Almond Snowball Cookies are the essence of holiday baking — buttery, nutty, and coated in a delicate layer of powdered sugar that looks like freshly fallen snow. These cookies, also known as Russian Tea Cakes or Mexican Wedding Cookies, are tender, crumbly, and melt in the mouth with every bite. Their simplicity and elegance make them a timeless favorite for Christmas cookie trays, winter gatherings, and edible gifts.
The beauty of Almond Snowball Cookies lies in their texture and flavor. The buttery dough, enriched with finely ground almonds, bakes into a soft, crumbly cookie that’s perfectly balanced by the sweetness of powdered sugar. They’re rich yet light, sweet yet nutty, and irresistibly festive.
This recipe works because it uses the perfect ratio of butter, flour, and nuts to create a dough that holds its shape while baking but still crumbles delicately when eaten. The double coating of powdered sugar gives them their signature snowy appearance and melt-in-your-mouth finish.
Ingredients and Their Roles
Unsalted butter: Provides richness and a tender texture.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the dough and coats the cookies for a snowy finish.
All-purpose flour: Gives structure and stability.
Finely ground almonds: Add nutty flavor and delicate texture.
Vanilla extract: Enhances flavor and aroma.
Almond extract: Deepens the nutty flavor.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
Step-by-Step Recipe
Ingredients (makes about 30 cookies)
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup powdered sugar (plus more for rolling)
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp almond extract
2¼ cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup finely ground almonds
¼ tsp salt
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream the butter and sugar
In a large bowl, beat the butter and ½ cup powdered sugar together until light and creamy. Add the vanilla and almond extracts, mixing until smooth. - Add the dry ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together flour, ground almonds, and salt. Gradually add to the butter mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. - Shape the cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets about 1 inch apart. - Bake
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. The tops should remain pale. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. - Roll in powdered sugar
While still warm, roll each cookie in powdered sugar until fully coated. Place on a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, roll again in powdered sugar for a snowy finish.
Tips for Perfect Almond Snowball Cookies
Use room-temperature butter for smooth mixing.
Do not overbake — cookies should stay pale on top.
Roll cookies in sugar while warm so it adheres well.
Grind almonds finely for a smooth texture.
Store in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Variations and Flavor Combinations
Classic Almond Snowballs: Traditional version with almond extract and ground almonds.
Pecan Snowballs: Replace almonds with finely chopped pecans.
Hazelnut Snowballs: Use ground hazelnuts for a rich, nutty flavor.
Chocolate-Dipped Snowballs: Dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate.
Coconut Snowballs: Add ½ cup shredded coconut to the dough.
Spiced Snowballs: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth.
Serving Suggestions
Almond Snowball Cookies are perfect for Christmas parties, cookie exchanges, or as edible gifts. Serve them with coffee, tea, or hot cocoa. They also make a beautiful addition to dessert platters or holiday tins.
Make-Ahead and Storage
Make-ahead: Prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance and refrigerate.
Storage: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Freezing: Freeze unbaked dough balls or baked cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw before rolling in powdered sugar.
Nutritional Information (per cookie)
Calories: 130 kcal
Carbohydrates: 12 g
Sugar: 5 g
Fat: 8 g
Protein: 2 g
The History of Snowball Cookies
Snowball Cookies have a long and varied history, appearing in many cultures under different names. In Mexico, they’re known as Mexican Wedding Cookies; in Russia, as Russian Tea Cakes; and in Italy, as Butterballs. Despite their different origins, they share the same basic ingredients — butter, nuts, flour, and sugar — and the same irresistible texture. Their snowy appearance and rich flavor have made them a holiday staple around the world.
Flavor and Texture Profile
The perfect Almond Snowball Cookie is buttery and crumbly, with a delicate nutty flavor and a sweet powdered sugar coating. The texture is tender and melt-in-your-mouth, while the almonds add a subtle crunch and depth of flavor. Each bite is rich yet light, making them impossible to resist.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Dry cookies: Do not overbake; remove when bottoms are just golden.
Crumbly dough: Add a teaspoon of milk if the dough is too dry.
Uneven coating: Roll cookies twice in powdered sugar for full coverage.
Bitter flavor: Use blanched almonds to avoid bitterness from skins.
Flat cookies: Chill the dough for 20 minutes before baking.
Baker’s Tips
Use a cookie scoop for uniform size.
Sift powdered sugar before rolling for a smooth finish.
Add a pinch of salt to balance sweetness.
Bake one sheet at a time for even results.
Let cookies rest overnight for deeper flavor.
Pairing Ideas
With Drinks: Pair with coffee, espresso, or hot cocoa.
>With Food: Serve alongside shortbread, biscotti, or truffles.
>With Occasions: Perfect for Christmas, weddings, or afternoon tea.
The Joy of Holiday Baking
Almond Snowball Cookies embody the joy of holiday baking — simple ingredients transformed into something magical. The process of rolling dough, baking, and coating cookies in powdered sugar is both satisfying and festive. Baking them fills the kitchen with the scent of butter and almonds, creating a cozy, cheerful atmosphere.
The Science of Perfect Snowball Cookies
The key to perfect Almond Snowball Cookies lies in the butter-to-flour ratio. Butter provides richness and tenderness, while flour gives structure. The absence of eggs keeps the cookies crumbly and delicate. The nuts add texture and flavor, while the powdered sugar coating enhances sweetness and creates the signature melt-in-your-mouth finish.
Presentation and Finishing Touches
For a stunning presentation, arrange cookies on a festive platter or in decorative tins lined with parchment paper. Dust lightly with extra powdered sugar before serving for a snowy effect. For gifting, place cookies in clear bags tied with ribbon or in small boxes with tissue paper.
Modern Variations
Keto Version: Use almond flour and sugar-free powdered sweetener.
Vegan Version: Replace butter with plant-based margarine or coconut oil.
Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free flour blend.
Low-Sugar Version: Use reduced-sugar powdered sweetener.
Gourmet Version: Add orange zest, cardamom, or dip in dark chocolate.
The Perfect Bite
The perfect bite of an Almond Snowball Cookie is buttery, nutty, and sweet, with a delicate crumb that melts on the tongue. The powdered sugar coating adds a soft sweetness that balances the rich almond flavor. Each bite feels like a little piece of winter magic — light, festive, and full of holiday cheer.
Conclusion
Almond Snowball Cookies are buttery, nutty, and dusted with powdered sugar — a classic holiday treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and delicate flavor, they’re perfect for Christmas celebrations, cookie exchanges, or cozy winter afternoons. Easy to make and endlessly adaptable, these cookies are a must-have for every baker’s holiday collection. This recipe proves that the simplest ingredients can create the most enchanting results — a true celebration of butter, almonds, and the joy of festive baking.
