Florida Snowballs
A sweet and nutty treat, Florida Snowballs combine creamy vanilla and almond flavors with a buttery, crunchy texture—perfect for quick desserts or snack time for the whole family.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream powdered sugar, shortening, and butter together.
- Add vanilla, almond extract, and chopped nuts.
- Add flour and salt, and continue to cream until well combined.
- Roll the dough into teaspoonful balls.
- Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 25 minutes.
- While still hot, roll each ball in powdered sugar.
Tips & Substitutions
Ensure your butter and shortening are at room temperature for easier creaming. You can substitute the chopped nuts with seeds or omit them entirely for a nut-free version. If you want a different flavor profile, consider adding citrus zest or using a different extract, such as coconut. These Florida Snowballs can also be rolled in shredded coconut for added texture.
Serving Suggestions
These Florida Snowballs make a delightful treat on their own or can be served alongside a cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon snack. They pair beautifully with Alma'S Cherry Dream Salad for a light dessert spread. For an extra touch, dust them with additional powdered sugar just before serving for a beautiful presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Florida Snowballs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks. To reheat, simply microwave for a few seconds to restore their softness, but be cautious not to overheat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Florida Snowballs contains roughly 1646 calories, with 0g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 166g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 488mg per serving (21% 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 make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When ready to bake, just roll the dough into balls and follow the baking instructions. This makes it convenient for parties or special occasions.
What can I use instead of shortening?
If you prefer not to use shortening, you can substitute it with an equal amount of butter or coconut oil. Keep in mind that using butter will change the flavor slightly, making it richer, while coconut oil adds a hint of coconut flavor.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies should be lightly golden on the bottom and firm to the touch. They will continue to firm up as they cool. If you're unsure, it's better to slightly underbake them as they will set while cooling, resulting in a tender texture.
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).