Christmas Snowball Cookies

Christmas Snowball Cookies are a delightful treat that brings festive cheer to any gathering. These cookies are easy to make and perfect for holiday celebrations, family gatherings, or simply indulging yourself. With their vibrant M&Ms and snowy powdered sugar coating, they stand out on any dessert table. Plus, they’re versatile enough to use any color candy to match your holiday theme!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With only 15 minutes of prep time, you can have these delicious cookies ready in no time.
• Festive Touch: The colorful M&Ms not only add flavor but also a festive flair to your holiday treats.
• Versatile: You can easily customize these cookies with different colors of candy for various occasions.
• Make Ahead: These cookies freeze well, allowing you to prepare them in advance for busy holiday seasons.
• Perfectly Sweet: The combination of buttery dough and sweet powdered sugar makes each bite irresistible.

Tools and Preparation

To make Christmas Snowball Cookies, you’ll need a few essential tools in your kitchen. Having the right tools ensures a smooth baking process and the best results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Electric mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Cookie sheets
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack
• Measuring cups

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: This tool helps achieve a fluffy butter mixture quickly, saving you time and effort.
• Cookie sheets: They provide a flat surface for even baking and prevent sticking when lined with parchment paper.
• Cooling rack: Using a cooling rack allows air to circulate around the cookies, preventing them from becoming soggy.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter (slightly softened)
• ½ cup (57g) powdered sugar (do NOT pack your powdered sugar)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 ¼ cups (279g) all-purpose flour (do NOT pack your flour)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup mini M&Ms (any color)
• Additional powdered sugar (for rolling)

How to Make Christmas Snowball Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

Mix the unsalted butter, ½ cup of powdered sugar, and vanilla using an electric mixer until the mixture is fluffy. Then, gradually add in the flour and salt, mixing until the dough comes together. This may take a minute or two if using a stand mixer; hand mixers may require more effort. If necessary, use your hands to help combine everything into cookie dough. Finally, fold in the mini M&Ms.

Step 3: Shape the Cookies

Scoop out tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place them on the prepared cookie sheets, leaving some space between each ball.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

Bake in the preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes or until the bottoms are just slightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool on the sheets for about 5-10 minutes until they are manageable.

Step 5: Roll in Powdered Sugar

Pour some additional powdered sugar into a small bowl. Roll each warm cookie in the powdered sugar until fully coated. Transfer them to a cooling rack. After they cool completely, consider re-rolling them in more powdered sugar for an extra touch.

These Christmas Snowball Cookies can be stored in an airtight container or frozen for up to one month. Enjoy these sweet treats throughout the holiday season!

How to Serve Christmas Snowball Cookies

Christmas Snowball Cookies are a delightful treat for any holiday gathering. Their festive look and sweet taste make them perfect for sharing with family and friends. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a large platter with festive decorations like holly or colorful ribbons to create an eye-catching display.

Paired with Hot Cocoa

• Serve these cookies alongside a warm cup of hot cocoa for a cozy treat that warms the heart during chilly winter nights.

As Party Favors

• Place individual cookies in small, clear bags tied with ribbon for a charming party favor that guests can take home.

With Ice Cream

• Crumble the cookies over vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an extra special dessert that adds texture and flavor.

At a Cookie Exchange

• Bring your Christmas Snowball Cookies to a cookie exchange event, allowing others to enjoy your festive creation while you sample theirs.

How to Perfect Christmas Snowball Cookies

Achieving the perfect batch of Christmas Snowball Cookies can take practice. Here are some tips to help you get the best results every time.

• Use softened butter: Ensure your butter is slightly softened for easy mixing. This helps create a fluffy texture for your dough.

• Measure accurately: Avoid packing your powdered sugar and flour. Accurate measurements lead to the right dough consistency.

• Mix thoroughly: Don’t rush the mixing process. Make sure all ingredients are well combined before adding M&Ms to ensure even distribution.

• Cool properly: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet before rolling in powdered sugar. This ensures they hold their shape better during handling.

• Store correctly: Keep cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Consider re-rolling them in powdered sugar before serving after freezing.

Best Side Dishes for Christmas Snowball Cookies

While Christmas Snowball Cookies shine as a standalone treat, pairing them with complementary sides can enhance your holiday spread. Here are some delightful options:

1. Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad provides a light, refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cookies. Choose seasonal fruits for extra cheer.

2. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses pairs beautifully with sweet treats, adding savory notes that balance out sweetness.

3. Spiced Nuts: Offer a bowl of spiced nuts as an appetizer; their crunch and flavor will complement the soft texture of the cookies.

4. Holiday Punch: A non-alcoholic holiday punch brings festive cheer and hydration, making it a great companion to sweet snacks like cookies.

5. Mini Quiches: These savory bites can serve as an excellent counterpoint to sweeter desserts, providing variety on your dessert table.

6. Veggie Tray: Crisp veggies with hummus offer a healthy option that balances out indulgent treats, ensuring there’s something for everyone at your gathering.

7. Chocolate Fondue: Set up a chocolate fondue station where guests can dip fruits or leftover cookie pieces for an interactive dessert experience.

8. Coffee or Tea Bar: Create a coffee or tea station where guests can brew their favorite hot drinks, perfect for pairing with cookies after dinner.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Christmas Snowball Cookies turn out perfect, here are some common pitfalls to steer clear of.

• Incorrect butter temperature: Using butter that’s too soft or too cold can affect the dough’s consistency. Aim for slightly softened butter for the best results.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Packing powdered sugar or flour can lead to dry cookies. Always measure by spooning and leveling your ingredients.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too long can make your cookies tough. Mix just until combined for a tender texture.
• Skipping the cooling step: Allowing cookies to cool before rolling them in powdered sugar is crucial. This helps the sugar adhere better and prevents melting.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Every oven is different. Use an oven thermometer to ensure it’s at the right temperature for even baking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container.
• They can last up to one week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Christmas Snowball Cookies

• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer to airtight containers or freezer bags, where they can be stored for up to one month.

Reheating Christmas Snowball Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 5 minutes until slightly warm.
• Microwave: Heat individually for about 10-15 seconds, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Wrap in foil and warm gently over low heat for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Christmas Snowball Cookies.

What variations can I make with Christmas Snowball Cookies?

You can customize these cookies by using different types of candy or adding nuts like pecans or walnuts. Feel free to experiment with festive colors!

Can I use other types of flour for Christmas Snowball Cookies?

Yes, you may substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends, but be sure to check that they contain xanthan gum for structure.

How do I make vegan Christmas Snowball Cookies?

Substitute unsalted butter with a plant-based alternative and use a flax egg instead of regular eggs if needed.

Can I double the batch of Christmas Snowball Cookies?

Absolutely! Just ensure you have enough space on your cookie sheets, as they need room to bake evenly.

How long do Christmas Snowball Cookies last?

Stored properly, these cookies can stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or in the freezer for up to one month.

Final Thoughts

Christmas Snowball Cookies are not only delightful but also incredibly versatile. The vibrant M&Ms add a festive touch, making them perfect for any holiday gathering. Feel free to tailor this recipe by incorporating your favorite candies or nuts. Get creative and enjoy baking these delicious treats!

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Christmas Snowball Cookies

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• Author: Olivia
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x

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Description

Indulge in the festive spirit with these delightful Christmas Snowball Cookies, a perfect treat for any holiday occasion. Bursting with vibrant M&Ms and coated in a snowy layer of powdered sugar, these cookies are not only visually appealing but irresistibly sweet. With just 15 minutes of prep time, they’re an easy addition to your holiday baking lineup. Their versatility allows you to customize them with different candy colors for various celebrations. Plus, they freeze well, making them a convenient option for busy holiday schedules. Enjoy the buttery goodness and cheerful colors that make these cookies a must-have during the festive season!

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup unsalted butter (slightly softened)
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup mini M&Ms (any color)
• Additional powdered sugar (for rolling)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract using an electric mixer until fluffy.
3. Gradually incorporate the flour and salt until the dough forms; fold in mini M&Ms.
4. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the cookie sheets, ensuring space between each.
5. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until lightly golden on the bottoms; cool on sheets for about 5-10 minutes before rolling in powdered sugar.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie (25g)
• Calories: 110
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 40mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 13g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: <1g
• Cholesterol: 15mg