Have you ever come across a cookie that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day? Enter my Raspberry Almond Snowball Cookies, a delightful twist on the classic snowball treat. Adorned in a powdered sugar coating that resembles freshly fallen snow, these cookies are a stunning addition to your holiday dessert spread. Not only are they pretty, but their buttery, crumbly texture paired with the tangy burst of raspberry jam makes them an absolute joy to savor. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to whip up, ensuring you can impress your friends and family without spending hours in the kitchen. If you’re looking for a festive treat that’s both nutty and fruity, let’s dive into this recipe that will bring nostalgic cheer to your baking adventures. What flavor-filled surprises await when you take that first bite?

Why are Raspberry Almond Snowball Cookies special?

Delightful: These cookies offer a charming blend of buttery richness and fruity raspberry goodness that makes them irresistible.

Easy to Make: Even beginners can master the art of these cookies, using simple ingredients that come together in a snap.

Impressive Presentation: With their snowy coating and vibrant filling, they look stunning on any holiday dessert table.

Versatile Flavor: Love a different jam? Swap in your favorite, such as strawberry or fig, to make them uniquely yours.

Perfect for Sharing: Their delightful flavor and beautiful appearance make them an ideal treat for holiday gatherings or gifting.

For more delicious cookie ideas, check out my Almond Cherry Cookies or the refreshing Vanilla Raspberry Chia Pudding.

Raspberry Almond Snowball Cookie Ingredients

For the Cookies

All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure and body; for gluten-free adaptation, use a gluten-free baking blend.
Salt – Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness, ensuring each bite is delightful.
Sliced Almonds – Adds a nutty flavor and crunch; feel free to substitute with finely chopped pecans or walnuts for a different twist.
Softened Butter – Creates a rich, buttery flavor and light texture; make sure it’s at room temperature for best results.
Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the cookies and creates the signature snowy coating; don’t use granulated sugar for rolling.
Almond Extract – Imparts a distinct nutty flavor; substitute with vanilla extract if you have nut allergies.
Seedless Raspberry Jam – Provides a fruity sweetness that fills the cookies; use thick jam for the best results, and simmer if runny.

For the Coating

Powdered Sugar – Adds that signature snowy finish; roll cookies a second time for an extra touch of sweetness.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Raspberry Almond Snowball Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together 2 cups of all-purpose flour and ¼ teaspoon of salt in a mixing bowl; set this aside to combine later. Using a food processor, finely grind 1 cup of sliced almonds until they resemble a sandy texture; this will enhance the nutty flavor of your Raspberry Almond Snowball Cookies.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together ¾ cup of softened butter and ½ cup of powdered sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add in 1 teaspoon of almond extract and mix until fully incorporated, creating a rich, aromatic base that’s perfect for your cookies.

Step 3: Combine Mixtures
Gradually incorporate the flour mixture into the creamed butter and sugar, mixing on low speed to avoid flour clouds. Once combined, gently fold in the ground almonds using a spatula until a soft dough forms; this should take just a minute or two, resulting in a slightly sticky but manageable dough for your Raspberry Almond Snowball Cookies.

Step 4: Shape Cookies
Using a tablespoon, scoop out about ½ tablespoon of dough and roll it into a small ball. Make a deep indentation in the center and fill it with ½ teaspoon of seedless raspberry jam, then seal the jam with another ball of dough, pinching carefully to prevent leakage. This step ensures a delightful fruity surprise when you take a bite!

Step 5: Chill Dough
Place the formed balls on a plate, spacing them apart to allow for slight expansion. Cover them with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 1.5 hours; this step is critical for ensuring your Raspberry Almond Snowball Cookies hold their shape during baking.

Step 6: Preheat Oven & Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Once the dough has chilled, place the cookies on the prepared sheets, leaving space between each cookie. Bake for 11-13 minutes, or until the cookies are set but still pale; they should not brown, as the buttery texture is key.

Step 7: Coat in Powdered Sugar
After removing the cookies from the oven, let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. Once they are cool enough to handle, roll each warm cookie in powdered sugar until they are completely coated. For an extra snowy finish, allow them to cool on a wire rack and roll them in powdered sugar again before serving.

What to Serve with Raspberry Almond Snowball Cookies

These delectable cookies are just the start of a wonderful holiday celebration—pairing them with the right sides can elevate your festive experience.

Hot Cocoa: A rich cup of hot cocoa complements the nutty sweetness, creating a warm and inviting pairing for chilly evenings. The creaminess of the cocoa highlights the cookies’ buttery texture.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve your cookies alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The coolness of the ice cream balances the cookies’ buttery richness and jam-filled surprise.
Spiced Apple Cider: This warm, spiced drink enhances the holiday spirit and brings a comforting aroma that blends beautifully with the nutty undertones of the cookies.
Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds a burst of color and flavor to your dessert spread, perfectly contrasting the sweetness of the snowball cookies.
Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream makes a delightful topping alongside your cookies, adding a cloud-like creaminess that enhances every bite.
Holiday Cheese Board: A selection of cheeses, nuts, and dried fruits provides a savory component to counterbalance the sweet cookies, creating a well-rounded festive plate. The nuts will harmonize beautifully with the almond flavor in the cookies.
Peppermint Bark: If you’re seeking an extra touch of holiday spirit, serve with peppermint bark. The minty freshness complements the raspberry jam, creating a lovely contrast.
Cranberry Cocktail: A refreshing cranberry drink adds a tartness that harmonizes with the cookies’ sweetness, making it a wonderful pair for celebratory toasts.

Expert Tips for Raspberry Almond Snowball Cookies

Dough Consistency: Ensure the dough is soft but not sticky; adjust with flour or milk if it feels too wet for your Raspberry Almond Snowball Cookies.
Chill is Key: Do not skip chilling the dough for 1.5 hours; this step prevents the cookies from spreading during baking.
Baking Time Matters: Keep a close eye on the cookies; they should be barely set when taken out to prevent overbaking and cracking.
Sealing Technique: When shaping, ensure the jam is well-sealed with dough to avoid leakage; pinch any cracks closed gently.
Double Sugar Roll: For an extra sweet touch, roll the cookies in powdered sugar twice—once while warm and again after cooling.

Raspberry Almond Snowball Cookies Variations

Embrace your creativity and let your taste buds lead the way with delightful twists on these raspberry almond treats!

Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Enjoy the same buttery texture while accommodating dietary needs.
Nut-Free: For a nut-free version, replace sliced almonds with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. This keeps the crunch while ensuring it’s safe for everyone.
Different Jam: Experiment with flavors like strawberry, apricot, or fig jam for a refreshing change that maintains that delightful sweetness. Each fruit brings a distinct twist to the snowball experience.
Add Cocoa: Introduce cocoa powder (¼ cup) into the flour mix for a chocolatey snowball twist. This nutty chocolate variation will wow your guests!
Lemon Zest: Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough for a citrusy brightness that pairs perfectly with the raspberry jam. It elevates the cookie to a refreshing treat.
Coconut Flakes: Roll the cookies in desiccated coconut in addition to powdered sugar for an exotic flavor and a tropical crunch—a beautiful visual and tasty addition!
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon to the dough to surprise your palate with warmth. It pairs surprisingly well with the raspberry!
Double Coating: For an indulgent touch, roll the cookies in melted chocolate after baking and let them cool before dusting with powdered sugar. A truly decadent take on the classic!

Dive into these variations, and for more cookie inspirations, check out my delightful Almond Cherry Cookies or the refreshing Vanilla Raspberry Chia Pudding. Happy baking!

How to Store and Freeze Raspberry Almond Snowball Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their freshness and texture.

Fridge: If you need them to last longer, refrigerate the cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week; allow them to come to room temperature before serving.

Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on baking sheets until solid, then transfer to an airtight freezer-safe container, where they can last for up to 2 months.

Reheating: When ready to enjoy, let frozen cookies thaw at room temperature or warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes—perfect for that freshly baked taste, reminiscent of holiday gatherings!

Make Ahead Options

Preparing Raspberry Almond Snowball Cookies in advance is a fantastic way to save time during the bustling holiday season! You can make the cookie dough up to 3 days ahead, simply shape the cookies and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, just preheat your oven and bake straight from the fridge—no need to thaw! This method ensures the cookies maintain their delightful shape and taste just as fresh as if you had baked them that day. For an extra snowy finish, roll in powdered sugar right before serving for the perfect presentation!

Raspberry Almond Snowball Cookies Recipe FAQs

What is the best way to select ripe raspberries for the jam?
Absolutely! Look for berries that are plump, firm, and fully colored for the sweetest results. Avoid any that are mushy or have dark spots, as these can indicate overripeness or spoilage. Fresh raspberries will give your jam its delightful tartness, complementing the sweetness of the cookies perfectly.

How should I store Raspberry Almond Snowball Cookies to keep them fresh?
To maintain the best texture, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Ensure they cool completely before storing to avoid any trapped moisture. If you prefer, you can refrigerate them for up to 1 week, but I recommend allowing them to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor experience.

Can I freeze Raspberry Almond Snowball Cookies? If so, how?
Yes! Follow these steps to freeze your cookies: First, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (around 2 hours). Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe airtight container or a resealable bag, layering parchment paper between rows if needed. They can be kept frozen for up to 2 months! To enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature or reheat them in the oven for a few minutes.

How can I troubleshoot if the dough is too sticky or crumbly?
If you find your dough is too sticky during preparation, add a little more all-purpose flour—about a tablespoon at a time—until it reaches a soft but manageable consistency. On the other hand, if the dough is too crumbly, try adding a teaspoon of milk to bind it together better. Always be gentle when mixing to retain that tender texture.

Are these cookies suitable for people with nut allergies?
While Raspberry Almond Snowball Cookies feature almonds, you can easily adapt the recipe. Substitute the almond extract for vanilla extract and replace the sliced almonds with finely chopped sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free option. Always check with your guests regarding allergies to ensure everyone can enjoy the treat safely!