to make them uniquely yours. The result? A melt-in-your-mouth cookie that offers both familiarity and excitement in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Delightful Combination of Flavors: The almond flavor in the cookie dough pairs perfectly with the tartness of the raspberry filling, creating a wonderful balance of sweet and tangy notes.
  • Perfect for Holidays and Celebrations: These cookies make an ideal addition to any festive spread. Their charming appearance and delightful taste will impress your guests at Christmas, New Year’s, or any special occasion.
  • Easy to Make: Despite their elegant look, these cookies are surprisingly simple to prepare. With just a few ingredients, you can make dozens of delicious cookies in no time.
  • Versatile: While raspberry is the star, you can easily swap in other fruit preserves like apricot or strawberry for a different flavor profile.
  • Halal-Friendly: This recipe is entirely halal, ensuring that no pork, bacon, or wine is used in any part of the preparation.

Preparation Time and Servings

  • Total Time: 2 hours (15 minutes for prep, 40 minutes for baking, 1 hour for cooling)
  • Servings: This recipe yields approximately 24 cookies.
  • Nutrition Facts (per serving):
    • Calories: 160
    • Protein: 2g
    • Carbs: 22g
    • Fat: 8g

Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): The base of the dough, providing richness and a tender texture.
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar: To add sweetness and create a melt-in-your-mouth feel.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: For added flavor and aroma.
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract: The signature flavor that makes these cookies unique.
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour: The bulk of the dough, giving structure to the cookies.
  • 1/2 cup finely ground almonds (almond meal): Adds a nutty flavor and texture to the dough, enhancing the almond experience.
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.

For the Raspberry Filling:

  • 1/4 cup raspberry jam or preserves: The star ingredient, offering a sweet and tangy center for the cookies. Choose a high-quality jam or preserve for the best flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon water: To thin the jam slightly, making it easier to pipe into the cookies.

For the Coating:

  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar: Used to roll the cookies after baking, creating a snowy, festive look.

Step-by-Step Preparation

FIRST STEP: PREPARE THE COOKIE DOUGH

  1. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  2. Add the Extracts: Mix in the vanilla extract and almond extract until fully incorporated. The almond extract will give the cookies their signature flavor and aroma.
  3. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, ground almonds, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the creamed butter and sugar, mixing until a soft dough forms. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate all of the flour.
  4. Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps it firm up, making it easier to shape into balls later on.

SECOND STEP: MAKE THE RASPBERRY FILLING

  1. Prepare the Raspberry Jam: In a small saucepan, combine the raspberry jam and water. Heat over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture becomes slightly thinner and easier to work with. Set it aside to cool slightly before using.
  2. Fill the Cookies: Once the dough has chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Take small portions of dough (about 1 tablespoon each) and roll them into balls. Place each ball onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  3. Create the Well for the Filling: Use your thumb or the back of a small spoon to gently press a well into the center of each cookie dough ball. Be careful not to press all the way through.
  4. Fill with Raspberry Jam: Using a spoon or piping bag, place a small amount of the raspberry filling into the well of each cookie. Be sure not to overfill, as the jam may spill over while baking.

THIRD STEP: BAKE THE COOKIES

  1. Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies begin to turn golden brown. The cookies should still be soft when they come out of the oven, as they will continue to firm up as they cool.
  2. Cool the Cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

FOURTH STEP: COAT WITH POWDERED SUGAR

  1. Coat with Powdered Sugar: Once the cookies have cooled to room temperature, gently roll each cookie in powdered sugar, ensuring an even coating. This step creates the signature “snowball” effect and adds an extra touch of sweetness to the cookies.
  2. Serve and Enjoy: Once the cookies are coated with powdered sugar, they are ready to be served. Arrange them on a festive platter for a beautiful presentation, or store them in an airtight container for up to a week.

How to Serve Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies

Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies are perfect for a wide range of occasions. Here are some great ways to enjoy them:

1. As a Holiday Treat

These cookies are especially perfect for holiday baking. The sweet and nutty flavors, combined with the festive appearance, make them a great addition to any holiday cookie platter. Serve them at Christmas, New Year’s, or any other holiday gathering to delight your guests.

2. For Afternoon Tea

Pair these cookies with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat. The nutty, almond flavor complements the sharpness of tea perfectly, while the raspberry filling provides a refreshing contrast.

3. Gift Them to Loved Ones

These cookies make an excellent gift for family and friends. Package them in a decorative box or tin for a thoughtful, homemade gift that’s sure to impress.

4. As a Dessert for Special Occasions

These cookies work beautifully as a special dessert for birthdays, bridal showers, or any occasion that calls for something sweet. Their elegant look and rich, buttery flavor make them a perfect finishing touch to a meal.

Additional Tips

1. Make-Ahead Option

The dough for these cookies can be made ahead of time. After mixing the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days. This allows you to prepare the dough ahead of time and bake the cookies when needed.

2. Freezing

These cookies freeze well. After baking and coating in powdered sugar, store the cookies in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. To serve, simply let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

3. Fruit Fillings

While raspberry is a classic choice, you can substitute other fruit preserves like strawberry, apricot, or blueberry for a different flavor. This variation allows you to create a personalized batch based on your favorite fruit flavors.

4. Add a Touch of Chocolate

For a chocolate twist, drizzle a small amount of melted dark chocolate over the finished cookies. The combination of raspberry, almond, and chocolate will take the cookies to the next level.

Recipe Variations

While Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies are delightful as is, there are many ways to customize the recipe:

1. Use Different Nuts

While ground almonds provide a rich, nutty flavor, you can experiment with other nuts like hazelnuts, pecans, or walnuts for a different texture and taste. Each nut brings a unique profile to the dough.

2. Make Them Vegan

To make these cookies vegan, substitute the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil and use a plant-based powdered sugar. Ensure that the raspberry jam is vegan-friendly as well.

3. Gluten-Free Option

For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check the labels on your jam to ensure it doesn’t contain any gluten-containing ingredients.

Freezing and Storage

To store leftover cookies, place them in an airtight container and keep them at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container once they are frozen solid. They will last for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Special Equipment

  • Electric Mixer: For creaming the butter and sugar together to create a smooth dough.
  • Piping Bag: To easily fill the cookies with raspberry jam, though a spoon works just as well.
  • Baking Sheet: For baking the cookies evenly.
  • Wire Rack: For cooling the cookies after baking.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I use other fruit preserves? Yes, you can substitute raspberry jam with other fruit preserves such as strawberry, apricot, or even mixed berry for a different flavor.
  2. Can I make these cookies ahead of time? Yes! The dough can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days. You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months.
  3. How do I prevent the jam from spilling out during baking? Make sure to only fill the wells of the cookies with a small amount of jam, as it expands slightly while baking.
  4. Can I use store-bought almond meal? Yes, store-bought almond meal works perfectly in this recipe and saves you time if you don’t want to grind your own almonds.

Conclusion

Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies are a delightful twist on a classic holiday treat. The combination of almond dough, raspberry filling, and snowy powdered sugar coating creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a holiday celebration, or simply indulging in something sweet, these cookies are sure to impress everyone who tries them. Easy to make, customizable, and irresistibly delicious, they’re a perfect addition to your baking repertoire. Try them today and enjoy the sweet, nutty goodness in every bite!

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