White Ball Cookies
Deliciously sweet and buttery White Ball Cookies melt in your mouth with a hint of almond flavor, perfect for parties or a delightful teatime treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix shortening, margarine, powdered sugar, eggs, almond extract, and vanilla until well combined.
- Optionally, add a few drops of food coloring at this stage if desired.
- Add flour and salt to the mixture and stir until a dough forms.
- Roll about a teaspoonful of dough into small balls approximately 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
- Place the dough balls on ungreased baking sheets, spacing them apart.
- Bake for 5 to 6 minutes or until the bottoms are just barely brown. Do not overbake.
- Allow cookies to cool slightly before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure your margarine and shortening are at room temperature before mixing. You can substitute half the flour with almond flour for a nuttier flavor. If you prefer a different taste, try using vanilla extract in place of almond extract. Adding a few drops of food coloring can make these cookies festive for any occasion, especially when serving alongside dishes like Multi-Colored Layer Jello Salad.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet treat alongside coffee or tea. Consider serving them with Creamy Holiday Vegetable Dip for a delightful contrast. They also pair wonderfully with a glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, making them a versatile dessert option.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore their softness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of White Ball Cookies contains roughly 1324 calories, with 9g protein, 135g carbohydrates, and 70g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1328mg per serving (58% 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 different extracts in this recipe?
Absolutely! While almond extract gives a unique flavor, you can substitute it with other extracts like hazelnut or even coconut for a different twist. Just keep the amounts the same to maintain the balance of flavors.
What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is sticky, you can add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a manageable consistency. Make sure to mix thoroughly before adding more flour to avoid overworking the dough.
How can I make these cookies more festive?
To make these cookies more festive, consider rolling them in colored sugar before baking or adding sprinkles on top after they cool. These small touches can make them a delightful addition to any holiday cookie platter!
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).