Red and Green Nut Balls

Finishing these delights with a dip in decorating sugar ensures a satisfyingly sweet crunch in every bite.

Ingredients

• 1¼ cups butter, at room temp.
• ½ cup confectioners’ sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp. almond extract
• 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup finely chopped blanched slivered almonds
• Red and green coarse decorating sugars

Instructions

1. On medium-low speed, beat butter until light and fluffy, about 2 min. On low, gradually beat in confectioners’ sugar until combined, about 1 min. Add egg and almond extract; on medium, beat until fully combined. On low, gradually beat in flour, then slivered almonds until dough just comes together. Wrap dough in plastic wrap; chill until firm, about 1 hr.
2. Heat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll level tablespoonfuls of dough into balls. Dip tops of balls in colored sugars. Place 2″ apart on baking sheets. Bake until set, 10–12 min. Let cool 5 min. Transfer from pans to rack. Let cool completely.