Sweet Raspberry Snowballs for the Holidays

© Original Recipe By Serena’s Delights ©

🎉✨ Sweet Raspberry Snowballs for the Holidays: A Festive Treat Your Family Will Love! 🎄🍬

1. Introduction

When the holiday season arrives, the air is filled with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked cookies and seasonal desserts. Among these delights, Sweet Raspberry Snowballs stand out as a charming, melt-in-your-mouth treat that’s perfect for festive gatherings. These cookies are a delightful combination of buttery, crumbly texture and a burst of tart raspberry flavor, coated with a snowy dusting of powdered sugar. Whether you’re crafting a cookie tray for Christmas or looking for a pretty homemade gift, these snowballs are sure to become a holiday favorite.

2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Prepared in under 30 minutes — perfect for last-minute baking sessions.
• Simple ingredients that are easy to find.
• Beautiful presentation with a snow-like coating, making them nature’s Christmas cookies.
• Soft, tender texture that crumbles delightfully with every bite.
• Versatile treats for holiday cookie recipes collections or festive dessert spreads.

3. Ingredient Notes

To achieve that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture and vibrant raspberry flavor, selecting high-quality ingredients is essential. Use unsalted butter at room temperature to give your cookies a rich, tender crumb. When choosing powdered sugar, opt for a fine grind to ensure a smooth, powdery coating. Fresh or frozen raspberries work beautifully — fresh berries provide a bright flavor, while freezing intensifies the natural tartness. You can also add a touch of vanilla extract to enhance the sweet, nutty profile of these seasonal treats.

4. Kitchen Tools You Need

Investing in the right kitchen tools makes baking these raspberry snowballs even more enjoyable and efficient. For perfectly baked cookies, consider the Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer— it provides even baking with less fuss. A T-fal 14-Piece Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set ensures easy release and cleanup. For mixing, the KitchenAid Artisan 5-Quart Stand Mixer simplifies blending buttery doughs to perfection. These tools help create a professional-quality batch of holiday cookies that look as beautiful as they taste.

5. How to Make Sweet Raspberry Snowballs

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Begin by creaming together butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. The delightful aroma of vanilla should fill your kitchen here. Mix in a splash of vanilla extract and gradually add flour, blending until just combined. Your dough should be soft but workable. Incorporate chopped fresh raspberries gently into the dough for bursts of tart flavor — be careful not to overmix to prevent the berries from breaking apart.

Step 2: Shape the Cookies

Using slightly damp hands, roll the dough into small, uniform balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, giving enough space for spreading. The dough will look slightly crumbly but holds together when shaped.

Step 3: Bake

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 12-15 minutes. The edges should turn a light golden color. Your kitchen should be filled with a warm, buttery aroma during baking — a sure sign they’re almost ready.

Step 4: Powdered Sugar Coating

Once out of the oven, let the cookies cool for 5 minutes. Then, carefully roll each in a generous bowl of powdered sugar. The snowball effect is key! Let the coating set as the cookies cool completely, creating a snowy, festive appearance.

6. Expert Tips for Success

• Chill your dough for 30 minutes if it feels too soft to shape, especially if using fresh raspberries.
• Use a light-colored baking sheet to prevent over-browning.
• Do not overbake — the cookies should be soft and just set to ensure they stay tender.
• Dust with powdered sugar while the cookies are still slightly warm for better adherence.
• Try freezing the pre-shaped dough balls before baking for an even fresher taste and perfect shape.

7. Variations & Substitutions

If you’re looking to accommodate dietary preferences or diversify your cookie selection, here are some options:

• Replace raspberries with chopped dried cranberries or cherries for a different seasonal twist.
• Use gluten-free flour blends for a gluten-free version.
• For a nutty flavor, add finely chopped toasted almonds or pecans to the dough.
• To make the snowballs even more festive, roll them in coconut flakes along with powdered sugar.

8. Storage & Reheating

Keep these raspberry snowballs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 1 month — just thaw at room temperature before serving. Reheat briefly in a Ninja Foodi Smart XL Indoor Grill & Air Fryer Combo for a warm, fresh-baked sensation. Be sure to dust with additional powdered sugar before serving for that picturesque snowy finish.

9. FAQ

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap traditional flour for a gluten-free flour blend that matches the same amount. The texture may vary slightly, but they’ll still be delicious.

How do I prevent the raspberries from sinking to the bottom?

Gently fold the chopped berries into the dough after mixing the flour. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to help hold the berries in place during baking.

Can I use frozen raspberries?

Yes, frozen berries work well — just be sure to thaw and drain excess moisture beforehand to prevent sogginess in the cookies.

Are snowball cookies suitable for gifting?

Definitely! Wrap them in clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbon or box them in decorative holiday treat boxes for charming, homemade gifts.

10. Conclusion

Sweet Raspberry Snowballs are a delightful addition to any holiday cookie platter. With their buttery crumbly texture, tart raspberry bursts, and snowy coating, they embody the spirit of festive treats. Easy to make yet crowd-pleasing, these cookies are perfect for sharing warmth and cheer with loved ones during the holiday season. Happy baking!

Print