Christmas Snowball Cookies

Christmas Snowball Cookies are a festive treat that adds joy to any holiday gathering. These delightful cookies, adorned with colorful M&Ms, are easy to make and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Their soft texture combined with a sugary coating makes them irresistible. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas or just want a sweet snack, these cookies will brighten your day!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With only 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up a batch in no time.
• Fun and Colorful: The addition of M&Ms allows you to customize the colors for any occasion.
• Soft and Chewy: Each bite offers a melt-in-your-mouth experience that everyone loves.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for holiday gifting, parties, or simply enjoying at home.
• Easily Freezable: Make them ahead of time! They freeze well for up to a month.

Tools and Preparation

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather the essential tools needed for making these delicious Christmas Snowball Cookies.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Electric mixer (stand or hand)
• Cookie sheets
• Parchment paper
• Small bowl (for powdered sugar)

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A sturdy bowl is essential for combining ingredients without spills.
• Electric mixer: Saves time and ensures that your butter and sugar are mixed to fluffy perfection.
• Cookie sheets: Provides an even baking surface to ensure consistent cookie texture.

Ingredients

For the 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: Prepare the Dough

Mix together the butter, ½ cup of powdered sugar, and vanilla in a mixing bowl using an electric mixer until fluffy.

1. Gradually add in the flour and salt, mixing until the dough comes together.
2. If using a stand mixer, this may take a minute or two; if using a hand mixer, it might take longer. Don’t hesitate to use your hands if necessary!
3. Stir in the mini M&Ms. Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 3: Shape the Cookies

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

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

Bake in the preheated oven for about 8–10 minutes until the bottoms are slightly brown.

1. Remove from oven and let cool for about 5–10 minutes until they can be handled.
2. Roll each warm cookie in a small bowl filled with powdered sugar, ensuring they are well coated.
3. Place on a cooling rack to finish cooling. You may want to re-roll them in powdered sugar once cooled for an extra sweetness!

Step 5: Store or Freeze

These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature or frozen for up to one month. If freezing, re-roll in powdered sugar after defrosting for best results.

Enjoy your delightful Christmas Snowball Cookies!

How to Serve Christmas Snowball Cookies

Christmas Snowball Cookies are delightful treats that can brighten up any holiday gathering. They are not only delicious but also visually appealing with their colorful M&Ms. Here are some creative ways to serve these festive cookies.

Cookie Platter

• Arrange your Christmas Snowball Cookies on a decorative platter for a beautiful centerpiece at your holiday table. Mixing in some seasonal decorations like pinecones or holly can enhance the presentation.

Gift Bags

• Package individual cookies in clear gift bags tied with a festive ribbon. This makes for a thoughtful homemade gift that friends and family will appreciate during the holidays.

Hot Beverage Pairing

• Serve your cookies alongside hot chocolate or spiced tea. The sweetness of the cookies complements the warmth of these beverages, making for a cozy treat.

Cookie Bar

• Set up a cookie bar at your holiday party where guests can enjoy Christmas Snowball Cookies along with other cookie varieties. Provide toppings like sprinkles or additional powdered sugar for added fun.

How to Perfect Christmas Snowball Cookies

To ensure your Christmas Snowball Cookies turn out just right, follow these helpful tips.

• Use room temperature butter: This helps create a fluffy texture in your dough, ensuring the cookies bake evenly and have a light, airy feel.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Mix until just combined to avoid tough cookies. Overmixing can lead to dense results rather than soft and tender treats.
• Chill the dough optionally: If you prefer thicker cookies, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
• Check cookie bottoms: Keep an eye on the bottoms of the cookies as they bake. Remove them from the oven when they are just slightly brown to prevent overbaking.
• Re-roll after freezing: If you freeze your cookies, consider re-rolling them in powdered sugar after thawing for an extra sweet touch.

Best Side Dishes for Christmas Snowball Cookies

Complementing your Christmas Snowball Cookies with delicious side dishes can enhance your holiday spread. Here’s a list of perfect pairings that go well with these festive treats.

1. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances out the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Cheese Platter: Include assorted cheeses and crackers for a savory contrast that pairs nicely with the sweet flavors.
3. Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts provide a crunchy texture and savory taste that complements the softness of the cookies.
4. Mini Cupcakes: Offer an assortment of mini cupcakes as an additional dessert option; choose festive flavors like peppermint or gingerbread.
5. Hot Chocolate Station: Set up a station with hot chocolate, marshmallows, and toppings so guests can enjoy warm beverages alongside their cookies.
6. Caramel Apples: Sliced caramel apples make for a fun treat that is both sweet and tart, adding variety to your dessert offerings.
7. Seasonal Veggie Tray: Fresh vegetables served with hummus or ranch dip provide a healthy balance to all the sweets on your table.
8. Holiday Punch: A non-alcoholic punch made with fruit juices and sparkling water creates a festive beverage option that pairs well with desserts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Christmas Snowball Cookies, it’s easy to run into a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Not measuring accurately: Precision is key when baking. Use a scale for the best results and avoid packing your ingredients.

• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too long can lead to tough cookies. Combine until just mixed; stop when the dough starts to come together.

• Skipping the cooling time: Letting cookies cool too quickly can affect their texture. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them.

• Using stale ingredients: Fresh ingredients make a big difference in taste. Always check expiration dates and use fresh butter and flour.

• Not rolling in powdered sugar enough: A light dusting of powdered sugar enhances flavor and appearance. Roll your cookies thoroughly before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to one week.

Freezing Christmas Snowball Cookies

• Place cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• They can be frozen for up to one month without losing quality.

Reheating Christmas Snowball Cookies

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, flipping gently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Christmas Snowball Cookies:

Can I use different types of candies in Christmas Snowball Cookies?

Yes! You can substitute mini M&Ms with any small candy you prefer, like chocolate chips or seasonal sprinkles.

How do I prevent my Christmas Snowball Cookies from spreading?

Ensure your butter is slightly softened but not too warm, and chill the dough briefly before baking if you’re concerned about spreading.

What is the best way to store leftover Christmas Snowball Cookies?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for optimal freshness over several days.

Can I prepare the dough in advance?

Absolutely! You can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to two days before baking.

Are Christmas Snowball Cookies suitable for freezing?

Yes! These cookies freeze well. Just be sure to re-roll them in powdered sugar after thawing if needed.

Final Thoughts

Christmas Snowball Cookies are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. With their festive colors and delightful taste, they make an excellent addition to any holiday gathering. Feel free to customize them with your favorite candies or decorations, ensuring everyone enjoys this sweet treat!