Christmas Snowball Cookies

Christmas Snowball Cookies are a delightful treat that captures the essence of the holiday season. These festive cookies, adorned with colorful M&Ms, are perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying with family. Their soft, buttery texture and sweet flavor make them a favorite among both kids and adults alike. Plus, the best part is that they can be customized with any color candy to suit your celebration!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe requires simple steps and common ingredients, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
• Festive Appearance: The vibrant colors of M&Ms add a cheerful touch, making these cookies a visual delight at any holiday gathering.
• Versatile Flavor: While this recipe features M&Ms, you can easily swap in other candies or nuts to create your unique version.
• Perfect for Freezing: Make a big batch ahead of time and freeze them for up to a month—perfect for unexpected guests or last-minute celebrations!
• Kid-Friendly Fun: Involve your little ones in the kitchen. They’ll love rolling the cookies in powdered sugar and helping with decoration.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making Christmas Snowball Cookies, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups
• Mixing bowls
• Cookie sheets
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Saves time and energy while mixing butter and sugar until fluffy—essential for achieving the right texture.
• Parchment paper: Keeps cookies from sticking to the baking sheet, promoting even baking and easy cleanup.

Ingredients

To create these scrumptious Christmas Snowball Cookies, you will need:

For the Cookies

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter (slightly softened)
• ½ cup (57g) powdered sugar (do NOT pack your powdered sugar)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 ¼ cups (279g) all purpose flour (do NOT pack your flour)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup mini M&Ms (any color)
• Additional powdered sugar (for rolling)

How to Make Christmas Snowball Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper to prepare for baking.

Step 2: Mix Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, ½ cup powdered sugar, and vanilla. Use an electric mixer to beat until fluffy.

1. Gradually add in the all-purpose flour and salt.
2. Mix until the dough comes together; this may take a minute or two with a stand mixer. If using a hand mixer, it might take longer—don’t hesitate to use your hands if needed!
3. Stir in the mini M&Ms until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 3: Shape Cookies

Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of dough for each cookie and place them on the prepared cookie sheets.

Step 4: Bake

Bake in your preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the bottoms are just slightly brown.

1. Once baked, remove from oven and let cool on the sheets for about 5-10 minutes until they’re cool enough to handle.
2. Roll each warm cookie in additional powdered sugar until fully coated.
3. Transfer cooled cookies onto a cooling rack. For added sweetness, consider re-rolling them in powdered sugar once they have completely cooled.

Step 5: Store or Freeze

These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature or frozen for up to one month. If freezing, you may want to re-roll them in powdered sugar after defrosting.

Enjoy making these delightful Christmas Snowball Cookies as part of your festive traditions!

How to Serve Christmas Snowball Cookies

Christmas Snowball Cookies are a delightful treat during the holiday season. Their sweet flavor and festive colors make them perfect for various occasions. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your cookie experience.

Gift Packaging

• Use decorative boxes or tins for a charming presentation. Layer cookies with parchment paper to keep them fresh and add a personal touch with handwritten notes.

Holiday Dessert Platter

• Arrange these cookies alongside other festive desserts like brownies and fruit tarts. A colorful platter will impress your guests and offer a variety of options.

Hot Beverage Pairing

• Serve with hot chocolate or coffee for a cozy treat. The sweetness of the cookies complements the rich flavors of these beverages beautifully.

Cookie Decorating Station

• Set up a station with various toppings like sprinkles and colored sugar. Let guests customize their cookies for added fun, especially for kids.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Sandwich a scoop of vanilla or mint ice cream between two cookies for a delicious twist. This creates a delightful dessert that is perfect for warm holiday gatherings.

How to Perfect Christmas Snowball Cookies

To ensure your Christmas Snowball Cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these simple tips.

• Use softened butter: Allow your butter to soften at room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
• Measure flour accurately: Spoon flour into your measuring cup without packing it down to avoid dense cookies.
• Chill the dough: If the dough feels too soft, chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes before baking for firmer cookies.
• Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies while baking; remove them when they are just slightly brown on the bottoms to maintain softness.
• Roll in powdered sugar twice: For extra sweetness, roll baked cookies in powdered sugar immediately after cooling and again just before serving.

Best Side Dishes for Christmas Snowball Cookies

These delicious Christmas Snowball Cookies pair well with various side dishes that complement their sweetness. Consider serving these alongside your festive treats.

1. Fruit Salad – A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Cheese Platter – Include a variety of cheeses such as Brie or sharp cheddar for contrasting flavors.
3. Chocolate Fondue – Melted chocolate makes an exciting dip that enhances cookie enjoyment.
4. Nut Mix – A blend of sweet and savory nuts provides crunchy texture and flavor contrast.
5. Mini Pies – Small fruit or nut pies can round out your dessert table nicely, offering another sweet option.
6. Yogurt Parfaits – Layer yogurt with fruits and granola for a lighter side dish that pairs well with cookies.
7. Coffee Cake – A slice of moist coffee cake adds warmth and comfort to your dessert spread.
8. Homemade Marshmallows – Soft marshmallows can be a fun addition, especially if you’re serving hot chocolate too.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Christmas Snowball Cookies can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch for.

• Using cold butter: Cold butter can lead to uneven mixing and a dense cookie. Always use slightly softened butter for the best texture.
• Packing powdered sugar: Packing your powdered sugar can change the measurement, resulting in overly sweet cookies. Use a light hand when measuring.
• Not chilling the dough: Skipping the chill time can cause the cookies to spread too much while baking. Allow the dough to rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes if you find it too soft.
• Overbaking: Baking cookies for too long can make them hard. Check them around 8 minutes to ensure they remain soft and chewy.
• Neglecting to roll in sugar twice: Rolling cookies in powdered sugar only once may not give you that snowy look. Consider re-rolling after they cool for an extra touch of sweetness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
• They can last up to one week when refrigerated.

Freezing Christmas Snowball Cookies

• Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to one month.

Reheating Christmas Snowball Cookies

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm the cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds on medium power for a warm treat.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for 2-3 minutes, checking frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Christmas Snowball Cookies?

Christmas Snowball Cookies are delightful treats made with butter, flour, and M&Ms, rolled in powdered sugar for that festive look.

Can I customize my Christmas Snowball Cookies?

Absolutely! You can swap M&Ms with other colorful candies or nuts according to your preference.

How do I make these cookies gluten-free?

To make gluten-free Christmas Snowball Cookies, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

How should I store leftover Christmas Snowball Cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness.

Can I add flavors like chocolate or mint?

Yes! You can add chocolate chips or peppermint extract to enhance the flavor of your Christmas Snowball Cookies.

Final Thoughts

Christmas Snowball Cookies are not only easy to make but also versatile. With their simple ingredients and vibrant colors from M&Ms, they fit perfectly into any holiday gathering. Feel free to customize them with different candies or flavors—your creativity will make these cookies even more special!