Description
These Christmas Almond Snowball Cookies are buttery, nutty, and delightfully sweet, featuring a classic combination of almond flavor and tender texture. Coated in powdered sugar, these festive cookies melt in your mouth and are perfect for holiday celebrations or any time you want a sweet, nutty treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped almonds
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Coating
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the cookies to a perfect, lightly golden finish.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy, providing a smooth base for the dough.
- Add Extracts: Mix in the vanilla and almond extracts thoroughly to infuse the dough with rich aroma and flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, chopped almonds, and salt, ensuring the dry elements are evenly distributed.
- Mix Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring until everything is well combined to form a soft dough.
- Shape Cookies: Form the dough into small balls, approximately 1 inch in diameter, and place them evenly spaced on a baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they are just lightly golden around the edges.
- Cool and Coat: Allow the cookies to cool slightly, then gently roll them in the remaining powdered sugar to give them a snowy, festive appearance and an extra touch of sweetness.
Notes
- Use softened butter at room temperature for easier creaming and better texture.
- Be careful not to overbake; cookies should be lightly golden, not brown, for a tender crumb.
- Chopped almonds add a lovely crunch but you can toast them lightly beforehand to enhance flavor.
- Rolling the cookies in powdered sugar when still warm allows the sugar to stick better for a perfect coating.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to one week.
