Mary Berry’s Almond Snowballs are a delightful, melt-in-your-mouth treat perfect for the holiday season or any special occasion. These buttery cookies, infused with the nutty flavor of almonds and coated in a dusting of powdered sugar, resemble little snowballs, adding a festive touch to your dessert table. Easy to prepare and utterly irresistible, they’re sure to become a favorite.
What Are Mary Berry Almond Snowballs?
Almond snowballs are soft, buttery cookies made with ground almonds, butter, and flour. Once baked, they are generously rolled in powdered sugar, creating a delicate sweetness and their signature snowy appearance. These cookies are light, crumbly, and perfect for sharing.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Perfect for Gifting: Ideal for holiday cookie boxes.
- Quick and Simple: Easy-to-follow steps with minimal ingredients.
- Nutty and Sweet: A delightful flavor combination of almonds and sugar.
- Beautiful Presentation: Resembling snowballs, they’re perfect for festive occasions.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: These cookies store well and taste even better the next day.
Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Almond Snowballs
- Butter (150g, softened): Adds richness and creates a tender texture.
- Caster Sugar (50g): Sweetens the dough.
- Ground Almonds (100g): Provides a nutty flavor and crumbly texture.
- Plain Flour (150g): The base of the cookie dough.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Enhances the overall flavor.
- Powdered Sugar (for coating, about 100g): For the signature snowy look.
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Electric hand whisk or stand mixer
- Baking tray
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
Instructions to Make Mary Berry Almond Snowballs
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Step 2: Cream the butter and sugar
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and caster sugar together using an electric hand whisk or stand mixer until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add the vanilla and almonds
Stir in the vanilla extract and ground almonds, mixing until well combined.
Step 4: Incorporate the flour
Gradually add the plain flour and mix until the dough comes together. It should be soft but not sticky.
Step 5: Shape the cookies
Take small portions of dough and roll them into balls, about the size of a walnut. Place the balls on the prepared baking tray, spacing them slightly apart.
Step 6: Bake the cookies
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are just set and slightly golden on the bottom.
Step 7: 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 cooling rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Add a final dusting
Once completely cooled, roll the cookies in powdered sugar again for a thicker, snowy coating.
What Goes Well With Mary Berry Almond Snowballs
- Hot Tea or Coffee: Perfect for pairing with these delicate cookies.
- Hot Chocolate: A festive and indulgent combination.
- Fruit Compote: Adds a touch of tartness to balance the sweetness.
- Ice Cream: Use the cookies as a topping for vanilla or almond ice cream.
- Holiday Platters: Include these snowballs alongside other festive treats.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Mary Berry Almond Snowballs
- Don’t Overbake: The cookies should remain pale and tender, so check them regularly.
- Use Fresh Almonds: Fresh ground almonds provide the best flavor.
- Double Coat in Sugar: For a more pronounced snowy effect, coat the cookies twice in powdered sugar.
- Cool Slightly Before Coating: Rolling the cookies in sugar while warm helps the sugar stick better.
- Add a Twist: Mix in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a festive flavor.
Easy Variations of Mary Berry Almond Snowballs
- Add Chopped Nuts: Include finely chopped almonds or pecans for extra texture.
- Use Almond Extract: Substitute vanilla extract with almond extract for a stronger nutty flavor.
- Chocolate Snowballs: Dip the cookies in melted chocolate before rolling in sugar.
- Citrus Snowballs: Add orange or lemon zest to the dough for a zesty twist.
- Vegan Version: Replace butter with a plant-based alternative for a vegan-friendly treat.
Best Practices to Store Mary Berry Almond Snowballs
- Refrigerate the Dough: If the dough feels too soft, chill it for 20-30 minutes before shaping.
- Store in an Airtight Container: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Freeze for Longer Storage: Freeze unbaked dough balls and bake from frozen when needed.
Nutrition Value (per cookie):
- Calories: 90
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
FAQs
Can I make almond snowballs ahead of time?
Yes, almond snowballs can be made ahead of time. You can prepare the dough a day in advance, store it in the refrigerator, and bake the cookies fresh when needed. Alternatively, bake the cookies and store them in an airtight container for up to a week.
Can almond snowballs be frozen?
Yes, almond snowballs freeze well. You can freeze the unbaked dough balls and bake them directly from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time. Baked cookies can also be frozen; thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Why do my almond snowballs crumble?
If your almond snowballs are too crumbly, the dough may be too dry. Ensure you measure the ingredients accurately and allow the butter to soften fully before mixing. Adding a teaspoon of water or milk can help bind the dough.
Can I use almond flour instead of ground almonds?
Yes, almond flour can be used as a substitute for ground almonds. Ensure the almond flour is finely ground for the best texture in your cookies.
Final Words
Mary Berry’s Almond Snowballs are a delightful addition to your holiday baking repertoire. With their nutty flavor, delicate sweetness, and snowy appearance, they’re sure to be a hit with family and friends. Try this simple yet elegant recipe and enjoy a treat that’s perfect for any occasion!
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Mary Berry Almond Snowballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 15
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 20-25 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
Almond snowballs are soft, buttery cookies made with ground almonds, butter, and flour. Once baked, they are generously rolled in powdered sugar, creating a delicate sweetness and their signature snowy appearance. These cookies are light, crumbly, and perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
- Butter (150g, softened): Adds richness and creates a tender texture.
- Caster Sugar (50g): Sweetens the dough.
- Ground Almonds (100g): Provides a nutty flavor and crumbly texture.
- Plain Flour (150g): The base of the cookie dough.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Enhances the overall flavor.
- Powdered Sugar (for coating, about 100g): For the signature snowy look.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Step 2: Cream the butter and sugar
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and caster sugar together using an electric hand whisk or stand mixer until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add the vanilla and almonds
Stir in the vanilla extract and ground almonds, mixing until well combined.
Step 4: Incorporate the flour
Gradually add the plain flour and mix until the dough comes together. It should be soft but not sticky.
Step 5: Shape the cookies
Take small portions of dough and roll them into balls, about the size of a walnut. Place the balls on the prepared baking tray, spacing them slightly apart.
Step 6: Bake the cookies
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are just set and slightly golden on the bottom.
Step 7: 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 cooling rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Add a final dusting
Once completely cooled, roll the cookies in powdered sugar again for a thicker, snowy coating.
