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- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1/2 cup powdered sugar, with extra for dusting - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped - Zest of 1 large orange - 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional) - Chopped walnuts add crunch and flavor. You can leave them out if you want a nut-free cookie. - If you need a dairy-free option, use a plant-based butter. - For gluten-free cookies, swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. - Use maple syrup instead of powdered sugar for a lower-sugar option. These simple ingredients come together to create a delightful cookie. The sweet cranberries and zesty orange bring joy in every bite. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. Next, grab a baking sheet. Line it with parchment paper. This helps the cookies not stick. In a large bowl, add 1 cup of softened butter. Use an electric mixer to cream it with 1/2 cup of powdered sugar. Mix until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Then, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, the zest of 1 large orange, and 1 tablespoon of fresh orange juice. Blend these ingredients until smooth. In another bowl, whisk 2 cups of all-purpose flour with 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Gradually add the flour mix to the butter mix. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. This keeps the cookies light. Now, fold in 1/2 cup of finely chopped dried cranberries. If you like, add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts for extra crunch. Next, roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Place them on your baking sheet. Be sure to space them about 2 inches apart. This gives them room to spread. Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes. They should be lightly golden on the bottom while staying pale on top. After baking, take the cookies out of the oven. Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, move them to a wire rack to cool all the way. Once cool, dust them generously with more powdered sugar. This makes them look like a snowy treat. Enjoy these sweet bites with friends or family! To get the right texture for your cookies, use room temperature butter. Softened butter mixes better and makes your cookies light. Mix the butter and sugar until fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Be careful when adding flour. Mix only until combined. Overmixing can make the cookies tough. You can change the flavor by using different nuts or citrus. Try pecans or almonds instead of walnuts. For a twist, use lemon or lime zest. This adds a fresh taste. You can also use dried fruits like cherries or apricots. Each change gives a new twist to your cookie. One common mistake is not measuring ingredients correctly. Always use measuring cups for accuracy. Another issue is baking at the wrong temperature. Make sure your oven is preheated to 350°F. Lastly, don’t rush the cooling time. Let your cookies cool completely before dusting with sugar. This helps the sugar stick better. Pro Tips Chill the Dough: For a more manageable dough, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before rolling into balls. This helps prevent spreading during baking. Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming, and use fresh orange juice and zest for the best flavor. Adjust Baking Time: Keep a close eye on the cookies as they bake, as oven temperatures can vary. Remove them when the bottoms are golden, but the tops remain pale for a soft texture. Creative Variations: Experiment with different nuts or dried fruits, such as pecans or cherries, to create your own unique twist on these cookies. {{image_4}} You can make these cookies gluten-free. Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Make sure the blend works well in cookies. Follow the same steps in the recipe. The taste and texture will still shine. Want to try something new? You can swap out cranberries for chocolate chips. Dark chocolate adds a rich taste. You can also try adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. These spices give a warm flavor perfect for winter. Another option is to use lemon zest instead of orange. It will give a fresh twist that’s bright and tasty. For a fun touch, consider icing your cookies. A simple glaze of powdered sugar and milk works well. Drizzle it over the cooled cookies for added sweetness. You can also sprinkle extra powdered sugar on top. For a festive look, add colored sprinkles. Chopped nuts make a nice crunchy topping too. These options let you customize your snowball cookies to your taste! To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place a piece of wax paper between layers to prevent sticking. This method keeps the cookies soft and delicious for up to one week. If you notice them drying out, you can add a slice of bread to the container to help retain moisture. Freezing is a great option for longer storage. First, let the cookies cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. To enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature when you're ready. Choose containers that are airtight and made from materials like glass or BPA-free plastic. Glass containers help keep cookies fresh longer. If you want to stack cookies, use parchment paper between layers. This prevents them from sticking and maintains their shape. Yes, you can make these cookies ahead of time. You can prepare the dough and chill it in the fridge for up to 3 days. This helps the flavors blend well. When ready, simply roll the dough into balls and bake as directed. You can also bake the cookies in advance. Store them in an airtight container for freshness. The cookies are done when the bottoms turn light golden brown. The tops should stay pale. This usually takes about 12 to 15 minutes in the oven. Keep an eye on them, as oven times can vary. If you notice slight browning on the edges, it’s time to take them out. These cookies pair well with many drinks. Try serving them with tea, coffee, or hot cocoa. They also go great with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a festive touch, add some fresh cranberries or orange slices on the side. Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies can last about a week at room temperature. To keep them fresh, store them in an airtight container. If you want them to last longer, freeze them for up to three months. Just be sure to thaw them before serving. You learned about the key ingredients and how to mix and bake cookies. We explored tips for perfect texture and fun variations to try. Remember to store your cookies properly to keep them fresh. I hope you feel excited to bake and share these tasty treats. Each step leads to a delicious reward. Enjoy your baking journey and the smiles it brings!

Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies

Deliciously soft cookies with a hint of orange and tart cranberries, perfect for the holidays.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24
Calories 100 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1 2 cup powdered sugar, with extra for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 2 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
  • 1 large zest of orange
  • 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
  • 1 2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process should take about 2-3 minutes.
  • Incorporate the vanilla extract, orange zest, and fresh orange juice into the butter mixture. Mix until all ingredients are well combined and smooth.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt until evenly mixed. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Take care not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of the cookies.
  • Carefully fold in the finely chopped dried cranberries and chopped walnuts (if using), ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
  • With your hands, roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, making sure to space them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the bottoms of the cookies are lightly golden brown; the tops should remain pale.
  • Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • After the cookies have cooled, generously dust them with more powdered sugar for a delightful snowy appearance.

Notes

Showcase the cookies on a festive platter, and for a holiday touch, sprinkle some additional orange zest and a few whole cranberries around them to create a vibrant and inviting display.
Keyword cookies, cranberry, holiday, orange