Christmas Snowball Cookies

Christmas Snowball Cookies are a delightful treat that brings joy to any holiday gathering. These cookies, featuring vibrant red and green M&Ms, are not only visually appealing but also simple to make. Perfect for Christmas parties, family gatherings, or just a cozy night in, they offer a unique twist with their colorful candy mix. The buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture combined with the sweetness of powdered sugar makes these cookies stand out.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can whip up these cookies in no time.
• Festive Appeal: The bright colors from M&Ms make these cookies perfect for holiday celebrations and gift-giving.
• Versatile Options: You can customize them with different colored candies for any occasion throughout the year.
• Great for Freezing: These cookies freeze well, so you can prepare them ahead of time and enjoy them later.
• Kid-Friendly: Kids love both making and eating these fun cookies, making it a great family activity.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Christmas Snowball Cookies, gather your tools. Having everything on hand will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Electric mixer
• Cookie sheets
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowl
• Small bowl (for rolling in powdered sugar)
• Cookie scoop or spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Helps achieve a fluffy cookie dough quickly without much effort.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier after baking.
• Cookie scoop or spoon: Ensures uniform cookie sizes for even baking.

Ingredients

Christmas Snowball Cookies are my mom’s recipe full of red and green M&Ms! This easy cookie recipe is perfect for the holidays and can be made with any color candy!

For the Dough

• 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

For the Mix-Ins

• 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: Prepare the Dough

Mix 1 cup unsalted butter, ½ cup powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla using an electric mixer until fluffy. Gradually add 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon salt, and continue mixing until the dough comes together. This may take a minute or two; if using a hand mixer, it might require some extra time. Don’t hesitate to use your hands if necessary. Once it forms a dough, gently stir in 1 cup mini M&Ms.

Step 3: Scoop the Cookies

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop out balls of dough about 1 tablespoon in size. Place them on your prepared cookie sheets with some space between each one.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes until the bottoms are lightly browned. Remove from oven and allow them to cool on the sheets for about 5-10 minutes until they’re cool enough to handle.

Step 5: Roll in Powdered Sugar

Fill a small bowl with additional powdered sugar. Roll each warm cookie in the sugar until fully coated. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. If desired, roll cooled cookies again in powdered sugar for an extra sweet touch.

Step 6: Storage Options

These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature or frozen for up to one month. Keep in mind that you may want to re-roll them in powdered sugar after defrosting for that fresh look!

How to Serve Christmas Snowball Cookies

Christmas Snowball Cookies are delightful and versatile treats that can brighten up any holiday gathering. Whether served at a festive party or enjoyed with family, these cookies are sure to please.

At a Holiday Party

• Cookie Platter: Arrange your Christmas Snowball Cookies on a festive platter alongside other holiday treats for an eye-catching dessert table.
• Milk Pairing: Serve these cookies with cold milk, creating a comforting and nostalgic experience for guests of all ages.

As Gifts

• Gift Boxes: Package the cookies in decorative boxes or tins to give as thoughtful homemade gifts for friends and family.
• Party Favors: Place individual cookies in small bags tied with ribbons as sweet party favors for guests to take home.

With Coffee or Tea

• Coffee Break: Pair your cookies with freshly brewed coffee for a delicious afternoon pick-me-up.
• Tea Time Treat: Enjoy these cookies alongside a warm cup of tea, adding a festive touch to your cozy moments.

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How to Perfect Christmas Snowball Cookies

To achieve the best results with your Christmas Snowball Cookies, consider these helpful tips:

• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough for 30 minutes can help prevent spreading during baking.
• Use Room Temperature Butter: Ensure your butter is slightly softened but not melted for better blending with sugar.
• Measure Accurately: Use proper measuring techniques, especially for flour and powdered sugar, to maintain texture.
• Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Set a timer and check your cookies at 8 minutes; they should be lightly golden on the bottom but still soft.

Best Side Dishes for Christmas Snowball Cookies

Christmas Snowball Cookies can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance their sweetness. Here are some great options:

1. Hot Chocolate: A rich and creamy hot chocolate pairs perfectly, enhancing the festive feel of your treat.
2. Eggnog: This classic holiday drink adds a creamy, spiced flavor that matches well with the sweetness of the cookies.
3. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad provides a light contrast to the richness of the cookies, balancing flavors beautifully.
4. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can offer savory bites that offset the sweetness of the snowball cookies wonderfully.
5. Spiced Nuts: Crunchy spiced nuts add texture and a hint of saltiness that complements the sugary treats perfectly.
6. Mini Cupcakes: Festively decorated mini cupcakes create a fun dessert variety that everyone will enjoy at gatherings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Christmas Snowball Cookies is simple, but a few missteps can affect the outcome. Here are some common mistakes to watch for:

• Skipping the room temperature butter: Using cold butter makes it hard to mix and achieve the right texture. Always let your butter soften slightly before mixing.
• Overpacking powdered sugar: If you pack your powdered sugar, it can lead to a denser cookie. Measure it carefully by scooping and leveling off.
• Not rolling in powdered sugar twice: For an extra sweet touch, roll your cookies in powdered sugar after baking and again once they cool. This ensures they look festive and taste great!
• Ignoring baking time: Baking too long can lead to dry cookies. Keep an eye on them; remove them when the bottoms are just lightly brown.
• Using stale M&Ms: Fresh candies add color and crunch. Check that your M&Ms are not expired for the best results.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container.
• They will last up to one week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Christmas Snowball Cookies

• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first.
• Freeze for about 1-2 hours before transferring them 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). Place cookies on a baking sheet for about 5 minutes to warm through.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds until warm. Be careful not to overheat!
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat and cover briefly to maintain moisture while warming.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Christmas Snowball Cookies vegan?

You can substitute unsalted butter with vegan butter and use a plant-based egg replacer if needed.

Can I use different candies in my Christmas Snowball Cookies?

Absolutely! You can customize these cookies with any color M&Ms or even chocolate chips for variation.

How do I ensure my Christmas Snowball Cookies stay soft?

Avoid overbaking them and store them properly in an airtight container right after cooling.

What other flavors can I add to Christmas Snowball Cookies?

Consider adding almond extract or citrus zest for a unique twist on flavor.

Final Thoughts

Christmas Snowball Cookies are delightful, easy-to-make treats that bring joy during the holiday season. Their versatility allows you to customize them with various candies, making them perfect for gatherings or gifting. Try this recipe today and enjoy the festive spirit!