Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball: A Delicate, Festive Treat with a Sweet Surprise

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Raspberry Filled Almond Snowballs are the kind of treat that captures both elegance and nostalgia in a single bite. These soft, buttery cookies melt on the tongue and reveal a sweet raspberry centre, creating a beautiful contrast of textures and flavours. The almond aroma adds depth without overwhelming the delicate fruit. What I personally enjoy about this recipe is how versatile and forgiving the dough is; I once substituted a splash of almond milk to loosen the mixture slightly, and the cookies still baked up beautifully with a subtle nutty note that paired perfectly with the almonds. Whether you are preparing them for a holiday platter, a special gathering, or an afternoon treat beside a cup of tea, these snowball cookies never fail to impress. Their powdered-sugar coating gives them a charming snowy finish, making them not only delicious but visually enchanting as well.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Butter

Provides richness and a tender crumb. Using softened butter ensures the dough blends smoothly.

All-Purpose Flour

Gives the cookies their structure while keeping them delicate and crumbly.

Almond Flour

Adds a mild nutty flavour and enhances the melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Powdered Sugar

Used both in the dough and for rolling the cookies after baking. It adds sweetness without graininess.

Raspberry Jam

Creates the hidden centre of each snowball. Choose a thick, high-quality jam to prevent leaking.

Vanilla Extract

Infuses the dough with a warm, aromatic undertone.

Almond Extract

Boosts the nutty flavour of the cookies without adding heaviness.

Salt

Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavour.

Milk or Almond Milk

Optional, used only if the dough needs a slight adjustment in consistency. Almond milk works particularly well.

Directions

Begin by creaming the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step helps create the classic tender texture of snowball cookies. Add the vanilla and almond extracts, mixing until well combined. Fold in the almond flour, followed by the all-purpose flour and salt. The dough should come together smoothly and feel soft but not sticky. If it appears too dry, add a splash of milk or almond milk to achieve the proper consistency.

Once the dough is ready, scoop small portions and flatten each slightly in your palm. Place a small dollop of raspberry jam in the centre, then gently fold the dough around the filling, sealing tightly to prevent leakage during baking. Roll each portion into a smooth ball and place them on a lined baking sheet.

Bake the snowballs until they are set and lightly golden on the bottom. Allow them to cool just enough to handle, then roll them in powdered sugar while still warm to create the first snowy coating. Let them cool completely before rolling once more for a perfect finish. Serve at room temperature for ideal texture and flavour.

Essential Equipment

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.

Servings and timing

Makes about 20–24 cookies
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Chilling time (optional): 20 minutes
Baking time: 12–15 minutes
Cooling and rolling: 10 minutes

Storage/reheating

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. They maintain their texture beautifully and often taste even better the next day. If stacking them, place parchment paper between layers to protect the powdered sugar coating. These cookies freeze well for up to two months; thaw at room temperature and re-roll in powdered sugar if needed.

Variations and Customizations

Lemon Raspberry Snowballs

Add lemon zest to the dough for a fresh, citrusy brightness that complements the jam.

Chocolate-Dipped Snowballs

Dip half of each cooled cookie into melted dark chocolate for a more decadent finish.

Almond Crunch Version

Fold in finely chopped toasted almonds for added texture.

Mixed Berry Filling

Use strawberry, blackberry, or a mixed-berry jam for a different fruit profile.

Coconut Snowballs

Add shredded coconut to the dough and coat with coconut flakes instead of powdered sugar.

White Chocolate Drizzle

Finish the cookies with thin lines of melted white chocolate for a festive touch.

Spiced Snowballs

Add cinnamon or cardamom to the dough for warm, aromatic notes.

Hazelnut Twist

Replace almond flour with hazelnut flour and use chocolate-hazelnut spread as the centre.

Orange Almond Snowballs

Add orange extract or zest to the dough for a sweet, fragrant variation.

Almond-Raspberry Thumbprint Style

Skip the filling inside and instead press a thumbprint into each ball, adding raspberry jam on top before baking.

FAQs

Can I use fresh raspberries instead of jam?

Fresh raspberries may leak moisture; a thick jam works best for clean results.

Do I need to chill the dough?

Chilling is optional but helps prevent spreading during baking.

Can I use salted butter?

Yes, simply reduce the added salt slightly.

Why did my cookies crack while baking?

The dough may have been too dry; add a splash of milk next time.

How do I prevent the jam from leaking?

Ensure the dough is sealed completely around the filling with no gaps.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free all-purpose blend in place of regular flour.

What type of jam works best?

A thick raspberry jam or preserves with minimal liquid gives the cleanest results.

Can I roll them in granulated sugar instead?

Powdered sugar is traditional and adheres better, creating the classic snowball appearance.

How do I store them without losing the coating?

Keep them in a single layer or use parchment between stacked layers.

Can the dough be made ahead?

Yes, it can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours before shaping and baking.

Conclusion

Raspberry Filled Almond Snowballs are the perfect combination of delicate texture, gentle sweetness, and a delightful fruity surprise tucked inside. Their beautiful snowy appearance and balanced flavour make them ideal for festive gatherings or everyday enjoyment. With simple preparation, flexible variations, and a consistently charming result, these cookies are a wonderful addition to any baking collection and a treat you will find yourself returning to often.

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