There’s something incredibly joyful about the first bite of a freshly baked cookie, especially when it’s filled with a burst of tangy sweetness. The moment the warm aroma of these Blueberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies wafts through my kitchen, I can’t help but feel nostalgic, remembering family gatherings where treats like these would disappear in a flash.
Perhaps it’s the delightful contrast of the buttery, crumbly exterior paired with that luscious blueberry jam hidden inside. These cookies are not just a treat; they’re a little work of art. Perfect for sharing with loved ones or simply indulging yourself after a long day, this simple yet elegant recipe transforms ordinary baking into a sweet celebration.
Whether you’re an experienced chef or someone still finding their way in the kitchen, these cookies are easy to make and utterly satisfying. Join me as we create these delectable delights that are sure to impress—and don’t be surprised if they become the highlight of your dessert table!
Why are Blueberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies special?
Delightful flavor combination: The sweet blueberry jam inside the buttery almond cookie creates a taste sensation that’s hard to resist.
Simple preparation: Even if you’re new to baking, this recipe is straightforward and requires just a few basic steps.
Crowd pleaser: These cookies are sure to impress guests at gatherings or family parties, making you the star of any dessert table.
Versatile ingredients: You can easily swap the blueberry jam for raspberry or apricot if you want to switch things up.
Make-ahead option: Chill the dough ahead of time to save on prep when unexpected guests arrive; just roll and bake!
Indulge in the joy of baking with this delightful recipe—your taste buds will thank you!
Blueberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies Ingredients
• Get ready to bake these delightful treats!
For the Cookie Dough
- Unsalted butter – this rich ingredient provides the essential creamy base and flavor for your cookies.
- Powdered sugar – adds sweetness and helps achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Vanilla extract – brings a warm and inviting aroma, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- All-purpose flour – the main structure of the cookies, ensuring they hold their shape perfectly.
- Finely ground almonds – add a nutty richness and help create that signature snowball texture.
- Salt – a pinch enhances sweetness and balances the flavors beautifully.
For the Filling
- Blueberry jam or preserves – the star of the show, providing a delicious burst of fruity goodness in every bite!
For Rolling
- Additional powdered sugar – gives the cookies a snowy finish, making them look as delightful as they taste.
How to Make Blueberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies
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Cream the butter and powdered sugar together in a large mixing bowl. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes—this adds a lovely airy texture to your cookies.
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Add in the vanilla extract, and mix well until combined. The sweet aroma of vanilla will fill your kitchen, enhancing the flavors of the cookies.
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Whisk together the flour, ground almonds, and salt in a separate bowl. This step ensures all dry ingredients blend well and aids in creating a perfectly textured dough.
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Gradually combine the dry mixture with the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just mixed. Be careful not to overmix, as this keeps your cookies tender!
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Cover the dough with plastic wrap, and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll later.
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). It’s the perfect temperature for those cookies to bake to a golden perfection.
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Roll the chilled dough into tablespoon-sized balls. Create a small indentation in each ball and fill it with about 1 teaspoon of blueberry jam. Gently reshape the balls, ensuring the filling is nicely enclosed.
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Place the cookies 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. They need space to spread out while baking; then bake for 12-15 minutes until the edges turn lightly golden.
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Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. While they’re still warm, roll them in powdered sugar, adding that signature snowy coating!
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Dust again with powdered sugar once completely cool for an extra touch of sweetness and a beautiful presentation.
Optional: Serve with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful treat.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Blueberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies
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Chill the dough: Always refrigerate the dough for at least an hour; this helps prevent spreading during baking and maintains the perfect shape.
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Avoid overmixing: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined to keep your cookies light and tender instead of tough.
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Use good quality jam: Opt for high-quality blueberry jam or preserves for the best flavor burst within your cookies—homemade can be even more delightful!
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Dust twice: Don’t skip the second dusting of powdered sugar after cooling; it not only enhances appearance but adds an extra touch of sweetness to your Blueberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies.
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Watch the bake time: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking and remove them when the edges are light golden; overbaking will dry them out.
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Experiment with flavors: While blueberry is fabulous, feel free to try other fruit jams, such as raspberry or cherry, for a delicious twist!
What to Serve with Blueberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies?
Treating yourself to these delightful cookies? Let’s create the perfect meal to accompany them!
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Warm Tea: A soothing cup of Earl Grey pairs beautifully, enhancing the fruity notes of the cookies with its floral undertones.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy sweetness provides a luscious contrast to the buttery cookies, creating the ultimate indulgent dessert.
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Fresh Berries: A mix of raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries adds a refreshing burst of flavor and a beautiful visual contrast to your cookies.
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Cheese Platter: Featuring a soft brie or tangy goat cheese balances the sweetness of the cookies, offering a delightful savory twist.
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Sparkling Water with Lemon: Light and refreshing, this drink cleanses the palate perfectly between bites, letting you savor every flavor.
For a truly memorable experience, consider pairing these cookies with friends and laughter around the table, and transform your simple treat into a cherished moment!
Make Ahead Options
These Blueberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the week! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply mix all the ingredients and cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out. Additionally, you can form the cookie balls and refrigerate them for up to 3 days before baking. To maintain their delightful texture, make sure to roll them in powdered sugar just before serving. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake the cookies directly from the fridge for 12-15 minutes, and you’ll have fresh, homemade cookies ready to impress your family with minimal effort!
Blueberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies Variations
Feel free to explore these fun takes on your Blueberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies!
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Nut-Free: Swap finely ground almonds with oat flour or almond flour substitutes to make this recipe nut-free. It’s a fantastic way for those with nut allergies to enjoy these treats!
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Fruit Swaps: Replace blueberry jam with strawberry or raspberry preserves for a delightful change in flavor. Each fruit will bring its own charm, making every batch a unique experience.
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Chocolate-Dipped: After baking, dip half of each cookie in melted dark or white chocolate. Let it set for an indulgent twist that will elevate your cookie game to a new level of decadence.
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Spiced Delight: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the flour mixture to enhance the warmth and flavor profile. These cozy spices complement the fruitiness beautifully, rounding out the flavors.
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Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour for a gluten-free version. Your guests will be none the wiser—they’ll devour these cookies joyfully!
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Zesty Boost: Incorporate the zest of a lemon or orange into the dough for a refreshing citrus aroma and flavor that pairs perfectly with the blueberry filling.
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Coconut Flakes: Mix in 1/2 cup of unsweetened shredded coconut to the dough for an extra chewy texture and tropical vibe. It adds both flavor and a fun twist to these snowball cookies!
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Savory Option: For a savory take, reduce the sugar by half and add a sprinkle of sea salt or cheese to the dough. This makes for a unique appetizer that pairs perfectly with your favorite wine or cocktail.
How to Store and Freeze Blueberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their delightful texture and flavor.
Fridge: For longer freshness, keep the cookies in the fridge in an airtight container for up to a week. Just let them come to room temperature before enjoying.
Freezer: Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months; just bake straight from the freezer!
Reheating: Reheat cookies in a warm oven set to 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes before serving to restore their lovely softness and flavor.
Blueberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I select ripe blueberries for my blueberry jam?
Absolutely! When choosing blueberries, look for ones that are plump, firm, and free from mold. Ripe blueberries should have a deep blue color; if you notice any green or pale spots, they may not be ripe yet. Avoid berries with wrinkles or dark spots all over, as these can indicate overripeness.
What is the best way to store Blueberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies?
Very! Store your cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This will keep them fresh and delicious. If you want to extend their shelf life, you can refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to a week—just remember to let them come to room temperature before enjoying!
Can I freeze the cookie dough before baking?
Yes, you can! To freeze the unbaked cookie dough, roll the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place them on a baking sheet in the freezer until firm. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply preheat your oven and bake straight from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time if needed.
What should I do if my cookies spread too much while baking?
If your cookies spread too much, it might be due to soft butter or not chilling the dough adequately. Make sure you start with softened butter, but not melted! Always chill the dough for at least an hour before rolling. If they’re still spreading, try adding a bit more flour next time to help them hold their shape better.
Are these cookies suitable for people with nut allergies?
Not at all! These cookies contain finely ground almonds, which are not suitable for anyone with nut allergies. If you need a nut-free alternative, consider using sunflower seed flour or a nut-free all-purpose substitute, but keep in mind this may change the flavor and texture slightly.
Can I substitute the blueberry jam with another flavor?
Absolutely! While blueberry is a delightful choice, feel free to experiment with different jams or preserves. Raspberry, apricot, or even strawberry would create a delicious flavor twist—just ensure they are thick enough to fills that lovely cookie space!
Delightful Blueberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cream the butter and powdered sugar together in a large mixing bowl. Beat until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add in the vanilla extract, and mix well until combined.
- Whisk together the flour, ground almonds, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Gradually combine the dry mixture with the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just mixed.
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap, and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll the chilled dough into tablespoon-sized balls, creating an indentation in each ball and filling it with about 1 teaspoon of blueberry jam.
- Shape the balls back, ensuring the filling is enclosed, and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until the edges turn lightly golden.
- Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then roll in powdered sugar.
- Dust again with powdered sugar once completely cool.
