Christmas Snowball Cookies

Christmas Snowball Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for the holidays. Bursting with colorful M&Ms, these cookies are not only visually appealing but also incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply looking to sweeten your day, Christmas Snowball Cookies will bring joy to any occasion. Their unique flavor and texture make them a standout dessert that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip these up in no time.
• Festive Appearance: The vibrant colors of the M&Ms add a cheerful touch, making them perfect for holiday celebrations.
• Versatile Flavor: Feel free to use any color of M&Ms or substitute with other candies for variety.
• Fun to Decorate: Rolling in powdered sugar gives these cookies a beautiful snowy finish that is sure to impress.
• Freezer Friendly: These cookies can be frozen for up to a month, allowing you to prepare ahead for holiday festivities.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into baking, gather your tools and get ready for some fun in the kitchen!

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Electric mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Cookie sheets
• Parchment paper
• Small bowl (for powdered sugar)

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Makes mixing ingredients effortless and ensures a fluffy cookie dough.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without creating a mess.
• Cookie sheets: Provides an even baking surface, ensuring all cookies bake uniformly.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.

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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 Decoration

• 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. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the cookies after baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

Mix unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla using an electric mixer until fluffy. Add in all-purpose flour and salt, mixing until the dough comes together.

1. If using a stand mixer, this may take one or two minutes.
2. If you’re using a hand mixer, it might take longer—don’t hesitate to use your hands if needed; it will eventually form a dough.
3. Stir in your choice of M&Ms until evenly distributed.

Step 3: Form the Cookies

Scoop out tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place them on the prepared cookie sheets.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until their bottoms are slightly brown. Remove from oven and let them cool on the sheets for about 5-10 minutes.

Step 5: Roll in Sugar

Fill a small bowl with powdered sugar. Roll each warm cookie in the sugar until coated, then transfer them to a rack to cool completely. For extra sweetness, consider re-rolling them in powdered sugar once fully cooled.

Storage Tips

These cookies can be frozen for up to one month. Just remember that you might need to re-roll them in powdered sugar after defrosting. Store them in an airtight container for optimal freshness!

How to Serve Christmas Snowball Cookies

These delightful Christmas Snowball Cookies are not just tasty; they also make a great addition to your holiday gatherings. Here are some creative ways to serve them that will impress your guests.

Festive Cookie Platter

• Create a colorful platter by arranging the cookies alongside other festive treats like peppermint bark or gingerbread men.

Hot Beverage Pairing

• Serve these cookies with hot chocolate, coffee, or tea for a cozy feel. The sweetness of the cookies complements the warmth of the drinks perfectly.

Gift Bags

• Package the cookies in decorative bags or boxes as holiday gifts. Include a note with the recipe for an extra personal touch.

Cookie Sandwiches

• Use two cookies to create a sandwich with a layer of whipped cream or frosting in between. This adds an exciting twist to your serving!

How to Perfect Christmas Snowball Cookies

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

• Use softened butter: Ensure your butter is slightly softened for easy mixing and a fluffy texture.

• Measure ingredients accurately: Use measuring cups correctly; do not pack powdered sugar or flour to avoid dense cookies.

• Avoid overmixing: Mix until just combined to keep the cookies light and airy.

• Watch baking time closely: Bake until the bottoms are lightly brown to avoid overbaking; this keeps them soft inside.

Best Side Dishes for Christmas Snowball Cookies

Pairing side dishes with your Christmas Snowball Cookies can make your holiday spread truly special. Here are some delightful options.

1. Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad with seasonal fruits adds a refreshing contrast to the sweet cookies.
2. Cheese Board: An assortment of cheeses can balance out the sweetness and provide savory notes for your guests.
3. Chocolate Fondue: Set up a chocolate fondue station where guests can dip fruits and cookies for an interactive dessert experience.
4. Spiced Nuts: Offer spiced nuts as a crunchy side that contrasts nicely with the soft texture of the cookies.
5. Mini Cupcakes: Light mini cupcakes add another sweet option without overwhelming the palate.
6. Yogurt Parfaits: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy and healthy side dish that pairs well with cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Christmas Snowball Cookies is a fun activity, but small mistakes can affect your results. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Incorrect measurements: Always measure your ingredients accurately. Using too much flour or sugar can change the cookie’s texture and flavor.
• Using cold butter: Make sure your butter is slightly softened. Cold butter can make it hard to mix and lead to dense cookies.
• Not cooling before rolling: Let the cookies cool for a few minutes before rolling them in powdered sugar. This helps the sugar adhere better.
• Overbaking: Keep an eye on the cookies while baking. They should be slightly brown on the bottom but still soft; overbaking can make them dry.
• Skipping the chilling step: If you find the dough too sticky, chill it for 15-30 minutes. This makes it easier to handle and shape into balls.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Christmas Snowball Cookies

• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to one month.

Reheating Christmas Snowball Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individually for about 10-15 seconds for a soft texture.
• Stovetop: Gently warm in a skillet over low heat, turning until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Christmas Snowball Cookies:

Can I use other types of candy?

Yes! You can personalize these cookies by using different colored candies or chocolate chips for various occasions.

How do I make them gluten-free?

Substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend works well. Just ensure it’s a blend that can be used cup-for-cup.

What if I don’t have mini M&Ms?

You can replace mini M&Ms with chopped nuts or dried fruits like cranberries for a different twist on flavors.

How should I store Christmas Snowball Cookies?

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

Final Thoughts

These Christmas Snowball Cookies are not only festive but also versatile. You can customize them with different colors of candies or even add nuts and spices for extra flavor. Perfect for holiday gatherings, they bring joy with every bite! Try making these delightful treats this season and share the joy of baking with family and friends.