Cranberry Orange Snowballs are a delightful holiday cookie bursting with zesty orange flavor, tangy cranberries, and a sweet, snowy coating of powdered sugar. These bite-sized treats are perfect for cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or as a festive gift. Easy to make and full of seasonal flavors, they’ll quickly become a favorite addition to your holiday baking lineup.
Let’s bake these irresistible cookies that bring a little sparkle to your celebrations!
Why You’ll Love Cranberry Orange Snowballs
Bright and Zesty: The orange zest and cranberries add a refreshing twist to a classic cookie.
Perfect for the Holidays: Their powdered sugar coating gives them a snowy, festive appearance.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, they’re ideal for bakers of all levels.
Great for Gifting: These cookies are pretty, portable, and perfect for sharing.
Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Snowballs
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ½ cup powdered sugar (plus extra for coating)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (from 1 large orange)
- ½ cup dried cranberries (chopped)
How to Make Cranberry Orange Snowballs
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
Step 3: Add the Flavorings
Mix in the vanilla extract and orange zest until well combined.
Step 4: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until the dough starts to come together. Gently fold in the chopped dried cranberries. The dough will be slightly crumbly but should hold together when pressed.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
Step 6: Bake
Bake the cookies for 12–15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. The tops should remain pale.
Step 7: Coat in Powdered Sugar
Allow the cookies to cool for about 5 minutes, then roll them in powdered sugar while still warm. Place them on a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, roll them in powdered sugar again for a thick, snowy coating.
Step 8: Serve
Arrange the cookies on a platter and enjoy the sweet, citrusy, and tangy flavors.
Tips for Perfect Cranberry Orange Snowballs
Don’t Overbake: These cookies should remain light in color; overbaking can make them dry.
Use Fresh Zest: Fresh orange zest provides the best flavor. Avoid using dried or pre-packaged zest.
Chop the Cranberries Finely: Smaller pieces ensure even distribution throughout the dough.
Double Coating: Rolling the cookies in powdered sugar twice gives them a more festive, snowy appearance.
Make Ahead: The dough can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature before shaping and baking.
Variations
Lemon Cranberry Snowballs: Replace the orange zest with lemon zest for a tangy variation.
White Chocolate Cranberry Snowballs: Fold in white chocolate chips along with the cranberries.
Nutty Snowballs: Add ½ cup of finely chopped pecans or walnuts for extra texture and flavor.
Gluten-Free Snowballs: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies suitable for gluten-sensitive guests.
How to Serve Cranberry Orange Snowballs
These cookies are versatile and perfect for any holiday occasion:
- On a Cookie Platter: Include them with other holiday favorites like gingerbread and sugar cookies.
- With Hot Drinks: Serve them with hot cocoa, tea, or coffee for a cozy treat.
- As Gifts: Package them in festive tins or clear bags tied with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Storing and Freezing
Storing: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Freeze the unbaked dough balls on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 2–3 minutes to the baking time.
Freezing Baked Cookies: Freeze fully baked and cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Roll them in powdered sugar again after thawing for a fresh look.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cranberry Orange Snowballs are a delightful addition to your holiday baking repertoire. Their bright citrus flavor, tangy cranberries, and snowy coating make them as festive as they are delicious. These cookies are a hit with both kids and adults and are perfect for creating holiday memories.
Final Thoughts on Cranberry Orange Snowballs
If you’re looking for a cookie that’s both easy to make and stunning to serve, Cranberry Orange Snowballs are the answer. With their burst of citrus and cranberry flavors, they’re the perfect holiday treat to share with family and friends.
Bake a batch today and bring a little extra sparkle to your holiday season!