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These Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies have become my signature holiday treat. I love watching faces light up when they bite into the buttery almond cookie and discover the sweet raspberry center. They look so elegant dusted with powdered sugar like fresh fallen snow.
What Makes These Extra Special
I created these cookies to add something unique to my holiday baking. The combination of nutty almond cookie wrapped around sweet raspberry preserves creates pure magic in every bite. They're fancy enough for parties but simple enough to enjoy with afternoon tea.
Everything You Need
- Butter: One cup softened gives us that rich melt in your mouth texture.
- Powdered Sugar: Half cup for the dough plus extra for that snowy coating.
- Almond Extract: One teaspoon brings out the lovely nutty flavor.
- Flour: Two cups measured carefully for the perfect cookie texture.
- Chopped Almonds: Half cup adds such nice crunch and flavor.
- Salt: Just a quarter teaspoon balances everything perfectly.
- Raspberry Preserves: About half cup for those sweet surprise centers.
Let's Bake Together
- Get Started
- Warm up your oven to 350°F and line your cookie sheet with parchment it makes cleanup so easy.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients
- Beat your softened butter and powdered sugar until it's light and fluffy then mix in that fragrant almond extract.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients
- Whisk your flour chopped almonds and salt in another bowl until well mixed.
- Make Your Dough
- Slowly mix the dry ingredients into your butter mixture just until it comes together. Pop it in the fridge if it feels too soft.
- Create Your Cookies
- Roll little one inch balls make a pocket for the preserves then seal them up and reshape into perfect rounds.
- Time to Bake
- Place them on your prepared sheet and bake until the edges turn slightly golden about 12 to 15 minutes.
- The Finishing Touch
- Let them cool just a bit then dust them generously with powdered sugar while still warm.
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My Baking Secrets
Always use the best raspberry preserves you can find they make such a difference. If your dough feels sticky pop it in the fridge for a bit. That warm dusting of powdered sugar creates the prettiest snowy coating.
Mix It Up
Sometimes I use apricot or blackberry preserves for something different. A little orange zest in the dough is lovely too. If you prefer vanilla extract works beautifully and a pinch of cinnamon adds such warmth.
Keep Them Fresh
These cookies stay perfect in an airtight container for about a week. I often make extra dough balls and freeze them unbaked they're ready whenever I need fresh cookies just add a couple minutes to the baking time.
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Serving Ideas
Nothing beats these cookies with a steaming cup of Earl Grey tea or hot cocoa on a cold afternoon. My grandkids love them with tall glasses of cold milk they make the sweetest after school treat.
Make Them Festive
I love arranging these on my grandmother's silver platter with an extra dusting of powdered sugar. A few fresh raspberries and mint leaves tucked around the edges make them look absolutely beautiful at holiday parties.
Why Everyone Loves These
There's something magical about biting into these cookies. That buttery almond flavor melts in your mouth then you hit that sweet raspberry center. They've earned a permanent spot in my holiday baking tradition and I hope they'll become part of yours too.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use different jam flavors?
Yes, you can swap raspberry preserves with any thick jam or preserves. Strawberry, apricot, or cherry would all work well in these cookies.
- → Why did my filling leak out?
Make sure to fully seal the dough around the preserves and don't overfill. A half teaspoon of filling is plenty for each cookie.
- → Can I freeze these cookies?
These cookies freeze well for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature and dust with fresh powdered sugar before serving.
- → Can I use almond flour instead of chopped almonds?
Yes, the recipe works with either finely chopped almonds or almond flour. Both add nice nutty flavor to the cookies.
- → Why dust the cookies while warm?
Dusting while warm helps the powdered sugar stick better to the cookies. You can add a second dusting when cool if needed.
Conclusion
Raspberry Almond Snowball Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the nutty flavor of almonds with sweet raspberry preserves. These delicate cookies are rolled in powdered sugar, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience perfect for special occasions or everyday indulgence.