If your cookie dreams are filled with a vision of something buttery, crumbly, and irresistible with just the right burst of fruit and citrus, let me introduce you to my favorite Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies. These little bites encapsulate all the magic of winter baking—delicate orbs packed with tart cranberries and vibrant orange zest, dusted in a flurry of sweet powdered sugar. Whether stacked high on a holiday cookie tray or wrapped up as edible gifts for friends, these Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies always steal the show with their simplicity and stunning flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This is a recipe that lets each ingredient truly shine. Every component elevates the flavor, texture, or festive look of these cookies, so don’t overlook the details or the power of good butter and fresh zest!
- Unsalted Butter (½ cup): Use good-quality, softened butter for that melt-in-your-mouth, delicate texture.
- Powdered Sugar (¼ cup for dough, ½ cup for coating): Smooths the dough and gives that signature snowball finish; sifting ensures no lumps.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Just enough to balance the sweetness and bring out the flavors.
- Vanilla Extract (½ teaspoon): Rounds out the cookies with warm, comforting notes.
- Chopped Dried Cranberries (½ cup): These add a pop of tart chewiness and gorgeous color in every bite.
- Orange Zest (1 tablespoon): Offers a refreshing, zippy citrus note that brightens the entire cookie.
- All-Purpose Flour (1 cup): The backbone of the cookie; be sure to measure carefully for perfect texture.
How to Make Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Begin your cookie adventure by beating together the softened butter and ¼ cup powdered sugar in a mixing bowl until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy. This sets the foundation for the melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies so irresistible. Use a hand mixer for best results, scraping down the sides as you go.
Step 2: Add the Flavorings
Drop in the vanilla extract and salt, then mix again to ensure even distribution. These small but mighty ingredients are key to the dough’s balanced flavor profile, adding warmth and enhancing both the fruit and butter.
Step 3: Mix in Flour and Orange Zest
Next, work in the all-purpose flour and freshly grated orange zest. Use a spatula and a gentle folding motion so the dough comes together without overmixing, keeping the cookies tender. You’ll notice the lovely citrus fragrance instantly brightening up your kitchen!
Step 4: Add the Cranberries
Stir in the chopped dried cranberries, ensuring they’re evenly distributed so every cookie has a little burst of tart and chewiness. The contrast of the bright red cranberries against the pale dough is gorgeous and festive!
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough in cling film and chill it in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This makes the dough firm and easy to handle, and it helps the cookies hold their perfect snowball shape while baking.
Step 6: Shape and Bake
After chilling, let the dough rest for a few minutes at room temperature, then roll it into small, one-inch balls. Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking tray, leaving space for subtle spreading. Bake in a preheated oven at 180 degrees C (about 350 degrees F) for 15 minutes, or until the bottoms are just turning golden.
Step 7: Roll in Sugar for the Snowball Effect
Let your baked Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies cool slightly. While still warm, gently roll them in powdered sugar for their signature snowy look. Once they’re fully cooled, give them a second tumble in powdered sugar for a flawless, powdery white finish.
How to Serve Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies
Garnishes
A classic dusting of extra powdered sugar is always beautiful, but if you want to add sparkle, sprinkle on some edible glitter or a touch of finely grated orange zest before serving. The playful snowy look is part of the magic!
Side Dishes
Nothing pairs better with Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies than a steaming mug of tea, coffee, or rich hot chocolate. Their delicate crumbiness also goes splendidly with a fresh citrus fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream as a light dessert option.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack these cookies on a tiered stand for a dramatic effect or pack them in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon as edible gifts. For festive gatherings, arrange them amid sprigs of rosemary and fresh cranberries for a holiday centerpiece that doubles as dessert!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Place parchment paper between layers so the powdered sugar stays neat and the cookies retain their crisp exterior.
Freezing
These cookies are freezer-friendly! You can freeze the dough balls before baking or freeze fully baked, cooled cookies. For best results, freeze them in a single layer before transferring to a bag or container. Thaw at room temperature and re-roll in powdered sugar before serving for that fresh-from-the-oven look.
Reheating
If you’d like to restore that just-baked coziness, you can gently warm the cookies in a 300-degree F oven for a few minutes. This refreshes the texture, making the cookies as inviting as the day they were baked. Don’t forget an extra roll in powdered sugar after they cool!
FAQs
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
While dried cranberries are preferred for their chewy texture and concentrated flavor, you can use finely chopped fresh cranberries in a pinch—but be aware the dough may be slightly more moist, so add a tad more flour if needed.
Do I really need to chill the dough?
Absolutely! Chilling the dough helps the cookies keep their round shape and ensures the texture is crisp and buttery rather than spreading out flat.
Can I make Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies gluten free?
Yes, just swap in your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Watch the bake time, as gluten-free cookies may finish a minute or two earlier.
What’s the best way to zest an orange?
Use a microplane or fine grater, and take only the colored outer layer—avoiding the bitter white pith. The zest is where all the lovely citrus oil lives, creating that unmistakable orange aroma.
Can I double the recipe for a party?
Go ahead! Just double all the ingredients, and chill the dough as one large ball or two to make handling easier. Bake in batches and keep the unbaked dough cold in between.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you’ll bring a little extra sparkle to your kitchen (and your friends’ taste buds) by baking a batch of Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies. There’s just something special about their bright flavor and snowy finish that turns even an ordinary day into a celebration—give them a try and watch them disappear!
PrintCranberry Orange Snowball Cookies Recipe
Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies are super easy, irresistible, delicate, and buttery treats bursting with the tang of cranberries and the bright zest of orange. These cookies make a perfect Christmas dessert that everyone will love.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 27 Cookies
- Category: Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough:
- ½ Cup Unsalted Butter, softened
- ¼ Cup Powdered Sugar
- ½ Teaspoon Salt
- ½ Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- ½ Cup Chopped Dried Cranberries
- 1 Tablespoon Orange Zest
- 1 Cup All-Purpose Flour
For Coating:
- ½ Cup Powdered Sugar
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a bowl, mix softened butter and powdered sugar until light and creamy.
- Add Flavorings: Mix in salt and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Add flour and orange zest to the butter mixture, mixing well.
- Add Cranberries: Stir in chopped cranberries to form a smooth dough.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in cling film and refrigerate for an hour until firm.
- Shape and Bake: Roll chilled dough into balls, bake at 180°C for 15 minutes until slightly browned.
- Coat Cookies: Roll warm cookies in powdered sugar, then coat again when cooled for snowy effect.
- Serve: Enjoy these delightful cookies!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Cookie
- Calories: 67 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 44mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.2g
- Trans Fat: 0.1g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 9mg
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