Raspberry Almond Snowball Cookies

Posted on December 27, 2025
Updated January 6, 2026

Raspberry Almond Snowball Cookies

I remember the first time I made Raspberry Almond Snowball Cookies Delightful Easy Recipe for my family. It was a Sunday that smelled of vanilla and warm butter, with my mother humming in the next room and the mixer making a steady, comforting sound. The dough felt soft under my palms as I rolled it into small spheres, and when the oven door opened a gentle, almond-scented breeze filled the kitchen. We sat at the small table, dusted powdered sugar over the cookies, and sipped espresso as laughter echoed through the house. That memory lives in every batch I bake now.

Why Raspberry Almond Snowball Cookies Delightful Easy Recipe Still Belongs at the Table

Raspberry Almond Snowball Cookies Delightful Easy Recipe

There is a quiet of tradition in desserts like this one. In Italian-American homes, recipes travel across generations folded into aprons and the corners of recipe cards. Raspberry Almond Snowball Cookies Delightful Easy Recipe is one of those small miracles that turns an ordinary afternoon into a memory.

These cookies carry the warmth of family gatherings. They remind me of holidays when the table was full and the kitchen smelled like sugar and citrus. They are not loud or flashy. They are gentle, like a soft song at the end of a long day.

They matter because they bring people together. A simple platter of snowball cookies invites sharing, conversation, and the careful passing of plates from hand to hand. Many Italian dessert recipes are meant for this. They are easy italian desserts that do not demand perfection, only patience and a willingness to taste as you go.

Making them gives you a rhythm. You measure, you mix, you press a thumb into a tiny ball of dough, and you tuck in the bright raspberry jam like a secret. From there, the aroma of toasted almonds and warm butter begins to fill your kitchen. It is the kind of dessert that says come closer.

How to Make Raspberry Almond Snowball Cookies Delightful Easy Recipe

“Every dessert like this carries a memory, whether you realize it or not.”

Start with calm hands and a clear counter. The method is simple, and the rewards are generous. These cookies are about texture crumbly, tender dough with a burst of jam and about balance. The almond adds warmth and a nutty depth, while the raspberry keeps the bite bright and fresh.

Before we list everything, imagine the mixer humming softly as butter and sugar cream together. Picture the dough becoming a soft, smooth blanket that is easy to roll. Notice how the jam gleams like a small jewel when you fill each cookie. That sensory rhythm steadying itself is as important as any technique.

The steps are straightforward, and the results are forgiving. If your dough seems a touch dry, a teaspoon of milk calms it. If the jam is too runny, a quick chill helps. Each cue slightly golden edges, a crumb that holds its shape guides you toward success.

Gathering the 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

Notes for gentle choices and small swaps:

  • Use real unsalted butter for the cleanest flavor.
  • Powdered sugar keeps the dough tender and also gives that snowy finish.
  • Finely ground almonds melt into the dough; if you only have almond meal, pulse it lightly for a finer texture.
  • Seedless raspberry jam gives a smooth filling that won’t tear the dough as you seal it.
  • For a softer crumb, a tablespoon of whole milk can be added if the dough is too dry.

Step-by-Step Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
    Warm your kitchen with this small, steady step. The oven should feel steady before the cookies arrive.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
    Beat slowly at first, then a little faster. The mixture will pale and feel airy under the beaters.
  3. Stir in the vanilla extract.
    Scrape the bowl and let vanilla melt into the butter. The scent will lift the whole room.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground almonds, and salt.
    Mix until uniform. The dry mix will look soft and a little sandy when it is ready.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
    Work gently. Stop when the dough comes together and looks smooth, not overworked.
  6. Roll a tablespoon of dough into a ball, make an indentation, and fill with 1/4 tsp of raspberry jam.
    The dough should be cool and easy to shape. The jam should sit like a bright note inside.
  7. Seal the filling by pinching the edges together, then re-roll into a smooth ball.
    Take your time. The seal keeps the jam inside and the surface smooth for powdered sugar.
  8. Place cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, until lightly golden.
    Watch the edges. They will just begin to color and the tops will remain pale.
  9. Let cookies cool slightly on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
    The cookies finish setting as they rest. They will firm up and the jam will settle.
  10. Once cooled, roll the cookies generously in powdered sugar, twice for best coverage.
    Dredge them in sugar, let them rest, and then give them a second coat for that snow-dusted look.
  11. Enjoy each bite.
    Break one open and notice the tender crumb, the almond warmth, and the sweet tartness of raspberry.

Each step moves you closer to a warm plate, a comforting cup of coffee, and a small, satisfying hush around the table.

Serving Raspberry Almond Snowball Cookies Delightful Easy Recipe With Love

Raspberry Almond Snowball Cookies Delightful Easy Recipe

Serve them on a simple ceramic plate. The contrast of white powdered sugar against a blue or green plate feels homey, like a memory pulled from an old photograph. Bring them out with espresso or long black coffee. The bitterness of coffee pairs with the sweet jam in a way that makes small bites last a little longer.

For after-dinner, place a small napkin between cookies on the plate, and encourage slow conversation. For a casual gathering, arrange them on a tiered stand to let guests pick and choose. For holiday mornings, tuck a few into a basket beside the coffee pot.

These cookies are gentle companions to many desserts. Think about serving them alongside a homemade cake for a celebration. They are small enough to taste without filling you, but distinct enough to be remembered. In many homes, we treat little cookies like these as celebration desserts that travel well and show thoughtful attention.

If you want a more formal dessert moment, lay the cookies around a slice of homemade cake and share. For a cannoli style cake table, these make a pretty, complementary bite. For a bundt cake finale, place them in a circle around the plate to echo that circle of family and friends.

Saving a Slice for Tomorrow

These cookies are patient. They keep well at room temperature for a couple of days in an airtight container layered with parchment. The powdered sugar may sink in slightly but the flavor deepens.

For longer storage, freeze them flat on a sheet tray until firm, then transfer to a sealed freezer container with parchment between layers. They can stay frozen for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature and then re-dust with powdered sugar for fresh appearance.

If you chill them in the refrigerator, allow them to come to room temperature before serving so the jam softens and the almond flavor blooms. Warmth opens aromas, and a few minutes on the counter will make them taste as if they were just baked.

Reheating is not necessary, but a very quick 5-7 second zap in the microwave per cookie will soften the jam. Take care not to melt the powdered sugar. For a subtle refresh, place a few cookies in a low oven at 275°F for five minutes to gently warm without drying.

These little steps ensure your dessert remains tender, comforting, and ready for another round of conversation.

Giulia’s Kitchen Notes

  1. Butter matters. I always use unsalted butter and season to taste. Salt balances the sweetness and lets the almond shine.
  2. Almond texture. Finely ground almonds give the dough a melt-in-your-mouth feel. If you grind whole almonds at home, pulse them briefly so they do not turn into oil.
  3. Jam selection. Seedless raspberry jam makes filling easier and gives a smooth, jewel-like center. If your jam is very runny, chill it first so it holds shape while baking.
  4. Powdered sugar coats. Roll the cookies twice for the best snowball effect. The first coat adheres; the second gives that soft, blushed look.
  5. Baking cues. Watch for the very edges to gain gentle color. The tops stay pale. Over-baking dries them out, and these cookies are at their best when tender.

These small lessons come from hands that have baked many batches in the quiet hours between family meals.

Family Twists on Raspberry Almond Snowball Cookies Delightful Easy Recipe

Every family changes a recipe a little. Here are gentle variations that keep the heart of the cookie while adding a personal touch.

  • Citrus zest. Add a teaspoon of finely grated lemon or orange zest to the dough to lift the almond and jam. The scent of citrus brightens each bite.
  • Chocolate rim. Dip half of each cooled cookie in melted dark chocolate and let it set. The bitterness pairs beautifully with raspberry and almond.
  • Nut swap. Use hazelnuts for a different but lovely flavor. Toast them lightly before grinding for a deeper, toasty note.
  • Filling variations. Swap raspberry jam for apricot, strawberry, or even a thin smear of Nutella for a richer, more indulgent twist.
  • Celebration version. Make a large batch and tie small bundles with twine for a gift. Place them in a box with a note, and you give more than a cookie you give a moment.

These changes are small, and they invite stories. In my own family, my cousin adds a pinch of cinnamon; a neighbor folds in tiny bits of candied orange peel. The result feels new but familiar, like a song with a different verse.

FAQs About Raspberry Almond Snowball Cookies Delightful Easy Recipe

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. Desserts like this are patient. In fact, the flavor often settles and deepens overnight. Keep the cookies in an airtight container and dust with a fresh coat of powdered sugar before serving.

Can I use store-bought almond flour?

Absolutely. Finely ground almonds or almond flour both work. If you use a coarser almond meal, the texture will be a bit more rustic. For a finer, more tender crumb, choose almond flour labeled super fine.

What if the jam leaks while baking?

A few things help. Use seedless jam and chill the filled cookies for 10-15 minutes before baking. Seal the edges carefully so the jam stays inside. If your jam is very thin, water it down slightly by cooking it briefly to concentrate it before filling.

Can I make these nut-free?

You can, though they will lose some of the almond character. Substitute the almond with an equal amount of extra flour and consider adding a touch of almond extract only if allergies allow. Otherwise, try coconut flour blends sparingly for a different profile.

Why do the cookies sometimes crack?

Slight cracking can happen if the dough is very dry. Add a teaspoon of milk to get the right moisture. Also avoid overworking the dough; gentle mixing keeps the surface smooth.

A Final Sweet Note

These cookies are simple, but they arrive at the table full of feeling. Baking them is an act of care that speaks to the slow, steady values I grew up with. The ritual of stirring, filling, and dusting connects us to those who taught us to bake and to those who will learn from us.

When you bake Raspberry Almond Snowball Cookies Delightful Easy Recipe, think of it as giving yourself permission to slow down. Let the scent of almond and vanilla remind you of afternoons spent with family. Share them with someone who needs comfort, and listen as stories begin to fill the room.

These recipes do more than fill plates. They weave together memories, flavors, and small comforts. Keep a jar of jam that you love, and keep a simple recipe close to your heart. There will always be a reason to make something sweet.

Conclusion

For more ideas and a similar filled almond cookie tradition, see this take on Filled Almond Snowball Cookies from Italian Food Forever: Filled Almond Snowball Cookies | Italian Food Forever.

If you want another version with jam-stuffed snowballs and helpful photos, check this Raspberry Almond Snowball Cookies post at Cooking Classy: Raspberry Almond Snowball Cookies (jam stuffed snowballs).

Thank you for letting me share this little corner of my kitchen. I hope these cookies bring the same calm and warmth to your table that they always bring to mine.

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Raspberry Almond Snowball Cookies Delightful Easy Recipe


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  • Author: Giulia Romano
  • Total Time: 32 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookies 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These tender, crumbly cookies are filled with sweet raspberry jam and dusted with powdered sugar, perfect for sharing during family gatherings.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 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

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground almonds, and salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  6. Roll a tablespoon of dough into a ball, make an indentation, and fill with 1/4 tsp of raspberry jam.
  7. Seal the filling by pinching the edges together, then re-roll into a smooth ball.
  8. Place cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, until lightly golden.
  9. Let cookies cool slightly on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. Once cooled, roll the cookies generously in powdered sugar, twice for best coverage.

Notes

These cookies keep well at room temperature for a couple of days and can be frozen for up to three months. Dust with powdered sugar for a fresh appearance before serving.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 50mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
  • Giulia Romano Italian dessert recipe contributor at CrockCozy

    Giulia Romano is an Italian-American dessert cook who shares cozy, easy Italian sweets inspired by family traditions. From cannoli-style cakes to soft bundt desserts and crowd-pleasing celebration bakes, her recipes bring old-world Italian flavor to modern American kitchens without complicated steps.

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