Amazing Raspberry Almond Snowball Cookies
Sweet Bliss in Every Bite
Growing up in sunny Florida, my soul was kindled by the vibrant and rich flavors of Mexico. My fondest childhood memories are of gathering in the kitchen with my mama, pressing homemade tortillas, and absorbing the spice wisdom shared by my abuela. Those fragrant kitchens instilled in me that food nurtures love, laughter, and stories shared over the dinner table. Although Orlando remains my base, my heart forever dances in Oaxaca’s bustling markets and the warmth of my abuela’s home. Today, I invite you to create memories of your own with real Mexican recipes, from comforting tamales to delightful street eats, all lovingly crafted in my kitchen.
Raspberry Almond Snowball Cookies capture that sense of nostalgia and warmth beautifully. With a delicate texture and a burst of fruity raspberry flavor, these cookies not only bring joy but also evoke memories of festive gatherings and family celebrations. Each bite melts in your mouth, combining sweet raspberry jam with the nutty taste of almonds, rolled in a soft layer of sugary snow. Whether for the holidays or a simple afternoon treat, these cookies are a charming addition to any occasion.
Quick Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Best Season: Year-round
What Makes This Dish Shine
- Irresistible Flavor: The harmonious blend of buttery dough, ground almonds, and tart raspberry jam makes these cookies a delightful treat.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps ensure that even beginner bakers can whip up a batch without any fuss.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a festive holiday dessert or a sweet snack for afternoon tea, these cookies fit right in.
- Fun to Share: Snowball cookies can easily be packaged for gifts, making them an ideal homemade treat to share with friends and family.
Essential Ingredients for Your Cookies
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus more for coating
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup finely ground almonds
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup seedless raspberry jam
Key Notes on Ingredients
- Unsalted Butter: Use fresh, high-quality butter for the best flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can use margarine, but butter gives the richest taste.
- Ground Almonds: Feel free to grind whole almonds yourself for fresher flavor. Almond flour can be used as a substitute.
- Powdered Sugar: Sift the sugar before using it to avoid lumps in the cookie mixture and for an even coating.
Bake These Delectable Cookies in Just a Few Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Mix in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground almonds, and salt until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the creamed butter, mixing until just incorporated.
- Take a tablespoon of dough, roll it into a ball, and create a small indentation in the center. Fill it with raspberry jam, seal it back up, and gently re-roll into a ball.
- Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden around the edges.
- Allow them to cool slightly before rolling in powdered sugar for that snowy finish.
Pro Tips for Baking Success
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the butter is at room temperature for easier mixing, resulting in a smoother dough.
- Cool Completely Before Coating: Let cookies cool for at least five minutes before rolling them in powdered sugar to prevent the sugar from melting.
- Be Careful with the Jam: Don’t overfill the indentation with jam; otherwise, it can ooze out during baking.
- Cookie Size Matters: Keep your cookie dough balls uniform in size for even baking.
Ideas to Customize Your Cookies
- Vegan Version: Swap the butter for coconut oil and use a flax egg in place of the egg for a plant-based option.
- Cherry Almond Snowballs: Replace raspberry jam with cherry preserves for a different fruity flavor.
- Chocolate Surprise: Add a few chocolate chips to the dough for a fun surprise in each bite.
- Nut-Free Cookies: Omit the almonds and use additional flour, or replace with sunflower seed flour for nut-free alternatives.
Delicious Pairings for these Treats
These wonderful snowball cookies pair well with a hot cup of tea or coffee, making them a perfect afternoon snack. They also complement fresh fruit salads and creamy desserts beautifully, adding a sweet touch to any serving platter.
Preparing in Advance & Freezing Tips
You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to three days. If you’d like to freeze the cookies, place them in a single layer in an airtight container. To enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature and roll in powdered sugar just before serving.
Serving Ideas to Delight
Present your raspberry almond snowball cookies on a flat platter dusted with powdered sugar for a beautiful display. Pair them with fresh berries or a colorful fruit compote to add a burst of color, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere for your guests.
Cooking Secrets for Success
- Keep the Dough Chilled: If the dough becomes too warm while you’re working, chill it again for easier handling.
- Sift the Flour: This helps ensure your cookies are light and fluffy, avoiding any density.
- Use Quality Jam: Select a high-quality seedless raspberry jam for the best flavor experience.
- Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake, as oven temperatures can vary.
Storing and Reheating Your Treats
Store the cookies in an airtight container to maintain their texture and freshness at room temperature for up to a week. To reheat, place them in the microwave for just a few seconds to bring back their soft, melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Questions Often Asked
- Can I use a different jam? Yes! Feel free to use your favorite jam, whether it’s strawberry, apricot, or even orange marmalade.
- Are these cookies gluten-free? To make them gluten-free, substitute regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend.
- How can I ensure my cookies stay soft? Be careful not to overbake them; aiming for a light golden color keeps them soft.
- Can I freeze the cookie dough? Yes, you can freeze the dough! Shape it into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a container for future baking.
- Will they taste as good after freezing? Absolutely! Just make sure to store them properly, and they’ll taste just as delightful once thawed.
- What’s the best way to serve these cookies? Serve them with a hot beverage or alongside a cheese platter for a great flavor combination.
Nutrition Information
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 2g
- Carbs: 16g
- Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 5g
Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary.
A Warm Note
Creating memorable meals is a journey that weaves culture, love, and community into each dish. These Raspberry Almond Snowball Cookies serve not only as a sweet treat but also as a platform for sharing joy and togetherness with the ones you love. Every time you bake, you embody the warmth of your home kitchen—where cherished recipes and wonderful experiences are passed on.
Ending on a Delicious Note
There’s a special joy that comes with baking these raspberry almond snowball cookies, connecting us to memories that warm the heart. We hope you dive in, create, and share these delightful treats with family and friends. Happy baking, and don’t forget to pin your favorites for future inspiration!
Print
Amazing Raspberry Almond Snowball Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicate raspberry almond cookies rolled in powdered sugar, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus more for coating
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup finely ground almonds
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup seedless raspberry jam
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground almonds, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the creamed butter, mixing until just incorporated.
- Take a tablespoon of dough, roll it into a ball, create a small indentation in the center, fill it with raspberry jam, seal it back up, and gently re-roll into a ball.
- Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden around the edges.
- Allow them to cool slightly before rolling in powdered sugar.
Notes
Ensure butter is at room temperature for easier mixing. Let cookies cool for a few minutes before rolling in powdered sugar.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg




