Few things evoke the cozy warmth of the holiday season like baking cookies. And when it comes to festive treats, Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies are a showstopper. These buttery cookies, filled with sweet raspberry jam and dusted in powdered sugar, melt in your mouth and leave behind a delicate nuttiness. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a cozy night in, or just because you love cookies, this recipe is sure to bring a smile to your face.

Ingredients for Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup finely chopped almonds

For the Filling:

• ½ cup raspberry jam

Why You’ll Love These Cookies

These cookies are perfect for any occasion. They combine a rich, buttery dough with a tangy, fruity center, creating a balance of flavors that’s hard to resist. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with them:

• Festive and Beautiful: Their snowy powdered sugar coating makes them look like tiny snowballs, perfect for the holidays.
• Customizable: Swap out the raspberry jam for your favorite filling like apricot, strawberry, or even chocolate.
• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, these cookies come together quickly and easily.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

1. Preheat Your Oven:
   Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar:
   In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy. This creates the base for a tender cookie.
3. Add Extracts:
   Mix in the vanilla and almond extracts to enhance the flavor.
4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients:
   Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
5. Add Almonds:
   Stir in the finely chopped almonds, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.

2. Assemble the Cookies

1. Shape the Dough:
   Scoop out about a tablespoon of dough and flatten it slightly in your palm.
2. Add the Filling:
   Place a small dollop (about 1 teaspoon) of raspberry jam in the center of the dough.
3. Seal the Dough:
   Fold the dough around the jam, sealing the edges to enclose the filling completely. Gently roll it into a ball.
4. Repeat:
   Continue with the remaining dough and jam, placing the rolled cookies on the prepared baking sheet. Leave a small gap between each cookie.

3. Bake the Cookies

1. Bake Until Golden:
   Place the cookies in the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden.
2. Cool Slightly:
   Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

4. Dust with Powdered Sugar

1. Generously Dust:
   While the cookies are still warm, use a fine mesh sieve to dust them generously with powdered sugar.
2. Cool Completely:
   Let the cookies cool fully before serving or storing. The powdered sugar will give them their signature snowball look.

Tips for Perfect Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies

• Don’t Overfill: Use just enough raspberry jam to flavor the center without it oozing out during baking.
• Chill the Dough: If your dough becomes too soft to work with, refrigerate it for 10–15 minutes.
• Use High-Quality Ingredients: Fresh, high-quality butter and jam will elevate the flavor of these cookies.
• Even Baking: Rotate the baking sheet halfway through to ensure the cookies bake evenly.

Nutritional Information (Per Cookie, Approximate)

• Calories: 145
• Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 16g
• Protein: 2g
• Sugar: 7g

FAQs About Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies

1. Can I substitute the almonds?
Yes! Pecans or walnuts work just as well. Alternatively, omit the nuts entirely for a simpler cookie.

2. Can I use a different filling?
Absolutely. Swap the raspberry jam for any jam, chocolate spread, or nut butter of your choice.

3. How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They also freeze well for up to a month.

4. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours. Let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before shaping.

5. Why did my cookies crack?
Cracks can occur if the dough is too dry. Ensure your butter is fully softened and mixed thoroughly.

6. How do I prevent jam from leaking?
Make sure to seal the dough edges tightly around the filling and use a small amount of jam.

Why These Cookies Are a Must-Try

Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies are more than just a treat—they’re a tradition in the making. From their festive appearance to their melt-in-your-mouth texture, they’re the kind of cookies you’ll look forward to baking every holiday season. So grab your mixing bowl, preheat the oven, and get ready to create something truly special!

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