© Original recipe by The Spoon Studio ©
🎉✨ Easy Sweet Raspberry Snowballs Holiday Cookies – Your Festive Treat! ✨🍇
1. Introduction
If you’re searching for the perfect holiday cookie recipe that combines the bright tang of fresh raspberries with a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture, then these Sweet Raspberry Snowballs are just what you need. These delightful cookies are not only visually stunning with their snowy coating but also bursting with flavor. Perfect for festive gatherings, they add a touch of elegance and sweetness to any holiday dessert table.
2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Christmas treat: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make these cookies accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
- Festive raspberry flavor: Juicy, aromatic raspberries give a fresh, fruity kick to each bite.
- Beautiful presentation: The snowy coconut topping creates a stunning holiday look that everyone will admire.
- Made in under 30 minutes: With quick preparation and baking, you can whip up a batch whenever the holiday craving hits.
3. Ingredient Notes
To achieve the perfect holiday cookie that’s soft, sweet, and bursting with raspberry flavor, quality ingredients matter. Fresh or frozen raspberries can be used, but fresh berries give a more intense flavor. I recommend choosing organic raspberries when possible for a more vibrant taste. The buttery vanilla cookies are enriched with pure vanilla extract, which enhances the overall flavor profile. For the shredded coconut, opt for toasted or untoasted based on your preference—toast it lightly for a richer aroma. High-quality almond flour keeps the cookies tender without overpowering the raspberry taste; however, you can substitute with finely ground blanched almonds for a nutty twist.
4. Kitchen Tools You Need
Having the right tools can make your holiday baking experience smoother. Here are some essentials, with convenient links to upgrade your kitchen arsenal:
- Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer — Ideal for quick roasting of shredded coconut and other ingredients to add a toasted flavor.
- T-fal 14-Piece Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set — Ensures your baking and mixing tasks are easy and cleanup is a breeze.
- Ninja Foodi Smart XL Indoor Grill & Air Fryer Combo — Perfect for toasting coconut, preparing quick toppings, or handling other prep tasks efficiently.
5. How to Make Easy Sweet Raspberry Snowballs Holiday Cookies
Mix the Dough
Start by creaming together softened butter, powdered sugar, and a splash of vanilla extract until light and fluffy. The aroma of vanilla filling your kitchen as you mix promises a comforting treat. Gently fold in the almond flour until combined, creating a crumbly yet cohesive dough.
Forming the Cookies
Gently knead in finely chopped fresh raspberries or fold in frozen raspberries that have been thawed and drained. The berries add vibrant color and juicy bursts of flavor. Shape the dough into small, uniform balls—about 1 inch in diameter—making sure the berries are evenly distributed.
Baking
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Bake the cookies at 350°F (175°C) for about 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are just turning golden. The cookies should be soft but hold their shape. You’ll smell a warm, inviting aroma as they bake, hinting at the festive dessert to come.
Finish with the Snowy Coconut Coating
While the cookies are cooling, toast shredded coconut lightly in your air fryer or stovetop for an added nutty flavor. Once cooled, gently roll each cookie in the toasted coconut, creating a snowy, festive appearance. The coconut will cling lovingly to the cookie, resembling a winter snowball.
6. Expert Tips for Success
- Handle the dough gently: Raspberries can break apart easily. Lightly fold them into the dough to preserve their shape and prevent excess juice, which can make the dough too sticky.
- Chill before baking: For more uniform cookies, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before forming into balls. This prevents spreading and helps maintain shape.
- Use fresh berries: For the best flavor and texture, fresh raspberries are preferable over frozen, provided they’re properly dried before mixing.
- Don’t overbake: These cookies are best slightly underdone at the edges—they stay soft and tender inside.
7. Variations & Substitutions
If you want to customize this festive raspberry cookie recipe, consider these options:
- Gluten-free: Swap the all-purpose almond flour for gluten-free flour blends.
- Vegan: Use vegan butter or coconut oil and ensure your powdered sugar is free of animal-derived additives.
- Flavor twist: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough for a citrusy zing or stir in chopped white chocolate for extra sweetness.
8. Storage & Reheating
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for a week. These holiday cookies freeze well—place individually in plastic wrap and store in a sealed container for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm in a low oven or briefly in your air fryer until the coconut coating feels crispy and the cookies are soft again.
9. FAQ
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! Bake and coat the cookies, then store them in an airtight container. They stay fresh and delightful for several days.
Can I use frozen raspberries?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly to prevent excess moisture. Gently fold into the dough to avoid bleeding into the batter.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking and handle it gently when forming into balls. Using a light touch helps keep them round and perfect.
Are these cookies suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, if you substitute the flour with a gluten-free alternative like almond or coconut flour, these cookies can be enjoyed by those avoiding gluten.
10. Conclusion
These Easy Sweet Raspberry Snowballs Holiday Cookies are a charming and delicious addition to your seasonal baking lineup. With their festive appearance and delightful burst of raspberry flavor, they’re sure to become a new holiday favorite. Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and enjoy making these charming treats to share with family and friends during the holiday season!
Print
Easy Sweet Raspberry Snowballs Holiday Cookies
Soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookies with raspberry centers, dusted in powdered sugar for a snowy effect, perfect for holiday season.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup raspberry jam
- Powdered sugar for coating
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Incorporate vanilla extract and salt.
- Add flour gradually, mixing until dough forms.
- Form small balls, around 1 inch in diameter, pressing a thumbprint into the center of each.
- Fill the thumbprint with raspberry jam.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- Allow cookies to cool, then roll in powdered sugar to coat thoroughly.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened for easy mixing.
- Do not overbake to keep cookies tender.
- Can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Holiday/Seasonal
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 85 Kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0.2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg