Almond Snowballs: 12 Days of Cookies

Day 5: Almond Snowballs
I found this recipe on Southern Living.  You should always have a little snow at Christmas time.

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.