The holiday season is upon us, and nothing captures the spirit of celebration quite like a plate full of Cranberry Orange Snowballs. These delightful treats burst with vibrant flavors, combining the tartness of fresh cranberries with the zesty brightness of oranges. unique sweet treats Picture soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookies dusted in powdered sugar, evoking joy with every bite. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone flocking to find out what deliciousness is on the menu.
I fondly remember my grandma whipping up a batch every Christmas while we gathered around the tree, eagerly awaiting her secret recipe that was never truly a secret at all. The joy these cookies bring makes them perfect for festive gatherings or cozy family evenings. light and fruity desserts Get ready to dive into this flavor explosion that will have your taste buds dancing with delight! For more inspiration, check out this Lemon Lavender Cookies recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Cranberry Orange Snowballs are easy to make and require minimal prep time
- The balance of sweet and tangy flavors creates a refreshing treat
- Their snowy appearance adds a festive touch to any dessert table
- Perfectly versatile, you can enjoy them at holiday parties or as an everyday snack
Sharing these cookies always brings smiles and compliments from friends and family who just can’t get enough of them.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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All-Purpose Flour: Provides the base for our snowballs; ensure it’s sifted for a lighter texture.
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Fresh Cranberries: Use tart cranberries for that delightful zing; frozen ones work just as well when fresh isn’t available.
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Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough perfectly; adjust based on your taste preference.
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Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over salt levels; it adds richness to each bite.
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Powdered Sugar: Essential for dusting once baked; it creates that magical snowy appearance. no bake dessert options.
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Orange Zest: Grate fresh oranges to infuse vibrant citrus flavor throughout the cookies.
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Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth; choose pure vanilla extract for best results.
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Baking Powder: Helps our cookies rise slightly, giving them that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture.
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Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors beautifully without overpowering them.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. savory snack pairings.
Let’s Make it Together
Gather Your Ingredients: Start by assembling all your ingredients on the countertop. This makes measuring easier and ensures you have everything at hand.
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper while you prepare the cookie dough.
Create the Dough Base: In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. The mixture should appear pale and airy—around two minutes of mixing should do.
Add Flavor Elements: Beat in orange zest and vanilla extract until well combined. Take a moment to inhale deeply; that citrus aroma is heavenly!
Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add flour, baking powder, and salt into your creamed mixture. Mix until combined but avoid over-mixing—this keeps our cookies tender.
Add Cranberries**: Gently fold in chopped cranberries using a spatula. Their vibrant red color will brighten up your dough, making it visually appealing before even baking.
Scoop and Shape**: Using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out dough onto prepared baking sheets. Leave enough space between each scoop for spreading during baking.
Bake to Perfection**: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges. Keep an eye out—every oven varies!
Cool & Dust**: Once baked, let them cool on wire racks for about 10 minutes before rolling in powdered sugar while still warm. The sugar will stick better this way!
With these steps completed, you’ll have a delightful batch of Cranberry Orange Snowballs ready to impress everyone at your next gathering! Enjoy!
You Must Know
- These delightful Cranberry Orange Snowballs are not just a sweet treat; they’re perfect for sharing during festive gatherings
- Their vibrant colors and zesty aroma will brighten any dessert table, making them a crowd-pleaser
- Plus, they’re super easy to whip up!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve the ultimate texture, chill your dough before rolling into balls. Bake until golden, then roll in powdered sugar while still warm for the best coating.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap cranberries for dried cherries or use lemon zest instead of orange for a unique twist. You can even add chopped nuts for extra crunch!
Storing & Reheating
Store these snowballs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. They can also be frozen for longer enjoyment—just thaw before serving.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh cranberries if available; they provide a tartness that balances the sweetness perfectly
- Ensure your butter is softened but not melted—this keeps the cookies tender
- Don’t overbake—watch them closely for that perfect golden hue!
Sometimes I find myself reminiscing about the first time I made these treats—they vanished faster than I could say “Cranberry Orange Snowball”! Everyone raved about them, and I felt like a culinary rockstar! For more inspiration, check out this Lemon Cheesecake Squares recipe.
FAQ
Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?
Yes, frozen cranberries work well; just thaw and drain excess moisture before using.
How can I make these gluten-free?
Substitute regular flour with a 1: 1 gluten-free flour blend for delicious results.
What’s the best way to serve these snowballs?
Serve them dusted with powdered sugar alongside hot cocoa or coffee for a cozy treat.
Cranberry Orange Snowballs
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Experience the joy of the holiday season with these delectable Cranberry Orange Snowballs. Each cookie is a perfect harmony of tart cranberries and zesty orange, creating a melt-in-your-mouth treat that’s beautifully dusted in powdered sugar. These cookies are not only a nostalgic reminder of family gatherings but also an easy-to-make delight for any festive occasion. With minimal prep time and irresistible flavor, they’re bound to become a favorite among friends and family.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the orange zest and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour, baking powder, and salt; mix until just incorporated.
- Fold in the chopped cranberries gently.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them apart.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until lightly golden around the edges.
- Allow cookies to cool slightly before rolling in powdered sugar while still warm.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (25g)
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
