Description of this recipe:
These whimsical Grinch Snowball Cookies are a delightful and festive treat perfect for the holiday season. Inspired by the classic Dr. Seuss character, these cookies boast a vibrant green hue, crunchy pecans, tart cranberries, and a dusting of powdered sugar, resembling miniature snowballs. A red heart sprinkle, held in place by melted white chocolate, adds the final touch of Grinchy charm. These cookies are not only visually appealing but also offer a delectable combination of flavors and textures that will delight both children and adults.
Why you will love this recipe:
You’ll absolutely adore this Grinch Snowball Cookie recipe for a multitude of reasons! First and foremost, they are incredibly fun to make, especially with kids. The vibrant green color, the nutty crunch, and the sweet-tart combination of cranberries create an exciting sensory experience in the kitchen. Beyond the fun factor, these cookies are undeniably delicious. The buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture combined with the sweetness of the powdered sugar and the subtle warmth of vanilla makes for an irresistible treat. They are also surprisingly easy to make, requiring no complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. Plus, they’re perfect for gifting, holiday parties, or simply enjoying as a festive snack.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted sweet cream butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus 1 cup for rolling cookies
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3-5 drops green food coloring (gel food coloring recommended for a more vibrant color)
- 1/2 cup pecans, finely chopped
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
- 24 pieces red confetti heart sprinkles
- 1/4 cup white chocolate wafers, melted
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This process is crucial for creating a tender and airy cookie. Beat for at least 3-5 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl occasionally.
Step 3: Add the vanilla extract and mix until well combined. Vanilla enhances the other flavors and adds a touch of warmth to the cookies.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. This ensures that the salt is evenly distributed throughout the dough, which is essential for balancing the sweetness.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough cookies.
Step 6: Add the green food coloring, starting with 3 drops, and mix until the dough is evenly colored. Add more drops if needed to achieve your desired shade of green. Remember, a little goes a long way!
Step 7: Gently stir in the chopped pecans and cranberries until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. Be careful not to overmix, as this can toughen the dough.
Step 8: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. This ensures that the cookies bake evenly and have a uniform appearance.
Step 9: Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
Step 10: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are set but not browned. Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn easily.
Step 11: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 12: While the cookies are still slightly warm, roll each cookie in the remaining 1 cup of powdered sugar until fully coated. This creates the signature “snowball” effect.
Step 13: Melt the white chocolate wafers in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth.
Step 14: Dip a toothpick into the melted white chocolate and use it to apply a small dot of chocolate to the top of each cookie. Immediately place a red heart sprinkle on top of the chocolate and gently press down to secure it.
Step 15: Let the cookies cool completely and the white chocolate set before serving or storing.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve these cookies as a festive treat during the holidays.
- Pack them in gift boxes or tins for friends and family.
- Enjoy them with a glass of milk, hot cocoa, or coffee.
- Add them to a holiday dessert platter for a pop of color and flavor.
- Serve them at a Grinch-themed party or event.
Tips:
- Use high-quality butter for the best flavor.
- Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature before creaming it with the sugar.
- Use gel food coloring for a more vibrant green color.
- Don’t overmix the dough, as this can result in tough cookies.
- Let the cookies cool completely before rolling them in powdered sugar to prevent the sugar from melting.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For a variation, try adding other nuts or dried fruits to the dough.
- If you don’t have red heart sprinkles, you can use other festive sprinkles or candies.
- If you want a more intense Grinch flavor, add a pinch of peppermint extract to the dough.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 30-32 minutes
Nutritional Information (per cookie):
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)
Calories: 120
Protein: 1 gram
Sodium: 20 milligrams
Conclusion:
These Grinch Snowball Cookies are a delightful and festive addition to any holiday celebration. Their vibrant green color, crunchy pecans, tart cranberries, and sweet powdered sugar coating make them a crowd-pleaser that is sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday party, a gift, or simply a festive snack, these cookies are guaranteed to be a hit. So, gather your ingredients, put on some holiday music, and get ready to spread some Grinchy cheer with these adorable and delicious cookies!
5 Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
Q1: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! These cookies can be made 1-2 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also freeze the dough balls before baking. Simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
Q2: Can I substitute the pecans for another type of nut?
A: Yes, you can easily substitute the pecans for another type of nut, such as walnuts, almonds, or macadamia nuts. Just make sure to chop them finely before adding them to the dough.
Q3: I don’t have green food coloring. Can I still make these cookies?
A: While the green food coloring is what gives these cookies their signature Grinchy look, you can certainly make them without it. The cookies will still taste delicious! You could also try using a natural food coloring, such as spinach powder or matcha powder, for a slightly less vibrant green hue.
Q4: My cookies are spreading too much in the oven. What am I doing wrong?
A: There are a few reasons why your cookies might be spreading too much. One common cause is that your butter was too soft. Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature, but not melted. Another possible cause is that you overmixed the dough. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can cause the cookies to spread. Finally, make sure your oven is at the correct temperature. If your oven is too hot, the cookies will spread before they have a chance to set.
Q5: Can I use a different type of chocolate for the heart sprinkles?
A: Yes, you can use any type of chocolate you like for the heart sprinkles. Milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even colored candy melts would all work well. Just make sure to melt the chocolate slowly and stir it frequently to prevent it from burning.
