This Almond Snowball Cookies recipe is the perfect holiday or anytime treat. These cookies are buttery, nutty, and coated in powdered sugar, giving them the signature snowball look that makes them melt-in-your-mouth delicious. With just four simple ingredients, you can bake a batch in under 30 minutes, making them one of the easiest festive cookies to share with family and friends.
These Almond Snowball Cookies are naturally gluten free when made with almond flour, dairy free when using vegan butter, and full of roasted almond flavor. They’re also a beautiful cookie to serve on a holiday tray, pack into cookie boxes, or enjoy with coffee or tea. If you love easy and classic cookies like this, you might also enjoy my Coconut Almond Cookies or the soft, fruity Blueberry Muffin Cookies.
In This Post
Why You’ll Love This Almond Snowball Cookies Recipe
- Buttery, nutty flavor with the perfect crumbly bite.
- Just 4 ingredients plus an optional touch of almond extract.
- Naturally gluten free and dairy free friendly.
- Festive, bakery-style cookies ready in under 30 minutes.
- Perfect for cookie swaps, holiday trays, or afternoon tea.
table talk
With Liliya!
Every holiday season, I find myself coming back to these snowball cookies because they remind me of childhood celebrations and family gatherings. They’re quick to make, yet they look like something you’d find at a bakery. The light dusting of powdered sugar always brings a smile, and they’re just the right blend of crumbly and nutty. I love sharing these with neighbors or serving them alongside a warm cup of coffee after dinner.
Liliya
Ingredients Needed For Almond Snowball Cookies
- Almond flour. Blanched almond flour gives the cookies their tender, buttery texture. It also makes them naturally gluten free.
- Powdered sugar. Divided into two parts: half goes into the dough for sweetness, and the other half is for rolling the baked cookies to create that classic snowy finish.
- Dairy free butter. Melted unsalted vegan butter binds the dough and gives the cookies richness. You can use regular unsalted butter if you don’t need them to be dairy free.
- Roasted almonds. Chopped roasted almonds add crunch and depth of nutty flavor. Toasting the almonds enhances their natural taste.
- Optional almond extract. A small amount boosts the almond flavor and gives the cookies a wonderful aroma.
How I Make Almond Snowball Cookies
(This is a quick overview of how I make Almond Snowball Cookies, with tips along the way. You’ll find the full ingredients & instructions in the recipe card below.)
- Preheat the oven. Set oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly grease the paper with oil spray.
- Mix the dough. In a bowl, combine almond flour, half the powdered sugar, chopped almonds, melted butter, and almond extract if using. Stir until it forms a crumbly dough you can press together.
- Shape the cookies. Divide the dough into equal portions, roll into balls, and place on the baking sheet. Gently press the tops so they flatten slightly.
- Bake. Bake for about 15 minutes until golden brown. Let them cool for 5 minutes.
- Coat in sugar. While still slightly warm, roll the cookies in the remaining powdered sugar until fully coated.
Expert Tips for Almond Snowball Cookies
Roll while warm. Rolling the cookies in powdered sugar while they’re slightly warm helps the coating stick better.
Don’t overbake. The cookies should be golden but not too dark or they’ll lose their delicate texture.
Toast almonds first. Toasting almonds before chopping intensifies their nutty flavor.
Double coat. For a thicker snowy look, roll the cookies a second time once cooled.
Make ahead. The dough can be shaped and refrigerated a day in advance, then baked when ready.
What to Serve with Almond Snowball Cookies
These cookies pair perfectly with coffee, hot cocoa, or tea. They also look stunning on a Christmas cookie platter alongside Mexican Wedding Cookies or Tea Cakes. You can also serve them after a dinner party as a light, sweet bite.
Almond Snowball Cookies Recipe Variations and Substitutions
- Vanilla Snowball Cookies. Replace almond extract with vanilla extract for a classic shortbread-style flavor.
- Chocolate-Dipped Snowball Cookies. Dip half of each cooled cookie in melted dark or white chocolate.
- Spiced Snowball Cookies. Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a cozy, spiced flavor.
- Pecan Snowball Cookies. Swap chopped almonds with chopped pecans for a Southern twist.
- Hazelnut Snowball Cookies. Use roasted hazelnuts instead of almonds for a Ferrero-inspired version.
- Gluten Free Dairy Option. Use regular butter if dairy is not a concern.
Storing / Freezing Almond Snowball Cookies
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To freeze, place cooled cookies in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving and roll again in powdered sugar if needed.
How to Pack Almond Snowball Cookies for Work and School
Let cookies cool completely before packing to avoid melting the sugar coating. Store in a small airtight container or cookie tin to keep them from breaking. Add parchment paper between layers if stacking. They make a sweet surprise in lunchboxes or a cheerful afternoon snack at work.
FAQs About Almond Snowball Cookies
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be made a day in advance and baked fresh. Baked cookies also store well for several days.
Why are my snowball cookies falling apart?
If the dough is too dry, add a little more melted butter until it holds together. Letting the cookies cool helps them firm up.
Do I have to use almond extract?
No, it’s optional. Vanilla works too, or you can skip it altogether.
Can I use another nut?
Yes, pecans, walnuts, or hazelnuts work beautifully.
Are Almond Snowball Cookies gluten free?
Yes, when made with almond flour, they are naturally gluten free.
More Almond Goodies To Try
Before you get started! If you try this Almond Snowball Cookies recipe, I’d love for you to leave a rating and review. It helps us keep sharing free recipes you can count on.
Almond Snowball Cookies
- Total Time25 minutes
- Yield8 cookies 1x
- DietGluten Free
These Almond Snowball Cookies are buttery, nutty, and coated in powdered sugar for a melt-in-your-mouth holiday treat. With only 4 simple ingredients, they’re naturally gluten free, dairy free friendly, and ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond flour
- ⅔ cup powdered sugar (divided: ⅓ cup + ⅓ cup)
- 3 tbsp melted dairy-free butter (unsalted)
- ⅓ cup roasted almonds, chopped
- Optional: ½ tsp almond extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease.
- In a mixing bowl, combine almond flour, ⅓ cup powdered sugar, chopped roasted almonds, melted butter, and almond extract if using. Mix until crumbly dough forms.
- Roll into 8 balls and place on baking sheet. Gently flatten the tops.
- Bake for 15 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool for 5 minutes, then roll warm cookies in remaining ⅓ cup powdered sugar.
- Transfer to a rack and let cool fully. Roll again in powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
- Roll while cookies are warm so the sugar sticks better.
- For a stronger almond flavor, use almond extract.
- Toast almonds before chopping for deeper flavor.
- Roll a second time once cooled for a thicker snowy look.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
More Almond Flour Cookie Recipes
Love baking with almond flour? Browse the full Almond Flour Cookie Recipes collection, or browse everything in our Cookie Recipes.
