Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies

Name: Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 Cup Unsalted Butter (softened); 1/4 Cup Powdered Sugar (for dough); 1/2 Teaspoon Salt; 1/2 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract; 1/2 Cup Chopped Dried Cranberries; 1 Tablespoon Orange Zest; 1 Cup All-Purpose Flour; 1/2 Cup Powdered Sugar (for coating)

Published: December 16, 2025

by Alexia

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can whip these up effortlessly.
Bursting with Flavor: The combination of tangy cranberries and zesty orange creates a delightful taste sensation in every bite.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s special occasion, a birthday, or just a cozy afternoon at home, these cookies fit right in.
Versatile Treat: Serve them at parties or gift them in festive tins; they are sure to impress your friends and family.
Gorgeous Presentation: The snowy powdered sugar coating makes these cookies look as good as they taste!

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools is essential. Below is a list of must-have kitchen items that will help you create the perfect Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowls
Baking tray
Parchment paper
Rubber spatula
Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowls: Ideal for combining ingredients thoroughly without spills.
Baking tray: Ensures even baking of your cookies, preventing burnt edges.
Parchment paper: Helps prevent sticking, making cookie removal easy after baking.
Rubber spatula: Great for mixing dough without damaging it or leaving any behind in the bowl.

Ingredients

To make these delightful Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies, gather the following ingredients:

For the Dough

1/2 Cup Unsalted Butter, softened
1/4 Cup Powdered Sugar (for the dough)
1/2 Teaspoon Salt
1/2 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
1/2 Cup Chopped Dried Cranberries
1 Tablespoon Orange Zest
1 Cup All Purpose Flour / Plain Flour

For Coating

1/2 Cup Powdered Sugar (to coat the baked cookies)

How to Make Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine unsalted butter and powdered sugar. Mix until light and creamy.

Step 2: Add Flavorings

Add vanilla extract and salt. Mix until well combined.

Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Add measured all-purpose flour and orange zest. Use a spatula to mix well until incorporated.

Step 4: Add Cranberries

Stir in chopped dried cranberries. Continue mixing until you form a smooth dough.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Wrap the dough in cling film. Refrigerate for an hour or until firm.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Once chilled, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes. Roll into small 1-inch round balls.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Arrange on a lined baking tray. Bake in a preheated oven at 180 degrees C for about 15 minutes or until slightly browned on the bottom.

Step 8: Cool Down

Remove from oven and allow cooling slightly before handling.

Step 9: Coat with Powdered Sugar

While still warm, roll each cookie in powdered sugar. Once cooled completely, roll them again for an extra snowy finish.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy!

Your Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies are ready! Serve them fresh or store them for later enjoyment.

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies

Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies are delightful treats that can be enjoyed in various ways. Their sweet and tangy flavor makes them a versatile dessert suitable for many occasions. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

With a Hot Beverage

Pair with tea or coffee for a cozy treat.
Enjoy them alongside hot chocolate for a festive touch.

As Part of a Holiday Dessert Platter

Include these cookies in a selection of holiday sweets.
Combine with other cookies, candies, and fruits for an appealing display.

Gift-Giving

Package in decorative boxes or bags for thoughtful homemade gifts.
Add a personalized note to make it extra special.

On a Festive Table

Arrange on a beautiful serving plate during holiday gatherings.
Dust with extra powdered sugar for visual appeal.

How to Perfect Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies

To achieve the best results with your Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies, consider these helpful tips. Following these guidelines will ensure that your cookies turn out perfectly every time.

Use room temperature butter: This helps in creating a creamy texture, making the dough easier to work with.
Chill the dough: Refrigerating the dough allows the flavors to meld and helps maintain the shape while baking.
Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on them; they should be slightly golden at the bottom but not browned on top.
Roll in powdered sugar twice: For that classic snowball appearance, coat them when warm and again once cooled.
Experiment with flavors: Consider adding nuts or different citrus zest for a unique twist.

Best Side Dishes for Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies

Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies can be complemented by several delightful side dishes. Here are some options that pair well with these sweet treats:

Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances sweetness.
Cheese Platter: Include soft cheeses like cream cheese or brie for a rich contrast to sweet cookies.
Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with berries and granola for a refreshing side dish that complements the cookies.
Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts provide crunch and an aromatic flavor profile alongside the cookies.
Chocolate Fondue: Dip pieces of cookie into chocolate fondue for an indulgent treat.
Herbal Tea: A calming herbal tea can enhance the cookie’s citrus notes beautifully.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve alongside scoops of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert combination.
Caramel Sauce: Drizzle caramel sauce over cookies or serve as a dip for added sweetness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies, it’s easy to overlook a few key details. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

Bold butter choice – Using cold butter will not create the desired creamy texture. Always ensure your butter is softened to room temperature.
Bold measuring flour inaccurately – Too much flour can lead to dry cookies. Use a kitchen scale or spoon and level your flour for accuracy.
Bold skipping refrigeration – Not chilling the dough can result in cookies spreading too much during baking. Always refrigerate the dough as instructed.
Bold rolling size inconsistency – Rolling uneven sizes can lead to inconsistent baking. Aim for uniform 1-inch balls for even cooking.
Bold neglecting second sugar dusting – Skipping the second coating of powdered sugar means less snowball effect. Don’t forget to roll them again after cooling!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Place parchment paper between layers if stacking cookies.

Freezing Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies

Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Layer parchment paper between cookies if you stack them.

Reheating Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies

Oven – Preheat oven to 150°C (300°F) and warm cookies for about 5-10 minutes.
Microwave – Heat individual cookies on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds.
Stovetop – Use a pan on low heat, warming cookies for about 2-3 minutes, covered.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies that may help you perfect your baking.

What are Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies?

Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies are delicate, buttery treats featuring dried cranberries and bright orange zest, perfect for festive occasions.

How do I customize my Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies?

You can customize these cookies by adding nuts like walnuts or pecans, or using different dried fruits such as apricots or cherries for a unique twist.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried ones?

While fresh cranberries can be used, they have more moisture and may alter the texture of your cookies. Dried cranberries are recommended for best results.

How long do Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies last?

These cookies can last up to one week when stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature.

Can I make Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring it works well in baking recipes.

Final Thoughts

Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies are a delightful treat that combines tangy cranberries with zesty orange flavor. Their soft, buttery texture makes them irresistible. Feel free to experiment with ingredients like nuts or other dried fruits to make this recipe your own!

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