If you’re searching for a delightful treat that is both simple and nourishing, the 4 Ingredient Healthier Snowball Cookies Recipe is an absolute game changer. These cookies are wonderfully buttery, gently sweetened with pure maple syrup, and have a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture thanks to the almond flour. Best of all, they only require four straightforward ingredients, making them a fantastic option whenever you want to whip up a batch of cookies that feel indulgent but are lighter than your traditional version. Trust me, these cookies effortlessly satisfy your sweet tooth without the guilt!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two groups of round dough balls placed on white parchment paper, with three rows and two columns each. The left group has smooth and shiny pale yellow dough balls that look tightly packed and round, while the right group has rougher, slightly crumbly-textured dough balls of similar size and color but with an uneven surface. Both sets are evenly spaced on a white marbled surface, highlighting the texture contrast between the two types of dough. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role – from the nutty almond flour that gives a rich texture, to the maple syrup bringing natural sweetness – all combining to create the perfect healthier snowball cookie.

Superfine blanched almond flour (2 1/2 cups / 236g): Provides that tender crumb and adds healthy fats and protein, making these cookies naturally gluten-free.
Unsalted butter, melted (8 tbsp / 110g): Brings richness and moisture to the dough, ensuring the cookies are soft but hold their shape.
Maple syrup (4 1/2 tbsp / 67ml): Offers natural sweetness with a subtle depth of flavor, plus it helps bind the ingredients.
Powdered sweetener (2 tbsp / 22g): Used to dust over the cookies for a light, snowy finish – you can use powdered sugar or a low-calorie option.

How to Make 4 Ingredient Healthier Snowball Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper ensures the cookies won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze. This little prep sets the stage for cookie perfection.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the superfine almond flour, melted butter, and maple syrup. Stir with a spatula until you get a soft, scoopable dough. If you find the dough a bit crumbly, add a splash more maple syrup – you want it just moist enough to roll into balls without sticking all over your hands.

Step 3: Shape the Cookies

Use a tablespoon cookie scoop to portion out the dough – this helps keep the cookies uniform in size. Roll each portion between your palms to form nice round balls; don’t worry if they’re not perfectly smooth, their charm is in their rustic look. Space them about an inch apart on the baking sheet to give room for gentle spreading during baking.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake the cookies for 12 to 20 minutes, watching closely as they turn lightly golden around the edges and on top. The almond flour browns quickly, so be ready to pull them out when they have that faint golden hue to avoid overbaking. Let them cool completely on the baking sheet – this helps them firm up but stay tender inside.

Step 5: Dust with Powdered Sweetener

Once cooled, use a fine mesh strainer to dust the cookies evenly with powdered sweetener. This step gives them the classic snowball cookie look and adds a sweet finishing touch. Don’t hesitate to add a bit more powdered sweetener if you want them extra snowy and pretty.

How to Serve 4 Ingredient Healthier Snowball Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

These cookies are easily beautiful on their own, but you can elevate them with a few simple garnishes. Try a light sprinkle of cinnamon for a warm twist or finely chopped pistachios for a pop of color and crunch. These tiny touches make your snowball cookies perfect for sharing at holiday parties or afternoon tea.

Side Dishes

Serve these cookies alongside a cozy cup of herbal tea, hot cocoa, or freshly brewed coffee. Their subtle sweetness and slight nuttiness balance wonderfully with warm beverages. For a festive spread, pair them with fresh berries or a small bowl of fruit compote to add a refreshing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Get creative and arrange your cookies in a pretty tin lined with parchment paper, or stack them in a glass jar adorned with a ribbon for a lovely gift. You can also sandwich a little almond butter or chocolate spread between two cookies for a decadent treat that doubles as a conversation piece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your snowball cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay tender and delicious for a few days. If you live in a warm climate, storing them in the refrigerator can extend freshness, just bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully. Lay them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container. This keeps them from sticking together and allows you to thaw just the amount you need for quick cravings or unexpected guests.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy the cookies warm, gently warm them in a low oven (about 300°F or 150°C) for 5 minutes or so. Avoid the microwave to keep them from becoming too soft or greasy. Warmed up, they taste like they just came out of the oven, fresh and comforting.

FAQs

Can I substitute almond flour with another type of flour?

While almond flour is essential for the texture and flavor of this 4 Ingredient Healthier Snowball Cookies Recipe, you might try ground cashews or hazelnuts for a similar effect, but wheat or all-purpose flour will change the cookie’s character significantly.

Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

This recipe calls for unsalted butter, which is dairy-based, so it is not strictly vegan. However, you can experiment with vegan butter or coconut oil as a substitute to keep it plant-based.

Why does the dough sometimes feel too dry?

Because almond flour can vary in moisture, your dough might be on the dry side. If that happens, just add a little more maple syrup, one teaspoon at a time, until the dough holds together nicely without being sticky.

Can I use powdered sugar instead of powdered sweetener?

Absolutely! Powdered sugar works just as well to dust the cookies and gives a classic look. Using a powdered sweetener is just a way to keep the recipe a bit lighter on sugar.

How long do these cookies last?

Stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies keep their best quality for up to a week at room temperature and up to a month when frozen. Just thaw before enjoying for that fresh-baked feel.

Final Thoughts

Making the 4 Ingredient Healthier Snowball Cookies Recipe is one of those joyful kitchen moments where simplicity meets pure deliciousness. Whether you’re new to baking healthier goodies or just want a quick and satisfying cookie fix, this recipe delivers comfort, flavor, and kindness to your body with every bite. I can’t wait for you to try it and make these cookies a favorite in your home too!

4 Ingredient Healthier Snowball Cookies Recipe

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3.8 from 64 reviews

Author: Ava
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

These 4 Ingredient Healthier Snowball Cookies are a simple, gluten-free treat made with almond flour, melted butter, maple syrup, and powdered sweetener. They offer a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture with a lightly golden exterior and a delicate dusting of powdered sweetener on top, perfect for those seeking a low-sugar, wholesome dessert option.

Ingredients

Cookie Dough

2 1/2 cups (236g) superfine blanched almond flour
8 tbsp (110g) unsalted butter, melted
4 1/2 tbsp (67ml) maple syrup

Topping

2 tbsp (22g) powdered sweetener or more as needed (can also use powdered sugar)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the almond flour, melted butter, and maple syrup. Use a spatula to mix until a soft, scoopable dough forms. If the dough feels too dry, add a small splash more maple syrup to achieve the right consistency.
Shape Cookies: Use a 1 tablespoon cookie scoop to portion out the dough. Roll each portion between your hands to form mostly smooth balls. Place these dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart to allow for slight spreading.
Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12 to 20 minutes or until the edges and tops become lightly golden. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so watch closely to avoid over-baking.
Cool and Dust: Allow the cookies to fully cool on the baking sheet or a wire rack. Then, use a fine mesh strainer to dust the tops with 2 tablespoons of powdered sweetener evenly. Add more powdered sweetener if you want a thicker coating.
Store: Store the cookies in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for a few days, or stored longer in the refrigerator or freezer to maintain freshness.

Notes

If a superfine almond flour is unavailable, pulse regular almond flour in a food processor to make it finer for better texture.
Adjust the amount of powdered sweetener dusted on top to suit your preferred sweetness.
For a completely sugar-free version, use a powdered erythritol or stevia-based sweetener instead of powdered sugar.
Cookies freeze well; wrap tightly and thaw at room temperature before serving.
Ensure the butter is unsalted to control the final saltiness of the cookies.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American