Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies are delightful, buttery treats bursting with bright citrus and tart dried cranberries. These soft, powdery cookies are perfect for festive occasions or anytime you crave a sweet, refreshing snack.

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
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (to coat the baked cookies)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine the softened butter and 1/4 cup powdered sugar. Mix until the mixture is light and creamy.
2. Step 2: Add the vanilla extract and salt, mixing well until fully incorporated.
3. Step 3: Stir in the flour and orange zest using a spatula until thoroughly combined.
4. Step 4: Fold in the chopped dried cranberries to form a smooth dough.
5. Step 5: Wrap the dough tightly in cling film and refrigerate for about 1 hour, or until firm.
6. Step 6: Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly.
7. Step 7: Roll the dough into small, 1-inch round balls.
8. Step 8: Place the balls on a lined baking tray and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly browned.
9. Step 9: Allow the cookies to cool briefly after baking.
10. Step 10: While still warm, roll each cookie in powdered sugar to coat.
11. Step 11: Once cooled completely, roll the cookies in powdered sugar again to achieve a snowy finish.
12. Step 12: Serve and enjoy your cranberry orange snowball cookies!

Tips & Variations

• For a nutty twist, add finely chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough along with the cranberries.
• Use fresh orange zest for the brightest flavor, and avoid the white pith to prevent bitterness.
• Make sure the dough is well chilled before baking to maintain the cookie shape.
• Store rolled powdered sugar separately and coat just before serving if you prefer a less powdery snack.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them fresh longer, refrigerate for up to two weeks or freeze for up to three months. Reheat in a warm oven briefly if you prefer a soft, freshly baked texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Fresh cranberries contain more moisture and can affect the dough’s consistency. It’s best to use dried cranberries to maintain the right texture and avoid making the dough too wet.

Can I substitute orange zest with lemon zest?

Yes, lemon zest will give a different but equally delicious citrus flavor. Feel free to experiment with lemon or even lime zest according to your taste preferences.

Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies Recipe

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4.7 from 126 reviews

Delight in these Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies, a perfect blend of tangy dried cranberries and fragrant orange zest wrapped in a buttery, tender cookie. Coated in powdered sugar, these festive treats are ideal for holiday gatherings or any cozy occasion.

• Author: reem
• Prep Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 27 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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 Cup All Purpose Flour / Plain Flour
• 1 Tablespoon Orange Zest
• 1/2 Cup Chopped Dried Cranberries

Coating

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

Instructions

1. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter and 1/4 cup powdered sugar. Mix them together thoroughly until the mixture becomes light and creamy, ensuring a smooth base for the dough.
2. Add Vanilla and Salt: Stir in the vanilla extract and salt to the creamed mixture, mixing until all ingredients are well incorporated for enhanced flavor.
3. Incorporate Flour and Orange Zest: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and orange zest to the butter mixture. Use a spatula to fold and mix gently until a uniform dough forms, avoiding overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
4. Add Dried Cranberries: Fold in the chopped dried cranberries evenly throughout the dough, ensuring each bite will have a burst of fruity flavor.
5. Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough tightly in cling film and refrigerate for at least one hour or until firm, which helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
6. Prepare for Baking: Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly for easier handling.
7. Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into small 1-inch diameter balls. Arrange these evenly spaced on a baking tray lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
8. Bake: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the cookies in the oven for about 15 minutes, or until the bottoms are just beginning to turn golden brown, indicating they are cooked through.
9. Cool the Cookies: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on the baking tray for easier handling without breaking.
10. First Sugar Coating: While the cookies are still warm, gently roll them in powdered sugar to coat, giving them their signature snowball appearance.
11. Second Sugar Coating: After the cookies have cooled completely, roll them again in powdered sugar for an extra white, powdery finish.
12. Serve and Enjoy: Your Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies are now ready to be served. Enjoy this festive, flavorful treat with family and friends.

Notes

• Ensure the butter is softened at room temperature for easy mixing and a smooth dough.
• Refrigerating the dough is crucial to prevent spreading during baking and helps retain the cookie shape.
• Use fresh orange zest for the best citrus flavor; avoid the bitter white pith when zesting.
• For a festive touch, you can drizzle melted white chocolate over the cookies after the final sugar coating.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer storage.

Keywords: cranberry cookies, orange zest cookies, snowball cookies, holiday cookies, powdered sugar cookies, festive desserts, buttery cookies