Description
These Almond Snowball Cookies are buttery, tender, and perfectly crumbly, rolled in powdered sugar to give them a delicate, sweet finish. Featuring the nutty flavor of almond flour and a hint of fresh orange zest, these cookies are a festive treat ideal for holiday gatherings or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 lb unsalted butter (16 Tbsp), softened at room temperature
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (measured correctly)
- 1/2 tsp fine salt (fine sea salt preferred)
- 1 cup almond flour (or fine almond meal)
- 1/2 Tbsp orange zest (from 1 medium orange)
Coating
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar for rolling cookies
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract until combined. Gradually add both the all-purpose flour, almond flour, and salt, stirring until the dough comes together and no dry flour remains. Finally, fold in the orange zest to evenly distribute the citrus aroma.
- Shape and chill: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, approximately the size of a walnut. Place them spaced apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Chill the cookie dough balls in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to help maintain their shape during baking.
- Bake the cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the chilled dough balls on the prepared baking sheet for 12-13 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain pale.
- Roll in powdered sugar: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes until warm but not hot. Immediately roll each cookie in the 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar until fully coated. Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack, then roll again in powdered sugar for a final dusting.
- Serve and store: Once fully cooled and coated, transfer cookies to an airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to one week, or freeze for longer storage.
Notes
- Be sure to measure flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off to avoid dense cookies.
- Chilling the dough helps the cookies keep their round shape and prevents spreading during baking.
- Use fresh orange zest for the best citrus flavor without any bitterness.
- Almond flour adds a lovely nuttiness and tenderness but can be substituted with more all-purpose flour for a different texture.
- These cookies are traditionally rolled twice in powdered sugar for maximum snowy effect.
