Blueberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. These cookies combine the nutty flavor of almonds with a sweet and tart blueberry jam center, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Coated in powdered sugar, they resemble snowballs, making them an ideal dessert for festive gatherings or casual get-togethers. Whether for a holiday celebration or an everyday snack, these cookies are sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of almonds and blueberry jam creates a unique taste that is both sweet and nutty.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, these cookies can be whipped up even by beginner bakers.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for holidays, parties, or simply as a delightful snack at home.
- Fun Presentation: The powdered sugar coating gives these cookies a beautiful and festive look.
- Perfectly Portionable: Each cookie is just the right size for enjoying without feeling guilty.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking Blueberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies, gather your tools to ensure a smooth process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Refrigerator
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer: This tool helps cream butter and sugar quickly, ensuring the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Parchment paper: Using this on your baking sheet prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup finely ground almonds (or almond flour)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Filling
- 1/2 cup blueberry jam or preserves
For Rolling
- Additional powdered sugar
How to Make Blueberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Cream the softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 2: Add Vanilla Extract
Add the vanilla extract to the creamed mixture and mix until fully combined.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground almonds, and salt until well mixed.
Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This helps firm up the dough for easier handling.
Step 6: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while waiting for the dough to chill.
Step 7: Shape Cookies
Roll chilled dough into 1 tablespoon balls. Make an indentation in each ball using your thumb, then fill with about 1 teaspoon of blueberry jam. Enclose the jam by reshaping into balls.
Step 8: Bake
Place cookies about 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
Step 9: Cool and Roll in Sugar
Cool cookies on the baking sheet for around 5 minutes. Roll them in powdered sugar while still warm.
Step 10: Final Dusting
Once cooled completely, dust again with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
Enjoy your delicious Blueberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies!
How to Serve Blueberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies
These delightful cookies are perfect for any occasion, offering a sweet and nutty flavor that pairs well with various accompaniments. Here are some creative ways to serve them:
With Fresh Berries
- Serve the cookies alongside fresh blueberries or raspberries for a burst of natural sweetness and color.
Accompanied by Tea or Coffee
- Pair these cookies with a warm cup of tea or coffee. The nutty almond flavor complements the rich notes of your favorite beverages.
On a Festive Platter
- Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter with other holiday treats, creating an inviting centerpiece for gatherings.
With Whipped Cream
- Add a dollop of whipped cream on the side for an extra creamy touch that contrasts beautifully with the cookie’s texture.
As Part of a Dessert Table
- Include these cookies as part of a larger dessert spread at parties, allowing guests to enjoy them alongside cakes, pastries, and other sweets.
How to Perfect Blueberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies
To ensure your Blueberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips:
- Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill for at least an hour helps prevent spreading while baking, resulting in nicely shaped cookies.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature. This aids in achieving the desired light and fluffy texture when creaming with sugar.
- Avoid Overmixing: Mix just until combined when adding dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of tender bites.
- Measure Flour Accurately: Use the spoon-and-level method for measuring flour. Too much flour can affect the texture negatively.
- Roll Evenly: Ensure each cookie ball is roughly the same size for even baking and consistent presentation.
- Add Extra Sugar After Baking: Rolling warm cookies in powdered sugar allows it to stick better. For presentation, dust again once cooled for an attractive finish.
Best Side Dishes for Blueberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies
Blueberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies can be complemented with several delightful side dishes. Here are some great options:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The creaminess of vanilla ice cream contrasts nicely with the soft texture of the cookies, creating a delicious dessert pairing.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad adds a vibrant touch and balances out the sweetness of the cookies with its fruity acidity.
- Cheese Platter: Serve these cookies alongside a selection of mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese for an elegant twist on dessert.
- Chocolate Dipping Sauce: Melted dark chocolate provides a rich contrast that enhances the almond flavor while adding indulgence.
- Chai Spiced Nuts: A mix of spiced nuts offers crunch and complexity, making it an excellent savory complement to sweet cookies.
- Coconut Whipped Topping: For a dairy-free option, coconut whipped topping adds a light and fluffy element that pairs well with these cookies’ flavors.
- Lemon Sorbet: The tartness of lemon sorbet refreshes the palate between bites, enhancing your overall dessert experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Blueberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies might seem easy, but a few common mistakes can affect your results. Here are some tips to ensure your cookies come out perfectly.
- Using cold butter – Cold butter can lead to dense cookies. Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for a light and fluffy texture.
- Overmixing the dough – Mixing too much can make the cookies tough. Mix until just combined to keep them soft and tender.
- Skipping the chilling step – Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading during baking. Always chill your dough for at least an hour.
- Not measuring flour accurately – Too much flour can lead to dry cookies. Use the spoon and level method for accurate measurement.
- Baking at the wrong temperature – Different ovens can have varying temperatures. It’s best to use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate heat levels.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Layer cookies between parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Freezing Blueberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies
- Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to an airtight container.
- They will last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Blueberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5-10 minutes.
- Microwave – Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds; be careful not to overheat.
- Stovetop – Place cookies in a covered skillet on low heat for a few minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Blueberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies.
How do I make Blueberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies gluten-free?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup.
Can I use fresh blueberries instead of jam?
Using fresh blueberries is not recommended as they may not hold their shape during baking. Stick with blueberry jam for best results.
How long do Blueberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies last?
These cookies last up to 5 days in the refrigerator or up to 3 months if frozen properly.
Can I add nuts or other flavors?
Feel free to customize by adding chopped walnuts or different extracts like almond or lemon for extra flavor.
What’s the best way to serve these cookies?
Serve them dusted with powdered sugar for a festive look, perfect for gatherings or as a sweet treat any day!
Final Thoughts
Blueberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies are delightful, offering a unique combination of nutty and fruity flavors. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture makes them irresistible! Feel free to customize by adding your favorite jams or nuts. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy these delicious treats any time of year!
Blueberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies
Indulge in the delightful experience of Blueberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies, a perfect treat for any gathering or cozy night in. These cookies blend the nutty richness of finely ground almonds with a sweet and tangy blueberry jam center, creating a melt-in-your-mouth sensation. Coated in powdered sugar, they not only taste irresistible but also look festive and inviting. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday celebration or simply treating yourself to a sweet snack, these cookies are sure to impress friends and family alike.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup finely ground almonds (or almond flour)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup blueberry jam
- Additional powdered sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Cream softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, ground almonds, and salt.
- Gradually combine the dry mixture with the wet ingredients without overmixing.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least an hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll chilled dough into balls, create an indentation, and fill with blueberry jam before reshaping.
- Bake on a parchment-lined sheet for 12-15 minutes until edges are golden.
- Cool slightly then roll in powdered sugar; dust again once cooled.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Ensure butter is at room temperature for better mixing. For added flavor, you can substitute almond extract for vanilla. These cookies freeze well; store them in an airtight container to enjoy later.