Cardamom snowdrops are unique cookies that would be perfect for Holiday gift giving.
Have you heard about Mixed? It’s a food blogger conference I’m attending on November 30-December 2 at Mountain Lake Hotel in Pembroke VA (where Dirty Dancing was filmed!) I’m so excited to meet many of my fellow bloggers and take part in an assortment of workshops. I’m even attending a small cake decorating class with my old Baltimore neighbor, Duff from Ace of Cakes!
Mixed has many great sponsors, one of whom is Dixie Crystals Sugar. They’re hosting a fun contest for conference attendees and I’ve decided to enter! The Bake it Forward Cookie Contest is simple: prepare an original cookie recipe using a Dixie Crystal sugar product and make sure the cookies travel well in a tin. Three finalists will be selected for a live bake-off at Mixed! So much fun!
When I saw the contest details my mind immediately went to snowdrop cookies, aka Mexican wedding cookies aka Russian tea cakes aka snowball cookies (does anyone actually know which name came first or what the story is here? I’ve never seen a cookie with so many names!)
If you’ve never tried snowdrop cookies before they’re like shortbread only flakier, nuttier and completely covered in powdered sugar. Totally addicting. To make this version unique I’ve included cardamom, one of my favorite spices. If you’ve never tried this spice before it’s something not to be missed: spicy, exotic and unlike any other flavor. It really takes these cardamom snowdrop cookies over the top! I hope you’ll enjoy them as much as I did.
Cardamom Snowdrop Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cup almond meal
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Topping:
- 1 cup confectioner's sugar
- 1 teaspoon cardamom
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cream the butter, 1/2 cup confectioners sugar and vanilla for several minutes until light and fluffy.
- Sift the flour and salt together.
- Turn the mixer speed down to low and slowly add the almond meal followed by the flour. Scrape down the sides once or twice to make sure the dough is evenly mixed.
- Use a tablespoon-sized scoop to measure out cookies. Use your hands to roll each cookie into a ball (don't skip this step or the final product won't look as nice!)
- Chill the cookies for 15 minutes and then bake for 15-20 minutes. While the cookies are baking, sift together the topping ingredients in a bowl.
- Remove the cookies from the oven. While they're still warm, carefully coat each cookie in the sugar cardamom mixture and set aside to cool. Once the cookies have cooled (about 15-20 minutes), toss them again in the sugar mixture.
Please read my full post for additional recipe notes, tips, and serving suggestions!
Nutrition
Recipe Troubleshooting
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Jill says
Mexican Wedding Cakes (or whatever you call them!) are one of my fav holiday cookies. And Dirty Dancing is one of my favs, too! Can’t wait to see your pics from there!
Lauren @ Gourmet Veggie Mama says
Once again, these look amazing! I love cardamom in sweets.
RebeccaSubbiah RD ( says
these look great and have fun at the conference
Brandi says
These cookies look so yummy!! Beautiful photography as well! Wishing you luck in the contest :)
Carolyn Chan says
Wow Mixed sounds like a whole lotta fun – I thought you were taking a rest ?? :) This must be your way of having that well deserved break.
These snowdrop cookies look divine and the addition of cardamom would make them so warming.
Roxana | Roxana's Home Baking says
I can’t wait to meet everyone at Mixed and I hope you’ll be bringing lots of cookies. I love Mexican wedding cookies, mmm
Sharyn Dimmick says
Genius adding cardamom to these traditional favorites. I think we make ours with walnuts rather than almonds though. Good luck in your contest.
LInda says
Jen, these sound so good! I guess I’m out of the loop but do you buy the almond meal at your grocery or do you grind your own? I live in an area where it usually takes a drive to get special ingredients. Good luck with the competition and staying where Dirty Dancing was filmed sounds like so much fun!
Savory Simple says
I buy Bob’s Red Mill brand almond meal but you can certainly make your own.
Becca from It's Yummilicious says
Love your spin on one of my favorite cookies Jen!
Have a blast at Mixed…I’m SO jealous!
Judy @Savoring Today says
Mmm, love the idea of adding cardamom to these tea cakes — a fabulous twist! Have fun at the conference. :)
Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet says
The first photo is absolutely gorgeous! I make snowdrop cookies every year around Christmas. This year I would love to dry your cardamom recipe – sounds delicious!
Grubarazzi (@Grubarazzi) says
Yum! and great photos. I would definitely being going to Mixed if it were not so expensive. Hopefully, next year! Have a great time!
dervla @ The Curator says
ahhh i love cardamom! Absolute favorite spice to bake with. These looks scrumptious and i’d be guilty of eating 50 in one sitting :)
Riley says
Jen, I made these last night in a state of boredom/hunger and they turned out great! So yummy!
Savory Simple says
So glad you liked them!
Choc Chip Uru says
Beautiful and delicioius :)
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru