Irresistibly Buttery Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies Recipe

If you have a hankering for a cookie that’s as festive as it is flavorful, the Irresistibly Buttery Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. These delicate, melt-in-your-mouth treats combine the zestiness of fresh orange with the tart pop of dried cranberries, all wrapped up in a buttery, tender dough that’s dusted in sweet powdered sugar. Perfect for holiday gatherings or any time you want to bring a bit of sunshine and joy in cookie form, this recipe balances bright citrus notes with cozy, comforting butter in every bite. Trust me, once you taste these snowball cookies, they’ll vanish faster than freshly fallen snow on a sunny day!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t let the simple list fool you—each ingredient plays a starring role, blending together to create divine flavor, perfect texture, and that beautiful balance of sweetness and tang. Using quality ingredients ensures these snowball cookies shine bright with every bite.

• Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, softened at room temperature): This gives the cookies their rich, creamy foundation and tender crumb.
• Powdered Sugar (1/4 cup for dough, plus 1/2 cup to coat): Adds a delicate sweetness and the signature snowy finish.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon, optional if salted butter is used): Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness perfectly.
• Vanilla Extract (1/2 teaspoon): Brings out a warm, inviting aroma that complements the citrus and cranberry.
• Chopped Dried Cranberries (1/2 cup): Offers a tart contrast that brightens every bite — use high-quality for best results.
• Orange Zest (1 tablespoon): A must-have for that fresh, zesty pop; lemon zest is a fine substitute but orange is magic here.
• All Purpose Flour (1 cup): Creates the tender, delicate structure that holds everything together without heaviness.

How to Make Irresistibly Buttery Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by beating the softened unsalted butter and 1/4 cup powdered sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process is key to giving your cookies that incredibly buttery texture and a melt-in-your-mouth softness you’ll savor.

Step 2: Add the Vanilla and Salt

Pour in the vanilla extract and salt (if you didn’t use salted butter). Mix everything until fully blended so each cookie carries that warm, inviting flavor base we’re aiming for.

Step 3: Fold in the Flour and Orange Zest

Gently add the all-purpose flour and the fragrant orange zest into your buttery mixture. Use a spatula to fold until just combined—overmixing can toughen your cookies, and we want them tender as a fresh snowfall.

Step 4: Stir in the Cranberries

Now, fold in the chopped dried cranberries carefully. This burst of tartness is what makes the cookies so memorable and gives them that joyful holiday punch.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Wrap your dough tightly in cling film and refrigerate for about an hour. Chilling firms everything up, making the dough easier to shape and helping your cookies hold their perfect snowball shape during baking.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Once chilled, take the dough out and let it warm just a touch at room temperature. Roll it into small 1-inch balls—these little spheres promise a perfect bite every time.

Step 7: Arrange for Baking

Place each ball on a lined baking tray, making sure to leave enough space between them to avoid sticking together as they bake and spread slightly.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Set your oven to 350°F (180°C) and bake the cookies for around 15 minutes. You want them just lightly golden on the edges but still soft inside—a perfect balance for that classic snowball texture.

Step 9: Cool and Coat in Powdered Sugar

Let your cookies cool on the tray for a minute after baking, then roll each warm cookie in the remaining powdered sugar. Once they’ve cooled completely, give them one more generous coating for that iconic snowy finish.

Step 10: Present and Enjoy

Arrange these gorgeous snowball cookies on a festive platter, and prepare for compliments! These beauties will brighten any dessert table, brunch, or afternoon tea occasion.

How to Serve Irresistibly Buttery Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra festive touch, consider a light dusting of extra powdered sugar right before serving or sprinkle some finely chopped candied orange peel atop for a zesty, jewel-like sparkle that mirrors these cookies’ bright flavor.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of spiced tea, a rich dark coffee, or even a glass of chilled milk. Their buttery richness and fruity tartness cut through creamy and bold flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking them with wax paper in between layers in a decorative tin for gifting, or serve them alongside a platter of nuts, cheeses, and dried fruits for a sophisticated holiday snack board that wows guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Irresistibly Buttery Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They’ll stay fresh and maintain their signature soft, crumbly texture wonderfully.

Freezing

You can freeze these cookies after baking and coating. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. They keep well for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating

To enjoy your cookies fresh from frozen, simply let them thaw at room temperature. If you like them a bit warm, a quick 10-15 second zap in the microwave revives their soft, buttery quality without melting the sugary coating.

FAQs

Can I substitute butter with margarine or oil?

Butter is key for the rich, tender texture and flavor in this recipe, so margarine or oil may change the consistency and taste. For best results, stick with unsalted butter as directed.

What if I don’t have dried cranberries? Can I use fresh ones?

Fresh cranberries have much more moisture and will alter the dough’s texture. If you want a similar tart pop, dried cherries or raisins can be a good substitute, but fresh cranberries might make the dough too wet.

Is it okay to skip the orange zest?

The orange zest adds a bright, citrusy zing that balances the sweetness—it’s really what makes this version of snowball cookies stand out. If you don’t have orange zest, lemon zest works as a good replacement.

Why do the cookies need to be chilled before baking?

Chilling the dough helps solidify the butter, so the cookies hold their shape better and bake into tender, melt-in-your-mouth delights rather than spreading too thin or toughening.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

You can substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour, but results may vary slightly. Look for a blend with xanthan gum for best texture and proceed as usual.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend the Irresistibly Buttery Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies Recipe enough if you’re searching for a cookie that feels cozy, festive, and purposeful in every bite. They come together so simply with everyday ingredients, yet the flavors feel special and uplifting—perfect for sharing, gifting, or just sneaking a few with your afternoon tea. Give them a try and watch how quickly these delightful snowballs disappear from your cookie jar!

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