Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies

These cranberry orange snowball cookies bring a perfect balance of buttery richness, tart cranberries, and bright citrus notes to your holiday table. The delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture makes them impossible to resist, while the snowy white coating gives them that festive charm perfect for winter gatherings.

I discovered this recipe five years ago when looking for something special to bring to our family Christmas celebration. The combination of cranberry and orange was such a hit that these cookies have become our signature holiday tradition, with everyone expecting at least one batch each December.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter softened to room temperature for that perfect creamy base which gives these cookies their tender crumb
• Powdered sugar creates a more delicate texture than granulated sugar would provide
• Salt essential for balancing the sweetness and enhancing all flavors
• Vanilla extract adds warmth and depth to complement the fruit flavors
• Dried cranberries bring tartness and festive color use high quality ones that remain soft and chewy
• Orange zest fresh is absolutely necessary for that bright aromatic citrus flavor
• All purpose flour provides structure while keeping cookies tender
• Additional powdered sugar for the classic snowball coating that makes these cookies recognizable

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cream the butter and sugar

Beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture becomes noticeably lighter in both color and texture about 3 minutes with an electric mixer or 5 minutes by hand. This process incorporates air into the dough which will help create that melt in your mouth quality.

Add flavorings

Mix in the vanilla extract and salt until completely incorporated. These ingredients may seem minor but they play crucial roles in developing the complex flavor profile that makes these cookies special.

Incorporate dry ingredients

Gently fold in the measured flour and fresh orange zest using a spatula not a mixer. The gentle folding prevents overworking the gluten which would make your cookies tough. Make sure to scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl to ensure even distribution of the zest.

Add cranberries

Fold in the chopped cranberries until evenly distributed throughout the dough. Take care not to overmix at this stage as the cranberries can bleed color if handled too roughly.

Chill the dough

Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour. This critical step allows the flour to fully hydrate and the butter to solidify making the dough easier to handle and ensuring the cookies maintain their shape during baking.

Shape the cookies

After chilling allow the dough to sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes to slightly soften. Roll the dough into consistent 1inch balls between your palms. Work quickly to prevent the dough from warming too much.

Bake to perfection

Arrange the balls on a parchment lined baking tray leaving about 1 inch between each cookie. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for approximately 15 minutes. You want the bottoms to be slightly golden but the tops should remain pale.

Create the snowball effect

While the cookies are still warm but not hot roll them gently in powdered sugar. This first coating will partially melt into the cookies creating a sweet glaze. Once completely cooled roll them again in powdered sugar for that picture perfect snowy appearance.

Bookmark

The orange zest is truly what transforms these from ordinary snowballs into something special. I remember watching my grandmother use her small wooden zester to carefully remove just the orange part of the peel avoiding the bitter white pith. She taught me that this attention to detail makes all the difference in baking and I think of her every time I make these cookies.

Storage Tips

These snowball cookies actually improve with age as the flavors meld together over time. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Layer them between sheets of parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together and maintaining that perfect powdery coating.

For longer storage you can freeze the baked cookies for up to three months. Allow them to thaw completely at room temperature then roll again in fresh powdered sugar before serving to restore their snowy appearance.

Perfect Pairings

These cranberry orange snowballs pair wonderfully with afternoon tea particularly Earl Grey whose bergamot notes complement the orange zest beautifully. For a festive holiday gathering serve them alongside hot chocolate or spiced apple cider for a warming contrast to the cool powdered sugar coating.

Making Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough up to three days in advance and keep it refrigerated. You can also freeze the shaped unbaked cookie balls for up to a month. When ready to bake simply place the frozen dough balls directly on baking sheets and add 2 to 3 minutes to the baking time.

Recipe Q&A

→ Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes! These cookies store excellently in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies (without the second sugar coating) for up to 3 months. Thaw completely and roll in powdered sugar again before serving.

→ Why do we roll the cookies in powdered sugar twice?

The first coating, applied while cookies are warm, partially melts into the cookie creating a sweet layer that helps the second coating adhere. The second coating, applied after cooling, creates the pristine white 'snowball' appearance. Both steps are essential for the perfect look and texture.

→ Can I substitute fresh cranberries for the dried ones?

Fresh cranberries aren't recommended for this recipe as they contain too much moisture and would alter the texture of the cookies. Stick with dried cranberries, which provide concentrated flavor without excess moisture.

→ Do I need to chill the dough?

Yes, chilling the dough for at least an hour is essential. It firms up the butter, making the dough easier to handle and roll into balls. Chilling also prevents excessive spreading during baking, helping the cookies maintain their characteristic rounded shape.

→ Can I add nuts to these cookies?

Absolutely! Traditional snowball cookies often include chopped nuts. Try adding 1/4 cup of finely chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds to complement the cranberry-orange flavor profile. Just be sure to chop them finely so they don't interfere with rolling the cookies into smooth balls.

→ How do I know when these cookies are done baking?

These cookies should not brown significantly on top. Look for a slight golden color on the bottom edges. They will still be somewhat soft when you remove them from the oven but will firm up as they cool. Overbaking will result in dry cookies.