If you’re on the hunt for a melt-in-your-mouth treat that feels like a cozy winter hug, you need to try this Almond Snowball Cookies Recipe. These delightful little cookies come together with simple, wholesome ingredients and boast a tender crumb loaded with the nutty warmth of almond flour and a zing of fresh orange zest. Rolled generously in powdered sugar, they truly look like tiny snowballs, making them perfect for sharing any time you want a sweet, buttery bite that’s easy to fall in love with.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Almond Snowball Cookies Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the creamy butter that gives richness, to the almond flour which adds that irresistible nutty flavor and delicate texture. The orange zest isn’t just for a pop of freshness—it brightens the whole cookie with subtle citrus notes. And of course, the powdered sugar transforms them into snowy little treats you won’t be able to resist.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 lb): Softened to room temperature, this gives your cookies their luscious, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup plus 1 1/2 cups for rolling): Adds sweetness inside and creates the iconic snowball coating on the outside.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): A classic flavor enhancer that deepens every bite.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): Properly measured to provide structure without weighing down your cookies.
- Fine salt (1/2 tsp): Just enough to balance the sweetness and enhance all the flavors.
- Almond flour (1 cup): The star of the show, it lends a delicate nuttiness and tender crumbness.
- Orange zest (1/2 Tbsp): Freshly grated for a subtle, uplifting citrus fragrance that makes these cookies unforgettable.
How to Make Almond Snowball Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Start by beating the softened unsalted butter with 1/2 cup of powdered sugar until the mixture is light, airy, and fluffy. This step is essential because it incorporates air, giving your cookies that wonderfully tender bite.
Step 2: Add Vanilla and Orange Zest
Mix in the vanilla extract and freshly grated orange zest. These two ingredients together create a flavor base that’s both warm and bright, infusing every bite with classic and refreshing notes.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, and fine salt. Combining these dry ingredients evenly ensures your cookies will bake uniformly with a perfect crumb.
Step 4: Gently Fold Dry Ingredients into Butter Mixture
Add the flour mixture to your creamed butter mixture in batches, folding it gently with a spatula just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep the dough tender and crumbly.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
With your hands, roll the dough into small balls about one inch in diameter. Place them spaced out on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Each ball will bake into a soft, delicate cookie that holds its shape beautifully.
Step 6: Bake and Roll in Powdered Sugar
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 12 to 13 minutes, until the bottoms are just starting to turn golden. Remove from the oven and while still warm, roll each cookie generously in the reserved powdered sugar to coat them completely, creating that classic snowball appearance.
How to Serve Almond Snowball Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
You don’t need much to make these cookies shine, but if you want to dress them up, consider sprinkling a tiny pinch of finely chopped toasted almonds or a twist of orange zest on top just before serving. It adds a bit of texture and a burst of color making them even more inviting.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of tea, rich coffee, or warmed spiced cider—perfect for cozy afternoons or holiday celebrations. They also go beautifully alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or lightly whipped cream if you’re feeling a little indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, arrange these Almond Snowball Cookies Recipe treats in a glass jar tied with a rustic ribbon or alongside other holiday cookies on a wooden platter. You might even add edible glitter or a dusting of cinnamon sugar for extra sparkle that delights the eyes as much as the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These cookies stay fresh for up to a week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Make sure to layer them between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking and keep their delicate shape intact.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked cookies after rolling them in powdered sugar by placing them in a freezer-safe container with parchment layers. They hold up well for 2 to 3 months. Just thaw them at room temperature before serving to enjoy that perfect soft texture.
Reheating
If you want to revive the warmth and fresh-from-the-oven feel, pop the cookies in a low oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This lightly warms them without melting the powdered sugar coating, bringing out their nutty aroma and buttery softness.
FAQs
Can I substitute almond flour with another nut flour?
You absolutely can try hazelnut or cashew flour, but almond flour provides a unique flavor and texture that’s key to this cookie’s identity. Substitutions may change the final taste or texture slightly.
Why is the orange zest important in this Almond Snowball Cookies Recipe?
The orange zest adds a subtle citrus brightness that balances the rich almond flavor and buttery dough. It gives the cookies a lovely fresh note that makes them stand out.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup for cup. Just be mindful that the texture might be a touch different, though still delicious.
How long do the cookies need to cool before rolling in powdered sugar?
Roll them while warm but not hot from the oven. This helps the sugar stick perfectly to the cookie surface without melting away completely.
Is it okay to use salted butter instead of unsalted?
If you only have salted butter, reduce the added salt in the recipe to avoid overly salty cookies. Unsalted butter gives you more control over the flavor balance.
Final Thoughts
This Almond Snowball Cookies Recipe is truly one of those comforting classics that never goes out of style. Its tender texture, nutty warmth, and snowy sugary coat make it a sweet treat you’ll want to bake again and again. Give these cookies a whirl and share them with friends and family—you might just start a new tradition full of smiles and buttery bites.
Print
Almond Snowball Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes plus 30 minutes chilling
- Yield: 38 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delightfully crumbly Almond Snowball Cookies with a rich buttery texture, perfectly balanced with a hint of orange zest and rolled in powdered sugar for a snowy finish. These classic cookies are tender, nutty, and ideal for festive occasions or anytime you crave a melt-in-your-mouth treat.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1/2 lb unsalted butter (16 Tbsp), softened at room temperature
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, measured correctly
- 1/2 tsp fine salt (such as fine sea salt)
- 1 cup almond flour (or fine almond meal)
- 1/2 Tbsp orange zest (from 1 medium orange)
Coating
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar for rolling cookies
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract until well combined. Slowly add the all-purpose flour, almond flour, salt, and orange zest, mixing until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix to maintain a tender texture.
- Shape and chill: Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form the dough into approximately 1-inch balls. Place the cookie balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Chill the shaped dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up, which helps maintain their shape during baking.
- Bake the cookies: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Arrange the chilled cookie dough balls evenly spaced on the baking sheet. Bake for about 13 minutes, or until the bottoms are just beginning to turn a light golden brown. Avoid overbaking to keep the cookies soft and crumbly.
- Roll in powdered sugar: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool slightly for about 5 minutes. While still warm, gently roll each cookie in the 1 1/2 cups of powdered sugar, coating it thoroughly to create their signature snowy appearance. Place completed cookies on a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easiest creaming and best texture.
- Measuring flour correctly by spooning it into the cup and leveling off avoids dense cookies.
- Chilling the dough before baking prevents spreading and helps the cookie keep its shape.
- Rolling cookies while warm helps the powdered sugar adhere better.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- For a different flavor profile, try substituting orange zest with lemon zest or adding a dash of cinnamon.
