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Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies

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Tender, buttery snowball cookies with bright orange zest and tart dried cranberries, rolled in powdered sugar for a festive, melt-in-your-mouth treat. Perfect for holidays or gifting.

  • Author: Sophia
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
  • Yield: 27 cookies
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ¼ cup powdered sugar (for the dough)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • ½ cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
  • ½ cup powdered sugar (for coating the baked cookies)

Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and ¼ cup powdered sugar until light and smooth.
  2. Add vanilla extract and salt; mix until combined.
  3. Gradually mix in the flour and orange zest until a soft dough forms.
  4. Fold in the chopped dried cranberries until evenly incorporated.
  5. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour, or until firm.
  6. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
  7. Let chilled dough rest a few minutes, then roll into 1-inch balls and place on the tray.
  8. Bake for 15 minutes, or until bottoms are lightly golden.
  9. Cool slightly, then roll warm cookies in powdered sugar.
  10. Once cooled completely, roll again in powdered sugar for a snowy finish.

Notes

  • Chill the dough to prevent cookies from spreading.
  • Roll cookies twice in powdered sugar for best appearance.
  • Lemon zest can be used instead of orange zest.
  • Add finely chopped nuts for extra texture.
  • Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week or freeze for longer storage.

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