The Raspberry Almond Snowball Cookies are a true winter delight—impossibly tender with a buttery almond-rich base, and hiding inside each bite is a burst of tangy-sweet raspberry jam. Rolled in a blanket of powdered sugar, they resemble delicate snowballs, perfect for festive tables or thoughtful edible gifts.
Not only are these cookies visually stunning, but they also offer a delicious play on textures—crumbly, soft, fruity, and melt-in-your-mouth all at once. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party or simply need a little sweetness with your afternoon tea, these snowball cookies are guaranteed to bring joy to every bite.
Full Recipe:
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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½ cup powdered sugar (plus extra for rolling)
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 teaspoon almond extract
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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¾ cup almond flour
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¼ teaspoon salt
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½ cup raspberry preserves or jam
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar until fluffy.
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Add vanilla and almond extracts, mixing until combined.
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In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, and salt.
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Gradually combine the dry mixture with the creamed butter until just mixed.
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Scoop a tablespoon of dough, roll it into a ball, and press your thumb to create a small indentation.
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Fill each indentation with a small dollop of raspberry preserves.
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Gently seal the filling inside by reshaping into a smooth ball.
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Place balls onto the prepared baking sheet.
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Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until edges are just golden.
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Let cool slightly, then roll in powdered sugar while still warm.
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Transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 120 kcal per cookie | Servings: 24 cookies
A Festive Favorite: Raspberry Almond Snowball Cookies
Raspberry Almond Snowball Cookies are the embodiment of comfort, elegance, and celebration in one delightful bite. Their powdered sugar coating, delicate almond base, and surprise raspberry center make them not only visually enchanting but also rich in flavor. These cookies are particularly cherished during the holidays, but their charm carries year-round, elevating tea times, gift boxes, and dessert trays alike.
Their snowball-like appearance evokes images of snowy landscapes and cozy kitchens, and they have become a classic in many homes for festive occasions. But beyond their looks, their taste profile—rich almond flavor paired with tart-sweet raspberry—creates a well-balanced cookie that melts in your mouth. Let’s explore what makes these cookies so unique and why they deserve a spot in your baking rotation.
What Makes Snowball Cookies Special
Snowball cookies, also known in some traditions as Russian tea cakes or Mexican wedding cookies, are shortbread-like treats typically made with butter, sugar, and flour. What sets this variation apart is the addition of almond flour and almond extract, enhancing the cookie’s nuttiness and tender crumb. The inclusion of raspberry preserves tucked inside each dough ball adds a modern twist, bringing moisture, flavor, and color to the center.
Rolled in powdered sugar right after baking, the warm cookies soak up a thin layer of sweetness that creates their iconic “snowball” effect. As they cool, they can be rolled again for a more pronounced snowy finish.
Flavor Profile and Texture
The cookie itself is buttery and crumbly, thanks to a blend of all-purpose and almond flour. Almond extract adds depth and a rich, nutty essence that perfectly complements the raspberry center. The raspberry preserves offer just the right amount of tartness to balance the richness of the dough.
In terms of texture, Raspberry Almond Snowball Cookies are tender, with a melt-in-your-mouth quality. The crumb is soft but not cakey, and the hidden center brings a slight gooey contrast, which creates an indulgent experience in every bite. The powdered sugar coating adds a subtle crispness that dissolves on the tongue, rounding out the overall mouthfeel.
Why These Cookies Are Perfect for the Holidays
Raspberry Almond Snowball Cookies have become synonymous with holiday baking for a few reasons. First, their appearance—white and round—mirrors snowballs, which fits the seasonal aesthetic. They look stunning arranged on festive platters, and their delicate appearance invites curiosity and admiration.
Second, they store exceptionally well, making them ideal for gifting or preparing ahead of holiday gatherings. The flavors continue to develop over time, and they stay fresh for several days if stored in an airtight container.
Lastly, they have a nostalgic, homemade quality to them. Unlike overly elaborate modern desserts, these cookies feel rooted in tradition while still offering a fresh and fruity surprise. They strike a balance between familiar comfort and gourmet flair.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are incredibly versatile in how they can be served. On their own, they make a beautiful statement, but they also pair wonderfully with a variety of beverages. A classic black tea or an herbal blend like chamomile enhances their sweetness without overpowering the flavor. For a bolder pairing, espresso or a nutty latte complements the almond undertones and balances the sugar.
On a dessert platter, Raspberry Almond Snowball Cookies can be combined with other bite-sized treats like truffles, candied nuts, or chocolate-dipped fruits. Their round shape and white coating provide visual contrast that enhances the overall presentation.
For more formal events, consider plating them alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a drizzle of raspberry coulis. The result is a refined dessert that still feels comforting and homemade.
Tips for Perfect Snowball Cookies Every Time
Although these cookies are relatively easy to make, a few baking tips can ensure consistent, bakery-level results.
Use Room Temperature Butter
This is essential for proper creaming. Room temperature butter traps air more efficiently when whipped with sugar, leading to a lighter, more tender dough.
Do Not Overmix
After the dry ingredients are added to the butter mixture, mix only until just combined. Overworking the dough can lead to tough cookies due to gluten development.
Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended)
Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before shaping can make it easier to work with and prevent excessive spreading during baking.
Use High-Quality Preserves
Since raspberry is the only filling, its quality significantly impacts flavor. Choose a thick, seedless raspberry jam or preserves for best results.
Roll While Warm
Coating the cookies in powdered sugar while they’re still warm ensures that the sugar adheres better and creates that iconic snowy effect. You can roll them again once they’re completely cool for an extra layer of powdery white.
Customization Ideas
While raspberry and almond is a stellar combination, you can modify this recipe in countless ways to suit different tastes or dietary needs:
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Different Fillings: Swap raspberry preserves for apricot, cherry, or even chocolate ganache for a new flavor profile.
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Nut-Free Version: Replace almond flour with oat flour and use vanilla extract instead of almond extract.
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Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend that works cup-for-cup in baking recipes and ensure your almond flour is certified gluten-free.
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Decorative Additions: Add a drizzle of white chocolate or a sprinkle of edible glitter on top for an extra festive touch.
These options allow you to personalize the cookies for various occasions or dietary preferences without sacrificing their charm or deliciousness.
Storage and Shelf Life
Raspberry Almond Snowball Cookies store exceptionally well. Once cooled, they should be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you plan to enjoy them over a longer period, they also freeze beautifully.
To freeze, lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to eat, simply let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. You can also refresh them with a light dusting of powdered sugar before serving.
The Cultural Appeal of Snowball Cookies
Snowball cookies, by their many names—Russian Tea Cakes, Mexican Wedding Cookies, Italian Butterballs—are part of a larger family of global sweets that rely on butter, flour, and nuts for their foundation. These types of cookies are often tied to special occasions and celebratory meals, making them a meaningful treat for many cultures.
Adding a raspberry filling modernizes the cookie and reflects today’s global palate that appreciates bold and balanced flavor profiles. It’s a lovely example of how classic recipes evolve while retaining their traditional essence.
Conclusion
Raspberry Almond Snowball Cookies are a beautiful fusion of tradition and modern flair. With their buttery, nutty dough and fruity center, they offer a unique textural and flavor experience that stands out on any dessert table. Whether you’re baking them as part of a holiday tradition, creating edible gifts, or just indulging in a cozy kitchen session, these cookies promise comfort, elegance, and a whole lot of joy.
They’re the kind of treat that disappears quickly once served, yet lingers in memory long after the last bite. If you’re looking to elevate your cookie repertoire with something visually stunning, deliciously rich, and deeply satisfying, Raspberry Almond Snowball Cookies are the perfect choice.