Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies: A Festive Holiday Recipe

Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies: Prepare to be transported to a winter wonderland with every bite of these delightful treats! Imagine a cookie so tender it practically melts in your mouth, bursting with the bright, festive flavors of cranberry and orange, all enveloped in a cloud of sweet, powdery snow. These aren’t just cookies; they’re a holiday tradition waiting to happen.

Snowball cookies, also known as Mexican Wedding Cakes or Russian Tea Cakes, have a rich history rooted in European baking traditions. Passed down through generations, these cookies symbolize good luck and prosperity, making them a cherished part of celebrations around the world. My twist on this classic adds a vibrant citrusy note and tart cranberries, elevating the flavor profile to something truly special.

What makes these Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of textures – the delicate, crumbly cookie, the chewy bursts of cranberry, and the smooth, sugary coating. The aroma alone is enough to evoke feelings of warmth and nostalgia. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make, making them the perfect baking project for a cozy afternoon. Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping addition to your holiday cookie platter or simply craving a comforting treat, these cookies are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. So, let’s get baking and create some edible magic!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus more for coating
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon orange extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup orange zest, finely grated
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Preparing the Dough:

Okay, let’s get started! First things first, we need to cream together the butter and powdered sugar. This is a crucial step, so don’t rush it. You want the mixture to be light and fluffy, which will give our snowball cookies that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

1. In a large bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer), combine the softened butter and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar.
2. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 3-5 minutes, or until the mixture is light and fluffy. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything is evenly incorporated. We don’t want any lumps of butter hiding in there!
3. Once the butter and sugar are creamed, add the vanilla extract, orange extract, and salt. Beat on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage.
4. Now, it’s time to add the flour. Gradually add the flour to the butter mixture, about 1/2 cup at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition. Mix until just combined. Again, be careful not to overmix. Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies, and we definitely don’t want that!
5. Once the flour is incorporated, gently fold in the finely chopped dried cranberries, orange zest, and chopped nuts (if using). Make sure everything is evenly distributed throughout the dough. I like to use a rubber spatula for this step to avoid overmixing.
6. Now that our dough is ready, we need to chill it. This is important because it will help the cookies hold their shape while baking. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. The longer you chill it, the easier it will be to handle.

Shaping and Baking the Cookies:

Alright, our dough is chilled and ready to go! Now comes the fun part – shaping the cookies. I like to make them about 1 inch in diameter, but you can make them slightly larger or smaller depending on your preference. Just keep in mind that the baking time will need to be adjusted accordingly.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
2. Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator. If the dough is too firm to handle, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes until it’s slightly softened.
3. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are set but not browned. The cookies should still be pale in color. This is important for achieving that delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
5. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Coating the Cookies:

This is the final step, and it’s what gives our snowball cookies their signature look and extra sweetness! We’re going to coat them in powdered sugar, not once, but twice, for maximum coverage.

1. While the cookies are still slightly warm (but not too hot to handle), roll them in powdered sugar. Make sure they are completely coated.
2. Place the coated cookies on a wire rack and let them cool completely.
3. Once the cookies are completely cool, roll them in powdered sugar again. This second coating will create a beautiful, snowy effect.
4. And that’s it! Your Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies are ready to be enjoyed. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Tips for Perfect Snowball Cookies:

• Use softened butter: This is crucial for achieving a light and fluffy texture. Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature before you start.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
• Chill the dough: Chilling the dough will help the cookies hold their shape while baking.
• Don’t overbake the cookies: The cookies should still be pale in color when they are done baking. Overbaking will result in dry, crumbly cookies.
• Coat the cookies twice: This will create a beautiful, snowy effect and add extra sweetness.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon: For a warmer, spicier flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon to the dough along with the other spices.
• Experiment with different nuts: Instead of pecans or walnuts, try using almonds, macadamia nuts, or even pistachios.
• Use fresh orange zest: Fresh orange zest will give the cookies a brighter, more intense orange flavor.
• Make them ahead of time: These cookies can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
• Freeze the dough: You can also freeze the dough for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight and then proceed with the recipe.

Troubleshooting:

• Cookies are spreading too much: This could be due to several factors, such as using butter that is too soft, not chilling the dough long enough, or overmixing the dough. Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes, and don’t overmix the dough.
• Cookies are dry and crumbly: This could be due to overbaking the cookies or using too much flour. Make sure to bake the cookies until they are just set but not browned, and measure the flour accurately.
• Cookies are tough: This is usually due to overmixing the dough. Mix until just combined.
• Powdered sugar is melting: This is usually due to coating the cookies while they are still too hot. Let the cookies cool slightly before coating them in powdered sugar.

Variations:

• Lemon Snowball Cookies: Substitute lemon zest for the orange zest and lemon extract for the orange extract.
• Chocolate Snowball Cookies: Add 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the dough along with the flour.
• Peppermint Snowball Cookies: Add 1/4 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the dough along with the vanilla and orange extracts. Crush some peppermint candies and sprinkle them on top of the cookies after they have been coated in powdered sugar.
• Gingerbread Snowball Cookies: Add 1 teaspoon of ground ginger, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves to the dough along with the flour.

I hope you enjoy making these Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies as much as I do! They’re perfect for the holidays, or any time you’re craving a sweet treat. Happy baking!

Conclusion:

Well, there you have it! These Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies are truly a must-try this holiday season (or any time you’re craving a little something special, really!). The delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture combined with the bright, festive flavors of cranberry and orange creates a cookie that’s both comforting and exciting. I promise, one bite and you’ll be hooked!

What makes these cookies so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tart, the subtle warmth of the vanilla, and that satisfyingly crumbly texture. They’re not overly sweet, which makes them perfect for pairing with a cup of coffee or tea. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make! No complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients required. Just a few simple steps and you’ll have a batch of these delightful cookies ready to share (or keep all to yourself – I won’t judge!).

But the best part? These cookies are incredibly versatile. While I adore the classic cranberry orange combination, feel free to experiment with different flavors.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Serving Suggestion: Serve these cookies with a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of elegance. They also make a beautiful addition to a holiday cookie platter. Consider arranging them with other festive treats like gingerbread men, sugar cookies, and chocolate peppermint bark for a stunning display.
* Nutty Delight: Add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough for a nutty twist. The added crunch complements the soft texture of the cookies beautifully.
* Lemon Zest: Swap the orange zest for lemon zest for a brighter, more citrusy flavor.
* Chocolate Chips: Fold in some mini chocolate chips for a decadent treat. The chocolate adds a rich, contrasting flavor that pairs perfectly with the cranberry.
* Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor.
* Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a gluten-free version of these cookies. Be sure to use a blend that’s designed for baking and contains xanthan gum for best results.
* Dipping: Melt some white chocolate and dip half of each cookie in it, then sprinkle with chopped cranberries for an extra festive touch.

I truly believe that these Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies will become a new favorite in your household. They’re perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or simply enjoying a cozy night in. They also make a thoughtful and delicious gift for friends, family, and neighbors. Imagine the joy on their faces when they receive a beautifully wrapped box of these homemade treats!

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these amazing cookies. I’m confident that you’ll love them as much as I do.

And now, for the most important part: I want to hear from you! Once you’ve tried this recipe, please let me know what you think. Did you make any variations? What was your favorite part? Share your photos and comments in the comments section below. I can’t wait to see your creations and hear about your experience making these delicious Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies. Happy baking!

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