Irresistible Raspberry Almond Snowball Cookies Perfect for Your Holiday Celebrations

Hi, I’m Sarah Jansen, a traveler and food blogger who loves weaving tradition into holiday baking. Among the countless treats that grace festive tables, Raspberry Almond Snowball Cookies always feel extra special. With their buttery almond base, soft powdered sugar coating, and a surprise raspberry jam center, these cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious. They’re bite-sized, melt-in-your-mouth, and ideal for gifting, cookie swaps, or simply enjoying with loved ones. This recipe will show you how to master them with ease.

Raspberry Almond Snowball Cookies

These Raspberry Almond Snowball Cookies are a festive twist on the classic snowball cookie. Each one is made with finely ground almonds for a rich, nutty flavor and rolled generously in powdered sugar for a snowy finish. The best part? A sweet, tart raspberry jam center that surprises with every bite. Easy to bake, freezer-friendly, and visually stunning, they’re perfect for holiday gatherings or edible gifts. Elegant yet approachable, these cookies embody the spirit of Christmas baking—comfort, joy, and just a little magic.

Why This Recipe Works

• Almond Richness: Ground almonds add texture and flavor depth.
• Raspberry Surprise: A jam-filled center makes each bite special.
• Festive Coating: Powdered sugar gives the classic “snowball” effect.
• Small & Elegant: Perfect for gifting or party trays.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Flavors improve after resting, and they freeze beautifully.

Health Benefits

• Almonds: Rich in vitamin E, healthy fats, and plant protein.
• Raspberry Jam: Natural fruit sweetness and antioxidants.
• Portion Control: Small cookies make indulgence manageable.
• Homemade Advantage: No artificial preservatives or fillers.
• Holiday Happiness: Baking at home reduces stress and boosts joy.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar (plus more for rolling)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp almond extract
• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp salt
• ¾ cup finely ground almonds (or almond flour)
• ½ cup raspberry jam (seedless preferred)

How to Make Raspberry Almond Snowball Cookies

Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in vanilla, almond extract, flour, salt, and almonds to form a dough. Chill for 30 minutes. Scoop dough, flatten slightly, and place a small dollop of raspberry jam in the center. Wrap dough around filling to seal. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12–14 minutes until set but not browned. Cool slightly, then roll in powdered sugar. Once fully cooled, roll again for a snowy finish. Store in airtight container or freeze.

Instructions:

1. Prepare Dough:
   In a large bowl, cream softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy. Add vanilla and almond extracts, then mix until combined.
2. Add Dry Ingredients:
   Gradually beat in flour, salt, and finely ground almonds. Stir until dough comes together. Wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
3. Preheat Oven:
   Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
4. Shape Cookies:
   Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough, flatten slightly, and add a ½ teaspoon of raspberry jam in the center. Fold dough around the filling, rolling into a ball to fully enclose the jam.
5. Bake:
   Arrange cookies 1 inch apart on prepared sheets. Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until set but still pale (not browned).
6. First Sugar Roll:
   Let cookies cool for 2 minutes, then roll gently in powdered sugar while still warm. This helps the sugar stick.
7. Second Sugar Roll:
   Once completely cooled, roll again in powdered sugar for a snowy, even coating.
8. Store:
   Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for 2 months.

Result: Buttery almond cookies with a hidden raspberry surprise, coated in a snowy sugar finish—irresistible for the holidays.

Cook & Prep Times

• Prep Time: 20 minutes (+30 minutes chill)
• Cook Time: 14 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Nutrition Information (per cookie, approx.)

• Calories: 130
• Protein: 2g
• Carbs: 15g
• Fat: 7g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 45mg

Serving with Raspberry Almond Snowball Cookies

Serve Raspberry Almond Snowball Cookies on a holiday cookie platter, alongside hot cocoa, mulled wine, or coffee for a festive pairing. Their snowy look makes them a stunning addition to Christmas dessert tables or cookie swaps. For gifting, pack them in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon, or arrange in decorative tins with parchment dividers. Their elegant shape, powdered finish, and burst of fruity flavor make them as visually delightful as they are delicious—perfect for spreading holiday cheer with every bite.

Pro Tips & Variations

• Jam Variations: Swap raspberry with apricot, cherry, or strawberry jam.
• Nut-Free Option: Replace almonds with oat flour.
• Extra Festive: Add red and green sprinkles to powdered sugar.
• Gluten-Free: Use a cup-for-cup GF flour blend.
• Double Batch: Make ahead and freeze for stress-free holiday prep.

FAQ:

The Bottom Line

These Raspberry Almond Snowball Cookies are the epitome of holiday elegance—delicate, buttery, and filled with a fruity surprise. With their snowy sugar coating and festive almond flavor, they’re perfect for cookie platters, gifts, and gatherings. Easy to make, endlessly versatile, and visually stunning, they capture the spirit of Christmas baking with every bite. Whether you’re hosting, gifting, or simply treating yourself, these cookies guarantee holiday magic.