Blueberry Almond Snowball Cookies: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Treat

Blueberry Almond Snowball Cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly encapsulates the joy of baking. These little morsels are not just cookies; they are a celebration of flavors and textures that come together in a delightful snowball shape. Originating from traditional Russian tea cakes, these cookies have evolved over the years, incorporating various ingredients that reflect regional tastes. The combination of sweet blueberries and nutty almonds creates a unique flavor profile that is both comforting and refreshing.

What I love most about Blueberry Almond Snowball Cookies is their melt-in-your-mouth texture, which makes them irresistible. They are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply indulging in a sweet treat at home. The convenience of preparing these cookies, along with their stunning appearance dusted in powdered sugar, makes them a favorite among friends and family. Once you try these delightful cookies, you’ll understand why they hold a special place in the hearts of many bakers and dessert lovers alike!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup finely chopped almonds
• 1 cup dried blueberries
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract

Preparing the Dough

Let’s get started on these delightful Blueberry Almond Snowball Cookies! The first step is to prepare the dough, which is the foundation of our cookies.

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar. I like to use an electric mixer for this, but you can also do it by hand with a wooden spoon. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
2. Add in the vanilla extract and almond extract. These extracts will give our cookies a wonderful flavor. Mix until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. This step is important to ensure that the salt is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
4. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
5. Now, fold in the finely chopped almonds and dried blueberries. I love using a spatula for this part, as it helps to gently incorporate the ingredients without breaking up the blueberries too much.
6. Once everything is combined, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step is crucial as it helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.

Shaping the Cookies

After the dough has chilled, it’s time to shape our cookies into those adorable snowball forms!

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Once the dough is chilled, take it out of the refrigerator. Using a small cookie scoop or your hands, portion out about 1 tablespoon of dough for each cookie. Roll the dough into a ball between your palms. I find that rolling them into a smooth ball helps them bake evenly.
3. Place the cookie balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie, as they will spread slightly while baking.
4. Once all the dough is shaped, it’s time to bake! Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look a bit soft, but they will firm up as they cool.

Cooling and Dusting

Now that our cookies are baked to perfection, let’s cool them down and give them that signature snowball look!

1. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes. This allows them to set a bit before transferring them.
2. After 5 minutes, carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is important to ensure they don’t become soggy.
3. Once the cookies are completely cool, it’s time to dust them with powdered sugar. Place some powdered sugar in a shallow bowl and gently roll each cookie in the sugar until they are fully coated. This gives them that beautiful snowy appearance!

Storing and Serving

Now that our Blueberry Almond Snowball Cookies are ready, let’s talk about how to store them and when to serve them!

1. These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, tea parties, or just a cozy afternoon snack. They pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee!
3. When serving, you can add a little extra powdered sugar on top for presentation.

Conclusion:

In summary, these Blueberry Almond Snowball Cookies are an absolute must-try for anyone looking to add a delightful twist to their cookie repertoire. The combination of sweet blueberries and nutty almonds creates a flavor profile that is both unique and comforting, making them perfect for any occasion—be it a cozy afternoon tea, a festive holiday gathering, or simply a sweet treat to enjoy with your morning coffee. For serving suggestions, I love to dust these cookies with a generous coating of powdered sugar right before serving, which not only enhances their visual appeal but also adds a touch of sweetness that complements the tartness of the blueberries. You can also experiment with variations by substituting the blueberries with other fruits like cranberries or cherries, or even adding a hint of lemon zest for a refreshing citrus kick. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try making these Blueberry Almond Snowball Cookies yourself! I promise you won’t be disappointed. Once you’ve baked a batch, I’d love to hear about your experience—feel free to share your thoughts, any tweaks you made, or even a photo of your delicious creations. Happy baking!

Print