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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.

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 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

Find it online: https://reemcook.com/cranberry-orange-snowball-cookies-recipe/