Healthy Snowball Cookies

Healthy Snowball Cookies are a wholesome take on the classic holiday favorite. With a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture and buttery richness, these cookies are subtly sweet and packed with nutrient-dense ingredients like almond flour and walnuts. They’re perfect for gifting, entertaining, or enjoying with a warm drink during the holiday season.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookies taste indulgent without being overly sweet or heavy. They’re gluten-free, made with just a few simple ingredients, and naturally lower in carbs and sugar than traditional snowball cookies. They come together quickly, require no chilling, and can easily be made ahead or frozen. Whether you’re baking for guests or just want a healthier holiday treat, these snowball cookies are a satisfying option that doesn’t compromise on taste or texture.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1/3 cup butter, softened

• 2/3 cup icing sugar or powdered erythritol, plus 2 tablespoons for coating

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• 2 cups almond flour

• 1 tablespoon warm water or milk (as needed)

• 3/4 cup walnuts, finely chopped

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

2. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and icing sugar with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.

3. Add vanilla extract and mix until just incorporated.

4. Add almond flour and mix with a spatula, then use your hands to finish forming a cohesive dough. Add 1 tablespoon of warm water or milk if needed to bind the dough.

5. Stir in the finely chopped walnuts until evenly distributed.

6. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough, roll it into a ball, and place on the baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each (they won’t spread).

7. Bake for 12 minutes, just until the bottoms are set and before browning.

8. Let cookies cool for exactly 5 minutes.

9. Roll the warm cookies in the reserved 2 tablespoons of icing sugar.

10. Transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

Servings: 22 cookies
Prep time: 25 minutes
Cook time: 12 minutes
Cooling time: 5 minutes
Total time: 42 minutes

Variations

• Nut Swap: Use finely chopped pecans or almonds instead of walnuts.

• Flavor Boost: Add a dash of cinnamon or cardamom for a warm spice profile.

• Sugar-Free Option: Use powdered erythritol to keep these cookies completely refined sugar-free.

• Chocolate Dip: Dip half of each cookie in melted dark chocolate for an extra treat.

• Coconut Twist: Roll the cookies in unsweetened shredded coconut instead of powdered sweetener for a different texture and look.

Storage/Reheating

Store: Keep the cookies in a cookie jar or airtight container for up to 5 days. Add a slice of bread to absorb moisture if the environment is humid.
Freeze: Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let thaw at room temperature for a few hours before serving.

FAQs

Can I use coconut oil instead of butter?

Coconut oil tends to make these cookies more crunchy than soft and buttery. For the classic snowball texture, butter is best.

Can I use another type of flour instead of almond flour?

No, almond flour has a unique texture and fat content that’s essential to this recipe. Other flours won’t behave the same way.

How do I keep the cookies from falling apart?

Be sure to mix the dough thoroughly and add a bit of warm water or milk if the dough is too crumbly. Letting them cool slightly before rolling in sugar also helps.

Can I make these vegan?

Yes. Substitute the butter with vegan butter and use a plant-based milk or water to bind the dough.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely. These cookies freeze very well and can be made several days in advance and stored at room temperature or frozen.

What can I use instead of icing sugar?

If you’re looking to reduce sugar, powdered erythritol is a great alternative. It provides similar texture and sweetness.

Why do the cookies not spread?

These cookies are designed to hold their shape and not spread during baking. That’s part of their traditional appearance and structure.

Are these cookies keto-friendly?

They’re low in carbs due to almond flour and low sugar content, but for strict keto, use erythritol and check the macros against your daily allowance.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe scales well. Just be sure to bake in batches or use multiple baking sheets to avoid overcrowding.

How do I get a smooth finish when rolling in sugar?

Roll them gently in powdered sugar while still warm to ensure it sticks well. For a thicker coating, you can roll them a second time once cooled.

Conclusion

Healthy Snowball Cookies are a festive, guilt-free way to enjoy the holiday baking season. Soft, nutty, and subtly sweet, these cookies prove that healthier treats can still be indulgent. Whether you’re sharing them with friends, family, or keeping a batch for yourself, they’re sure to become a new seasonal favorite.

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