Raspberry Almond Snowball Cookies Delightful Easy Recipe

Name: Raspberry Almond Snowball Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
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

by Peter Harper

Published on: November 26, 2025

Delicious Raspberry Almond Snowball Cookies on a decorative plate

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Raspberry Almond Snowball Cookies are delightful little treats that envelop your senses with a burst of flavor. These soft, powdery cookies offer a melt-in-your-mouth experience, combining the sweet notes of raspberry jam with the nutty essence of almonds. Perfectly easy to make, this recipe is simple yet impressive for any occasion.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love These Snowball Cookies

Why wait for a special occasion to indulge when you can whip up these Raspberry Almond Snowball Cookies any day? They’re perfect for holiday gatherings, coffee breaks, or just as a sweet comfort treat.

Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture – Soft, buttery cookies that literally dissolve
Festive Appearance – Beautiful snowball shape perfect for holidays
Easy to Make – Simple ingredients, straightforward process
Crowd Pleaser – Loved by adults and children alike
Make-Ahead Friendly – Dough freezes beautifully

A Note from Chef Peter

“Having baked thousands of cookies in professional kitchens, I can tell you that the secret to perfect snowball cookies is in the texture. The combination of finely ground almonds and proper creaming of butter creates that signature melt-in-your-mouth quality. Don’t rush the creaming process – it’s what gives these cookies their delicate crumb.”
Chef Peter, MetaSavory Culinary Director

Ingredients for Raspberry Almond Snowball Cookies

These delightful cookies use simple, quality ingredients that create magic when combined.

Cookie Dough Ingredients

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened – Room temperature is crucial
1/2 cup powdered sugar – Plus extra for coating
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Pure vanilla recommended
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour – Spoon and level for accuracy
1 cup finely ground almonds – Almond flour works perfectly
1/4 teaspoon salt – Enhances all flavors
1/2 cup seedless raspberry jam – High quality for best flavor

Essential Tools

Stand mixer or hand mixer
Baking sheets
Parchment paper
Mixing bowls
Cookie scoop (optional but helpful)
Wire cooling rack

How to Make Snowball Cookies: Step-by-Step

Follow these simple steps to create perfect snowball cookies with a surprise raspberry center.

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.

Pro Tip from Chef Peter: “Don’t rush the creaming process! Properly creamed butter and sugar should be pale yellow and almost whipped in texture. This incorporates air for a lighter cookie.”

Step 2: Add Vanilla and Dry Ingredients

Mix in vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, ground almonds, and salt. Gradually add to butter mixture until just combined.

Step 3: Shape and Fill Cookies

Take 1 tablespoon of dough, roll into a ball, make an indentation with your thumb, and fill with 1/4 teaspoon raspberry jam. Seal edges and re-roll into smooth ball.

Pro Tip from Chef Peter: “Keep a small bowl of water nearby to moisten your fingers when sealing the jam inside. This prevents cracking and ensures the jam stays contained.”

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Place cookies on parchment-lined baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes until bottoms are lightly golden. The tops should not brown.

Step 5: Cool and Sugar Coat

Let cookies cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack. When completely cool, roll generously in powdered sugar.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

Mistake	Why It Happens	How to Fix/Prevent
Dry, Crumbly Dough	Butter too cold or overmixing	Use room temperature butter; mix until just combined
Jam Leaking Out	Insufficient sealing	Make sure edges are completely sealed before baking
Cookies Spread Too Much	Butter too warm or over-creaming	Chill dough 30 minutes before baking if needed
Pale Cookies	Underbaking	Look for light golden bottoms; tops remain pale

Storage & Freezing Instructions

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For freezing, place unfrosted cookies in single layer in freezer container for up to 3 months. Dust with powdered sugar after thawing.

Pro Tip from Chef Peter: “The cookie dough freezes beautifully! Shape into balls without the jam filling and freeze on a baking sheet. When solid, transfer to bags. Bake frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to baking time.”

Creative Recipe Variations

Different Jam Flavors – Apricot, strawberry, or blackberry
Citrus Zest – Add orange or lemon zest to dough
Different Nuts – Pecans or walnuts instead of almonds
Chocolate Drizzle – Melted white chocolate for decoration
Spiced Version – Add cinnamon or cardamom to dough

Perfect Pairings

These snowball cookies pair beautifully with hot tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. They’re perfect for cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or as edible gifts. Serve on a festive platter with other Christmas cookies for a beautiful dessert spread.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Amount per cookie	% Daily Value*
Calories	125 kcal	6%
Total Fat	8g	10%
Carbohydrates	12g	4%
Sugars	6g	7%
Protein	2g	4%

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these cookies without nuts?

Yes, you can substitute the ground almonds with additional flour or use sunflower seed flour for a nut-free version. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

How do I prevent the powdered sugar from melting?

Make sure cookies are completely cool before rolling in powdered sugar. If the sugar seems to absorb, you can do a second dusting right before serving.

Can I use frozen dough?

Absolutely! The dough freezes beautifully. Shape into balls without the jam filling, freeze solid, then store in freezer bags. Thaw slightly before adding jam and baking.

What’s the best way to grind almonds?

Use a food processor or high-powered blender. Pulse until finely ground but stop before it turns into almond butter. Store-bought almond flour works perfectly.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The cookies may spread slightly more but will still be delicious.

Final Thoughts from Chef Peter

“These raspberry almond snowball cookies have been a holiday favorite in my family for generations. The combination of buttery cookie, nutty almonds, and sweet raspberry jam is simply magical. Remember that the key to perfect snowball cookies is patience – don’t rush the creaming process, ensure your butter is properly softened, and let the cookies cool completely before the powdered sugar coating. They’re worth every minute of effort and will become a cherished part of your holiday traditions too!”