When winter nights draw in and holiday lights begin to twinkle, nothing fills the kitchen or the heart quite like the warm smell of fresh-baked cookies. These Christmas Raspberry Almond Snowball Cookies combine buttery almond dough, a sweet-tart raspberry jam center, and a snowy coat of powdered sugar for a timeless holiday treat. With every bite you get a meltingly soft cookie, a burst of berry sweetness, and a delicate almond crunch perfect for cookie platters, gift tins, or a cozy night by the fire. Easy enough for family baking nights, but special enough for Christmas celebrations, they’re destined to become a seasonal staple.
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What Is / Why It’s Special
The Snowball cookie is a classic a rich, buttery, nutty shortbread-style treat. What makes this version stand out is the hidden raspberry jam center, delivering a sweet-tart surprise inside a tender almond cookie, then rolled in powdered sugar to give it that “freshly fallen snow” look.
Why you’ll love these
- Textural delight: the tender almond dough crumbles lightly, the jam inside oozes sweet-tart berry flavor, and the sugar dusting melts gently on the tongue.
- Festive & nostalgic: the snowy appearance, the berry filling, the nutty aroma ideal for winter and holiday tables.
- Shareable & gift-ready: perfect for cookie exchanges, gift tins, or plates with other holiday desserts.
- Customizable & versatile: from gluten-free to vegan (with substitutions), from nuts to different jam fillings great for dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Cookie Dough – Almond Shortbread Base
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar (plus extra for coating)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon pure almond extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup toasted, finely ground almonds (or almond flour)
- Pinch of fine salt
Filling
- ½ cup seedless raspberry jam (room temperature)
Finishing
- Powdered sugar for rolling (two coatings)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Prep the Dough & Toast Almonds
If using whole almonds, toast them in a 350 °F oven for 8–10 min until fragrant. Let cool, then grind finely. In a bowl, whisk flour, ground almonds and salt. In a separate bowl, cream butter with powdered sugar until light and fluffy, then mix in vanilla + almond extract. Gradually add dry mix until dough forms.
Step 2 – Shape & Fill Cookies
Divide dough into small 1-inch balls (or use a small cookie scoop). For each cookie: roll one ball, press a small indentation, add ~½ tsp of raspberry jam, cover with another small ball and pinch edges to seal. Gently roll again into a smooth ball.
Step 3 – Chill Dough
Place the shaped balls on a parchment-lined tray; chill 30–60 min in fridge (this helps them hold shape in the oven).
Step 4 – Bake
Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Bake cookies on parchment sheet for 11–13 min bottoms should be just set, edges not browned. They stay pale.
Step 5 – Sugar Coating
Immediately after baking, while still warm, roll cookies in powdered sugar. Once cooled completely, roll again for a thick “snowy” coating.
Tips / Variations / Why You’ll Love It
⭐ Tips for success
- Use room-temperature butter so dough mixes evenly.
- Toast and finely grind almonds for a richer almond flavor and smoother texture.
- Seal the jam well under-fill or press edges thoroughly to avoid leaks.
- Roll twice in powdered sugar for the classic snowball look.
- For crispier exterior: chill dough longer, bake slightly less.
⭐ Variations
- Chocolate-dipped snowballs: dip half of each cooled cookie in melted dark or white chocolate for an elegant treat.
- Different fillings: swap raspberry jam for strawberry, apricot, blackberry, or even lemon curd for variety.
- Gluten-free version: replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend + add ¼ tsp xanthan gum. Texture changes slightly but reste délicieux.
- Vegan version: use vegan butter + dairy-free powdered sugar; no egg cookie stays crumbly & soft.
- Nut-free version: skip ground almonds; increase flour slightly and add a bit of cornstarch.
⭐ Why you’ll love it
These cookies are buttery yet light, sweet but with a tangy berry surprise, look like snowballs yet hold a gourmet secret they’re festive, comforting, & shareable.
🌟Holiday Cookie Exchange & Gift-Tin Strategy
Want to make these cookies stand out on a cookie swap tray or as homemade gifts? Bake a double batch. Use muffin tins or small parchment cups to separate cookies in a tin, line with parchment paper, and alternate with other colored cookies (gingerbread, chocolate crinkle, shortbread) for a festive mix. Add a small card: “Raspberry Almond Snowballs Merry & Sweet!” They travel and store well (in airtight tins), and make a thoughtful, homemade present that feels gourmet without hours of work.
🌟Kid-Friendly Baking Party + Memory Maker
These cookies are perfect for a family baking night. Kids can help press the hollows, drop the jam, roll the balls minimal mess and maximum fun. The sugar-dusted snowballs, rosy jam centers, and crumbly almond dough create a sensory experience: sticky fingers, powdered sugar noses, and holiday laughter. It’s a great way to build memories and maybe start a new Christmas tradition with your family or friends.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead?
Yes, you can prepare and chill the dough, shape into balls, then freeze or refrigerate. Bake within 1–2 days for best results.
Can I freeze baked cookies?
Yes, once cooled and sugar-coated, store in airtight container; they freeze and thaw well. Dust extra powdered sugar after thawing for freshness.
Jam leaks / cookies crack what did I do wrong?
Likely under-sealing the dough or over-filling the jam. Use less jam and pinch seams firmly. Chilling dough helps too.
Texture is too dry / crumbly how to fix?
Ensure dough isn’t over-worked; use softened butter; don’t over-bake cookies should stay pale, not golden.
Conclusion
These Christmas Raspberry Almond Snowball Cookies are the perfect blend of nostalgia, flavor, and holiday charm tender almond dough, sweet-tart raspberry jam, and a snowy powdered sugar finish. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or yourself, they bring warmth, joy, and festive sweetness to every occasion.
✨ Try them this week and tag @EatTreatsRecipes on Pinterest or Instagram because comfort should always be this delicious!