Sweet Raspberry Snowballs Easy Holiday Cookie

© Original Recipe By The Daily Garnish ©

🎄Sweet Raspberry Snowballs: An Irresistible Holiday Cookie Delight 🍬

1. Introduction

Nothing signals the festive season quite like the aroma of freshly baked holiday raspberry cookies. These Sweet Raspberry Snowballs are a delicious blend of tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies coated in snowy powdered sugar, bursting with tangy raspberry flavor. Perfect for holiday parties, gift boxes, or a cozy treat after a chilly winter day, these cookies deliver on both taste and presentation. Their sweet, fruity essence makes them a must-try among easy festive holiday treats and classic Christmas dessert recipes.

2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and simple: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for last-minute baking.
• Few ingredients: Uses basic pantry supplies but results in bakery-quality cookies.
• Delightful texture: Crisp exterior with a soft, chewy center.
• Festive presentation: Dusting of powdered sugar mimics freshly fallen snow.
• Great for gifting: Pack in adorable cookie tins or gift bags for loved ones.

3. Ingredient Notes

Choosing high-quality ingredients truly elevates these holiday raspberry cookies. Use fresh or high-quality frozen raspberries for vibrant flavor. Natural almond extract adds a subtle nutty aroma that pairs beautifully with the berries, but vanilla extract works just as well if that’s what you have. For the best texture, opt for unsalted butter — it ensures a rich, tender cookie base without salt interference. Confectioners’ sugar is essential for achieving that light snow-like coating. Finally, selecting fine powdered sugar results in a smooth, even dusting, making each bite visually appealing.

4. Kitchen Tools You Need

Conquer these cookies effortlessly with the right tools. A 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer is versatile for many holiday recipes, but for baking these sweet treats, a standard oven is recommended. For mixing, the KitchenAid Artisan 5-Quart Stand Mixer makes blending ingredients smooth and effortless, especially when handling sticky dough. Baking sheets, silicone mats, and a fine sifter for powdered sugar ensure perfect results. Using quality bakeware and proper tools help get that professional finish on each berry snowball.

5. How to Make Sweet Raspberry Snowballs

Prepare your ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, almond meal, and a pinch of salt. This creates a tender, crumbly base that holds the berry filling well. Set aside.

Mix the dough

In your Stand Mixer, beat the softened unsalted butter with sugar until light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes. Add in vanilla or almond extract, then gradually incorporate the dry ingredients. The dough should come together easily, moist but not sticky.

Shape and fill

Take small portions of dough and roll into 1-inch balls. Flatten each slightly, then place a small spoonful of raspberry jam in the center. Carefully reshape to enclose the jam, forming a smooth ball. This burst of raspberry filling gives the cookies their signature fruity flavor.

Bake and dust

Arrange the balls on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are just golden. Let them cool slightly before generously dusting with powdered sugar, giving them a snowy, festive appearance. The aroma of fresh berries combined with vanilla is simply irresistible at this stage.

6. Expert Tips for Success

• Keep dough chilled: If the dough becomes too soft, refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to maintain shape.
• Use the right jam: Opt for dense, high-quality raspberry jam for less spillover and better flavor.
• Don’t overbake: Slightly underbaking ensures cookies stay soft and chewy inside.
• Dust with powdered sugar while warm: This prevents clumping and creates a smooth, snowy coating.

7. Variations & Substitutions

If raspberries aren’t available, try using other berry jams like blackberry or strawberry for different flavor twists. For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative. To add extra festive flair, roll the raw cookies in toasted shredded coconut or crushed peppermint candies before baking.

8. Storage & Reheating

Store these holiday raspberry cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They retain their tenderness and flavor wonderfully. To keep them fresh longer, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze in a sturdy container for up to 3 months. No reheating needed—just dust with additional powdered sugar before serving if desired.

9. FAQ

Q: Can I freeze cookie dough for later?

A: Absolutely! Shape the dough into balls, freeze on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few minutes to the baking time.

Q: Can I use fresh raspberries instead of jam?

A: Fresh raspberries can be used, but you’ll need to cook and mash them into a thick sauce or jam to ensure they don’t bleed out during baking.

Q: Are these cookies gluten-free?

A: If using gluten-free flour or almond meal alone, yes! Just make sure ingredients like jam are also gluten-free.

Q: How can I make these cookies more visually appealing?

Consider decorating with edible glitter, a drizzle of white chocolate, or peppermint dust after dusting with powdered sugar. They’re perfect for holiday gift boxes!

10. Conclusion

These Sweet Raspberry Snowballs are a charming, flavorful holiday raspberry cookies recipe that is both easy to make and delightful to eat. Their snowy coating and fruity surprise inside make them a festive favorite for spreading holiday cheer. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or gifting, this recipe will surely become a seasonal staple. Happy holidays, and enjoy creating these sweet, berry-infused treats!

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