Description
Soft, buttery, and delicately sweet, these Easy Almond Snowball Cookies are the perfect holiday treat. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture, nutty crunch, and snowy powdered sugar coating, they’re a festive favorite for cookie platters, gifting, or simply enjoying with a warm drink by the fire.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (divided: 1/2 cup for dough, 1 cup for coating)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is light and fluffy. Gradually add the flour, mixing gently until just combined.
- Add Pecans: Gently fold in the finely chopped pecans, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Shape the Cookies: Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into small balls. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until the bottoms turn a light golden brown while the tops remain pale. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Coat in Powdered Sugar: Once the cookies are fully cooled, roll them in the remaining powdered sugar until they’re completely coated for a snowy finish.
- Serve: Arrange on a festive platter and serve with tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. Enjoy!
Notes
- Substitutions: Pecans can be swapped with almonds, walnuts, or hazelnuts for a different flavor profile.
- Double Coating Tip: For a thicker powdered sugar coating, roll the cookies a second time once they’re fully cooled.
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Freeze the unbaked dough balls and bake directly from frozen for fresh cookies anytime.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American