1. Introduction
Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies are a festive treat that bursts with flavor and joy, capturing the essence of the holiday season in each bite. These cookies, rolled in powdered sugar and infused with the vibrant flavors of tart cranberries and zesty oranges, provide a delightful contrast to the traditionally heavier holiday desserts. As you bite into them, the soft, tender texture melts in your mouth, leaving a refreshing tang that brightens your palate. Easy to make and delightful to share, these snowy confections are perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie swaps, or simply indulging at home. This recipe is not just a delicious solution but also a fun activity to engage family and friends in the kitchen, creating sweet memories along with sweet treats.
2. Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of sweet and tart flavors creates a delightful taste explosion.
- Festive Appearance: Snowball cookies are visually appealing, making them perfect for holiday celebrations.
- Easy to Make: Simple instructions and basic ingredients mean you can whip up a batch in no time.
- Customizable: Add your favorite nuts or chocolate chips to personalize the cookie experience.
- Great for Sharing: Their charming shape makes them ideal for gifting or sharing at gatherings.
3. Materials
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar, plus extra for coating
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 orange
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup dried cranberries, chopped
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
4. Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the Dough
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with ½ cup of powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the vanilla extract and orange zest until well combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
4. Fold in Cranberries
- Gently fold in the chopped dried cranberries (and nuts if using) until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
5. Form the Cookies
- Using your hands, shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
6. Bake
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. The tops should remain pale.
7. Cool and Coat
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. While still warm, roll them in powdered sugar until well coated.
5. Tips & Variations
- Add Spice: Incorporate a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice note.
- Dried Fruits: Swap cranberries for raisins or dried apricots for a different flavor profile.
- Nut Alternatives: Use almonds or pistachios instead of walnuts for added crunch.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
6. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
A: Fresh cranberries are too tart for this recipe. It’s best to use dried cranberries for optimal sweetness.
Q: How do I store these cookies?
A: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or in the fridge for longer freshness.
Q: Can I freeze the dough?
A: Yes! You can freeze the cookie dough balls for up to three months. Just bake them straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Q: What can I use instead of butter?
A: You can substitute the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
7. Serving Suggestions or Pairings
- Enjoy these cookies with a warm cup of apple cider or a refreshing glass of iced tea.
- Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert experience.
- Serve alongside a cheese platter for a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors.
8. Final Thoughts
Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies are a delightful addition to your holiday baking repertoire. Their soft texture, vibrant flavors, and festive look make them perfect for any celebration. Don’t forget to share your own versions or variations of this recipe in the comments—your creativity might inspire others to give it a try! Happy baking!
Print
Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Festive cookies bursting with the flavors of tart cranberries and zesty oranges, rolled in powdered sugar for a delightful treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar, plus extra for coating
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 orange
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup dried cranberries, chopped
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream the softened butter with ½ cup of powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract and orange zest until combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually mix into the butter mixture until just combined.
- Gently fold in the chopped dried cranberries and nuts (if using) until evenly distributed.
- Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until bottoms are lightly golden, with pale tops.
- Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then roll in powdered sugar while still warm.
Notes
For added spice, incorporate a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg. These cookies can be frozen for up to three months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg