Christmas Snowball Cookies – Get ready to indulge in the heavenly goodness of Christmas Snowball Cookies! These delightful treats will transport you to a winter wonderland with their melt-in-your-mouth texture and festive appearance. Made with love, these cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa by the fireplace. Let me share with you the recipe that has become an absolute favorite in my household, filling it with joy and bringing smiles to the faces of my loved ones.
In my little family, Christmas Snowball Cookies have become a cherished tradition. I vividly remember the first time I made them for my husband during our early years together. As the scent of freshly baked cookies wafted through our home, he couldn’t resist sneaking into the kitchen, lured by the irresistible aroma. The moment he took a bite, his eyes lit up with delight, and I knew I had created something truly special. From that day forward, these cookies have been a symbol of warmth, love, and togetherness during the holiday season. Our children, now grown, still request these delectable treats every year, reminding us of the precious memories we’ve shared around the Christmas table.
Why This Recipe Shines: The Allure of Christmas Snowball Cookies
- Heavenly Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: These cookies are incredibly soft, tender, and practically dissolve on your tongue, leaving a heavenly burst of flavors.
- Festive and Eye-Catching: With their snowy appearance, dusted with powdered sugar, these cookies add a delightful touch to any holiday spread. They’re a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds!
- Simple Ingredients, Magical Results: With pantry staples like butter, powdered sugar, flour, and M&Ms, this recipe comes together effortlessly, yet the end result is simply magical.
- Versatile and Customizable: While the recipe calls for mini M&Ms, feel free to get creative with your choice of mix-ins like chopped nuts, dried fruits, or even chocolate chips. The possibilities are endless!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, slightly softened
- ½ cup (57g) powdered sugar (not packed)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups (279g) all-purpose flour (not packed)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mini M&Ms (in any color)
- Additional powdered sugar for rolling
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the slightly softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract using an electric mixer. Beat until the mixture becomes fluffy and light.
Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the butter mixture. Continue mixing until a dough forms. If using a stand mixer, this process may take a minute or two. For hand mixers, it might take a bit longer. Don’t hesitate to use your hands to bring the dough together if needed. Eventually, it will transform into a perfect cookie dough.
Stir in the mini M&Ms, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Using a tablespoon, scoop out balls of dough and place them onto the prepared cookie sheets, leaving a small gap between each cookie.
Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the bottoms are just slightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool for 5-10 minutes until they are firm enough to handle.
Fill a small bowl with powdered sugar and gently roll each cookie in the sugar until coated. Place the sugar-coated cookies on a cooling rack to cool completely. If desired, you can re-roll the cookies in more powdered sugar once they have cooled.
Notes:
- These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for several days, allowing you to enjoy them over time or share them with loved ones.
- To freeze the cookies, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to one month. After defrosting, you may need to re-roll them in powdered sugar for that fresh, snowy appearance.
In conclusion, Christmas Snowball Cookies are a holiday delight that captures the spirit of the season in every bite. With their soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and festive appearance, these cookies bring joy, warmth, and a touch of magic to any gathering. Whether you’re baking them for your family, sharing them with friends, or preparing them as a special treat for yourself, these irresistible treats are sure to leave a lasting impression. So, grab your apron, gather your loved ones, and embark on a journey of sweet memories with these delectable Christmas Snowball Cookies. Embrace the joy of the holiday season and savor the simple pleasures that come with each delicious bite. Happy baking and happy holidays!
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but remember to adjust the amount of additional salt in the recipe accordingly. The cookies might have a slightly different flavor profile with the added salt.
Can I substitute the M&Ms with other ingredients?
Absolutely! The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Feel free to experiment with your favorite mix-ins, such as chopped nuts, dried fruits, or even chocolate chips. Let your creativity shine!
Can I make the dough in advance and bake it later?
Certainly! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 48 hours before baking. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before scooping and baking the cookies.
Christmas Snowball Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup 226g unsalted butter, slightly softened
- ½ cup 57g powdered sugar (not packed)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups 279g all-purpose flour (not packed)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mini M&Ms in any color
- Additional powdered sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the slightly softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract using an electric mixer. Beat until the mixture becomes fluffy and light.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the butter mixture. Continue mixing until a dough forms. If using a stand mixer, this process may take a minute or two. For hand mixers, it might take a bit longer. Don't hesitate to use your hands to bring the dough together if needed. Eventually, it will transform into a perfect cookie dough.
- Stir in the mini M&Ms, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Using a tablespoon, scoop out balls of dough and place them onto the prepared cookie sheets, leaving a small gap between each cookie.
- Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the bottoms are just slightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool for 5-10 minutes until they are firm enough to handle.
- Fill a small bowl with powdered sugar and gently roll each cookie in the sugar until coated. Place the sugar-coated cookies on a cooling rack to cool completely. If desired, you can re-roll the cookies in more powdered sugar once they have cooled.
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