Blueberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies: A Delightful Holiday Treat

Imagine biting into a perfectly sweet and nutty Blueberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookie. The buttery almond coating gives way to a burst of juicy blueberry jam, creating a delightful treat that’s hard to resist. These cookies are ideal for festive occasions or whenever you crave something deliciously different.

Recipe Overview

• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Category: Dessert
• Cuisine: American
• Cost: $

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you love the combination of blueberries and almonds, this Blueberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies recipe is perfect for you. The texture is melt-in-your-mouth tender, with a satisfying crunch from the almonds. These cookies are also versatile and great for gifting, making them a must-have in your festive baking repertoire.

Context/Background

Snowball cookies, also known as Russian tea cakes or Mexican wedding cookies, have been a holiday staple in many households for generations. By incorporating blueberries and almonds, this recipe adds a modern and flavorful twist to the traditional cookie, resulting in a unique and tasty treat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Do not overfill with jam, as it can cause the cookies to ooze.
• Ensure the dough completely encases the jam to prevent leaking.
• Do not overbake, as cookies can become too dry.

Tips for Perfect Blueberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies

• Chill the dough slightly if too soft to handle.
• Use good quality blueberry jam for the best flavor.
• Press almonds gently to ensure they stick well to the dough.

Variations and Substitutions

• Use raspberry or strawberry jam for a different fruit flavor.
• Try substituting hazelnut flour for a different nutty undertone.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are delightful with a cup of tea or coffee. Serve them as a festive dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside a fresh fruit platter.

Storage and Leftovers

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze them in a sealable bag, ensuring they’re properly sealed to maintain freshness.

Make Ahead Instructions

Prepare the dough a day in advance and refrigerate it. Allow the dough to soften slightly before shaping and baking.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 150
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 17g
• Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 8g

Dietary Notes

• Vegetarian
• Contains nuts
• Not gluten-free

The Recipe

Serves: 24

Prep Time: 20 mins

Cook Time: 15 mins

Total Time: 35 mins

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Electric mixer
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Wire rack

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup almond flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup blueberry jam
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds
• Extra powdered sugar for rolling

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in vanilla extract.
3. In another bowl, combine all-purpose flour, almond flour, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a dough forms.
4. Take a tablespoon of dough and flatten it into a disc. Place a teaspoon of blueberry jam in the center and fold the dough around it to form a ball. Repeat with remaining dough.
5. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet and gently flatten them with the back of a spoon. Press a few sliced almonds onto each cookie.
6. Bake for 13-15 minutes or until the edges start to turn golden. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
7. Once cooled, roll cookies in powdered sugar before serving.

Recipe Notes

• For a more rustic look, do not press almonds too firmly into the dough.
• Make sure to chill the dough if your kitchen is warm to prevent it from becoming too soft to manage.

Community Tips and Photos

Share your experience with this recipe! Tag us using #BlueberryAlmondSnowballs on social media.

Questions and Answers

• Can I use fresh blueberries instead of jam? While you can, it may alter the texture and moisture content of the cookies.
• How do I prevent the jam from leaking? Ensure the dough fully encases the jam and is sealed well.