Raspberry Almond Snowball Cookies are sweet little treats that melt in your mouth. Made with buttery dough, ground almonds, and a fruity raspberry center, they’re perfect for any occasion!
These cookies look like snowballs, making them extra fun to eat! I love sneaking a few right off the tray—who can resist that perfect combination of almond and raspberry? 😋
They’re easy to make, too! Just mix the ingredients, roll them into balls, and coat them in powdered sugar. You’ll have a batch of delicious cookies in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred for better control over the salt content. If you want to use margarine, go for a stick form for better consistency in the dough. I love the flavor that real butter brings to the cookies!
Powdered Sugar: Essential for both sweetness and for dusting after baking. If you’re out, you can make your own by blending granulated sugar until it’s a fine powder. I find it very satisfying to make my own, plus it saves a trip to the store!
Almond Extract: This ingredient gives the cookies their distinct flavor. If you prefer a different taste, vanilla extract is a good substitute. However, I think almond extract adds a lovely, nutty aroma that pairs perfectly with the raspberries.
Ground Almonds: Almond meal gives a nice texture and flavor. If you don’t have it, you can use regular flour, but the cookies won’t have that delightful nutty taste. I highly recommend sticking with almond meal if you can!
Fresh Raspberries: Using fresh raspberries is key for that burst of flavor inside. If you can’t find them, you could use frozen, but make sure to thaw and pat them dry. Fresh ones are just so much tastier!
How Do I Make the Perfect Dough for These Cookies?
The dough consistency is crucial for these cookies to hold their shape while baking. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Start with softened butter. It should be soft enough to cream well with sugar but not melted. That fluffiness helps lighten the dough.
- When you mix in the dry ingredients, do so slowly to avoid overworking the dough, which can make the cookies tough.
- The dough should be soft but not sticky after mixing. If you find it too sticky, you can chill it for 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
- Be gentle when wrapping the dough around the raspberry. You want a full seal around the berry so it doesn’t leak during baking.
Following these tips will help ensure your cookies come out delicious every time!
Raspberry Almond Snowball Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for rolling
- 1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup finely ground almonds (almond meal)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Fresh raspberries (one per cookie)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 18-20 minutes of baking. Be sure to allow some extra time for cooling, especially if you want to enjoy them fresh off the rack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking—this makes cleanup a breeze!
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and 3/4 cup of powdered sugar together. Use a hand mixer or a wooden spoon until the mixture is light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes. The fluffiness will help give your cookies that soft texture we all love!
3. Add Almond Extract:
Stir in the almond extract, mixing until it’s fully combined into the buttery goodness. This is where the magical almond flavor comes from!
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground almonds, and salt thoroughly. This will help evenly distribute the dry ingredients, which is important for a consistent texture in your cookies.
5. Combine the Mixtures:
Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms. Don’t overmix here—just until everything is blended nicely!
6. Form the Cookie Balls:
Take a tablespoon of dough and flatten it slightly in your hand. Place one fresh raspberry in the center and carefully wrap the dough around it, rolling gently to form a smooth ball. Repeat this until all the dough is used—this part is like little surprises waiting to be discovered!
7. Prepare for Baking:
Place the dough balls on your prepared baking sheet, spaced about 1 inch apart so they have room to spread as they bake.
8. Bake the Cookies:
Bake the cookies for 18-20 minutes, or until the bottoms start to turn a light golden color. Keep an eye on them; you want them slightly underbaked for that soft texture!
9. Cooling Time:
Once they’re out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This helps them set a little before you move them.
10. Dust with Powdered Sugar:
While the cookies are still warm, roll each cookie in powdered sugar to coat generously. This will give them that snowball look and add extra sweetness!
11. Cool Completely:
Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. For an extra snowy effect, roll them in powdered sugar once more before serving. Now they’re ready to be enjoyed!
Take a bite into your Raspberry Almond Snowball Cookies and enjoy the delightful surprise of tart raspberry with that nutty almond flavor. Happy baking!
Can I Use Different Nuts Instead of Almonds?
Absolutely! If you’d like to switch things up, feel free to use ground walnuts or pecans instead of almonds. Just be sure to adjust the quantity slightly as some nuts may require less or more for similar texture and flavor.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Raspberries?
If fresh raspberries aren’t available, you can use frozen raspberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture. You might also consider using raspberry jam to create a tasty center!
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to a week if you prefer. Just remember to dust them with powdered sugar again before serving for that fresh look!
Can I Make These Cookies Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just be sure to check that your ground almonds are also certified gluten-free to prevent any contamination!