Almond Snowballs
Delightful almond snowballs are tender, buttery cookies coated in powdered sugar, offering a rich nutty flavor perfect for holidays or as an elegant treat for guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add flour, salt, and ground almonds; mix well.
- Add vanilla extract and knead with hands until dough holds together.
- Preheat oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Form dough into small round cookies and place on foil-lined ungreased baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until cookies are light brown.
- While still warm, dust cookies with confectioners sugar and let cool.
Tips & Substitutions
For a nuttier flavor, consider toasting the ground almonds before adding them to the dough. If you don't have ground almonds, you can substitute with finely chopped walnuts or pecans. Ensure the butter is at room temperature for easier creaming. If the dough feels too crumbly, a teaspoon of milk can help bind it together. These cookies can be made ahead and frozen before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Almond Snowballs are delightful on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee as a sweet afternoon treat. For a festive touch, serve them on a platter alongside other baked goods like M J'S Killer Cake or Sandy'S Chocolate Creme Pie. These cookies also make great gifts during the holiday season.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Almond Snowballs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To keep them fresh, separate layers with parchment paper. If you'd like to enjoy them warm later, simply reheat in a preheated oven at 250 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Almond Snowballs contains roughly 519 calories, with 13g protein, 63g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (26% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and iron (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1751mg per serving (76% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use margarine instead of butter in this recipe?
Yes, you can use margarine instead of butter. The texture may be slightly different, but it will still yield delicious cookies. Just ensure you use a stick margarine for the best results, as tub margarine can contain more water and affect the dough consistency.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make Almond Snowballs gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Look for a blend that includes xanthan gum for better structure. This will allow you to enjoy these cookies while adhering to gluten-free dietary needs without compromising on taste.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky to handle, try chilling it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This will firm it up and make it easier to form into cookies. Alternatively, you can sprinkle a little extra flour on your hands and the surface while shaping the cookies.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).