Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies Recipe

Nothing signals festive cheer quite like a plate of Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies, each one a delightful burst of tart cranberries, vibrant orange zest, and buttery cookie goodness, all clothed in a snowy blanket of powdered sugar. These charming little treats deliver big flavor, with an irresistible melt-in-your-mouth texture and splashes of bright color. Perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie swaps, or an indulgent afternoon snack, Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies are a recipe you’ll return to every season.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies come together with just a handful of pantry staples and a couple of show-stopping flavor additions. Each ingredient is carefully chosen for its role in the taste, texture, or even visual appeal of the finished cookies. Gather them up before you start, and savor how they each bring this recipe to life.

• Unsalted Butter: Gives the cookies their rich, tender crumb; make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
• Powdered Sugar (for dough): Dissolves smoothly into the dough, contributing to that signature melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Salt: Just a pinch sharpens the sweet flavors and balances out the richness.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth, enhancing the overall aroma of the cookies.
• Chopped Dried Cranberries: These precious ruby gems provide sweet-tart bites, plus a pop of festive color.
• Orange Zest: Freshly grated zest infuses each cookie with a bright, zippy citrus fragrance.
• All Purpose Flour / Plain Flour: The sturdy base that holds everything together and creates the snowball shape.
• Powdered Sugar (to coat): Dusted over the baked cookies, this transforms them into snowy wonders for both looks and sweetness.

How to Make Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar

Start by adding the softened butter and powdered sugar to a mixing bowl. Beat these together until the mixture looks pale, light, and fluffy. This step is crucial because well-creamed butter and sugar give your Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies their perfect, soft bite and buttery mouthfeel. Take a moment to really aerate the mixture; you’ll be rewarded later!

Step 2: Add Vanilla and Salt

Next, pour in the vanilla extract and sprinkle in the salt. Mix until everything is totally combined. These small but mighty ingredients may seem minor, but they’re mission critical for balancing the dough and amplifying the cranberry and orange flavors that make this cookie a standout.

Step 3: Mix in Flour and Orange Zest

Gradually stir in the flour, along with the freshly grated orange zest. Use a spatula or spoon to mix gently, just until no streaks of flour remain. As soon as the dough starts to come together, your kitchen will already be perfumed with zesty orange—pure magic!

Step 4: Add Cranberries and Finish the Dough

Fold in the chopped dried cranberries, making sure they’re evenly distributed. This is when the dough really starts looking festive! The cranberries dot the dough with color and add sweet-tart flecks throughout, so each bite is as beautiful as it is delicious.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Wrap the dough in cling film and place it in the refrigerator for about an hour, or until it firms up. Chilling is your secret weapon: it keeps the cookies from spreading and lets the flavors meld together while you dream of soon-to-be-baked Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

After chilling, let the dough sit at room temperature for just a couple of minutes until pliable. Roll the dough into small, 1-inch balls—these will become your signature snowballs. If little hands want to help, this is a fun step to get the whole family involved!

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 180 degrees C (about 350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the cookie balls evenly apart and bake them for about 15 minutes. You’re looking for cookies that are set with just a light golden hint on the bottom—don’t let them brown too much! The hallmark of Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies is their pale, snowy appearance.

Step 8: Cool and First Sugar Coating

Take the cookies out and let them cool just until they’re warm but not piping hot—this is the sweet spot for the first sugar coat. While they’re still warm, gently roll each cookie in the powdered sugar until thoroughly coated. The warmth helps the sugar stick, creating that first luscious snowy layer.

Step 9: The Ultimate Snowball Finish

Once the cookies have cooled, roll them in powdered sugar again for a second coat. This final dusting ensures your Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies have that unmistakable, fluffy-white appearance and an extra touch of sweetness in every bite.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy!

Arrange your finished cookies on a platter, and take a well-earned moment to admire their beauty before you dig in. With their sparkling, snowy coating and vibrant interior, Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies are as delightful to look at as they are to eat.

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies

Garnishes

Give your Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies a touch of elegance by tucking a few fresh orange zest curls and extra dried cranberries around the serving plate. For a festive flourish, a sprig of rosemary or even edible silver sparkles make your cookies table-ready for any celebration.

Side Dishes

These cookies shine alongside a cup of spiced tea, mulled cider, or freshly brewed coffee. For a holiday dessert platter, add handfuls of roasted nuts, chocolate truffles, or a wedge of citrusy lemon tart to complement the bright and buttery flavors of your Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack your Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies in a glass jar and tie with a ribbon for a charming edible gift. Build a cookie tower as a centerpiece, or nestle them in festive tins with parchment in between layers. However you display them, these cookies will steal the show!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Place a sheet of parchment between layers to keep the sugar coating pristine and prevent sticking.

Freezing

You can freeze these cookies after baking and coating—simply arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 months, ready for any sweet craving or surprise guests.

Reheating

Though Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies are delicious straight out of the freezer, you can refresh them by letting them come to room temperature, or warming briefly in a low oven (about 140°C/275°F) for a few minutes. Give each cookie a quick extra roll in powdered sugar after reheating, if desired.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Fresh cranberries have much more moisture and tartness, so for this recipe, chopped dried cranberries are best. They lend a concentrated flavor and chewy texture, plus keep the dough from becoming too wet.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Absolutely! These Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies scale wonderfully. Just double each ingredient and divide the dough between two batches if needed. It’s a surefire way to keep everyone coming back for seconds.

What’s the secret to that perfect “snowball” look?

Roll the cookies in powdered sugar while they’re still warm, then again after they cool. This double-coating trick ensures the snow clings perfectly, making each cookie as pretty as it is tasty.

Can I make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate overnight?

Yes! Chilled dough actually makes shaping easier. If refrigerating overnight, let the dough sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before rolling into balls.

Do Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies travel well for gift-giving?

With their sturdy texture and protective sugar coating, these cookies are ideal for gifting and shipping. Just layer them between parchment in tins, and they’ll arrive in perfect, festive condition.

Final Thoughts

Brimming with flavor, festivity, and just pure joy, Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies are the kind of treat you’ll want to bake all winter long. Share them with loved ones or savor each and every bite yourself — either way, don’t let the season pass without a batch (or two) from your kitchen!

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