Christmas Snowball Cookies are a delightful treat that brings joy to any holiday gathering. These cookies are soft, buttery, and filled with colorful M&Ms, making them a favorite for both kids and adults. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas or just want a festive snack, this easy cookie recipe is perfect for any occasion. The unique combination of flavors and textures will surely make these cookies stand out on your dessert table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these cookies in no time.
- Versatile Colors: Use any color M&Ms to match your holiday theme or personal preference.
- Perfect for Sharing: These cookies are great for parties, gift-giving, or simply enjoying at home with family.
- Fun for Kids: Let the little ones help with rolling the cookies in powdered sugar; it’s a fun activity for everyone!
- Freezer Friendly: Bake ahead of time and freeze for up to a month – perfect for holiday prep!
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking these delicious Christmas Snowball Cookies, gather your tools. Having everything ready makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Electric mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Cookie sheets
- Parchment paper
- Baking spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer: Ensures your butter and sugar mix to the perfect fluffy consistency quickly.
- Parchment paper: Prevents cookies from sticking to the baking sheet, making cleanup a breeze.
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!
Ingredients:
– 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. While it heats up, line two cookie sheets with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a mixing bowl, combine the unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Use an electric mixer to blend until fluffy.
* Gradually add in the all-purpose flour and salt. Mix until the dough comes together fully.
* This may take some time; if using a hand mixer, it could take longer. Don’t hesitate to use your hands if needed!
Step 3: Add M&Ms
Stir in the mini M&Ms, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Scoop out tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place them on the prepared cookie sheets. Leave enough space between each ball as they will spread while baking.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the bottoms are just slightly brown.
* Once baked, remove from oven and let cool on the cookie sheet for about 5-10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Step 6: Roll in Powdered Sugar
Fill a small bowl with additional powdered sugar. Roll each cooled cookie in the sugar until fully coated.
* For extra sweetness, consider re-rolling them once they have completely cooled.
Step 7: Store or Freeze
These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature or frozen for up to one month. If freezing, you may need to re-roll them in powdered sugar after defrosting. Enjoy your delicious Christmas Snowball Cookies!
How to Serve Christmas Snowball Cookies
Christmas Snowball Cookies can be a delightful addition to your holiday gatherings. They are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways that enhance their festive charm.
With a Hot Beverage
- Coffee or Tea: Pairing these cookies with a warm cup of coffee or tea brings out their sweetness and balances the flavors beautifully.
- Hot Chocolate: For a true winter treat, serve them alongside rich hot chocolate topped with marshmallows.
As Party Favors
- Gift Packaging: Place them in decorative boxes or bags to give as gifts. They make thoughtful presents for friends and family during the holidays.
- Cookie Platters: Arrange them on a festive platter with other holiday cookies for an eye-catching display that’s sure to impress guests.
After Dinner Treat
- Dessert Table: These cookies can be part of a dessert buffet, adding variety alongside cakes and pies for a satisfying end to your meal.
- Midnight Snack: Keep some on hand for late-night snacking after holiday festivities. They are perfect for satisfying sweet cravings!
How to Perfect Christmas Snowball Cookies
Making the perfect Christmas Snowball Cookies is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out just right.
- Use Room Temperature Butter: This helps the butter mix more easily with sugar, creating a fluffy texture in your dough.
- Measure Flour Correctly: Avoid packing flour into the measuring cup; instead, spoon it in and level it off for accurate measurements.
- Don’t Overbake: Watch the cookies closely as they bake. Remove them when the bottoms are slightly brown for the best texture.
- Roll in Powdered Sugar Twice: Rolling them in powdered sugar while warm and again after cooling gives an extra sweet coating that enhances their appearance.
- Experiment with Mix-Ins: Feel free to swap M&Ms for other candies or nuts to customize your cookies according to taste preferences.
- Store Properly: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, or freeze them if you want to enjoy them later.
Best Side Dishes for Christmas Snowball Cookies
When serving Christmas Snowball Cookies, consider pairing them with side dishes that complement their sweetness. Here are some great options:
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and contrasts well with the rich cookies.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can balance the sweetness of the cookies, offering savory bites between treats.
- Spiced Nuts: Crunchy spiced nuts provide a satisfying texture and flavor contrast, making them an excellent pairing.
- Mini Cupcakes: Small cupcakes can be a delightful addition, offering different flavors while keeping the dessert table festive.
- Yule Log Cake: This traditional holiday cake complements Christmas Snowball Cookies perfectly with its rich chocolate flavors.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve these cookies warm alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a deliciously creamy experience.
- Pecan Pie Bites: These bite-sized desserts echo the festive spirit and provide another sweet option for guests.
These pairings will help create an inviting dessert spread that celebrates the joy of the season!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Christmas Snowball Cookies, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to help you achieve the perfect batch.
- Using packed powdered sugar: Always use powdered sugar that is not packed down. Packing it can lead to overly sweet cookies. Measure it lightly for the best results.
- Not letting butter soften: If your butter is too hard, it won’t mix well with the other ingredients. Let it sit at room temperature until slightly softened for a fluffier texture.
- Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough can help prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking. If you have time, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- Overbaking cookies: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. The bottoms should be just slightly brown; overbaking can lead to dry cookies. Set a timer and check them early!
- Not rolling in enough powdered sugar: A good coating of powdered sugar gives these cookies their signature look and taste. Don’t skimp on rolling them after baking; a light dusting adds flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- They will last up to one week in the refrigerator.
- Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing Christmas Snowball Cookies
- Freeze cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag.
- They can be frozen for up to one month.
- Consider re-rolling them in powdered sugar after defrosting for freshness.
Reheating Christmas Snowball Cookies
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Place cookies on a baking sheet and warm for about 5-7 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual cookies on a microwave-safe plate for 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as they can become tough.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, covering it with a lid. Heat for about 2-3 minutes until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Christmas Snowball Cookies?
Christmas Snowball Cookies are soft, buttery treats rolled in powdered sugar and often feature colorful M&Ms, making them perfect for holiday celebrations.
Can I use different candies in my Snowball Cookies?
Yes! You can substitute mini M&Ms with any candy you prefer, such as chocolate chips or festive sprinkles for added color and fun.
How do I know when my cookies are done?
The cookies should have slightly brown bottoms but remain pale on top. They will firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they seem soft right out of the oven.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! These Christmas Snowball Cookies store well and maintain their flavor and texture when made in advance. Just follow storage instructions above!
Final Thoughts
Christmas Snowball Cookies are not only delightful but also versatile. You can customize them with various candies or even nuts to suit your taste preferences. Whether you share them with family or keep them all to yourself, these festive treats are sure to brighten any holiday gathering. Give this easy recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!
Christmas Snowball Cookies
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the joy of the holidays with our Christmas Snowball Cookies! These soft and buttery treats are packed with colorful M&Ms, offering a delightful burst of flavor in every bite. Perfect for festive gatherings, these easy-to-make cookies can be customized to fit any holiday theme or personal preference. Whether you’re baking for a party, gifting to friends, or enjoying them at home, these cookies add a sweet touch to your celebrations. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have these delicious treats ready in no time!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (slightly softened)
- 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)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until fluffy.
- Gradually add flour and salt until the dough forms.
- Fold in mini M&Ms evenly into the dough.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized balls onto prepared cookie sheets, spacing them apart.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until bottoms are lightly browned.
- Cool on the sheet for 5-10 minutes before rolling in powdered sugar.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: For an extra sweet touch, re-roll cookies in powdered sugar after cooling. Feel free to customize with different candies like chocolate chips or nuts. Prepare dough ahead of time and freeze for up to one month.