1 Shares

Bake tender Almond Snowball Cookies with a buttery texture, almond flour, and a hint of orange zest. Perfect for holidays or special occasions, these easy-to-make cookies are coated in powdered sugar for a classic snowy finish. A delicious and aromatic treat for gatherings or gifting

Ingredients

1/2 lb (16 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus 1 1/2 cups more for rolling the cookies
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour, measured accurately
1/2 teaspoon fine salt (fine sea salt works well)
1 cup almond flour or fine almond meal
1/2 tablespoon orange zest (from 1 medium orange)

Instructions

Prep:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C).
Line a 3/4-size cookie sheet or two regular baking sheets with parchment paper.

How to Make Almond Snowball Cookies:

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, cream together the softened butter, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy.
Switch to the paddle attachment and gradually mix in the all-purpose flour and salt until just combined.
Add the almond flour and orange zest, mixing until the dough is well-blended. The dough should stick slightly to the spatula but not to your fingertips. If it’s too sticky, mix in 1–2 additional tablespoons of flour.
Shape the dough into 1-inch balls using a small ice cream scoop for consistency. Place the dough balls 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet. This recipe makes about 38–40 cookies.
Bake for 11–13 minutes, or until the bottoms are golden and the edges are just starting to turn a light golden color. For softer cookies, bake for 11 minutes.
Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
Fill a bowl with powdered sugar and gently roll the warm (but not hot) cookies in it. Transfer the coated cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once the cookies are at room temperature, roll them again in powdered sugar or dust the tops with powdered sugar using a mini sieve for a snowy effect.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Classic Holiday Treat: These tender, buttery cookies are a festive favorite and perfect for gifting or entertaining.
Nutty and Citrusy Flavor: Almond flour and orange zest give these cookies a unique, aromatic taste.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies come together quickly.

Tips

Accurate Measurements: Measure the flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife to avoid dense cookies.
Chill the Dough: If your dough becomes too soft, refrigerate it for 15–20 minutes before shaping.
Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies; they should only have a light golden color around the edges.

Variations and Substitutions

Nuts: Replace almond flour with finely ground pecans, walnuts, or hazelnuts for a different flavor.
Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom for a warm, spiced twist.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! The cookies can be baked and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely! Shape the dough into balls, freeze on a baking sheet, and transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the baking time.

Why do I need to roll the cookies twice in powdered sugar?
Rolling the cookies while warm helps the sugar stick, and the second roll ensures a beautiful snowy coating.

Serving

Serve Almond Snowball Cookies on a festive platter as part of a holiday cookie spread. They pair perfectly with hot cocoa, tea, or coffee.

Suggestions

Package these cookies in decorative tins or cellophane bags for thoughtful holiday gifts.
Dust with edible glitter or a sprinkle of finely grated orange zest for an extra festive touch.
Serve with a side of whipped cream or ice cream for a decadent dessert.