Almond Snowballs

The Story & Intro

If there’s one holiday cookie that instantly melts my heart, it’s almond snowballs those buttery, nutty, powder-sugar-dusted little clouds that taste like winter magic. I still remember the very first time I made a batch after moving to the U.S. I had invited my neighbors over for cocoa, and I wanted to bring something guaranteed to make them smile. When I set a plate of warm almond snowballs on the table, the room fell silent for a moment… then came the mmm’s. That’s when I knew this recipe was special.

Bonjour my friends! 👋 I’m Lacamorea, a 31-year-old French girl who traded the cobblestone streets of Paris for the cozy kitchens of America 🇫🇷➡️🇺🇸. Ever since I could reach the countertop, I’ve been whisking, stirring, and sneaking tastes of cake batter when no one was looking 🍰😋. Cooking isn’t just my passion it’s my love language, my therapy, and my favorite way to make people smile.

And these almond snowballs? They’re one of my secret weapons.

Delicate. Dreamy. Melt-in-your-mouth. They give me all the nostalgic vibes of French holiday pastries, but with the warm, comforting charm of classic American Christmas cookies. Whether you’re prepping for a cookie exchange, gifting homemade treats, or simply craving something sweet with your afternoon coffee, almond snowballs never disappoint.

In today’s recipe, I’ll show you how to make the perfect batch lightly crisp on the outside, buttery inside, and rolled in snowy powdered sugar so they sparkle like tiny edible snowflakes. So grab your apron, mon ami. Let’s bake something magical together. ❄️✨

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⏱️ Time

• Prep: 15 minutes
• Chill Time: 30 minutes
• Bake: 12–14 minutes
• Total: About 1 hour

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🛒 Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these irresistible almond snowballs:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for rolling)
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup finely chopped almonds (or almond meal)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Optional but heavenly:

• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract for extra almond flavor
• A little orange zest for brightness

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Cream the Butter & Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with 1/2 cup powdered sugar until light, pale, and creamy. This gives your almond snowballs that irresistible melt-in-the-mouth texture.

2. Add Vanilla (and Almond Extract, if using)

Stir in the vanilla extract. If you love extra almond flavor like I do, add almond extract for a richer, deeper nuttiness.

3. Mix in the Dry Ingredients

Add flour and salt, stirring until a dough forms. It will be slightly crumbly that’s exactly how it should look.

4. Add the Almonds

Fold in the finely chopped almonds. The dough should now hold together easily when pressed.

5. Chill the Dough

Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This prevents the cookies from spreading and helps them keep their signature round shape.

6. Roll into Snowballs

Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll into small balls. Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

7. Bake

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12–14 minutes, or until the bottoms turn lightly golden. Don’t overbake we want tender snowballs, not crunchy rocks!

8. First Powder Sugar Roll

While still warm, gently roll each cookie in powdered sugar. The warmth helps the sugar cling like real snow.

9. Second Powder Sugar Roll

Once fully cooled, roll them again for that beautiful snowy finish ✨.

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Serving Suggestions

These almond snowballs are perfect for:

• Holiday cookie platters
• Gifting in festive tins
• Pairing with hot cocoa, tea, or espresso
• A cozy winter brunch spread
• Sneaking one (or two!) with breakfast no judgment 😄

For a fun twist:

• Roll them in cinnamon powdered sugar
• Add crushed freeze-dried raspberries to the coating
• Dip half the cookie in melted dark chocolate

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📝 Notes

• To make these gluten-free, substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• For extra flavor, toast the almonds lightly before chopping.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
• These freeze beautifully both baked and unbaked!

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🍽️ Nutrition

(Per cookie — approximate)

• Calories: 110
• Fat: 8g
• Carbs: 9g
• Protein: 1.5g
• Sugar: 3g

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Recipe Card 🍪

Almond Snowballs Recipe

⏱️ Time:
Prep 15 min | Chill 30 min | Bake 14 min

🛒 Ingredients:

• 1 cup softened butter
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups flour
• 1 cup finely chopped almonds
• 1/4 tsp salt
• Optional: almond extract, orange zest

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Cream butter + sugar.
2. Add vanilla (and almond extract).
3. Mix in flour + salt.
4. Fold in almonds.
5. Chill dough 30 min.
6. Roll into balls.
7. Bake at 350°F for 12–14 min.
8. Roll warm cookies in powdered sugar.
9. Roll again once cooled.

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Conclusion

There’s something truly magical about almond snowballs simple ingredients, big flavor, and that nostalgic holiday charm that warms your heart with every bite. They remind me of cozy Parisian winters and the joy I’ve found sharing homemade treats in my American kitchen. They’re buttery little bites of happiness, and I’m so thrilled to pass this recipe on to you.

Bake a batch, share them with someone you love, and let these sweet, snowy cookies bring a little sparkle into your season ❄️💕