Almond Snowball Cookies
This recipe for Almond Snowball Cookies is made with almond flour making these a great gluten-free and grain-free cookie option that can be enjoyed by everyone! These cookies are perfect to make for your next holiday gathering and will be sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Gluten-free snowball cookies
The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with a batch of Almond Snowball Cookies! While I’m sure we’re all used to making a batch of gingerbread cookies during the holidays, snowball cookies are an easier and quicker alternative that are equally as delicious.
These little cookies are a gluten-free and grain-free alternative to the traditional holiday cookie. They’re perfect for Christmas gatherings or as a cozy treat by the fire. They have a melt-in-your-mouth texture and only take about 30 minutes to make.
Enjoy these cookies for your next holiday gathering or to bake at home with your family. They’re sure to add a touch of *winter wonderland* magic to your holidays!
Why you’ll love these snowball cookies
- Gluten-Free and grain-free Goodness: Made with almond flour, these cookies are a fantastic gluten-free and grain-free option that doesn’t compromise on taste or texture.
- Simple Ingredients: With just six simple ingredients, these cookies are straightforward and fun to make.
- Perfect for the Holidays: Their snowball-like appearance and rich nutty flavour make them a festive favourite for Christmas and holiday gatherings!
Almond snowball cookie ingredients
- Almond Flour: Provides a nutty flavour and tender crumb, making these cookies both delicious and gluten-free.
- Powdered Sugar: Gives the cookies a delicate sweetness and contributes to their signature snowy coating.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps create a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Vanilla Extract: Infuses the cookies with a classic, warm flavour.
- Almond Extract: Enhances the nutty taste, complementing the almond flour beautifully.
- Salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and elevates the overall flavour profile.
*Full ingredient measurements and instructions are below in the recipe card.
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How to make snowball cookies
Step 1
Add the butter and powdered sugar to a large mixing bowl and cream together with a hand mixer, for about 1-2 minutes. Then add the vanilla extract and almond extract and continue to cream together for an additional minute until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Step 2
Add the almond flour and salt to the bowl and gently fold together with a spatula. You can also mix the dough together with your hands.
Step 3
Roll into even balls, about 1/2 tablespoon each and bake in the oven at 325 degrees F for about 12-15 minutes.
Step 4
Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes, then dip into the remaining powdered sugar. Let the cookies cook for another 10 minutes and then dip them again into the powdered sugar.
Snowball cookie recipe variation
- Nut Variations: You can add up to 1/3 cup of finely chopped almonds, pecans, walnuts or hazelnuts to the cookie dough
- Citrus Zest: Add 1-2 tablespoons of lemon or orange zest to the dough for a hint of citrusy brightness.
- Chocolate Chips: Mix in 1/3 cup of mini chocolate chips for a chocolatey surprise in every bite.
How to Store
Countertop: Store your Almond Snowball Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to a week. If you need to stack them, place a piece of parchment paper between each layer to prevent sticking.
Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies for up to a month. Thaw them at room temperature before serving, and dust them with additional powdered sugar if needed to refresh their snowy appearance.
Expert tips for making snowball cookies
- Use almond flour, not almond meal: For a smoother texture use almond flour in these cookies as opposed to almond meal. Almond flour has a finer texture which will lead to a smaller crumb in these cookies and a better texture.
- Use room temperature butter: Use butter that is softened to room temperature, but not melted for the best consistency. Cold butter will be difficult to cream together with the sugar.
- Mix gently: Mix the dough gently to avoid overworking, which can make the cookies dense.
- Uniform Size: Roll the dough into evenly sized-balls for consistent baking. I like to use a half-tablespoon measuring spoon to measure out the cookies.
- Cool Before Coating: Let the cookies cool slightly for 5 minutes before rolling them in powdered sugar to ensure they stick properly. If you try rolling them into the powdered sugar right away the cookies can fall apart and the sugar will melt as the cookies are too hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
These cookies are made with a base of almond flour, so unfortunately they cannot be made nut-free.
Yes! you can use plant-based butter as a substitute for regular butter.
If the dough warms up too much it may become too sticky to handle. If this is the case chill the dough in the fridge for 30 minutes before shaping it into balls.
Powdered sugar is best in this recipe to give the cookies a soft texture, however, you can use granulated sugar in the cookies if you prefer and powdered sugar to top the cookies.
If your snowball cookies spread out too much it’s likely because they have too much butter in them, or the dough is too soft. If you find the dough is too soft you can add a few extra tablespoons of almond flour to the dough and chill the dough in the fridge for 30-60 minutes before rolling into balls.
Try these delicious cookies next!
- Ginger Molasses Cookies
- White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies
- Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Vegan Thumprint Cookies
- Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies
If you tried these Almond Snowball Cookies or any other recipe on the blog let me know how you liked it by leaving a comment/rating below! Be sure to follow along on Pinterest, Instagram, Tiktok and Facebook for even more deliciousness!
Print
Almond Snowball Cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
gluten-free and grain-free snowball cookies that come together in just 30 minutes!
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup butter, softened to room temperature
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
- 2 cups almond flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Powdered sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper
- In a mixing bowl cream together the butter and powdered sugar together for 1-2 minutes with a hand mixer until light and fluffy. (You can alternatively use a stand mixer.)
- Add the vanilla and almond extract and mix together for another 30 seconds.
- Gradually mix in the almond flour and salt using a large spoon or spatula until the dough comes together.
- Roll into balls, about a half tablespoon per ball and place them on the cookie sheet about an inch apart.
- Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until they are just starting to turn golden
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then gently roll them in additional powdered sugar while they are still warm. Once they have cooled completely, roll them in powdered sugar again for a snowy effect.
Bake 325 for 12-15 minutes
Notes
- Storage: Store in a container on the countertop for up to a week.
- Butter: For a dairy-free version, you can substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative.
- Add-Ins: Feel free to customize the cookies with your favourite add-ins, like nuts, chocolate chips, or citrus zest
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 3.8g
- Fat: 3.5
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1g
I think something is missing in the recipe. 1/3 cup Powdered what?
Thanks I hope to be able to make these, they look devine!
Hi Tammi, it’s 1/3 cup powdered sugar!
lovely cookies and very nice to know that these are made with almond flour! And that they work, I’m never confident with from scratch almond flour baking, so thank you!