Almond Snowball Cookies are a timeless holiday favorite — buttery, nutty, and dusted with a generous coating of powdered sugar that makes them look like little snowballs. These cookies are tender, crumbly, and melt in the mouth, making them a perfect addition to any festive dessert table. Known by many names — Russian Tea Cakes, Mexican Wedding Cookies, or Butterballs — this version highlights the delicate flavor of almonds for a rich, aromatic twist.
The beauty of Almond Snowball Cookies lies in their simplicity. Made with just a handful of ingredients — butter, flour, sugar, and almonds — they deliver incredible flavor and texture without any fuss. The buttery dough bakes into soft, crumbly cookies that are rolled in powdered sugar while still warm, creating a sweet, snowy coating that’s both beautiful and delicious.
This recipe works because it balances richness and lightness. The almonds add a nutty depth, the butter provides tenderness, and the powdered sugar gives a delicate sweetness. The result is a cookie that’s elegant, nostalgic, and perfect for gifting or sharing during the holidays.
Ingredients and Their Roles
Unsalted butter: The base of the dough, providing richness and a tender crumb.
Powdered sugar: Used in the dough for a fine texture and as a coating for sweetness.
All-purpose flour: Gives structure to the cookies while keeping them soft.
Almond flour or finely ground almonds: Adds nutty flavor and a delicate texture.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor and aroma.
Almond extract: Deepens the almond flavor for a fragrant finish.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the buttery taste.
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 or almond flour
¼ tsp salt
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream the butter and sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla and almond extracts and mix until combined. - Add the dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground almonds, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. - Shape the cookies
Scoop out small portions of dough (about 1 tablespoon each) and roll them 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. - Coat in powdered sugar
Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes, then roll them gently in powdered sugar while still warm. Place them on a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, roll them again in powdered sugar for a snowy finish.
Tips for Perfect Almond Snowball Cookies
Use room-temperature butter for smooth mixing.
Do not overbake — the cookies should stay pale and tender.
Roll the cookies in sugar while warm so it adheres properly.
For extra flavor, toast the almonds before grinding.
Store in an airtight container to keep them fresh and soft.
Variations and Flavor Combinations
Classic Almond Snowballs: Traditional version with almond flour and vanilla.
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 dark chocolate.
Coconut Snowballs: Add shredded coconut to the dough for a tropical twist.
Spiced Snowballs: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth.
Serving Suggestions
Almond Snowball Cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or as edible gifts. Serve them with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for a cozy winter treat. They also make a beautiful addition to Christmas dessert platters or festive brunch tables.
Make-Ahead and Storage
Make-ahead: The dough can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and refrigerated. Let it soften slightly before shaping.
Storage: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Freezing: Freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the baking time.
Nutritional Information (per cookie)
Calories: 120 kcal
Carbohydrates: 10 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 the United States, they’re often called Russian Tea Cakes or Mexican Wedding Cookies. In Europe, similar recipes exist in Austria, Italy, and Spain. The common thread is their buttery, nutty flavor and powdered sugar coating, which gives them their signature “snowball” appearance. The almond version is particularly popular for its delicate aroma and refined taste.
Flavor and Texture Profile
The perfect Almond Snowball Cookie is buttery, crumbly, and melts in the mouth. The almonds add a subtle nuttiness that balances the sweetness of the powdered sugar. The texture is tender yet slightly crisp on the outside, creating a satisfying bite that dissolves into rich, buttery goodness.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Dry cookies: Measure flour accurately and avoid overbaking.
Crumbly dough: Add a teaspoon of milk if the dough feels too dry.
Sugar not sticking: Roll cookies in sugar while still warm.
Overly sweet: Use unsweetened almond flour and adjust sugar to taste.
Flat cookies: Chill the dough for 15 minutes before baking if it’s too soft.
Baker’s Tips
Use a cookie scoop for uniform size.
Sift powdered sugar before rolling for a smooth coating.
Add a pinch of sea salt on top for a sweet-salty contrast.
For a festive touch, mix edible glitter or colored sugar into the coating.
Serve on a white platter for a snowy presentation.
Pairing Ideas
With Drinks: Pair with coffee, espresso, or hot cocoa.
>With Food: Serve alongside fruit tarts, chocolate truffles, or shortbread.
>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. Their delicate flavor, snowy appearance, and melt-in-the-mouth texture make them a symbol of warmth and celebration. Baking them fills the kitchen with the comforting aroma of butter and almonds, evoking memories of festive gatherings and family traditions.
The Science of Perfect Shortbread Texture
The tender, crumbly texture of these cookies comes from the high butter content and the absence of eggs. Butter coats the flour particles, limiting gluten formation and creating a melt-in-the-mouth consistency. The powdered sugar dissolves easily, giving the cookies a fine, smooth crumb. Almond flour adds richness and prevents dryness, ensuring each bite is soft and flavorful.
Presentation and Finishing Touches
For a beautiful presentation, arrange the cookies on a festive platter and dust lightly with extra powdered sugar before serving. For gifting, place them in decorative tins or glass jars lined with parchment paper. Add a ribbon and a handwritten tag for a personal touch. Their snowy appearance makes them perfect for winter-themed celebrations.
Modern Variations
Keto Version: Use almond flour and a sugar-free sweetener like erythritol.
Vegan Version: Replace butter with plant-based margarine.
Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free flour blend.
Low-Sugar Version: Reduce powdered sugar and use natural sweeteners.
Gourmet Version: Add orange zest or dip in dark chocolate for sophistication.
The Perfect Bite
The perfect bite of an Almond Snowball Cookie is soft, buttery, and delicately sweet. The powdered sugar melts instantly, followed by the nutty richness of almonds and the smooth texture of the shortbread. It’s a cookie that feels both nostalgic and luxurious — simple yet unforgettable.
Conclusion
Almond Snowball Cookies are buttery, nutty, and perfectly festive — a classic treat that captures the spirit of the holidays. With their melt-in-the-mouth texture and snowy coating, they’re as beautiful as they are delicious. Easy to make and endlessly adaptable, they’re ideal for gifting, sharing, or savoring with a warm drink by the fire. This recipe proves that the simplest ingredients can create the most delightful results — a true celebration of comfort, tradition, and sweetness in every bite.
