What is the Moroccan small cake made of jam and coconut “snowballs” and what is its recipe?

Moroccan snowball cookies, also known as "Boules de Neige" or "Coconut Snowballs," are small cake-like cookies filled with jam and coated in shredded coconut. They are a delightful treat commonly enjoyed during holidays and special occasions in Morocco. Here's a recipe for Moroccan snowball cookies:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for coating
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup fruit jam (such as raspberry or strawberry)
• 1 cup shredded coconut, for coating

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
4. Take a small portion of the dough (about a tablespoon) and flatten it in the palm of your hand. Place a small amount of fruit jam (about 1/4 teaspoon) in the center of the dough and fold the dough around the jam, forming a ball. Repeat this process with the remaining dough and jam.
5. Roll each filled dough ball in powdered sugar to coat it completely. Place the coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them as they will slightly expand during baking.
6. Bake the snowball cookies in the preheated oven for approximately 12-15 minutes, or until they turn lightly golden around the edges. Remove them from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes.
7. While the cookies are still warm, gently roll each one in the shredded coconut until coated. Place the coconut-coated snowballs on a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Once cooled, store the Moroccan snowball cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.

These cookies have a delicate texture and a burst of fruity flavor from the jam filling. The combination of the soft cake-like cookie, sweet powdered sugar coating, and the crunchy shredded coconut creates a delightful contrast of textures. Enjoy these Moroccan snowball cookies as a delicious treat with a cup of tea or coffee!