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This buttery, melt-in-your-mouth snowball cookie recipe brings together the brightness of lemon and the nutty richness of almonds for a delicate treat that's perfect for holidays, special occasions, or anytime you crave something sweet yet sophisticated. The powdered sugar coating creates that classic "snowball" look while adding just the right amount of sweetness.
I first made these during a holiday baking marathon when I wanted something beyond the usual chocolate chip cookies. My grandmother tasted one and declared them even better than her 50-year-old recipe—they've been our family's signature holiday cookie ever since.
Ingredients
- Cold salted butter: Adds richness and provides the perfect crumbly texture for these snowballs
- Confectioners' sugar: Creates that melt-in-your-mouth quality both in the dough and as the finishing coating
- Fresh lemon zest: Provides bright flavor that balances the richness. Always use organic lemons if possible for zesting
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile and complements the lemon beautifully
- Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness. Table salt works too but reduce the amount slightly
- Almond flour: Gives these cookies their distinctive nutty flavor and tender crumb. Look for finely ground varieties
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure. For best results use an unbleached variety
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Combine Base Ingredients:
- Place butter, confectioners' sugar, lemon zest, vanilla, salt, and almond flour in food processor. Pulse 10 to 15 times at 1-second intervals until the mixture looks crumbly with small pieces of butter distributed throughout. This creates the perfect texture without overworking the dough.
- Add Flour and Form Dough:
- Add all-purpose flour and process until the mixture comes together around the blade. You'll know it's ready when it forms a cohesive mass. Avoid overprocessing which can make cookies tough.
- Prepare for Baking:
- Preheat oven to 350ºF and line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Using a light-colored sheet pan prevents bottoms from browning too quickly. The parchment ensures even baking and easy removal.
- Form Cookie Balls:
- Use a scoop or preferably a scale to divide dough into approximately 30 portions of 20 grams each. Roll each portion between your palms to form perfect balls. Consistent sizing ensures even baking.
- Bake the Cookies:
- Place 12 dough balls on prepared sheet pan with space between them. Bake for 14 to 15 minutes until very pale with lightly browned bottoms. They should maintain their shape and be set but not deeply colored.
- Apply Sugar Coating:
- Let cookies cool briefly for 2 minutes on the pan then transfer to a cooling rack. Immediately sift confectioners' sugar generously over the warm cookies so it adheres properly. The warm cookies help the first layer of sugar to stick.
- Cool and Store:
- Allow cookies to cool completely before storing in an airtight container. They'll keep at room temperature for up to one week if they last that long.
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The lemon zest is truly the star ingredient here. I once made these without it when I had no lemons on hand, and while they were still good, they lacked that special brightness that makes everyone ask for the recipe. My aunt once hid a tin of these from the rest of the family during our Christmas gathering—we still tease her about it years later.
The Secret to Perfect Texture
The magic of these snowball cookies lies in their melt-in-your-mouth texture, which comes from two key factors. First, using cold butter that's pulsed rather than fully creamed creates tiny pockets of fat that expand during baking. Second, the combination of almond flour and all-purpose flour creates a tender crumb that's substantial enough to hold together but delicate enough to dissolve on your tongue. If your cookies turn out too crumbly, you likely overprocessed the dough. If they're too firm, the butter may have been too warm before baking.
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Flavor Variations
While the lemon-almond combination is exceptional, this versatile recipe welcomes creative adaptations. For orange-cardamom snowballs, substitute orange zest for lemon and add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cardamom. Chocolate lovers can add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder and use orange zest instead of lemon. For a holiday twist, try adding 1/4 teaspoon of almond extract and folding in 1/3 cup of finely chopped dried cranberries after processing. Just remember that any wet additions may require slightly more flour to maintain the proper consistency.
Make-Ahead and Gifting
These snowball cookies are perfect for planning ahead during busy holiday seasons. The dough balls can be frozen for up to a month. Simply arrange them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, add 1-2 minutes to the baking time. For gifting, arrange cooled cookies in a decorative tin with parchment paper between layers and include a small container of extra powdered sugar for refreshing the coating. These delicate treats ship well when properly packed with cushioning to prevent movement.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use unsalted butter for these snowball cookies?
Yes, you can use unsalted butter if that's what you have on hand. The recipe notes that salted butter is preferred but unsalted works fine too.
- → How long do these lemon-almond cookies stay fresh?
These cookies will stay fresh for up to one week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
- → Why shouldn't I use a dark-colored sheet pan?
Dark-colored sheet pans absorb more heat, which can cause the bottoms of these delicate cookies to brown too quickly. Use a light-colored pan with parchment paper for best results.
- → Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the recipe notes that the dough balls can be chilled in an airtight container if necessary before baking.
- → When should I dust the cookies with powdered sugar?
Dust the cookies with confectioners' sugar immediately after they've cooled on the pan for about 2 minutes and been transferred to a cooling rack. The slight warmth helps the sugar adhere better.
- → What makes these cookies have a 'snowball' appearance?
The round shape of the cookies combined with the generous dusting of white confectioners' sugar creates the snowball effect, making them perfect for winter holidays or gatherings.