Almond Snowballs

Almond Snowballs

• Total Time: 1 hrs 37 mins
• Yield: 5 dozen

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup slivered almonds
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Parchment paper
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°. Bake almonds in a single layer in a shallow pan 6 minutes or until toasted and fragrant, stirring halfway through. Cool completely (about 20 minutes). Reduce oven temperature to 325°.
2. Process almonds in a food processor 30 seconds or until finely ground.
3. Beat butter at medium speed with a heavy-duty electric stand mixer until creamy. Gradually add vanilla and 1 cup powdered sugar, beating well. (Dough will be crumbly.)
4. Combine flour, salt, and almonds; gradually add to butter mixture, beating until blended.
5. Shape dough into 3/4-inch balls, and place 2 inches apart on parchment paper-lined baking sheets.
6. Bake at 325° for 12 to 15 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool on baking sheets 2 minutes. Transfer to wire racks, and cool 10 minutes. Roll cookies in 1/2 cup powdered sugar.