Introduction
Welcome to a delightful dessert adventure with these Blueberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies! Imagine biting into a soft, buttery cookie with a hidden surprise of luscious blueberry jam. These cookies are not only a treat for your taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. The crisp exterior, combined with the rich almond flavor and the sweet burst of blueberry, makes each bite a moment of pure indulgence. Perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a sweet snack, these cookies will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar, plus more for coating
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup ground almonds
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup blueberry jam
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, with a pale color that promises sweetness.
- Add the vanilla and almond extracts to your bowl, mixing well to infuse this delightful concoction with luscious flavor.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground almonds, and salt, creating a dry mixture that will lend texture to the cookies.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring gently until a soft dough forms.
- Take a tablespoon of dough and flatten it in your palm, creating a small disk. Place a teaspoon of blueberry jam in the center, then fold the dough around it and roll it into a ball, ensuring the jam is tucked away snugly.
- Place the cookie balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for slight expansion during baking.
- Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden, filling your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked treats.
- Allow the cookies to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once the cookies are cooled, roll them in powdered sugar to coat completely, giving them that signature snowball look!
Notes or Tips
For an extra touch of flavor, try using homemade blueberry jam if you have it on hand — it adds a personal and fresh twist. Make sure the butter is truly softened, as this helps create that fluffy texture when creaming with the sugar. If you want an almond flavor boost, consider adding a few slivers of almonds on top of each cookie before baking for a decorative touch!
Cooking Techniques
Mastering the creaming technique is vital for achieving the perfect cookie texture. Cream the butter and sugar until it’s noticeably lighter in color and fluffy in texture; this process incorporates air, making your cookies tender. Also, be gentle when forming the dough balls to keep the filling intact. Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on those bottoms, aiming for that lovely golden hue!
FAQ
Can I use frozen blueberries instead of blueberry jam?
While you can use frozen blueberries, the jam provides a concentrated sweetness and gooey texture that complements this cookie perfectly. If using fresh or frozen blueberries, consider cooking them down with a bit of sugar to create a similar jam-like consistency.
How should I store these cookies?
Store your Blueberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for about a week — if they last that long!
Conclusion
These Blueberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies are not just cookies; they are little bursts of joy that bring warmth to any occasion. With their delightful filling and wonderfully crumbly texture, it’s hard to resist going back for just one more (or two!). So gather your ingredients and let the baking magic begin — your friends and family will thank you!