The Story & Intro
If there’s one treat that instantly transports me back to chilly holiday evenings and cozy kitchen moments, it’s almond snowballs. I still remember the first time I bit into one that delicate blend of buttery crumble, toasted almonds, and a blizzard of powdered sugar that made me feel like winter had arrived right inside my mouth. These little cookies carry warmth, nostalgia, and just the right amount of festive magic.
When I moved to the States, I began baking almond snowballs for friends who had never tasted them before. Their eyes always widened at that melt-in-your-mouth moment, and soon enough, they started asking for them every holiday season. I joked that these cookies make people fall in love with you and honestly, it might be true.
And before we go further, let me reintroduce myself the way I always do in my recipes:
“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.”
These almond snowballs are exactly the kind of recipe that lets me share that love simple, comforting, and filled with old-world charm. In France, we adore buttery biscuits, and in Greece (where my heart lives through family-inspired cooking), almond-based sweets are a tradition. These cookies feel like the perfect marriage of both worlds. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or brand new to the kitchen, you’ll find these snowballs easy, quick, and delightfully rewarding.
So grab your mixing bowl, warm up your oven, and let’s fill your home with buttery holiday bliss. ❄️💕
⏱️ Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 20 minutes
- Bake Time: 12–14 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to make the perfect batch of almond snowballs:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for rolling)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup finely chopped almonds (toasted optional, but recommended)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
👩🍳 Instructions
Follow these easy steps to create your buttery, snowy perfection:
1. Cream the butter and sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This step is essential for the melt-in-your-mouth texture.
2. Add the vanilla
Mix in the vanilla extract until fully combined. Your kitchen should already smell heavenly.
3. Stir in dry ingredients
Add flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms. It may look crumbly at first keep going and it will come together.
4. Add the chopped almonds
Fold in the almonds evenly. Toasting them first deepens the flavor and adds a subtle nutty aroma, so don’t skip it if you have time.
5. Chill the dough
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for about 20 minutes. This helps the cookies hold their round shape while baking.
6. Roll into snowballs
Scoop out 1-tablespoon portions of dough and roll them into small, neat balls. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each.
7. Bake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12–14 minutes. The bottoms should be lightly golden, but the tops should stay pale and soft.
8. Coat with snow
Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes, then roll them in powdered sugar while still warm. Once completely cool, roll a second time to create that perfect snowy finish.
Serving Suggestions
These almond snowballs pair beautifully with a warm drink think hot chocolate, chai, peppermint tea, or even a festive latte. Serve them on a holiday platter with red berries for color, or package them in tins for the sweetest homemade gift.
They also freeze exceptionally well, making them the perfect make-ahead holiday cookie. And if you’re hosting a winter gathering, place these on the table alongside buttery shortbread or chocolate crinkle cookies for a delightful dessert trio.
📝 Notes
- Toasting the almonds adds incredible depth try 7 minutes in a 350°F oven.
- For extra flavor: add a drop of almond extract (just a drop it’s strong!).
- Dough too crumbly? Add 1–2 teaspoons of softened butter.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Freeze baked cookies (without sugar coating) for up to 2 months; thaw & roll in sugar before serving.
🍽️ Nutrition (per cookie)
- Calories: ~110
- Fat: 8g
- Carbs: 8g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 1g
Recipe Card
❄️ Almond Snowballs Melt-In-Your-Mouth Holiday Cookies ❄️
⏱️ Time
Prep: 15 min | Bake: 12–14 min | Total: 50 min
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 cup butter
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 2 1/4 cups flour
- 1 cup chopped almonds
- 1/4 tsp salt
👩🍳 Instructions
- Cream butter + sugar.
- Add vanilla.
- Mix flour + salt.
- Fold in almonds.
- Chill 20 min.
- Roll into balls.
- Bake 350°F for 12–14 min.
- Roll twice in powdered sugar.
📝 Notes
Toasted almonds = richer flavor. Roll warm cookies for the perfect coat.
Conclusion
There’s something so magical about a recipe this simple turning into something so beautiful. Almond snowballs always remind me of the joy of sharing whether it’s in a warm kitchen with family or gifting a little tin of sweetness to someone you love. These cookies embody everything I adore about holiday baking: comfort, nostalgia, and that little sparkle of childhood wonder.
Every time I make these, I’m reminded of why I fell in love with cooking in the first place. It’s not just about the food it’s about the stories, the memories, and the moments we create around the table. And now, I hope these buttery snowballs become a part of your story too. ❄️💛
