There’s something cozy about the first chill of winter in the air — it sparks an undeniable urge to bake, filling the home with warmth and the sweet scent of nostalgia. Just recently, I found myself in the kitchen with a craving for something both delightful and simple to make. That’s when I decided to whip up a batch of Almond Snowball Cookies, a treat that perfectly captures the spirit of the season.
These delightful little bites are not just a cookie; they evoke memories of carefree afternoons spent rolling dough into little spheres while laughter fills the room. With just a few pantry staples, including creamy butter and the aromatic touch of almond extract, you’ll be able to create a batch that’s both elegant and irresistibly delicious.
Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply want to indulge on a quiet evening, these cookies promise to be a crowd-pleaser. Join me as we dive into this easy-to-follow recipe that will have your loved ones asking for seconds!
Why You'll Love This Almond Snowball Cookies
- These Almond Snowball Cookies are incredibly easy to make, allowing you to whip up a delightful batch in just 27 minutes.
- The irresistible flavor of almond paired with the buttery texture makes every bite a heavenly experience.
- Their versatility means you can enjoy them for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to cozy nights in.
- Plus, their beautiful appearance, dusted in powdered sugar, adds a touch of elegance to any dessert table.
Almond Snowball Cookies Ingredients
• The perfect blend of flavors awaits!
For the Dough
- Unsalted butter – softening allows for a creamy consistency that’s essential in these Almond Snowball Cookies.
- Granulated sugar – provides sweetness and a nice texture when creamed with the butter.
- Almond extract – a splash adds that delightful nutty flavor that makes these cookies sing.
- All-purpose flour – key for structure, ensure it’s sifted for lighter cookies.
- Chopped almonds – these add a satisfying crunch and enhance the almond flavor beautifully.
For Dusting
- Powdered sugar – rolling the cookies in this gives them that snowy finish and adds an extra touch of sweetness.
How to Make Almond Snowball Cookies
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step ensures that your cookies cook evenly and won’t stick!
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Cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This will create a wonderful base for your cookie dough.
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Add the almond extract and stir until incorporated. The aroma will fill your kitchen, setting the mood for your baking adventure.
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Combine the sifted all-purpose flour and chopped almonds in another bowl. Gradually fold this mixture into the butter-sugar blend until just combined for the perfect cookie texture.
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Form small balls of dough, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Leave some space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
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Bake for 10-12 minutes until they are lightly golden around the edges. Your kitchen will be filled with the delightful scent of baking cookies!
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Roll each warm cookie in powdered sugar before transferring them to a serving platter. This adds that beautiful snowy finish, perfect for sharing or enjoying solo.
Optional: Add a sprinkle of finely chopped almonds on top for extra flair!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Almond Snowball Cookies are a fantastic choice for meal prep, allowing busy home cooks to enjoy fresh-baked goodness without the last-minute rush! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance. Simply form the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and cover tightly with plastic wrap before refrigerating. This keeps the cookies fresh and helps maintain their shape. When you’re ready to bake, remove the dough from the fridge and follow the baking instructions as usual—just add a minute or two to the baking time if they’re still cold. This way, you’ll have delicious cookies ready to go, perfect for any occasion!
How to Store and Freeze Almond Snowball Cookies
Room Temperature: Keep your Almond Snowball Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their delicious texture.
Fridge: For extended freshness, store the cookies in the fridge for up to a week. Just allow them to come back to room temperature before enjoying.
Freezer: Freeze the cookies individually wrapped in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag; they will stay fresh for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To enjoy warm cookies, microwave them for 10-15 seconds, and they’ll be just as delightful as the first day!
What to Serve with Almond Snowball Cookies?
Nothing pairs better with these delightful cookies than a warm, inviting atmosphere filled with flavors that tantalize the taste buds.
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Rich Hot Chocolate: The creamy, chocolatey richness complements the almond flavor beautifully, creating a cozy dessert experience. It’s perfect for sipping as you enjoy your cookies!
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream drizzled with chocolate sauce adds a creamy contrast to the crunchy cookie texture, making each bite an indulgent treat.
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Fresh Berries: Raspberries or strawberries add a burst of vibrant freshness, their tartness perfectly balancing the sweetness of the cookies for a delightful contrast.
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Coffee or Espresso: A warm cup of coffee or a shot of espresso enhances the nutty flavors of the cookies while providing an energizing pick-me-up to enjoy alongside.
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Whipped Cream Topping: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream elevates the elegance of these cookies, adding airiness and a luxurious touch.
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Lemonade or Iced Tea: The zesty brightness of lemonade, or the refreshing notes of unsweetened iced tea, can cleanse the palate between bites, enhancing the overall experience.
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Creamy Cheesecake: A slice of cheesecake, whether classic or with fruit toppings, offers a sumptuous, creamy contrast to the delicate crunch of your Almond Snowball Cookies.
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Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries: For a touch of romance, serve chocolate-dipped strawberries alongside your cookies; the sweet chocolate enhances the almond flavors wonderously.
Almond Snowball Cookies Variations
Feel free to sprinkle your creativity over these delightful cookies, discovering new taste sensations with every batch!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a similar texture. Just be sure to check for a blend that contains xanthan gum.
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Nut-Free: Replace chopped almonds with sunflower seeds for a similar crunch without the nuts. This option is perfect for those with allergies!
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Flavor Boost: Add vanilla extract alongside the almond extract for a deeper, richer flavor profile. The harmonious blend will surprise your palate.
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Chocolate Drizzle: After cooling, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the cookies for a decadent touch. This rich coating adds both flavor and visual appeal.
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Coconut Twist: Mix in unsweetened shredded coconut along with the nuts for a tropical flair. The coconut brings a delightful chewiness that pairs beautifully with the almond.
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Spiced Version: Sprinkle in some ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough to warm up the flavor. These spices make the cookies perfect for cozy gatherings.
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Dried Fruit: Fold in some finely chopped dried cherries or cranberries for a pop of tartness and color. This fruity addition adds a surprising and delightful contrast.
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Chewy Variant: Substitute part of the butter with a little cream cheese for extra chewiness. This twist creates a wonderfully soft texture your family will adore.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve the perfect texture for your Almond Snowball Cookies, make sure your butter is properly softened but not melted.
- A common mistake is overmixing the dough after adding the flour, so mix just until combined to keep them tender.
- For an even distribution of almond flavor, consider toasting the chopped almonds slightly before adding them to the dough; this will enhance their nuttiness.
- Remember to check for doneness at the 10-minute mark to prevent overbaking, as the edges should be just golden while the centers remain soft.
Almond Snowball Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right almonds for my Almond Snowball Cookies?
Absolutely! Look for fresh, whole almonds without dark spots or signs of spoilage. If possible, try using raw or blanched almonds for a lighter flavor in your cookies. Toasting them lightly before adding can also enhance their nuttiness!
What is the best way to store Almond Snowball Cookies?
To maintain freshness, keep your Almond Snowball Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like them to last longer, refrigeration is a great option — they can stay in the fridge for up to a week. Just allow them to return to room temperature before enjoying!
Can I freeze Almond Snowball Cookies, and if so, how?
Yes, you can absolutely freeze these cookies! First, let them cool completely. Then, wrap each cookie tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. These delicious treats can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them in the fridge or at room temperature!
What should I do if my cookie dough is too soft?
Very common! If you find your dough is too soft to form into balls, try chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will firm it up, making it easier to shape into those delightful cookie spheres.
Are Almond Snowball Cookies suitable for people with nut allergies?
Unfortunately, these cookies contain almonds and are not suitable for those with nut allergies. However, you can substitute chopped sunflower seeds for a similar crunch or enjoy a different snowy cookie recipe without nuts altogether. Always double-check all ingredient labels to ensure safety!
Equipment
- oven
- baking sheet
- parchment paper
- mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 1 cup Unsalted butter softened
- 1/2 cup Granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon Almond extract
- 2 cups All-purpose flour sifted
- 1/2 cup Chopped almonds
For Dusting
- 1 cup Powdered sugar
Instructions
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the almond extract and stir until incorporated.
- Combine the sifted all-purpose flour and chopped almonds in another bowl. Gradually fold this mixture into the butter-sugar blend until just combined.
- Form small balls of dough, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until they are lightly golden around the edges.
- Roll each warm cookie in powdered sugar before transferring them to a serving platter.
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