If you have a soft spot for melt-in-your-mouth treats that pack a delightful nutty twist, then this Almond Snowball Cookies Recipe is about to become your new obsession. These little bites are tender, buttery, and perfectly crumbly, with the warm aroma of orange zest dancing alongside the rich almond flavor. What makes these cookies absolutely irresistible is the double dusting of powdered sugar, creating that signature snowy coat that melts via every gentle bite. Whether you’re planning a cozy afternoon tea or a festive treat to share, this Almond Snowball Cookies Recipe brings an elegant yet approachable charm to your baking repertoire.

Almond Snowball Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Almond Snowball Cookies Recipe is simple but essential, contributing to a harmony of flavor, texture, and that classic powdery finish. Each item plays a role in making sure the cookies are buttery, tender, subtly nutty, and beautifully fragrant with a hint of citrus.

Unsalted butter: Using softened butter ensures your dough is creamy and easy to mix, providing the rich, tender texture these cookies are known for.
Powdered sugar: Both mixed into the dough and used for rolling, powdered sugar gives these cookies their delicate sweetness and that iconic snowy coating.
Vanilla extract: This adds a warm, familiar depth of flavor that complements the almonds and orange zest perfectly.
All-purpose flour: The base for the dough, measured carefully for the perfect balance of structure and tenderness.
Fine salt: A pinch of salt heightens all the flavors, keeping your cookies balanced and far from flat.
Almond flour (or fine almond meal): This is the star that gives the cookies their trademark nutty flavor and crumbly texture.
Orange zest: Adds a subtle citrus brightness that lifts the richness of the butter and almonds.

How to Make Almond Snowball Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Surface

Start by preheating your oven to a warm 400°F. This temperature is just right for baking these cookies to golden perfection in a short time. Line your cookie sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure an even bake—trust me, a lined pan makes cleanup a breeze and keeps your snowballs looking pristine.

Step 2: Cream Butter, Sugar, and Vanilla

In your stand mixer, attach the whisk and blend together the softened butter, half a cup of powdered sugar, and the vanilla extract until the mixture is luxuriously smooth. This step is where the sweet, buttery base of your cookies begins to take shape, setting the stage for all the deliciousness to come.

Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Swap out the whisk for the paddle attachment and slowly add the all-purpose flour and fine salt, mixing until just combined. Then, add the almond flour and the orange zest. Mix until the dough is well blended—you want a consistency that sticks slightly to your spatula but not to your fingers. If your dough feels too sticky, a tablespoon or two more flour will help keep it manageable without drying it out.

Step 4: Shape and Bake Your Cookies

Using a small ice cream scoop or your hands, form the dough into 1-inch balls and place them spaced about an inch apart on your prepared baking sheets. Remember, keeping them small and evenly sized is key so they bake through fully without losing their tender texture. Pop them in the oven for 11 to 13 minutes; 11 minutes will give you soft centers with lightly golden edges—perfect for that classic tender bite.

Step 5: Roll in Powdered Sugar for the Perfect Snowball Finish

The magic happens shortly after baking, while the cookies are still warm but not hot. Roll each snowball in a generous bowl of powdered sugar, coating every nook and cranny. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Once they’ve reached room temperature, give them another dusting or a light sieve dusting of powdered sugar for that truly snowy, picture-perfect look.

How to Serve Almond Snowball Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

While the classic double powdered sugar coating is stunning on its own, you can also get creative by adding a pinch of finely chopped toasted almonds sprinkled on top for a bit of crunch or a tiny dash of cinnamon for warmth. These little touches add an extra layer of visual appeal and flavor that elevate your presentation.

Side Dishes

Almond Snowball Cookies pair beautifully with comforting drinks like hot coffee, chai tea, or a rich hot chocolate. Their crumbly softness contrasts perfectly with the warmth of your beverage, making them a delightful treat to enjoy alongside your favorite mug.

Creative Ways to Present

For gifting or holiday gatherings, arrange these cookies in a delicate tin lined with parchment paper, layering them carefully and separating with wax paper. Or serve them on a festive platter dusted with extra powdered sugar to mimic a fresh snowfall. Little paper doilies or decorative cupcake liners work wonders to add a homemade darling charm when serving guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Almond Snowball Cookies keep beautifully at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week. Make sure they’re fully cooled before storing to prevent moisture buildup, which could soften their cherished crumbly texture.

Freezing

These cookies freeze wonderfully, allowing you to enjoy them well beyond baking day. After the first powdered sugar roll and once fully cooled, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once firm, transfer them to a sealed freezer bag or container. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature and then re-roll in powdered sugar for that fresh snowball appearance.

Reheating

While these cookies are best served at room temperature, you can gently warm them in a low oven (about 250°F) for 5 minutes if you want a touch of warmth. Avoid microwaving as it can make the texture too soft and reduce their delightful crumbly quality.

FAQs

Can I substitute almond flour with regular flour?

Almond flour is key to achieving the signature nutty flavor and crumbly texture in this Almond Snowball Cookies Recipe. Using just regular flour will change the taste and texture significantly, but you could try replacing it partially with other finely ground nuts as an alternative.

Why do I need to roll cookies twice in powdered sugar?

The double roll in powdered sugar not only creates the iconic snowball appearance but also ensures the sugar coats the entire cookie evenly, adding a perfect sweetness layer that balances the buttery, nutty interior.

Can I use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer?

Absolutely! A hand mixer works just as well. Just take care to cream the butter and sugar thoroughly for the best texture, and mix in the dry ingredients gently to avoid overworking the dough.

How should I measure the flour for the best results?

For this recipe, measuring flour correctly is crucial. Fluff your flour, spoon it into the measuring cup without compacting, and level it with a knife. Too much flour can make the cookies dense, while too little may cause them to spread too much.

Can I add other flavors to this Almond Snowball Cookies Recipe?

Definitely! While the orange zest is delightful, you can experiment with lemon zest, a pinch of cardamom, or even a splash of almond extract to enhance the nutty flavor further. Just adjust amounts to taste so the additions don’t overpower the classic snowball profile.

Final Thoughts

Trust me when I say this Almond Snowball Cookies Recipe is one you’ll come back to time and time again. With its perfect balance of buttery richness, nutty almond goodness, and that magical snowy sugar coating, these cookies are suitable for everyday treats and special occasions alike. Dust off your mixing bowl, grab your favorite orange, and get ready to share some smiles through these irresistibly tender snowballs.

Almond Snowball Cookies Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 30 reviews

These Almond Snowball Cookies are tender, buttery, and delightfully nutty with a hint of fresh orange zest. Lightly crisp on the outside with a melt-in-your-mouth texture, these classic cookies are perfectly dusted with powdered sugar for a beautiful snowy appearance, making them an ideal treat for holidays or any special occasion.

Author: rami
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 38–40 cookies 1x
Category: Dessert, Cookie
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

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)

For Rolling

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a 3/4 size cookie sheet or two regular cookie sheets with parchment paper to ensure cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, cream together softened butter, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, providing a creamy base for the dough.
Combine Dry Ingredients with Dough: Switch to the paddle attachment. Gradually add the all-purpose flour and fine salt to the creamed mixture. Once incorporated, add the almond flour and orange zest. Mix until everything is well combined and the dough sticks slightly to the spatula but not to your fingertips. If the dough feels too sticky, add 1-2 tablespoons of extra flour.
Shape Cookies: Use a small ice cream scoop or your hands to form 1-inch balls of dough. Place them on the prepared baking sheets about 1 inch apart to allow space for spreading. You should get about 38 to 40 cookies. Avoid making them too large as they won’t bake through properly.
Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 11 to 13 minutes. Look for golden bottoms and edges that are just barely golden. For softer cookies, baking for 11 minutes is ideal.
Cool and Roll in Sugar: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. While they are still warm (not hot), roll each cookie in the 1 1/2 cups of powdered sugar to coat thoroughly. This initial coating helps the sugar stick perfectly.
Final Dusting: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Once at room temperature, roll them again in powdered sugar or dust the tops lightly with a mini sieve for a delicate, snowy finish that makes these cookies irresistible.

Notes

Measure the flour properly using the spoon-and-level method to avoid dense cookies.
Use fresh orange zest for the best citrus aroma and flavor.
Make sure the butter is softened but not melted to achieve the ideal dough consistency.
Rolling the cookies twice in powdered sugar enhances their classic snowball appearance.
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or freeze for longer storage.
For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.