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Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies Recipe

Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies Recipe

4.9 from 5 reviews

Delight in these Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies, a perfect bite-sized treat combining tart dried cranberries with bright orange zest wrapped in a tender, buttery dough. Coated generously with powdered sugar for that classic snowball look, these cookies are ideal for festive occasions or any time you crave a sweet, citrusy snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 1/2 Cup Unsalted Butter, softened
  • 1/4 Cup Powdered Sugar (for the dough)
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • 1/2 Cup Chopped Dried Cranberries
  • 1 Tablespoon Orange Zest
  • 1 Cup All Purpose Flour

Coating

  • 1/2 Cup Powdered Sugar (to coat the baked cookies)

Instructions

  1. Cream Butter and Sugar: Combine the softened unsalted butter and 1/4 cup powdered sugar in a bowl. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy.
  2. Add Flavorings: Incorporate the vanilla extract and salt into the creamed butter and sugar. Mix well until fully combined.
  3. Add Flour and Orange Zest: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and orange zest to the mixture. Use a spatula to gently fold and blend until the dough starts to come together.
  4. Mix in Cranberries: Fold in the chopped dried cranberries evenly throughout the dough to create a smooth and consistent texture.
  5. Chill Dough: Wrap the prepared dough tightly in cling film and refrigerate for at least one hour until firm and easy to handle.
  6. Prepare for Baking: Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to ease rolling.
  7. Shape Cookies: Roll the firm dough into small, 1-inch diameter balls, ensuring they are uniform in size for even baking.
  8. Arrange and Bake: Place the dough balls on a lined baking tray, spacing them adequately. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 15 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly browned.
  9. Cool Slightly: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes so they can handle the coating without breaking.
  10. First Sugar Coat: While the cookies are still warm, roll them in powdered sugar to give a soft, snowy exterior.
  11. Final Sugar Coat: Once completely cooled, roll the cookies again in powdered sugar for an extra white, snowball effect.
  12. Serve: Arrange the cookies on a serving plate and enjoy their delightful flavors and festive appearance.

Notes

  • Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming with sugar.
  • Chilling the dough is essential for shaping and baking the cookies properly.
  • Use fresh orange zest for the best aromatic flavor.
  • Roll the cookies twice in powdered sugar for a classic snowball finish.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to one week.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cranberry cookies, orange zest cookies, snowball cookies, holiday cookies, festive treats