First Snow Cookies

Is there anything more magical than seeing that first snow during winter and witnessing your surroundings transform from golden brown to white? I always loved seeing the seasons change and people’s moods transform. For some reason, the changing of the seasons always ignites a sense of inspiration and creativity in me that drives me to create fresh, new recipes that embody each season. For the colder months, I’ve created the First Snow Cookies.

They may be inspired by the winter, but you can still make them all year round. Their flavors are universal and timeless, making them a perfect dessert to enjoy on any occasion.

The First Snow Cookies have a particularly nutty flavor — thanks to the almond extract and finely ground almonds — which make them distinct and different from other desserts you’ve probably tasted before. However, if you’re not the biggest fan of almonds, you can swap them for other nut types like walnuts or pecans. They will taste different — but no less delicious.

If you’re allergic to any type of nuts, I recommend substituting oatmeal, granola, crisp rice cereal, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds. These alternatives work great to add a similar taste and texture to your First Snow Cookies without the danger of getting an allergic reaction! What’s more, many of these options are healthy. If you want to create a dessert that’s not only delicious but also nutritional, then these are the ingredients for you.

Whether you go the traditional or the alternative route, you can make a dessert that everyone will love. To achieve the feeling of First Snow, don’t forget to sprinkle confectioner’s sugar on your cookies before serving them.

First Snow Cookies

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Capture the magic of the first snow of winter through the lightness and airiness of these First Snow Cookies. They embody the spirit of the holiday with a sweet and aromatic flavor that makes every bite extraordinary.

• Author: Bill Dugan
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies
• Category: Bakery

Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar, plus more for dusting
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cake flour
• 1 1/2 cups finely ground almonds

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream the butter and confectioners’ sugar until light and fluffy. Add the salt, almond extract, vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, cake flour, and ground almonds and mix well. If the dough is too soft to handle, chill it for 20 to 30 minutes.
3. Using a cookie scoop, shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
4. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Let the cookies cool.
5. Put a few tablespoons of confectioners’ sugar in a bowl and roll the cookies in the sugar until fully coated. Place on a plate and serve.

What do you think of this recipe? Do you like it with the almonds or do you prefer a different nut? Or something else entirely, like oatmeal?