I share my top secrets how to make the best snowball cookies, also known as Kourabiedes in Greek and made by many other cultures around the world. The toasted crunch of whole almonds blended with orange zest, take these cookies to the next level. At the end, I sprinkle them with fun course sugar for a festive sparkle. Santa will not be able to stop at one!  FULL RECIPE BELOW

 RECIPE: SNOWBALL COOKIES - GREEK CHRISTMAS COOKIES - KOURABIEDES
 
These are the official Greek holiday cookies that are loaded with icing sugar and can be found in every Greek bakery window.  They are simply melt-in-your mouth perfect.  I tend to go easy on the icing sugar for the top. For a festive look you can sprinkle them with course sparkly sugar, if you want.  
You can easily make them in advance, freeze them and dust with icing sugar at the end. 

For metric measurements please note this is weight not volume.

Ingredients:
   
1 cup soft butter (250 gm )
1/2 cup icing sugar, for the cookie dough (70 gm )
1 tsp. vanilla (5 ml)
2 1/2 cups cake and pastry flour (340 gm )
½ tsp. salt (2 ml)
2 Tbsp. Orange brandy (25 ml)
Grated zest of 1 orange
1 cup whole almonds , raw , skin on (140 gm )
approx. 1 cup icing sugar, for sprinkling the tops (140 gm)
course sugar sprinkles optional 
 
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
 
Toast the whole almonds at 350 D for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Cool and pulse in food processor until chunky but not finely ground. 
 
Using a stand mixer or electric hand mixer, cream together the butter and ½ cup icing sugar well, until light and fluffy, about 7-9 minutes, scraping down the sides often. Add the vanilla, orange zest and liqueur and beat until blended. 
 
Sift the flour and salt into a bowl. Add the flour to creamed butter and work on low speed just to combine.  Add the ground nuts and beat on medium speed until smooth. 
 
Roll into 36 even ball  or form into crescent shape.  Make a thumbprint in to to prevent sugar from rolling off.  Place on baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
 
Bake in 350 D F  until lightly golden, about 18-20 minutes. Cool cookies and sprinkle with icing sugar or roll completely to cover in icing sugar, depending on your preference.  Sprinkle with coloured course sugar for a festive look.  
 
Makes about 36  cookies

Check out these other sweet #holiday recipes:

Greek Easter Cookies - Koulorakia:    • Greek Easter Cookies - Koulorakia | C...  
Melomakarona - Greek Honey Cookies You'll Be Obsessed With:    • Melomakarona - Greek Honey Cookies Yo...  
Galaktoboureko Greek Custard Dessert :    • Galaktoboureko Greek Custard Dessert ...  
Crinkle Cake - Easy & Delicious You"ll Want to Make it Now:    • Crinkle Cake - Easy & Delicious You"l...  
Do This For a Perfect Chocolate Souffle | Recipe from Paris:    • Do This For a Perfect Chocolate Souff...  
Chocolate Hazelnut Biscotti:    • Chocolate Hazelnut Biscotti - HandMad...  
How To Make Best Pumpkin Pie Ever:    • How To Make Best Pumpkin Pie Ever | C...  
Sticky Toffee Pudding & Maple Bourbon:    • Sticky Toffee Pudding & Maple Bourbon...  
Silky Chocolate Pudding Recipe:    • Silky Chocolate Pudding Recipe | Chri...  
My Dad's Best Banana Bread:    • Best Banana Bread Ever - GUARANTEE | ...  
Best Baklava Recipe:    • Best Baklava Recipe | Christine Cushing  
How To Make Perfect French Crepes:    • How to Make Perfect French Crepes | C...  
Best Apple Pie Recipe, All Butter Pastry:    • Apple Pie - Super Flaky - All Butter ...  
Reveal - Best Apple Pie, All Butter Pastry:    • Reveal - Best Apple Pie - All Butter ...  
Ice Cream Sandwich:    • Ice Cream Sandwich | Christine Cushing  
Cinnamon Rolls (buns) soft & sticky with Cream Cheese Frosting & Maple Glaze:    • Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe | Chri...  
Easy Pavlova Recipe:    • Best Pavlova Recipe | Christine Cushing  
Loukoumades - Greek Honey Donuts:    • Loukoumades - Greek Honey Donuts | Ch...  

Subscribe for more videos: https://goo.gl/wNqDQB

Connect with Chef Christine on social media:

Instagram:   / ccfearless  
Facebook:   / chefchristinecushing  
Christine's Website: http://christinecushing.com/
Linkedin:   / christine-cushing  
Twitter:   / ccfearless  

#snowballcookies #kourabiedes