Christmas Snowball Cookies

Christmas Snowball Cookies : christmas is a time of joy, fun, and delicious treats! One of the many delights of the holiday season is baking cookies with family and friends. Among the various cookie recipes, Christmas Snowball Cookies stand out. These cookies are not only charming with their snowy appearance, but they also taste wonderful. Imagine biting into a soft cookie that melts in your mouth, sprinkled with powdered sugar like fresh snow. It is a delightful experience that everyone will enjoy. In this article, we will explore why you will love this recipe, how to prepare Christmas Snowball Cookies, serving suggestions, storage tips, and much more!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

There are many reasons to love Christmas Snowball Cookies. First, these cookies are incredibly easy to make, even for a beginner baker. All you need are a few simple ingredients and some time to let the cookies cool.

Second, they have a rich buttery flavor that leaves you wanting more. The addition of festive M&Ms makes them perfect for holiday celebrations. The colorful candies not only enhance the taste but also make the cookies visually appealing.

Third, these cookies are great for sharing. Whether you are baking for a cookie exchange party or just to enjoy with your family, these little treats will surely make everyone smile.

Lastly, Christmas Snowball Cookies are versatile. You can easily customize them to suit your taste or the preferences of your friends and family. From using different types of nuts to adding spices like cinnamon, the options are endless.

Now, let’s get started on how to prepare these delightful cookies!

How to Prepare Christmas Snowball Cookies

Making Christmas Snowball Cookies is simple and fun. You can easily get your family involved, allowing them to help mix ingredients and roll the cookies in powdered sugar. So, get your apron on, and let’s start baking!

Ingredients:

To make Christmas Snowball Cookies, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup festive M&Ms
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional, you can use walnuts, pecans, or almonds)

Instructions:

Follow these simple steps to make your Christmas Snowball Cookies:

1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the cookies bake evenly.
2. Prepare the baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier.
3. Mix the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar. Use an electric mixer or a wooden spoon to beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
4. Add vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract. This will give your cookies a lovely flavor.
5. Combine dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until well combined.
6. Fold in M&Ms and nuts: Gently fold in the festive M&Ms and chopped nuts if you are using them. Make sure they are evenly dispersed throughout the dough.
7. Shape the cookies: Using your hands, take small portions of dough and roll them into balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
8. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. The cookies should be slightly golden on the bottom but still soft.
9. Cool the cookies: Once they are done baking, remove the cookies from the oven. Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Dust with powdered sugar: Once the cookies are completely cool, generously dust them with powdered sugar. This will give them their signature snowy appearance.

And there you have it! Your delicious Christmas Snowball Cookies are ready to be enjoyed.

How to Serve Christmas Snowball Cookies

Christmas Snowball Cookies can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions:

1. Cookie platters: Arrange them on a beautiful platter alongside other holiday cookies. This creates a lovely display for your family and guests.
2. Gift bags: Place some cookies in decorative bags or boxes and give them as gifts to friends and family. Everyone loves homemade treats!
3. Hot cocoa pairing: Pair these cookies with a steaming cup of hot cocoa. The sweetness of the cookies goes perfectly with the warm chocolatey drink.
4. As a dessert: Serve them as a dessert at your holiday dinner. They make a delightful ending to a festive meal.

How to Store Christmas Snowball Cookies

Storing your Christmas Snowball Cookies properly ensures they stay fresh and delicious. Here are some tips on how to store them:

1. Cool completely: Make sure the cookies are completely cool before storing them. This will prevent moisture from building up and making them soggy.
2. Use an airtight container: Place the cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh. You can use a plastic container or a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.
3. Separate layers: If you are stacking cookies in the container, place parchment paper between the layers. This will prevent them from sticking together.
4. Refrigeration: If you want to store them for more than a week, consider putting them in the refrigerator. Just ensure they are well covered to prevent them from absorbing any odors.
5. Freezing: For long-term storage, you can freeze these cookies. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They will stay good for up to three months. When you are ready to enjoy them, simply let them thaw at room temperature before serving.

Tips for Preparing Christmas Snowball Cookies

To help you make the perfect Christmas Snowball Cookies, consider these helpful tips:

1. Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter is at room temperature before mixing. This will help it blend well with sugar and create a light texture.
2. Don’t over-bake: Keep an eye on the cookies while they bake. They should be slightly golden around the edges. If you bake them too long, they will become dry.
3. Customize the mix-ins: Feel free to change the mix-ins to your liking! You can use chocolate chips, crushed candy canes, or even dried fruits for a different flavor.
4. Chill the dough: If you have time, you can chill the dough for about 30 minutes before shaping the cookies. This can help them hold their shape better while baking.
5. Bake in batches: If you are baking multiple trays, it’s a good idea to bake them in batches to avoid overcrowding in the oven, which can affect baking time.

Variation

While the classic Christmas Snowball Cookies are delightful as they are, you can experiment with variations to suit your taste. Here are some fun ideas:

1. Chocolate Snowball Cookies: Replace half of the flour with cocoa powder for rich chocolatey cookies. Don’t forget to add chocolate or holiday-themed candies!
2. Nut-Free Version: If you or your guests have nut allergies, you can omit the nuts entirely or replace them with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
3. Spicy Gingerbread Snowballs: Add ground ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg to the dough for a spiced version of these cookies.
4. Coconut Snowballs: Fold in some sweetened shredded coconut to add a tropical flavor to your snowball cookies.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
   Yes, you can use margarine as a substitute for butter. However, using real butter will give the cookies a richer flavor.
2. How do I know when the cookies are done?
   The cookies are done when the bottoms are lightly golden, and the tops look set but still soft. Remember they will continue to firm up as they cool.
3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. Just ensure it is covered to prevent it from drying out.
4. What can I substitute for M&Ms?
   You can use chocolate chips, chopped dried fruits, or other festive candies if you prefer.
5. How long do the cookies stay fresh?
   Properly stored, Christmas Snowball Cookies can stay fresh for about 1 week at room temperature and up to 3 months in the freezer.

By following this simple recipe and the helpful tips provided, you will create a batch of Christmas Snowball Cookies that will bring joy to your holiday season. Enjoy baking and sharing these delightful treats with your loved ones! Happy Holidays!