Method
Step 1 — Preheat & Prepare
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2 — Chop the Almonds
- Finely chop almonds using a knife or pulse in a food processor.
- Do not turn into flour—small pieces give texture.
- Set aside.
Step 3 — Cream Butter & Sugar
- Combine softened butter and powdered sugar in a bowl.
- Beat until creamy, smooth, and light.
- This step creates the classic melt-in-your-mouth snowball texture.
Step 4 — Add Flavor Extracts
- Add almond extract and vanilla extract.
- Mix until fully blended and fragrant.
Step 5 — Add the Dry Ingredients
- Add all-purpose flour and salt (if using).
- Mix gently until a thick dough forms.
- Do not overmix.
Step 6 — Add the Almonds
- Fold in the chopped almonds.
- Mix just until evenly combined.
Step 7 — Shape the Cookies
- Scoop 1 tablespoon of dough.
- Roll into smooth balls.
- Place onto the lined baking sheet.
- These cookies do not spread much.
Step 8 — Bake
- Bake for 10–12 minutes.
- Tops should stay pale; bottoms lightly golden.
- Do not overbake.
Step 9 — First Powdered Sugar Coat
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes.
- While still warm, roll each cookie in powdered sugar.
- Place on a cooling rack.
Step 10 — Final Snowball Coat
- Once fully cooled, roll again in powdered sugar
- for a thick, snowy, bakery-style finish.
Notes
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Room Temperature Store in an airtight container for 5–7 days. Freezer (Dough) Roll dough into balls and freeze up to 2 months. Bake from frozen +2 extra minutes. Freezer (Baked Cookies) Freeze before rolling in sugar. Thaw, then coat in powdered sugar. Reheating Not needed—cookies are best at room temperature. 🥄 Variations
1. Toasted Almond Snowballs Toast almonds for deeper nutty flavor. 2. Almond Coconut Snowballs Add 2 tablespoons shredded coconut. 3. Almond Chocolate Chip Snowballs Add 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips. 4. Almond Lemon Snowballs Add 1 teaspoon lemon zest for a bright twist. 5. Almond Pistachio Snowballs Replace half the almonds with chopped pistachios. 6. Nut-Free Version Skip almonds and add 2 tablespoons extra flour. ❓ 10 FAQs
1. Why are my snowballs dry or crumbly? Too much flour or overbaking. Add 1 teaspoon butter next time. 2. Can I use almond flour instead of chopped almonds? Use only chopped almonds—almond flour changes texture. 3. Can I double the recipe? Yes—this recipe doubles perfectly. 4. Why did the powdered sugar melt? Cookies may have been too hot. Cool 2 minutes before rolling. 5. Can I make them without vanilla? Yes, but vanilla adds warmth and depth. 6. Are these cookies crunchy or soft? Soft, crumbly, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth. 7. Can I use salted butter? Yes—just reduce added salt. 8. Do the cookies spread? No—snowballs keep their round shape. 9. Can I add more almond extract? Yes, but it’s strong. Do not exceed 1 teaspoon. 10. Are these good for gifting? Absolutely—perfect for holiday boxes and trays. 🏁 Conclusion These Almond Snowball Cookies (Quick and Easy!) deliver everything you want in a holiday cookie: buttery softness, light sweetness, delicate almond flavor, and a snowy powdered sugar finish. They’re easy, fast, beautiful, and made with simple pantry ingredients. Whether you’re baking for Christmas, gifting to friends, or treating yourself, these cookies bring comfort and joy in every bite. You’ll love how quickly they come together—and how fast they disappear!
Room Temperature Store in an airtight container for 5–7 days. Freezer (Dough) Roll dough into balls and freeze up to 2 months. Bake from frozen +2 extra minutes. Freezer (Baked Cookies) Freeze before rolling in sugar. Thaw, then coat in powdered sugar. Reheating Not needed—cookies are best at room temperature. 🥄 Variations
1. Toasted Almond Snowballs Toast almonds for deeper nutty flavor. 2. Almond Coconut Snowballs Add 2 tablespoons shredded coconut. 3. Almond Chocolate Chip Snowballs Add 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips. 4. Almond Lemon Snowballs Add 1 teaspoon lemon zest for a bright twist. 5. Almond Pistachio Snowballs Replace half the almonds with chopped pistachios. 6. Nut-Free Version Skip almonds and add 2 tablespoons extra flour. ❓ 10 FAQs
1. Why are my snowballs dry or crumbly? Too much flour or overbaking. Add 1 teaspoon butter next time. 2. Can I use almond flour instead of chopped almonds? Use only chopped almonds—almond flour changes texture. 3. Can I double the recipe? Yes—this recipe doubles perfectly. 4. Why did the powdered sugar melt? Cookies may have been too hot. Cool 2 minutes before rolling. 5. Can I make them without vanilla? Yes, but vanilla adds warmth and depth. 6. Are these cookies crunchy or soft? Soft, crumbly, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth. 7. Can I use salted butter? Yes—just reduce added salt. 8. Do the cookies spread? No—snowballs keep their round shape. 9. Can I add more almond extract? Yes, but it’s strong. Do not exceed 1 teaspoon. 10. Are these good for gifting? Absolutely—perfect for holiday boxes and trays. 🏁 Conclusion These Almond Snowball Cookies (Quick and Easy!) deliver everything you want in a holiday cookie: buttery softness, light sweetness, delicate almond flavor, and a snowy powdered sugar finish. They’re easy, fast, beautiful, and made with simple pantry ingredients. Whether you’re baking for Christmas, gifting to friends, or treating yourself, these cookies bring comfort and joy in every bite. You’ll love how quickly they come together—and how fast they disappear!
