Deliciously Nutritious: Almond Iced Shortbread Balls Recipe
Dearest readers,
I simply cannot contain my excitement any longer, for today I have the pleasure of sharing with you a recipe that is sure to delight your taste buds and warm your hearts. A recipe that is easy to make, buttery and sweet, yet completely gluten-free and dairy-free. Yes, dear friends, I am speaking of none other than almond iced shortbread balls.
As a nutritionist and food blogger, my mission is to provide wholesome, delicious and healthy recipe options for all to enjoy. So when I discovered this recipe for almond iced shortbread balls, I knew that it was not only perfect for fulfilling my own sweet cravings but also an excellent addition to any gathering or occasion.
These delectable little treats are simply irresistible- a melt-in-your-mouth combination of light, fluffy texture and nutty almond flavor. Not too sweet nor too heavy on the palate, they are perfect as a snack or dessert after any meal.
And what’s even better? They can be enjoyed by everyone- including those who need to follow a gluten-free or dairy-free diet. With ingredients such as almond flour and coconut oil substituting traditional flour and butter respectively, these treats are guilt-free and healthy.
So without further ado, let us begin our journey into making these heavenly bites of goodness. Trust me when I say that they will be a hit with anyone who tries them.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Dear readers, if you are looking for a gluten-free and dairy-free dessert option, look no further than these delightful almond iced shortbread balls. I can assure you that this recipe will satisfy your sweet tooth while keeping your tummy happy.
This recipe contains only wholesome and natural ingredients, including almond flour and coconut oil. These flavorful ingredients not only add delicious taste but also offer health benefits. Almond flour is a rich source of protein while coconut oil provides healthy fats that can help lower bad cholesterol.
Not only is this recipe healthy, but it’s also incredibly easy to make. A few simple steps and voila! You have a batch of these buttery shortbread cookies ready to be enjoyed. And let me tell you, the aroma of freshly baked cookies with a hint of almond extract will fill your home with warmth and coziness.
Additionally, these little treats are exceptionally versatile. Impress your guests by serving them for dessert or bring them as a delicious snack at any party or gathering. You can also store them in an airtight container for up to two weeks, making them the perfect make-ahead treat for any occasion.
Overall, this recipe offers an incredible combination of flavor, texture, and health benefits that will make anyone fall in love with its uniqueness. So go ahead and give this recipe a try; I promise you won’t regret it.
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make these scrumptious Almond Iced Shortbread Balls:
- 1 cup salted butter, softened
- â…” cup white sugar
- 2 cups gluten-free almond flour
- 1 tsp almond extract
- ¼ tsp salt
- 3 tbsp water
- 1 â…“ cup icing sugar
These ingredients will give you a rich and buttery shortbread cookie with a delectable almond flavor. The gluten-free almond flour ensures that this recipe is safe for those on a gluten-free diet. Don’t forget to have some icing sugar at hand as we’ll be using it in both the dough and the icing.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have gone through the ingredients, let’s start on making these delightful Almond Iced Shortbread Balls. This recipe makes 24 cookies and only takes around 30 minutes of preparation and baking time.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Grab a mixing bowl and combine 2 cups of almond flour, 1/4 cup of powdered sugar, and 1/4 tsp of salt.
Step 3: Cream the Butter
Next, get another mixing bowl and cream 1 cup of softened salted butter using a mixer until light and fluffy.
Step 4: Add the Almond Extract and Maple Syrup
Add 3 tbsp of maple syrup and 1/2 tsp of almond extract to the bowl with the butter mixture. Continue mixing until fully combined.
Step 5: Add in the Dry Ingredients
Slowly mix in the dry ingredients into the butter mixture until a dough forms.
Step 6: Form into Balls
Use your hands to roll dough into small balls, approximately one inch in diameter, and place them onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 7: Bake Cookies
Bake cookies for around 12-14 minutes. Keep an eye on them as you don’t want them to turn brown.
Step 8: Let Cookies Cool
Once done, remove from oven and let cool completely for around 15 minutes.
Step 9: Prepare Icing
In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup of icing sugar, 3-4 tbsp of water and a drop or two of any natural food coloring you like.
Step 10: Ice Your Cookies
Dip cookies in the icing or drizzle the icing over the cookies. Let cookies sit for around 5 minutes until the icing has set.
Now your Almond Iced Shortbread Balls are ready to serve and enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
My dear readers, if you have certain dietary restrictions or wish to experiment with different flavors in the recipe, I have some wonderful substitutions and variations to suggest for these almond iced shortbread balls.
For a dairy-free version, simply swap the salted butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. You can also use maple syrup as a substitute for white sugar or icing sugar.
If you prefer a lower-carb or keto-friendly option, replace regular flour with almond flour or coconut flour. Alternatively, you can use a combination of both flours for better texture and taste. The gluten-free flour blend can also be used for those who are intolerant to gluten.
To add more flavor to these cookies, consider swapping the almond extract for vanilla extract or adding in some lemon zest. You could also roll the cookies in powdered sugar or dip them in rich chocolate ganache for an indulgent treat.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you may also want to try turning these almond iced shortbread balls into almond snowball cookies by molding them into fun, snowball shapes and dusting them generously with powdered sugar. Or perhaps creating whipped shortbread by using egg whites instead of whole eggs in the recipe. Another variation could be making Italian almond biscuits by incorporating some almond meal and egg whites to the cookie dough.
No matter which variation you choose, I guarantee that your taste buds will feel delighted with every bite of these delicate and sweet treats.
Serving and Pairing
Once your delicious almond iced shortbread balls are baked and ready, it’s time to think about how to serve and pair them.
These sweet treats are great for any time of day, whether you want a quick snack or something to complement your afternoon tea party. You can even add them to a dessert platter along with fruit and other desserts like whipped cream.
How about pairing these gluten-free delights with a perfectly brewed cup of coffee or tea? This combination will make for the perfect morning or evening treat. The nutty flavor of the cookies goes well with the earthy taste of tea and the bitterness of coffee.
You can even turn these almond iced shortbread balls into a dessert by adding some vanilla ice cream on top. Add a drizzle of maple syrup or honey for some extra sweetness.
If you’re hosting guests, impress them by serving these gluten-free almond shortbread balls with an array of blueberries, raspberries and strawberries on the side – it’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Once you taste these little bites, you’ll understand why they make such a fantastic pairing option. The buttery texture and nutty flavor of the almonds blend perfectly with fruity flavors, making it an indulgent treat for all occasions.
Enjoy!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
We all love shortcuts, don’t we? Thankfully, this recipe for almond iced shortbread balls can be made in advance and easily stored for future indulgence. If you’re planning to make these cookies ahead of time, simply follow the recipe instructions until step 6. Once the cookies are cooled down, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
Now, if you’re wondering how to reheat these delightful treats, simply preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Pop them in the oven for three to four minutes or until they’re warmed through. Trust me – the taste of freshly heated cookies will make your taste buds dance with joy.
If you prefer to freeze your cookies, transfer them into a freezer-safe container or a sealable plastic baggie, making sure that you wrap them tightly. They’ll keep well in the freezer for about three months. When you’re ready to eat them again, take them out of the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for an hour before serving.
With this recipe’s make-ahead option and easy storing hacks, you can now satisfy that sweet tooth craving whenever it strikes without worrying about running out of time.
Tips for Perfect Results
If you want to achieve perfect results while making almond iced shortbread balls, here are some tips that will help you.
First, make sure that your butter is fully softened before starting the mixing process. This allows it to blend easily with the other ingredients.
Also, don’t overwork the dough as it can result in tough cookies. Instead, mix just until all of the ingredients are incorporated.
Another tip is to chill the dough before rolling it into balls. This helps to prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking, resulting in a more uniform shape.
When cutting out the cookie dough, be sure to gently press down without twisting the cutter. This will help maintain the shape of the cookie and prevent it from breaking apart.
To ensure perfectly formed almond iced shortbread balls, bake them on a lined baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F for 12-15 minutes, or until they have just begun to turn golden brown.
Lastly, allow the cookies to cool completely before icing them. This will prevent the icing from melting off the cookies and create a smoother surface for icing application.
By following these tips, you can enjoy delicious and perfectly-shaped almond iced shortbread balls every time!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, these Almond Iced Shortbread Balls are a perfect treat for anyone looking for a gluten-free and dairy-free dessert. With their buttery texture and delicious almond flavor, they are sure to please. Plus, with the ability to make ahead and store them for later, you can have a delightful snack whenever you need it.
Moreover, this recipe is extremely versatile and easy to customize. You can swap out any ingredient that does not fit your dietary needs or preferences. You could even add in some seasonal spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra burst of flavor!
So go ahead and give this recipe a try. Whether you choose to enjoy them on their own, paired with tea or coffee, or alongside your favorite dessert, these Almond Iced Shortbread Balls are sure to be a crowd pleaser. Share them with friends and family and savor every bite!
Almond Iced Shortbread Balls (Gluten Free) Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb salted butter
- 4 tablespoons white sugar
- 2 eggs
- 4 1/2-5 cups gluten-free flour ($notetemplate1$)
ICING
- 4 cups icing sugar, sifted (gluten free)
- 4 teaspoons almond extract
- 4 tablespoons water (or more)
- food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Combine butter, sugar, and 1 cup of flour, using sturdy wooden spoon or mixer with dough hooks.
- Add eggs and mix in thoroughly.
- Gradually work in the remaining flour, until dough will roll into balls without being sticky.
- Roll into one or two-bite size balls and place on ungreased cookie sheet, or silicone baking sheet.
- Bake at 350 F for 15 minutes.
- Cool on cookie sheet before moving cookies to sheets of waxed paper. Space the cookies at least 1/2" apart on the waxed paper so you don't have to move them to put icing on them.
- Combine icing ingredients and stir until smooth.
- The icing should be runny enough to drop from a knife onto the cookies, but thick enough that it doesn't all run off. The icing will thicken as it sits. Add more water if needed.
- To ice, leave the cookie on the waxed paper, and drop enough icing onto it to cover the top and drip down the sides a bit. While the icing is still wet, you can add little drops of icing to ensure coverage.
- Try not to have too much icing ending up on the waxed paper, or you may not have enough for the whole batch.
- Let the icing dry before placing in shallow storage containers, in a single layer.
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