Name: Almond Snowball Cookies with Raspberry Jam Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 Cups all purpose flour; 3/4 Cup toasted ground almonds; Pinch of salt; 1 Cup unsalted butter at room temperature; 1/2 Cup powdered sugar; 1/2 Teaspoon almond extract; 1/4 Cup seedless raspberry jam; Powdered sugar for coating

There’s something utterly enchanting about the delicate crunch of these cookies paired with the burst of sweet raspberry inside. This Almond Snowball Cookies with Raspberry Jam Recipe is a true treat — tender, buttery, and filled with a little jammy surprise that always captures hearts at my gatherings.

A white plate holds a pile of round cookies dusted thickly with white powdered sugar, giving them a soft and fluffy look. One cookie is split in half on top, showing two layers: a pale beige soft dough outer layer and a dark, syrupy red filling inside. The powdered sugar is spread unevenly on the plate, with some scattered around the cookies. The plate is set on a white marbled surface, and the cookies have a light, powdery texture that feels delicate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Almond Snowball Cookies with Raspberry Jam Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Almond Snowball Cookies with Raspberry Jam Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Almond Snowball Cookies with Raspberry Jam Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m genuinely excited to share this Almond Snowball Cookies with Raspberry Jam Recipe because it has become a favorite in my circle — especially during holiday seasons. The tender crumb and sweet almond flavor perfectly balance the tart raspberry jam, making every bite feel like a little celebration.

Perfect Texture: The cookies have that iconic melt-in-your-mouth softness contrasted by the jam center’s chewy sweetness.
Simple Ingredients: You probably have most ingredients on hand, with just a few twists like toasted almonds and almond extract for depth.
Elegant Presentation: These snowball cookies look gorgeous dusted in powdered sugar — they’re showstoppers on any cookie platter.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare them in advance and refrigerate before baking, making your holiday prep less hectic.

A group of round cookies with a light golden color are stacked on a shiny white plate with floral patterns. Each cookie is thick and covered with a dusting of white powdered sugar, giving them a soft, snowy look. The powdered sugar also lightly scatters around the plate edges. The plate sits on a red and white cloth with a floral design, placed on a white marbled surface that adds elegance to the scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Almond Snowball Cookies with Raspberry Jam Recipe plays a role in creating that perfect bite. Toasted almonds give toasty depth, while almond extract enhances the nutty aroma. Powdered sugar keeps the dough tender and sweet without a grainy texture.

Flat lay of a small mound of all-purpose flour on a simple white ceramic plate, a small white bowl filled with toasted ground almonds, a few grains of coarse salt scattered beside a plain white ceramic bowl containing room-temperature unsalted butter, a small white bowl with powdered sugar, a small white bowl holding clear almond extract, a small white bowl with glossy seedless raspberry jam, evenly whole and uncracked brown eggs arranged neatly on the side, all ingredients fresh and natural, perfectly balanced symmetrical layout, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

All Purpose Flour: The base of the dough; gives structure without weighing down the delicate texture.
Toasted Ground Almonds: Adds nutty flavor and a subtle crunch — toasting your own almonds fresh is a game changer.
Pinch of Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances almond and raspberry flavors.
Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and that tender mouthfeel. Room temperature butter creams best with sugar.
Powdered Sugar: Ensures a silky smooth dough and a sweet outer coating that melts on your tongue.
Almond Extract: A little goes a long way — it boosts the almond flavor without overpowering.
Seedless Raspberry Jam: The star filling; use seedless for smooth bite and pure fruity sweetness inside.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I like to play around with this Almond Snowball Cookies with Raspberry Jam Recipe depending on the season or mood. Sometimes I swap the raspberry jam for apricot or blueberry, and it’s just as delightful. Don’t hesitate to tweak the amount of jam depending on how gooey you want the center.

Variation: I once tried a pistachio twist by replacing ground almonds with ground pistachios — the flavor was vibrant and unexpected, and a definite crowd pleaser.
Dietary modifications: For a gluten-free batch, swap the all-purpose flour for a trusted gluten-free blend; just watch the texture as it may need slight adjustments.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Almond Snowball Cookies with Raspberry Jam Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Dry Ingredients and Toast Almonds

First things first, get your toasted ground almonds ready. I love to toast whole almonds in a dry pan over medium heat until fragrant and golden — then grind them finely. It wakes up their flavor beautifully. Combine these almonds with the flour and salt in a bowl. Give it a good stir to mix it all evenly. This little prep sets the stage for amazing cookie texture.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar Till Light and Fluffy

Using your electric mixer, cream the room temperature unsalted butter with powdered sugar. Don’t rush this — around 3-4 minutes to get it pale and fluffy makes a huge difference in your cookie’s tenderness. Once that’s perfect, mix in the almond extract for an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry and Add Almonds

Lower the mixer speed and gradually add your flour mixture to the butter. You want to mix just until combined; overmixing can make the cookies tough. Then, fold in the toasted ground almonds by hand to preserve the texture.

Step 4: Shape and Fill the Cookies

This step is my favorite — using about one-inch pieces of dough, roll two balls. Gently hollow out the center of each, and spoon a scant half teaspoon of raspberry jam into the hollow. Pinch the two dough balls together around the jam, sealing carefully so none leaks out. Roll gently again to smooth the shape and place on parchment-lined baking sheets.

Step 5: Chill Before Baking

Pop those trays into the fridge for at least an hour, ideally up to two. Chilling firms the dough so the cookies hold their shape and bake evenly, plus it deepens the flavors — it’s a simple step that really pays off.

Step 6: Bake and Sugar-Coat to Perfection

Bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 11-12 minutes, watching for the cookie bottoms to just start browning — that tells you they’re done. Let them cool slightly, then roll in powdered sugar while they’re warm for a beautiful silky coating. Once completely cool, give them another roll in powdered sugar for that classic snowball finish.

Top Tip

From my experience, chilling and careful sealing make all the difference with Almond Snowball Cookies with Raspberry Jam Recipe. Jam oozing out is a common hiccup but totally avoidable.

Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the fridge step — it helps the dough firm up so it bakes evenly and won’t spread too much.
Seal Carefully: When pinching dough around the jam, use gentle but thorough pressure to keep that jam safely tucked inside.
Use Seedless Jam: This avoids any seeds tearing the dough and helps make a smooth, lovely center.
Double Dusting: Roll the warm cookies first time for sugar to stick, then again after cooling for the perfect snowball look.

How to Serve Almond Snowball Cookies with Raspberry Jam Recipe

almond snowball cookies - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like dusting these cookies generously with powdered sugar — it feels festive and adds a delicate sweetness. Occasionally, I sprinkle a tiny pinch of finely chopped toasted almonds on top for an extra nutty crunch and a charming rustic look.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of tea — especially chamomile or Earl Grey. For a holiday party, I serve them alongside spiced mulled wine or rich hot chocolate for a cozy vibe that guests adore.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I arrange the cookies on a tiered dessert stand with fresh raspberry sprigs and small edible flowers. Another fun idea is to wrap individual cookies in pretty parchment and tie them with twine — they double as thoughtful homemade gifts!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover Almond Snowball Cookies with Raspberry Jam in an airtight container at room temperature. They usually stay fresh and tender for up to a week, as long as they’re protected from moisture. I recommend layering with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing

I’ve had great success freezing the unbaked cookie dough formed into balls. After shaping, wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, pop them straight from freezer to oven — just add a couple extra minutes to the bake time. This is perfect for prepping ahead of holidays.

Reheating

If you want to warm the cookies, a quick 10-15 second zap in the microwave softens them nicely without losing their tender crumb. Alternatively, a few minutes wrapped loosely in foil in a 300°F oven refreshes their texture beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other nuts instead of almonds?

Yes! While almonds provide a classic flavor, you can use other finely ground nuts like pistachios or hazelnuts. Just note that this will change the flavor profile slightly.

What’s the best type of jam for filling these cookies?

Seedless raspberry jam is ideal because it provides a smooth texture and minimizes leaks. However, you can experiment with other seedless jams like apricot or blueberry for variety.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just be mindful that the texture may vary slightly, so consider adding a little xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t already contain it.

How do I prevent the jam from leaking out during baking?

Chilling the dough before baking is key to keeping the cookies intact. Also, be sure to pinch the dough firmly around the jam to seal it well. Using seedless jam helps prevent tears in the dough, reducing leaks.

Final Thoughts

This Almond Snowball Cookies with Raspberry Jam Recipe holds a cozy place in my kitchen repertoire because it’s as inviting to make as it is to share. I hope you’ll enjoy shaping these little gems as much as I do, and that they bring a bit of buttery, nutty joy with every bite. Give this recipe a whirl soon — picking up the scent of almond and raspberry baking together might just become your new happy place.