Delicious Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies Recipe

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Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies

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Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies are soft and buttery, bursting with cheerful flavors! These little treats are rolled in powdered sugar for a snowy finish that’s perfect for any festive occasion.

They’re so cute and tasty, I can’t help but eat a few more than I planned! It’s like a holiday party in each bite. 🎉

I love making these cookies because they’re easy to mix and roll. Plus, the bright taste of orange paired with tart cranberries is just the lift I need during the holiday season!

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Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Unsalted Butter: This is essential for the right texture, creating a tender cookie. If you’re out, you can swap it with margarine, though the flavor might change slightly. Ghee or coconut oil can also work if you want a dairy-free option.

Powdered Sugar: Essential for sweetness and that lovely coating on the cookies. If you need a sugar substitute, try using a little bit of confectionery stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Keep in mind, the taste will vary, but you can adjust to your liking!

Orange Zest: Adds a bright flavor. If you’re out of fresh oranges, lemon zest could make a good alternative, giving a different, but still refreshing taste. I sometimes mix in a little bit of orange juice for extra citrus kick.

Dried Cranberries: These provide a chewy tartness. You can substitute them with raisins or chopped dried apricots if cranberries aren’t available. Just adjust the sweetness depending on the alternative.

Nuts: Walnuts or pecans add crunch, but you can leave them out for a nut-free version. Sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds work well for a similar crunch without nuts.

How Do You Get the Perfect Cookie Texture?

The cookie’s texture is crucial, and there are a few steps to ensure yours turn out wonderfully. Start by creaming the butter with powdered sugar properly—this introduces air and lightens the mixture.

  • Make sure the butter is at room temperature; it should be soft but not melted.
  • Cream for about 2-3 minutes until it’s light and fluffy; your cookies will benefit from this extra air.
  • When adding the flour mixture, mix just until combined to avoid tough cookies. Overmixing can lead to dense textures.

Lastly, don’t skip the rolling in powdered sugar while they’re warm! This creates that delightful snowball look and adds sweetness right where you want it.

Delicious Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies

What You’ll Need:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup powdered sugar, plus extra for rolling
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest (freshly grated is best!)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup dried cranberries, chopped
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delightful cookie recipe will take you about 15 minutes of prep time and around 12-15 minutes to bake. Don’t forget to let them cool a bit before rolling in that sweet powdered sugar. In total, you’ll be enjoying these treats in about 30 minutes!

Instructions:

Let’s get started! First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (that’s 175°C for our metric friends) and line a baking sheet with some parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes clean-up a breeze!

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and ½ cup of powdered sugar until it’s light and fluffy—grab a hand mixer for this if you have one, it makes the job so much easier! Once that’s looking good, stir in the vanilla extract and the freshly grated orange zest. The smell will be heavenly!

Now, grab a separate bowl and whisk together the flour, salt, and cinnamon if you’ve decided to use it. Once that’s all mixed up, gradually add this flour mixture to your buttery goodness, mixing gently until everything is just combined. We want to keep it fluffy, so don’t over-mix!

Next, it’s time for the fun part: fold in those chopped dried cranberries and walnuts or pecans if you’re using them. Mixing these in well will give every bite a delightful pop of flavor!

Now, scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of your dough and roll them into little balls—about the size of a golf ball. Place them on your prepared baking sheet, making sure to space them about 2 inches apart because they’ll spread a little while baking.

Pop them into the oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them, as ovens can vary. Once they’re done, take them out and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This helps them firm up a bit before you roll them in sugar.

While the cookies are still warm, roll them in the extra powdered sugar until they’re fully coated—this gives them that classic snowball cookie look! After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. They’re perfect for sharing, or just enjoying all by yourself!

Store any leftovers (if there are any!) in an airtight container for up to a week, but I doubt they’ll last that long—happy baking and enjoy your festive Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies!

Can I Use Fresh Cranberries Instead of Dried Ones?

While dried cranberries are recommended for their sweetness and texture, you can use fresh cranberries. However, they are much more tart, so consider adding a bit of extra sugar to the dough to balance the flavors. Also, chop the fresh cranberries into smaller pieces to prevent them from making the dough too wet.

What Can I Substitute for the Nuts?

If you’re looking to avoid nuts, feel free to leave them out entirely without affecting the cookie’s texture too much. Alternatively, you can substitute with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for some added crunch!

How Should I Store the Cookies?

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them! Just place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container, where they can stay good for up to 3 months.

Can I Make These Cookies Gluten-Free?

Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Make sure to check that the blend contains xanthan gum or add about 1/4 teaspoon to help with texture. The cookies might slightly differ in texture, but they will still be delicious!

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