Christmas Snowball Cookies

Christmas Snowball Cookies are a delightful treat that brings festive cheer to any gathering. This easy recipe, brimming with colorful M&Ms, is perfect for the holiday season and can be customized with your favorite candy colors. Whether you’re baking for a family celebration or gifting treats to friends, these cookies stand out with their melt-in-your-mouth texture and vibrant appearance.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe requires minimal ingredients and can be prepared in just about 25 minutes.
• Festive Colors: The addition of M&Ms makes these cookies visually appealing for holidays and celebrations.
• Versatile Treat: You can easily switch up the candy colors to match any occasion or personal preference.
• Freezer Friendly: These cookies freeze well, making it easy to prepare them ahead of time.
• Kid-Friendly: An engaging baking project for kids, allowing them to help mix the dough and add their favorite candies.

Tools and Preparation

To create these delicious Christmas Snowball Cookies, you’ll need some essential tools. Ensuring you have the right equipment will make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Electric mixer
• Cookie sheets
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Helps achieve a fluffy butter mixture quickly, saving time and effort.
• Cookie sheets: Provides a sturdy surface for baking cookies evenly without warping.
• Parchment paper: Prevents cookies from sticking to the sheets, ensuring easy removal after baking.

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make these delightful Christmas Snowball 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 prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a mixing bowl, combine unsalted butter, ½ cup of powdered sugar, and vanilla. Use an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is fluffy.

1. Gradually add in all-purpose flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms.
2. If using a hand mixer, expect it may take longer; don’t hesitate to use your hands if needed.
3. Once combined, gently fold in the mini M&Ms.

Step 3: Shape the Cookies

Scoop out tablespoon-sized balls of dough using a spoon or cookie scoop. Place them on the prepared cookie sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

Bake in the preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes until the bottoms are lightly browned. Remove from the oven and let cool for about 5-10 minutes.

Step 5: Coat in Sugar

While still warm, roll each cookie in a bowl filled with additional powdered sugar until coated. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. For an extra sugary finish, consider re-rolling them in powdered sugar once cooled.

These Christmas Snowball Cookies can be frozen for up to one month; just remember to re-roll them in powdered sugar after defrosting. Enjoy your festive baking!

How to Serve Christmas Snowball Cookies

Christmas Snowball Cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways during the festive season. Whether you are hosting a holiday party or simply enjoying them at home, these cookies can bring joy to any occasion.

With Coffee or Hot Chocolate

• Pair these cookies with a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy afternoon snack.

As a Dessert Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a festive platter along with other holiday treats like fudge or peppermint bark for an inviting dessert spread.

For Gifting

• Place a few cookies in a decorative jar or box to give as thoughtful gifts to friends and family during the holidays.

At Holiday Parties

• Serve these cookies at your holiday gatherings. Their vibrant colors make them visually appealing and perfect for festive celebrations.

How to Perfect Christmas Snowball Cookies

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

• Use Room Temperature Butter: Slightly softened butter helps create a fluffy texture when mixed with sugar, leading to better cookie consistency.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Avoid packing the flour into your measuring cup; instead, spoon it in gently to prevent dry cookies.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies while they bake. Remove them from the oven as soon as the bottoms are slightly brown for a soft texture.
• Roll in Powdered Sugar Twice: For an extra sweet finish, roll the cooled cookies in powdered sugar once after baking, and again just before serving.
• Chill Dough If Necessary: If your dough feels too soft, chill it for 30 minutes before baking to help maintain shape.
• Experiment with Colors: Use different colored M&Ms to match your holiday theme or personal preferences for festive flair.

Best Side Dishes for Christmas Snowball Cookies

While Christmas Snowball Cookies are delightful on their own, pairing them with some complementary side dishes enhances the overall experience. Here are some great options:

1. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Cheese Platter: Include a selection of cheeses like brie and cheddar paired with crackers for a savory contrast.
3. Chocolate Fondue: Dip pieces of fruit or leftover cookie halves into warm chocolate for a fun dessert twist.
4. Pecan Pie Bars: These rich bars provide another layer of flavor that pairs nicely with the cookies’ sweetness.
5. Mini Cupcakes: Offering small cupcakes allows guests to indulge in multiple treats without feeling too full.
6. Spiced Nuts: A bowl of spiced nuts can add crunch and warmth alongside the softer texture of the cookies.
7. Hot Apple Cider: Serve this warm drink alongside your cookies for a cozy pairing that enhances holiday spirit.
8. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream can be served alongside warm cookies for an indulgent dessert experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Christmas Snowball Cookies, there are a few common pitfalls to watch for. Here’s how to steer clear of them:

• Using packed powdered sugar – Avoid packing your powdered sugar into the measuring cup. This can lead to overly sweet cookies. Always scoop and level it for accuracy.
• Overmixing the dough – Mixing the dough too long can result in tough cookies. Aim for just enough mixing until the ingredients are combined, and then stop.
• Neglecting to chill the dough – While this recipe doesn’t require chilling, some cookie recipes do. If you find your dough too soft, consider refrigerating it briefly before baking.
• Not checking cookie doneness – Cookies can quickly overbake. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes, as they should be lightly browned on the bottom but still soft on top.
• Forgetting to roll in powdered sugar again – Rolling in powdered sugar after cooling gives these cookies their signature look and sweetness. Don’t skip this step!
• Not using quality M&Ms – Using stale or low-quality candies can affect both flavor and appearance. Opt for fresh mini M&Ms for the best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Christmas Snowball Cookies in an airtight container.
• They stay fresh for up to one week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Christmas Snowball Cookies

• Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to an airtight container.
• They can be frozen for up to one month.

Reheating Christmas Snowball Cookies

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop – Place a cookie on a skillet over low heat for a minute or so, flipping halfway through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about Christmas Snowball Cookies:

Can I customize my Christmas Snowball Cookies?

Absolutely! You can use different colors of M&Ms or even swap them out for chocolate chips or nuts based on your preference.

How do I make vegan Christmas Snowball Cookies?

To make vegan versions, substitute butter with plant-based alternatives and ensure any other ingredients like powdered sugar are vegan-friendly.

What is the best way to store leftover cookies?

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them if you prefer a firmer texture.

How do I know when my cookies are done baking?

Cookies should be slightly golden on the bottom while remaining soft on top. It’s better to underbake slightly than overbake!

Can I add more flavors to my Christmas Snowball Cookies?

Yes! Consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or even zest from oranges or lemons for added flavor.

Final Thoughts

Christmas Snowball Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile! With customizable options like different candy colors or additional flavors, you can easily adapt this recipe to suit any holiday celebration. Give these festive treats a try; they’re sure to become a family favorite!