- Almond meal or finely ground almonds (1 1/2 cups)
- Unsalted butter, softened (3/4 cup)
- Granulated sugar (1/3 cup)
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon)
- Egg whites (1 large egg white)
- Edible glitter or sprinkles (optional for decoration)
Steps
### Almond Snowball Cookies: A Sweet Holiday Tradition
Almond snowballs are a delicious and festive treat that can easily become a family favorite during holiday baking sessions. These soft, buttery cookies with a delightful almond flavor are perfect as they are or dipped in chocolate. Here’s how to make these irresistible almond snowballs using simple ingredients and easy steps.
#### Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup confectioners' sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup ground almonds
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
#### Equipment Needed:
- Mixing bowls
- Spatula
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- Cookie cutter (about 1-inch in diameter)
#### Detailed Steps:
1. **Preparation:**
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. **Mixing the Dough:**
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and both sugars until light and fluffy.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and ground almonds.
- Gradually mix in the salt to ensure even distribution of flavor throughout the dough.
3. **Forming the Balls:**
- Chill the dough for about 15 minutes in the refrigerator. This step helps firm up the mixture, making it easier to roll into balls.
- Once chilled, use your hands or a small spoon to form the dough into uniform 1-inch balls.
4. **Baking:**
- Place the almond snowball cookies onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until just set and lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. **Optional Dipping:**
- Once fully cooled, you can dip your almond snowballs in melted chocolate (white or dark) or drizzle them with a simple glaze made of confectioners' sugar mixed with milk or cream.
- Allow the cookies to set before serving or storing.
#### Tips for Perfect Almond Snowballs:
- **Consistency:** Ensure that your dough is not too dry or wet. A slightly sticky yet manageable consistency works best.
- **Dough Chilling:** Chilling the dough before forming the balls helps them hold their shape during baking.
- **Almond Choice:** Using high-quality ground almonds can significantly enhance the flavor and texture of these cookies.
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By following these detailed steps, you'll be able to create a batch of delicious almond snowballs that are sure to please everyone around your holiday table. Enjoy the process and the sweet results!