Welcome to a delightful exploration of one of the most charming cookies you’ll ever make: Strawberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies. These little confections are not just visually stunning; they are melt-in-your-mouth delicious! Imagine the buttery embrace of almond simplicity, interrupted by a sweet surprise of luscious strawberry jam — that’s the magic of these cookies. Perfectly spherical, dusted with powdered sugar, they resemble snowballs, making them the ideal treat for winter gatherings or holiday celebrations.
But there’s more to these cookies than just their appealing looks and taste. They are incredibly easy to prepare, requiring basic ingredients and straightforward techniques that make them accessible even for novice bakers. Whip these up for your next afternoon tea or as a sweet snack on a cozy day at home; their rich flavor profile will keep you coming back for more. Plus, they add a touch of elegance to any dessert table, impressing your guests without the need for difficult techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies
- Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: Thanks to the combination of butter and almond flour, these cookies have an irresistible soft and crumbly texture that simply melts in your mouth.
- Unique Flavor Profile: The pairing of almond extract with the sweet strawberry filling creates a delightful mix of nutty and fruity flavors.
- Easy Recipe: With simple instructions, these cookies can be prepared in no time, making them perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for any occasion — be it a holiday, a tea party, or simply a midday snack!
- Customizable: Feel free to swap out the strawberry jam for other flavors, like raspberry or apricot!
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before embarking on your cookie-baking journey, it’s essential to ensure that your kitchen is ready for action. Start by gathering all the ingredients listed, along with your choice of jam for the delightful filling. You will need a few standard tools: a large mixing bowl for creaming the butter and sugar, a whisk or spatula for mixing, and a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to create a non-stick surface for your cookies.
Preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) is crucial as it creates the perfect environment for baking your cookies evenly. If you have a cooling rack available, it will assist in letting your cookies cool down after baking. A tablespoon or cookie scoop is necessary for portioning out your dough, and a small spoon can help you measure and add the jam filling accurately. This preparation phase sets the stage for successful baking, leading to cookies that not only taste great but also look perfect!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup strawberry jam
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies will bake perfectly when placed inside, creating that delightful golden color on the edges while keeping the center soft. While the oven preheats, prepare your baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper, which prevents the cookies from sticking.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and powdered sugar together. Beat the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy. This is a vital step as it incorporates air into the dough, which contributes to the airy texture of your cookies. Keep mixing until you can no longer see lumps of butter; this should take about 3–5 minutes.
Step 3: Add Almond Extract
After achieving a fluffy mixture, add 1 teaspoon of almond extract to the butter and sugar blend. The almond extract really enhances the nutty flavor of the cookies. Mix again until the extract is fully integrated, and you can smell that sweet, enticing aroma wafting through the kitchen!
Step 4: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, and salt. The combination of flours ensures your cookies have a light texture while adding depth to the flavor. Mixing the dry ingredients beforehand is essential to ensure that the salt is evenly distributed throughout.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now, it’s time to merge the wet and dry mixtures. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the creamed butter mixture while mixing on low speed. Continue until you form a soft dough that is neither too sticky nor crumbly. If it feels too dry, add a tiny bit of milk to help bring it together.
Step 6: Shape the Dough and Add Strawberry Filling
Scoop about a tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Flatten each ball slightly in your palm, and then place about half a teaspoon of strawberry jam in the center. Carefully fold the edges of the dough over the jam to create a ball, ensuring the jam is completely sealed inside. This is the moment when excitement builds as your filling will create a burst of flavor when bitten into!
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they’re spaced about an inch apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden hue. Keep an eye on them as you want to take them out while they are still pale on top to retain that lovely soft texture.
Step 8: Dust with Powdered Sugar
Once out of the oven, let the cookies cool for just a few minutes on the baking sheet. While they are still warm, gently roll each cookie in a bowl of powdered sugar. This will create a snowy look and add a delightful sweetness. Make sure to cover them well, as this step is key to the signature look of your snowball cookies!
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Finally, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before serving. The cooling process helps the jam set slightly and allows the flavors to meld perfectly. There you go! Bite into one of these Strawberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies and indulge in the delightful mix of textures and flavors.
Variations
- Protein: Adding a few chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans can add a nice crunch if you’re looking for texture variations.
- Vegetables: For a healthier twist, you could substitute some of the flour with ground oats or ease up on the butter by adding applesauce.
- Spices: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can introduce a warm spice element that pairs beautifully with the strawberry filling.
Cooking Notes
- Ensure that butter is softened before starting. This helps in creaming it into the sugar better.
- Don’t rush the baking process. Leave the cookies in the oven until the edges are perfectly golden to avoid the middle being undercooked.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.
- Present them on a decorative platter at holiday gatherings for an enticing dessert table.
Tips
- For a more intense flavor, chill the dough for an hour before baking. This can help concentrate the almond flavor.
- Make sure to roll the cookies in powdered sugar while they’re still warm; this ensures a better adherence and a more even coating.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 120 per cookie
- Protein: 1g
- Sodium: 50mg
FAQs
Can I use other flavors of jam?
Absolutely! While strawberry jam is the traditional choice, raspberry and apricot jams work wonderfully, providing different flavors while retaining the same delightful cookie experience.
How should I store these cookies?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Be sure to separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, you can freeze them! Once baked, let them cool completely, then store in a single layer in an airtight container. They will last for up to three months in the freezer.
What if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough turns out sticky, add a little bit of flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it is manageable. Remember that some stickiness is normal, but it should not stick excessively to your hands.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Strawberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies are a delightful treat that every cookie lover must try. With their unique blend of flavors, easy preparation, and adaptability, they can bring joy to any occasion. Whether you are celebrating a special event or simply treating yourself, these cookies are bound to impress. We would love to hear about your baking experiences with this recipe or any variations you tried. Don’t forget to share this delightful recipe with friends and family, so they can join in on the sweet fun!
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Strawberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Delightful and elegant cookies filled with strawberry jam, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup strawberry jam
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your baking sheet.
- Cream the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add almond extract and mix until incorporated.
- Whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Gradually combine dry ingredients with the creamed mixture to form a soft dough.
- Shape dough into balls, add strawberry jam in the center, and seal.
- Place on baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes.
- Dust with powdered sugar while warm and allow to cool.
Notes
Ensure dough is soft but manageable; you may add flour if sticky.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: Approximately 120 per cookie
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Protein: 1 g