Description:
These delightful Christmas Snowball Cookies are soft, buttery treats bursting with festive colors and flavors. Coated in powdered sugar, they resemble snowballs and create a perfect holiday ambiance on any dessert table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
These cookies are not just visually appealing but also incredibly easy to make. The combination of almond extract and Christmas M&Ms provides a unique flavor twist that elevates traditional snowball cookies. They are perfect for sharing during the holiday season and are sure to bring smiles to family and friends.
Introduction
The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes the delightful task of baking festive treats. One cookie that stands out among the crowd is the Christmas Snowball Cookie. These cookies are not only visually appealing but also offer a delicious explosion of flavors with every bite. They’re wonderfully soft, sweet, and coated in a generous layer of powdered sugar that mimics the look of freshly fallen snow.
The magic of these cookies lies in their simplicity and the joy they bring. The use of almond extract adds a warm, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the M&Ms. These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply as a sweet treat for yourself. As with many holiday recipes, they hold memories of family traditions and time spent in the kitchen, crafting delightful treats to share.
Let’s dive into how you can create these delectable Christmas Snowball Cookies at home and spread some holiday cheer!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup Christmas M&Ms
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar for coating
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). While it’s warming up, line two cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking liners to prepare for the cookies.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, 1/2 cup of confectioners’ sugar, and the almond extract using an electric mixer. Beat the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
Step 3: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix. Once combined, gently fold in the Christmas M&Ms, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
Step 4: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion out about 1.5 tablespoons of dough. Roll the dough into balls and place them onto the prepared cookie sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 5: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden brown. Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes, or until they are cool enough to handle.
Cooling Note:
While still warm, take the cookies and roll them in 2 cups of confectioners’ sugar placed in a shallow bowl, ensuring they are fully coated. Then, transfer the rolled cookies to a cooling rack. After the cookies have cooled completely, roll them in powdered sugar again for an extra snowy finish.
Serving Suggestions:
Present your Christmas Snowball Cookies on a festive platter, perhaps with some holiday-themed decorations such as pinecones or small ornaments surrounding them. Dusting a bit of extra confectioners’ sugar on top before serving can also enhance their snowy appearance.
Tips:
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Make-Ahead: The dough can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 3 days before baking.
- Flavor Variations: Feel free to substitute the almond extract with vanilla extract for a classic flavor.
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cook Time:
12-14 minutes
Total Time:
35 minutes
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 150 per cookie
- Protein: 1g
- Sodium: 50mg
Conclusion
Christmas Snowball Cookies are a delightful and festive treat perfect for the holiday season. Their easy preparation, vibrant colors, and delicious flavor will surely make them a favorite at any gathering. By following this simple recipe, you can fill your home with the warmth and joy of baking while creating memorable moments with family and friends.
FAQs
- Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
- While it’s best to use unsalted butter to control the saltiness of the recipe, you can use salted butter if adjusted. Just omit the salt in the ingredients.
- How should I store leftover cookies?
- Place the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about a week.
- Can I freeze these cookies?
- Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to three months. Just be sure to coat them in powdered sugar after thawing.
- What if I don’t have almond extract?
- You can replace the almond extract with vanilla extract or omit it altogether for a more traditional flavor.
- How can I make these cookies more festive?
- For added color, you can use colored sprinkles or additional festive candies. You can also place a few extra M&Ms on top of the cookies before baking for more visual appeal.
