Almond Snowball Cookies has been a cherished part of my holiday baking tradition for as long as I can remember. I still recall the comforting aroma of toasted almonds and sweet butter filling my grandmother’s kitchen every December. These delicate, melt-in-your-mouth treats, often known as Mexican Wedding Cookies with Almonds, are incredibly easy to whip up and always disappear fast. The simple act of rolling them in powdered sugar makes them look like perfect little snowballs, adding a festive touch to any cookie platter. Making these easy powdered sugar almond cookies brings me so much joy. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Almond Snowball Cookies Recipe
I genuinely believe you’ll adore making and eating these cookies for so many reasons. They’re not just delicious; they’re a joy to create!
- These cookies offer an irresistible melt-in-your-mouth texture with a delightful almond flavor that’s perfect for any occasion.
- The prep time is incredibly quick, making this an easy almond snowball cookie recipe that fits into even the busiest schedules.
- While a treat, they use simple, wholesome ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
- Making this easy almond snowball cookie recipe is budget-friendly, costing far less than store-bought gourmet cookies.
- They are a fantastic family-friendly baking project; kids love helping to roll the dough and coat them in powdered sugar.
- These delightful cookies are perfect for holiday platters, gifting, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea.
Ingredients for Almond Snowball Cookies
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful cookies. I always make sure everything is prepped and ready before I start mixing!
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – It’s essential for a smooth dough and to cream properly with the sugar.
- 0.5 cup powdered sugar – This is for the dough itself, contributing to the tender texture of these powdered sugar almond cookies.
- 1 teaspoon almond extract – The star flavor! Don’t skip this for that classic nutty aroma.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – The base of our cookie, providing structure.
- 0.5 cup finely chopped almonds – These add a lovely crunch and intensify the almond flavor in every bite of your Almond Snowball Cookies.
- Additional powdered sugar, for rolling – This is what gives these cookies their signature snowy finish, making them truly shine.
How to Make Almond Snowball Cookies
Making these delightful Almond Snowball Cookies is a surprisingly simple process, and I promise you’ll love every step. Just follow along and soon your kitchen will be filled with the sweet, nutty aroma of freshly baked cookies!
- Step 1: First, preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). This ensures your oven is at the perfect temperature when your cookies are ready to bake, leading to an even cook.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, I like to cream together the softened butter and the 0.5 cup of powdered sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and wonderfully fluffy, usually about 2-3 minutes. This aeration is key for a tender cookie.
- Step 3: Next, beat in the almond extract. Make sure it’s fully incorporated, as this gives our Almond Snowball Cookies their signature flavor. The scent alone is enough to get you excited!
- Step 4: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the butter mixture. I always mix on a low speed or by hand to prevent overmixing. You want to combine it just until no dry streaks of flour remain; overmixing can make the cookies tough.
- Step 5: Gently stir in the finely chopped almonds. These morsels add a lovely texture and an extra burst of nutty flavor to every bite.
- Step 6: Now for the fun part: rolling the dough! Take small portions, about 1-inch in size, and roll them into neat little balls. I find this meditative, and it’s how to make Almond Snowball Cookies truly live up to their name.
- Step 7: Place these perfectly round dough balls onto an ungreased baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one for even baking.
- Step 8: Bake in your preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden. Watch them carefully; you don’t want them to brown too much.
- Step 9: Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. They’ll be delicate when hot. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This is crucial before the final step.
- Step 10: Once the Almond Snowball Cookies are completely cool, generously roll each one in additional powdered sugar until it’s beautifully coated. This creates that iconic snowy finish and adds a delightful sweetness.
Pro Tips for the Best Almond Snowball Cookies
I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that truly elevate these cookies from good to absolutely amazing. These pro tips will help you achieve the perfect texture and flavor for your Almond Snowball Cookies every single time.
- Always use softened, but not melted, butter. This ensures proper creaming with the sugar for a light and airy dough.
- Don’t overmix the dough once the flour is added. Overmixing develops gluten, leading to tougher cookies instead of that desired melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Finely chop your almonds. Larger pieces can make the cookies crumbly and harder to roll.
- For the best snowy finish, roll the completely cooled cookies in powdered sugar twice. The first coat absorbs a bit, and the second creates a thicker, more beautiful layer.
What’s the secret to perfect Almond Snowball Cookies?
The real secret to the best Almond Snowball Cookies lies in the double roll in powdered sugar and not overbaking. Baking them until just lightly golden ensures they stay tender and crumbly, while the double coating provides that iconic, sweet “snow” that makes them so irresistible.
Can I make Almond Snowball Cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough for these Almond Snowball Cookies up to two days in advance. Simply form the balls, place them on a parchment-lined tray, and refrigerate them covered. You can also freeze the raw dough balls for up to a month, baking them straight from frozen with a few extra minutes added to the baking time.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Almond Snowball Cookies?
To avoid common pitfalls with your Almond Snowball Cookies, ensure your butter isn’t too warm, which can make the dough greasy. Also, resist the urge to overbake; they should only be lightly golden on the bottom. Lastly, make sure the cookies are completely cool before their final roll in powdered sugar, or it will melt right off.
Best Ways to Serve Almond Snowball Cookies
I find that enjoying these delightful Almond Snowball Cookies is an experience in itself, but a few serving suggestions can elevate them even further. They’re incredibly versatile and perfect for various occasions.
First, these cookies are a quintessential addition to any holiday cookie platter. Their snowy appearance makes them ideal holiday almond snowball cookies, pairing wonderfully with other festive treats like gingerbread or peppermint bark. I love serving them alongside a warm mug of hot cocoa or a spiced apple cider, which really brings out their nutty flavor.
For a more sophisticated presentation, try arranging your Almond Snowball Cookies on a tiered dessert stand. They look beautiful next to fresh berries or a light fruit salad, offering a lovely contrast in texture and taste. They also make a fantastic accompaniment to an after-dinner coffee or a delicate herbal tea, providing just the right amount of sweetness to conclude a meal.
Nutrition Facts for Almond Snowball Cookies
I know many of you are curious about the nutritional breakdown of these delicious Almond Snowball Cookies. While they are a treat, it’s good to have an idea of what you’re enjoying. Here’s a general overview per serving, based on one cookie:
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 1g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Please remember that these nutritional values for Almond Snowball Cookies are estimates and may vary based on the specific brands of ingredients you use and any modifications to the recipe.
How to Store and Reheat Almond Snowball Cookies
Once your delightful Almond Snowball Cookies have completely cooled, proper storage is key to keeping them fresh and delicious. I always make sure they are thoroughly cool before packing them away to prevent them from getting soggy or sticking together.
For short-term storage, place your Almond Snowball Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay wonderfully fresh and tender for up to 5-7 days. If you’re stacking them, I recommend placing a piece of parchment paper between the layers to prevent any sticking or smudging of that lovely powdered sugar coating.
If you’ve made a larger batch, or even just a small batch almond snowball cookies recipe and want to enjoy them later, freezing is an excellent option. Arrange the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will last for up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, simply let them thaw at room temperature for an hour or so before serving; no need for a microwave or oven, as they are best enjoyed at room temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions About Almond Snowball Cookies
What are Almond Snowball Cookies exactly?
Almond Snowball Cookies are a type of delicate, buttery shortbread cookie, typically flavored with almond extract and finely chopped almonds. After baking, they are generously rolled in powdered sugar, giving them their characteristic “snowball” appearance. They’re known for their melt-in-your-mouth texture and are a popular holiday treat.
Can I use a different type of nut in these cookies?
Absolutely! While these are specifically Almond Snowball Cookies, you can easily substitute other finely chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or even pistachios for a different flavor profile. Just ensure the nuts are finely ground or chopped to maintain the cookie’s tender texture.
Why do my Almond Snowball Cookies spread too much?
There are a few reasons why your Almond Snowball Cookies might spread. Make sure your butter isn’t too warm or melted, as this can make the dough greasy. Also, chilling the dough for 30 minutes before rolling and baking can help prevent spreading. Lastly, avoid overmixing the dough, which can develop gluten and lead to flatter cookies.
How do I get the powdered sugar to stick better?
For the best coating on your Almond Snowball Cookies, ensure the cookies are completely cool before their first roll in powdered sugar. Then, for an extra-thick, lasting coat, let them sit for 10-15 minutes and roll them in powdered sugar a second time. This double-rolling technique is my favorite trick for that perfect snowy finish.
Variations of Almond Snowball Cookies You Can Try
While I adore the classic recipe, these Almond Snowball Cookies are incredibly versatile! I’ve experimented with several variations, and I encourage you to try them too. Each tweak can bring a delightful new twist to this beloved treat.
- For a delicious twist, consider making Gluten-Free Almond Snowball Cookies. Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend that contains xanthan gum. The texture remains wonderfully tender, and they’re perfect for those with dietary restrictions.
- If you’re looking for a richer flavor, try adding a tablespoon of finely grated orange or lemon zest to the dough. The citrus brightens the almond notes beautifully, creating an elegant variation of your Almond Snowball Cookies.
- You can also experiment with different nuts. While I love the almond, chopped pecans or walnuts can create a delightful “nutty snowball cookies with almonds” experience, offering a slightly different crunch and flavor profile.
- For a chocolate lover’s dream, mix in a quarter cup of mini chocolate chips or cocoa powder to the dough. These chocolate Almond Snowball Cookies are a decadent treat that still maintains that iconic snowy look.
Almond Snowball Cookies: 1 Wicked Secret, Zero Spread
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Almond Snowball Cookies are a delightful and easy holiday treat, perfect for baking, gifting, and enjoying. These delicate, nutty cookies are quick to prepare and have a signature snowy coating of powdered sugar.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 0.5 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.5 cup finely chopped almonds
- Additional powdered sugar, for rolling
Instructions
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the almond extract until evenly distributed.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing on low speed or by hand until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Gently stir in the finely chopped almonds.
- Roll the dough into small balls, about 1-inch in size.
- Place the dough balls onto an ungreased baking sheet.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 15 to 18 minutes, or until lightly golden around the edges.
- Let the almond snowball cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once completely cool, generously roll each almond snowball cookie in additional powdered sugar until coated.
Notes
- Store these almond snowball cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5-7 days.
- Use parchment paper between layers if stacking these almond cookies.
- For a thicker coating of powdered sugar, roll the completely cooled cookies, let them sit for 10-15 minutes, then roll them a second time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Desserts and Sweets
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
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