Christmas Snowball Cookies

Christmas Snowball Cookies are a delightful treat that adds festive flair to any holiday gathering. Bursting with colorful M&Ms, these cookies are not just beautiful but also incredibly easy to make. Perfect for cookie exchanges, family celebrations, or simply enjoying at home, this recipe is versatile enough to accommodate different candy colors. What sets these cookies apart is their melt-in-your-mouth texture and the sweet surprise of chocolate in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: These cookies come together in just 25 minutes from start to finish, making them perfect for busy holiday schedules.
• Colorful and Fun: The red and green M&Ms add a splash of color, making these cookies an eye-catching addition to your dessert table.
• Customizable: You can use any color of mini M&Ms, allowing you to tailor these cookies for different occasions beyond Christmas.
• Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: The buttery dough combined with powdered sugar creates a tender cookie that simply dissolves in your mouth.
• Great for Freezing: Bake ahead and freeze these cookies for up to a month. Just re-roll them in powdered sugar after thawing for that fresh-from-the-oven taste.

Tools and Preparation

Before you get started on making these delicious Christmas Snowball Cookies, gather the essential tools that will make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: This tool helps achieve the fluffy consistency needed for mixing butter and sugar quickly and efficiently.
• Parchment paper: Using parchment paper prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup after baking.
• Cooling rack: A cooling rack allows air circulation around the cookies, helping them cool evenly without getting soggy.

Ingredients

To make these delightful Christmas Snowball Cookies, gather the following ingredients:

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

Add-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. While it heats up, line two cookie sheets with parchment paper to prepare for baking.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a mixing bowl, combine the slightly softened butter, ½ cup of powdered sugar, and vanilla. Use an electric mixer to blend until fluffy. Gradually add the flour and salt into the mixture. Continue mixing until the dough comes together:
1. If using a stand mixer, expect this to take about one or two minutes.
2. If using a hand mixer, it may take longer; don’t hesitate to use your hands if needed.

Stir in the mini M&Ms until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 3: Scoop the Dough

Using a tablespoon, scoop out portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place each ball onto the prepared cookie sheet with some space between them.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

Bake in your preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the bottoms are just slightly brown:
1. Once done, remove from oven and let cool on the sheets for about 5-10 minutes until they can be handled safely.
2. Roll each cookie in additional powdered sugar until fully coated.

Step 5: Cool and Store

Transfer cookies to a cooling rack to cool completely:
1. After they have cooled down, consider re-rolling them in more powdered sugar for extra sweetness.
2. Store in an airtight container or freeze them for up to one month—just remember to re-roll in powdered sugar after defrosting!

How to Serve Christmas Snowball Cookies

Christmas Snowball Cookies are delightful treats that bring joy to any holiday gathering. Their festive colors and sweet flavor make them perfect for sharing. Here are some creative ways to serve these cookies.

Cookie Platter

• Arrange a beautiful platter of Christmas Snowball Cookies alongside other holiday cookies. This colorful display will attract guests and showcase a variety of flavors.

With Hot Beverages

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

Gift Packs

• Package some Christmas Snowball Cookies in decorative boxes or bags as gifts. Adding a personal note can make it extra special for friends and family.

Holiday Dessert Table

• Include the cookies on a dessert table during your holiday celebrations. They add a festive touch and are sure to be a hit among guests of all ages.

Cookie Sandwiches

• For an indulgent treat, sandwich two Christmas Snowball Cookies with a layer of frosting or whipped cream. This twist elevates the traditional cookie experience.

How to Perfect Christmas Snowball Cookies

To ensure your Christmas Snowball Cookies turn out perfect every time, keep these tips in mind:

• Use softened butter: Softened butter helps create a fluffy texture in your dough, ensuring even mixing and better flavor.

• Measure ingredients accurately: Avoid packing powdered sugar and flour; use measuring cups properly for balanced results.

• Chill the dough: If your dough feels too soft, refrigerate it for 30 minutes before baking. This helps maintain shape while baking.

• Watch baking time closely: Ovens vary, so check your cookies at the lower end of the baking time to prevent overbaking.

• Roll in powdered sugar while warm: Rolling the cookies in powdered sugar while they’re still warm helps the sugar stick better for a delightful finish.

Best Side Dishes for Christmas Snowball Cookies

When serving Christmas Snowball Cookies, consider pairing them with these delightful side dishes that enhance their festive flair:

1. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances out the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can complement the sugary flavors, offering guests a savory contrast.
3. Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts provide crunch and flavor diversity, making them great companions for sweet treats.
4. Mini Marshmallows: Serve mini marshmallows alongside hot beverages for an extra touch of sweetness that pairs well with cookies.
5. Chocolate Fondue: A small fondue pot filled with melted chocolate allows guests to dip their cookies for an indulgent experience.
6. Yogurt Parfaits: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a light yet satisfying dish that contrasts nicely with cookie richness.
7. Caramel Sauce: Drizzle caramel sauce over plates or serve on the side for those who enjoy an extra sweet dip with their cookies.
8. Ice Cream: Offer vanilla or peppermint ice cream as a cool accompaniment that pairs wonderfully with warm cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Christmas Snowball Cookies turn out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes.

• Using cold butter: Cold butter makes it hard for the ingredients to combine smoothly. Let your butter sit at room temperature until slightly softened for the best results.
• Packing powdered sugar: Packing your powdered sugar can lead to overly sweet cookies. Always measure it lightly by fluffing it up before adding it to the mix.
• Not mixing long enough: Rushing the mixing process can result in crumbly dough. Mix until the dough is well combined and holds together, even if it takes a bit longer.
• Skipping the cooling step: Allowing cookies to cool for a few minutes before rolling them in powdered sugar helps prevent the sugar from melting. Be patient; this step is crucial for the right texture!
• Overbaking: Cookies that are baked too long will lose their soft texture. Keep an eye on them and remove them from the oven as soon as they start to brown slightly on the bottom.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Christmas Snowball Cookies

• Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag.
• 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 and warm for about 5-7 minutes until just heated through.
• Microwave: Heat cookies individually for about 10-15 seconds just until warmed. Be careful not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, placing a cookie inside covered with a lid for about 1-2 minutes. This method keeps them soft.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Christmas Snowball Cookies.

How do I customize my Christmas Snowball Cookies?

You can customize your cookies by using different types of candies or nuts. Consider using chocolate chips, dried fruits, or different colored M&Ms for variety!

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Make sure other ingredients are also gluten-free.

What is the best way to store Christmas Snowball Cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for optimal freshness.

How many cookies does this recipe make?

This recipe yields about 36 delicious Christmas Snowball Cookies, perfect for sharing during the holiday season.

Final Thoughts

These Christmas Snowball Cookies are delightful treats that embody holiday cheer with every bite. Their versatility allows you to customize them based on your preferences or available ingredients. Give them a try this holiday season and enjoy making memorable moments with family and friends!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

Christmas Snowball Cookies

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 36 cookies 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Indulge in the festive spirit with these delightful Christmas Snowball Cookies! These buttery treats are infused with colorful mini M&Ms, making them a perfect addition to any holiday gathering. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture and sweet chocolate surprise will have everyone reaching for seconds. Simple to prepare and customizable for any occasion, these cookies can be ready in just 25 minutes from start to finish. Whether it’s for cookie exchanges, family celebrations, or cozy nights at home, these cookies bring a cheerful touch to your dessert table. Plus, they freeze well, allowing you to enjoy this sweet treat anytime throughout the season!

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup mini M&Ms (any color)
• Additional powdered sugar for rolling

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract.
3. Gradually add in the flour and salt until combined. Fold in the mini M&Ms.
4. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, and place on the prepared cookie sheets.
5. Bake for 8-10 minutes until bottoms are slightly brown. Cool on sheets for a few minutes before rolling in additional powdered sugar.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 110
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 13g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: <1g
• Cholesterol: 15mg