There’s something genuinely magical about biting into a raspberry almond snowball cookie. Your teeth sink into the buttery, crumbly exterior, which immediately gives way to a tender, melt-in-your-mouth center. Then comes the star moment: a burst of tart-sweet raspberry jam that contrasts beautifully with the delicate almond flavor. These aren’t just cookies—they’re an elegant, sophisticated treat that looks like it came straight from a professional bakery, yet comes together in your own kitchen.
What makes these Christmas snowball cookies so special is their incredible texture and flavor balance. The combination of buttery almond dough, vibrant raspberry jam filling, and a generous coating of powdered sugar creates cookies that are simultaneously refined and comforting. Moreover, these holiday cookie recipes have become a seasonal tradition in kitchens everywhere, appearing at office parties, family gatherings, and holiday cookie exchanges. They’re the kind of cookies that make people ask for your recipe—and feel genuinely impressed when you tell them how easy they are to make.
Whether you’re looking to elevate your holiday cookie recipes, searching for elegant gifts, or wanting to create memorable treats for your family, these cookies deliver pure magic. Let’s explore what makes them so wonderful and how to bake a perfect batch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe hits every mark for the perfect holiday treat.
Beautiful and Show-Stopping
First, these cookies are absolutely gorgeous. The ruby-red raspberry filling peeks through the golden-baked cookie exterior, creating a naturally elegant appearance. Furthermore, the generous powdered sugar coating resembles fresh snow, which is where they get their “snowball” name. Additionally, when arranged on a platter, they look like they belong in a five-star bakery. You’ll love photographing them almost as much as eating them.
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture
The texture is perhaps the most remarkable aspect of these cookies. The almond dough is tender and crumbly—it practically melts on your tongue. Meanwhile, the jam filling adds moisture and prevents the cookies from ever feeling dry. Moreover, the combination of textures creates an unforgettable eating experience that keeps people reaching for more.
Easy to Make Despite Their Elegance
Despite looking sophisticated, these cookies are surprisingly simple to make. You don’t need special equipment, advanced techniques, or complicated steps. Furthermore, the ingredient list is straightforward, and the process is forgiving. Whether you’re an experienced baker or trying these for the first time, you’ll achieve beautiful results.
Ingredient Breakdown: Simple Components, Elegant Results
Let’s explore the essential ingredients that make these raspberry almond snowball cookies sing.
The Almond Dough Foundation
You’ll need 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature. This creates the rich, buttery base. Additionally, include ¾ cup granulated sugar and 1 large egg yolk (save the white for another use). Mix these together until light and fluffy. The creaming process incorporates air, creating a tender crumb.
Include 2 cups all-purpose flour and 1 cup finely ground almond flour (or almond meal). Furthermore, add ½ teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. The combination of all-purpose and almond flour creates the perfect texture—delicate yet sturdy enough to hold the filling.
The Star: Raspberry Jam Filling
You’ll need ¾ cup high-quality raspberry jam. Choose jam over jelly for better texture—the fruit pieces add authenticity. Additionally, the quality of your jam directly affects the final cookie flavor, so splurge on a good brand. The jam provides that beautiful color, tart-sweet flavor, and moisture that makes these cookies special.
The Finishing Touch: Powdered Sugar
Include 1 cup powdered sugar for coating the cooled cookies. This creates the signature “snowball” appearance. Additionally, the powdered sugar adds subtle sweetness and visual appeal.
Step-by-Step Baking Guide
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Bake Time: 12-15 minutes per batch | Makes: 24-30 cookies
Follow this detailed process for perfect results.
Step 1: Prepare Your Dough
In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup softened butter and ¾ cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Subsequently, add 1 egg yolk and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, beating until well combined. The mixture should look pale and creamy.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup almond flour, and ½ teaspoon salt. This ensures even distribution of ingredients throughout the dough.
Step 3: Merge Wet and Dry
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula or wooden spoon. Stir until just combined—don’t overmix. Overmixing develops gluten, which can make cookies tough. A few small flour streaks are actually fine. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step is crucial. Meanwhile, it makes the dough easier to handle and helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking. Additionally, chilled dough prevents cookies from spreading too much.
Step 5: Shape and Fill
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Using about 1 tablespoon of dough per cookie, roll into balls. Make a small indent in the center of each ball using your thumb. Carefully place about ½ teaspoon of raspberry jam into the indent. Then, gently fold the dough over the jam, re-rolling into a ball to encase the filling.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Place the filled balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 1.5 inches apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the edges are light golden but the centers still appear slightly underbaked. This is important—they’ll continue cooking as they cool, and you want them to stay tender.
Step 7: Cool and Coat
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Once completely cooled, place 1 cup powdered sugar in a shallow bowl. Gently roll each cookie in the powdered sugar, coating all sides. The powdered sugar sticks to the still-warm cookies, creating a beautiful, snowy appearance.
Flavor Variations to Customize Your Cookies
The basic recipe is perfection, but simple swaps create exciting versions.
Apricot Almond Version
Substitute ¾ cup apricot jam for the raspberry filling. This creates a classic, slightly more sophisticated flavor profile. Furthermore, apricot pairs beautifully with almond, making this variation elegant for formal gatherings.
Strawberry Shortcake Twist
Use ¾ cup strawberry jam instead of raspberry. Additionally, add ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract to the dough for extra flavor. This variation feels fresh and bright, perfect for spring or early summer celebrations.
Nutella-Filled Version
Swap the jam for ¾ cup Nutella or chocolate hazelnut spread. This creates a decadent chocolate-almond treat. Furthermore, omit the powdered sugar coating and roll in cocoa powder instead for a more sophisticated appearance.
Tips for Perfect Snowballs
These secrets ensure beautiful, delicious results every time.
Shape Matters
Roll dough balls evenly so they bake uniformly. Moreover, don’t pack the dough too tightly—a gentle hand creates better texture. Furthermore, ensure the jam is completely enclosed so it doesn’t leak during baking.
Bake Time is Crucial
Remove cookies from the oven when edges are golden but centers still appear slightly underbaked. They continue cooking as they cool, resulting in perfect tender texture. Meanwhile, overbaked cookies become too dry. Slightly underbaked is the key to success.
Cooling Process
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer to a wire rack. This prevents them from breaking apart when moved. Furthermore, cool completely before rolling in powdered sugar so the sugar doesn’t melt into the cookies.
Storage and Gifting Ideas
These cookies store beautifully and make impressive gifts.
Airtight Container Storage
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Layer them between parchment paper to prevent sticking. The powdered sugar coating may settle slightly over time—this is normal and doesn’t affect taste.
Freezing for Later
These cookies freeze beautifully for up to two months. Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving. They’re delicious whether fresh or frozen and thawed.
Elegant Gift Presentation
Arrange cookies in festive boxes or tins lined with parchment paper. Tie with ribbon and include a handwritten gift tag. These homemade treats make impressive gifts that feel special and personal. Furthermore, they’re shelf-stable enough to ship without refrigeration.
Holiday Platter Ideas
Arrange these cookies on a beautiful platter alongside other holiday cookie recipes for a stunning cookie display. The jewel-like raspberry filling and snowy coating make them visual stars of any arrangement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other nuts instead of almonds?
Absolutely! Substitute 1 cup ground pistachios, walnuts, or hazelnuts for the almond flour. Each nut creates a different flavor profile. Furthermore, you could use a combination of nuts for added complexity. The ratio stays the same—just swap the nuts.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Definitely! These cookies freeze beautifully for up to two months. Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving. The texture remains perfect.
How do I keep them from cracking?
The key is proper cooling. Don’t rush the cooling process—let them set on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving. Furthermore, ensure dough is chilled before baking. Additionally, avoid overbaking—slightly underbaked cookies are more forgiving and stay tender.
Can I use different jam flavors?
Absolutely! Try apricot, strawberry, blueberry, or even fig jam. Each flavor creates a different cookie. Furthermore, you could make a batch with multiple jam varieties for a mixed assortment. This adds variety and keeps things interesting.
How long do they stay fresh?
These cookies keep beautifully at room temperature in an airtight container for up to one week. The jam filling keeps them moist, so they don’t dry out quickly. Furthermore, they actually taste wonderful after a day or two when flavors have melded together.
Final Thoughts: Elegant Holiday Baking
These raspberry-filled almond snowball cookies represent the best of holiday baking: elegance without pretension, sophistication with approachability, and flavor that lingers long after the last bite. With their buttery almond dough, vibrant jam filling, and snowy powdered sugar coating, they bring warmth and magic to any gathering.
Whether you’re baking for holiday parties, creating edible gifts, or starting new family traditions, these cookies deliver consistently beautiful results. Start making a batch this week. You’ll discover why these Christmas snowball cookies have become beloved traditions in kitchens everywhere.
Elegant, buttery, and absolutely magical—that’s what these holiday cookie recipes bring to your seasonal celebration. Make them today.
Ready to create bakery-quality cookies at home? Bake these raspberry-filled almond snowball cookies this holiday season and discover why they’re the most magical bite of the year!