Ah, the magic of holiday baking! There’s just something so heartwarming about filling the kitchen with the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked cookies. My family has a cherished tradition of making Christmas Almond Snowball Cookies each year, and it’s a ritual I look forward to more than anything else. The moment I mix that soft, buttery dough, I can’t help but smile! These little treats are not only delightful to eat but also bring a festive spirit that fills our home with joy. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and a sweet dusting of powdered sugar, they’re the kind of cookies that make every moment feel special. Trust me, these cookies are a must-have for your holiday celebrations!
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up these delightful Christmas Almond Snowball Cookies. Make sure to gather these ingredients ahead of time so you can enjoy a smooth baking experience!
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature for easy creaming
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for coating
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, for that lovely warm flavor
- 1 teaspoon almond extract, which adds a delightful nutty essence
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted to ensure a light texture
- 1 cup chopped almonds, finely chopped for the best crunch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, to balance the sweetness
How to Prepare Christmas Almond Snowball Cookies
Let’s dive into the fun part—making these scrumptious Christmas Almond Snowball Cookies! Follow my steps closely, and you’ll have a batch of buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treats in no time!
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because a properly preheated oven ensures even baking. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this! Let it warm up while you prepare the dough, so you’re ready to pop those cookies in right when you’re done.
Cream the Butter and Sugar
Now, grab a mixing bowl and toss in your softened unsalted butter and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar. Using an electric mixer, cream them together on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes. You want it to be smooth, so don’t rush this step! The right consistency is key to achieving that tender texture.
Mix in Extracts
Next, add in the vanilla and almond extracts. These are what give your cookies that delightful, festive flavor! Mix them in gently until fully incorporated, making sure everything is well blended. The aroma alone will have you dreaming of the holidays!
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together your sifted flour, chopped almonds, and salt until there are no lumps. This step helps to evenly distribute the dry ingredients, which is super important for uniform cookies. Gradually add this mixture to your butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—it’s okay if the dough looks a little crumbly!
Form the Cookies
Now comes the fun part—shaping the dough! Scoop out about a tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each ball so they have room to spread while baking.
Bake the Cookies
Once your oven is preheated, it’s time to bake! Slide the baking sheet in and let the cookies bake for 10-12 minutes, or until they’re lightly golden on the bottom. Keep an eye on them! After taking them out, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before rolling them in powdered sugar. This will give them that snowy finish we love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Christmas Almond Snowball Cookies are an absolute delight for so many reasons! They’re not just cookies; they’re a festive experience. Here’s why you’ll want to make them this holiday season:
- Quick Prep Time: With just 15 minutes of prep, you can whip up these cookies and get back to your holiday fun in no time!
- Easy Baking Process: The steps are straightforward, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels. You can even get the kids involved!
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of buttery goodness and nutty almond flavor creates a melt-in-your-mouth treat that everyone will love.
- Festive Appeal: The powdered sugar coating gives them a beautiful, snowy look that’s perfect for holiday gatherings and cookie platters.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare these cookies a week in advance, so they’re ready when you need them!
Tips for Success
Want to make sure your Christmas Almond Snowball Cookies turn out perfectly every time? Here are some of my top tips that I’ve learned through years of baking these little treasures!
- Toast the Almonds: For an extra depth of flavor, consider toasting your chopped almonds before adding them to the dough. Just spread them on a baking sheet and pop them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes, keeping an eye on them so they don’t burn. You’ll be amazed at the difference it makes!
- Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake! They should be lightly golden on the bottom but may still look a bit pale on top. If they’re too golden, they might be overbaked, so trust your instincts and take them out when they look just right!
- Chill the Dough: If you find that the dough is too soft to handle easily, don’t hesitate to chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This makes it easier to shape into balls and helps them hold their form while baking.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Since the ingredients are simple, using high-quality butter and extracts can make a noticeable difference in flavor. It’s worth it for that rich, buttery taste!
- Don’t Skip the Cooling Time: Allow your cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before rolling them in powdered sugar. This helps the sugar adhere better and gives you that gorgeous snowy coat!
With these tips, you’re all set to bake up a storm and impress your friends and family with your delicious Christmas Almond Snowball Cookies! Enjoy the process and the sweet rewards!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying Christmas Almond Snowball Cookies, it’s nice to know what you’re indulging in! Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional values per cookie. Keep in mind that these values are approximations based on typical ingredients, so they might vary slightly based on your specific choices:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 2g
These little treats are definitely a delicious way to celebrate the season, and with this info, you can enjoy them even more, knowing what’s in each bite!
FAQ Section
I know you might have a few questions about making the perfect Christmas Almond Snowball Cookies, so let’s tackle some of the most common ones!
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Great question! You can easily make these cookies gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure to use one that’s designed for baking, as it will help achieve the right texture. Some blends even include xanthan gum, which can help with binding.
Can I use different nuts?
Absolutely! While almonds give these cookies their signature flavor, you can swap in your favorite nuts. Pecans or walnuts would work beautifully, too. Just chop them finely and use them in the same quantity as the almonds. Experimenting with different nuts can give a fun twist to the classic recipe!
How do I store leftover cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should last about a week—if they last that long! If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just make sure to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature and roll them in powdered sugar again if needed!
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the dough ahead and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. If you want to freeze it, shape the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag and bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
What if my cookies spread too much?
If you notice your cookies spreading too much, it could be due to the butter being too soft or the dough not being chilled. Make sure to cream the butter just until fluffy and consider chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This will help them keep their shape better!
Feel free to reach out if you have more questions or need tips—I’m here to help you make the best Christmas Almond Snowball Cookies ever!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve baked your delicious Christmas Almond Snowball Cookies, you’ll want to make sure they stay fresh so you can enjoy them throughout the holiday season! Here’s how to store them properly:
- Storing: Place your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. I love using a cute tin or a glass jar to keep them festive! They should stay fresh for about a week, but trust me, they might not last that long!
- Freezing: If you want to keep them for a longer time, you can definitely freeze them. Just make sure to wrap each cookie tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply let them thaw at room temperature for a bit.
If you prefer your cookies warm, you can reheat them in the oven. Just pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. This brings back that lovely softness and makes them feel freshly baked again! Oops, just be careful not to overheat them, or they might dry out.
By following these simple storage tips, you’ll ensure your Christmas Almond Snowball Cookies stay delicious and ready to share with family and friends throughout the holidays!
Print
Christmas Almond Snowball Cookies: 5 Steps to Joyful Baking
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Christmas Almond Snowball Cookies are soft, buttery treats coated in powdered sugar.
Ingredients
- 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
- 1 cup powdered sugar for coating
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar together.
- Add vanilla and almond extracts, mixing well.
- In another bowl, combine flour, chopped almonds, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until well combined.
- Shape the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until lightly golden.
- Let them cool for a few minutes, then roll in powdered sugar.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- These cookies can be made a week in advance.
- For more flavor, toast the almonds before chopping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Christmas Almond Snowball Cookies