Soft, nutty gluten-free almond snowballs perfect for sensitive stomachs
These gluten-free almond snowballs deliver a rich, buttery crumb with a subtle almond aroma. Perfect for sensitive stomachs, they're easy to make with just 4 ingredients and a 10-minute chill time.
Craving a nutty snowball without gluten? These gluten-free almond snowballs swap regular flour for almond flour, delivering a rich, buttery crumb and a subtle almond aroma. Cream butter and powdered sugar, fold in almond flour and a pinch of salt, shape into balls, chill for 10 minutes, and bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes. The cookies stay soft and melt-in-your-mouth, pairing perfectly with a cup of green tea or a glass of oat milk.
This recipe is ideal for anyone avoiding gluten or with sensitive digestion. The almond flour adds a delightful nutty flavor while keeping things light and tender. Best of all, they're ready to eat in just 30 minutes from start to finish!
Why This Recipe Works
Gluten-Free
Almond flour replaces wheat flour for a naturally gluten-free recipe that's safe for sensitive stomachs.
4 Ingredients Only
Just butter, powdered sugar, almond flour, and a pinch of salt - no specialty ingredients needed.
Quick & Easy
Mix, chill, shape, and bake - ready in 30 minutes with minimal effort.
Soft & Melty
The almond flour creates a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture that stays soft.
Gluten-Free Almond Snowball Cookies
Soft, nutty gluten-free cookies perfect for sensitive stomachs
Ingredients
- - 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- - 1 cup powdered sugar
- - 2 cups almond flour
- - 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine almond flour and salt.
💡 Use blanched almond flour for the best texture.
Cream Butter & Sugar: In another bowl, beat softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
💡 Use room temperature butter for even mixing.
Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
💡 The dough should be firm but not dry. Add a few drops of water if needed.
Chill Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate for 10 minutes.
💡 Chilling makes the dough easier to shape and prevents spreading.
Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
💡 Use a small cookie scoop for uniform size.
Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown around the edges.
💡 Cookies will be soft when fresh but firm up as they cool.
Cool & Serve: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
💡 Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition (per serving):
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Almond Flour
Provides the nutty flavor and gluten-free structure. Blanched almond flour works best for a smoother texture.
Substitutions: You can use hazelnut flour for a similar nutty flavor, or a gluten-free flour blend (1:1 ratio).
Powdered Sugar
Adds sweetness and helps create the snowball texture. You can use a 1:1 ratio of granulated sugar if preferred.
Substitutions: For a lower-sugar option, use a 50/50 mix of powdered sugar and almond flour.
Unsalted Butter
Adds rich flavor and helps bind the ingredients. Use room temperature butter for best results.
Substitutions: You can substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
Pro Tips for Perfect Gluten-Free Almond Snowballs
Flavor Boost
Add 1/2 tsp almond extract for an extra nutty flavor.
Chilling Tip
Chill the dough for at least 10 minutes to prevent spreading during baking.
Measuring Tip
Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for almond flour.
Serving Tip
Serve with a glass of oat milk or a cup of green tea for a complete snack.
Variations & Customizations
Cinnamon Sugar Coated
Roll the dough balls in a cinnamon-sugar mixture before baking for a sweet twist.
Chocolate Drizzle
Drizzle melted dark chocolate over cooled cookies for a decadent treat.
Dairy-Free Option
Use coconut oil instead of butter and vegan powdered sugar.
Nutty Mix-In
Add chopped walnuts or pistachios to the dough for extra texture.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Steaming mug of green tea with a hint of almond flavor
- Glass of oat milk for a dairy-free pairing
- Simple bowl of almond flour for presentation
🍷 Drink Pairings:
Pair with a cup of earl grey tea or a cold glass of oat milk for a satisfying snack.
Make-Ahead Instructions & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
You can prepare the dough and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before shaping and baking.
Refrigerator Storage
Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Freezer Storage
Unbaked cookie balls can be frozen for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to the baking time.
Reheating Instructions
Cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but you can warm them in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes to restore their texture.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: Why are my cookies too dry?
A: Almond flour absorbs more moisture than regular flour. Add 1-2 tbsp of milk or water to the dough if it feels too dry.
Q: Can I substitute almond flour with another flour?
A: Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend (1:1 ratio) or hazelnut flour for a similar texture.
Q: How do I prevent the cookies from spreading?
A: Chill the dough for at least 10 minutes before shaping and baking.
Q: Can I make these cookies vegan?
A: Yes, use coconut oil instead of butter and vegan powdered sugar.
Final Thoughts
These gluten-free almond snowball cookies are a perfect solution for anyone craving a nutty, soft cookie without gluten. With just 4 simple ingredients, they're easy to make and ideal for sensitive stomachs. Whether you're looking for a quick snack or a special treat, these cookies deliver a rich, buttery flavor that pairs beautifully with green tea or oat milk.
For best Pinterest visibility, post this cookie recipe as part of a complete meal series over 5-7 days: start with the main recipe pin, followed by complementary sides like a bowl of almond flour and rosemary, finishing with a dessert pairing pin showing the cookies with a glass of oat milk.
