Greek Butterball Cookies
Greek Butterball Cookies are delicate, nutty treats with a hint of lemon and almond, perfect for holidays or special occasions, appealing to those who enjoy buttery, flavorful confections.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the sifted cake flour, baking soda, and crushed almonds in a bowl.
- Set the dry mixture aside.
- Heat the unsalted butter slowly in a small deep saucepan.
- Allow the butter to cool.
- Carefully spoon off the clarified butter from the top of the cloudy solids settled at the bottom of the pan.
- In a large bowl, beat the clarified butter with sugar, lemon juice, almond extract, olive oil, and the beaten egg yolk until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour and nut mixture in four parts, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
- Shape the dough into 3/4-inch balls and place them on ungreased cookie sheets.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes until lightly golden.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider toasting the blanched almonds before chopping them. If you don’t have cake flour, you can substitute with all-purpose flour, but the texture may vary slightly. For a nut-free version, replace the almonds with finely chopped dried fruits. Don't rush the cooling of the butter; this step is crucial for achieving the right texture in the cookies.
Serving Suggestions
These delightful cookies are best served with a cup of tea or coffee. For a lovely dessert spread, pair them with French Fried Apples for a sweet contrast. They also make a great addition to a holiday cookie platter, alongside other treats like Apple Kuchen (German Dessert) or Grandma'S Fresh Coconut Candy.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Greek Butterball Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For prolonged freshness, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks. If you prefer them warm, simply reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes to regain their softness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Greek Butterball Cookies contains roughly 212 calories, with 7g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is a good source of iron (19% of the Daily Value) and protein (14% 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 salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but it may alter the overall flavor of the cookies. If you choose to use salted butter, you might want to omit the additional salt in your recipe to avoid over-salting.
What can I substitute for almond extract?
If you're looking to avoid almond extract, you can substitute it with vanilla extract or even a few drops of orange or lemon zest for a citrusy twist. However, this will change the flavor profile of the cookies slightly.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls. Just place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. When ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
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).