Raspberry-Filled Almond Snow Cookies: A Delicious Holiday Treat

Raspberry-Filled Almond Snow Cookies: A Delicious Holiday Treat

Raspberry-Filled Almond Snow Cookies are a delightful, melt-in-your-mouth treat that blends the rich flavors of almonds with the tart sweetness of raspberry. These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, gift-giving, or a cozy afternoon snack. The combination of almond and raspberry creates a delicious contrast of flavors, and the snow-like powdered sugar coating gives them a festive, wintery appeal.

History of Raspberry-Filled Almond Snow Cookies

The origins of snowball cookies can be traced back to traditional European recipes, particularly those found in countries like Germany and Austria, where buttery, nut-based cookies were a staple during the holiday season. These cookies often feature finely ground nuts, like almonds or walnuts, and are rolled in powdered sugar to create a snowy, elegant appearance. The addition of fruit fillings like raspberry is a more modern twist, which introduces a fresh, tangy element that complements the nutty sweetness.

Raspberry-filled cookies are inspired by fruit-filled pastries from many cultures, with raspberries being a popular fruit in desserts worldwide. The almond flavor has long been associated with festive bakes due to its rich, fragrant taste, making these cookies a perfect holiday treat.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2/3 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for rolling)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons almond extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup finely ground almonds (almond meal)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Raspberry Filling:

  • 1/2 cup raspberry jam or preserves (homemade or store-bought)

For Rolling:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar (for rolling the cookies)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

  1. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 2/3 cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This will take about 3-5 minutes.
  2. Add the Extracts: Mix in the vanilla extract and almond extract until well combined.
  3. Mix in the Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the flour, ground almonds, and salt to the wet mixture. Stir until the dough comes together. The dough will be slightly crumbly but should hold together when pressed.
  4. Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to shape.

Step 2: Shape the Cookies

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Shape the Dough: After chilling, roll the dough into small balls about 1 inch in diameter. Flatten each ball slightly into a round disk.
  3. Fill with Raspberry Jam: Using your finger or a small spoon, create a well in the center of each cookie disk. Place about 1/2 teaspoon of raspberry jam into the well of each cookie.
  4. Seal the Cookies: Gently fold the edges of the dough around the jam to seal the filling inside. Roll the dough back into a ball shape and place it on the prepared baking sheets.

Step 3: Bake the Cookies

  1. Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking, as you want them to stay tender.
  2. Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Coat with Powdered Sugar

  1. Coat in Powdered Sugar: Once the cookies have cooled completely, roll each cookie in powdered sugar, ensuring they are well-coated. This gives them their signature “snowy” appearance.

Methods of Formation

  1. Creaming the Butter and Sugar: This step is crucial for achieving the light, tender texture of the cookies. The process of creaming incorporates air into the butter, which helps to create a fluffy texture.
  2. Chilling the Dough: Chilling the dough makes it firmer and easier to handle, preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking. This step also enhances the flavor by allowing the ingredients to meld.
  3. Filling with Raspberry Jam: The well in the center of the cookie ensures that the jam stays neatly enclosed, allowing for a sweet surprise when biting into the cookie. The jam provides a vibrant contrast to the buttery almond dough.
  4. Coating in Powdered Sugar: Rolling the cookies in powdered sugar gives them a beautiful, snow-like appearance and adds an extra layer of sweetness.

Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)

NutrientAmount
Calories150 kcal
Protein1 g
Carbohydrates19 g
– Sugars12 g
Fat8 g
– Saturated Fat5 g
Cholesterol20 mg
Sodium30 mg
Fiber1 g
Calcium2% of the DV
Iron4% of the DV

These values are approximate and can vary depending on the specific ingredients used, such as the type of jam or butter.

Benefits of Raspberry-Filled Almond Snow Cookies

  1. Rich in Healthy Fats: The ground almonds in these cookies provide healthy fats, which are good for heart health and provide sustained energy.
  2. Rich in Antioxidants: The raspberry jam filling offers a dose of antioxidants, which are beneficial for fighting inflammation and supporting overall health.
  3. Vitamin E: Almonds are a great source of Vitamin E, which is important for skin health and acts as a powerful antioxidant.
  4. Mood Boosting: The sweet, comforting flavors of almond and raspberry combined with the indulgent, melt-in-your-mouth texture can trigger the release of feel-good hormones, making these cookies a wonderful treat for emotional well-being.
  5. Customizable for Dietary Needs: You can easily adjust these cookies to fit various dietary preferences. They can be made gluten-free by substituting the flour with almond flour, or dairy-free by using a plant-based butter.

Conclusion

Raspberry-Filled Almond Snow Cookies are a perfect combination of buttery almond goodness, tangy raspberry sweetness, and the beauty of a snow-like powdered sugar coating. These cookies are a festive and delicious addition to your holiday table or any time you want to indulge in a sweet, flavorful treat. Their unique texture and vibrant filling make them a delightful surprise for every bite. Plus, the health benefits of almonds and raspberry jam make these cookies a more nutritious choice compared to many traditional holiday sweets.

Who Loves Raspberry-Filled Almond Snow Cookies?

  • Cookie Lovers: If you enjoy cookies that melt in your mouth with a burst of flavor, these are perfect for you.
  • Holiday Enthusiasts: These cookies bring a festive touch to any holiday celebration, with their snowy appearance and sweet raspberry center.
  • Almond and Berry Fans: If you’re a fan of nutty cookies paired with fruity fillings, you’ll love these.
  • Bakers Looking for Something Special: Whether for gifting or sharing with friends, these cookies are a beautiful and delicious choice for those who love baking unique treats.

These Raspberry-Filled Almond Snow Cookies are a hit every time they’re made. Share them with your loved ones, and watch as they disappear from the cookie tray!

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