Sweet, buttery, and full of festive cheer, these Christmas Snowball Cookies are the ultimate holiday treat! They’re a delightful combination of melt-in-your-mouth texture, a snowy powdered sugar coating, and festive pops of color from Christmas M&Ms. Whether you’re prepping for a holiday party or just want to enjoy some cozy baking, these cookies will add the perfect dose of joy to your celebrations.
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Why You’ll Love These Cookies
- Taste: A buttery, almond-flavored base that’s rich and indulgent, paired with the crunch and sweetness of M&Ms.
- Texture: Crumbly yet tender cookies coated in a delicate layer of powdered sugar—pure holiday bliss!
- Festive Appeal: The vibrant red and green M&Ms scream Christmas cheer. These cookies are as pretty as they are delicious!
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and minimal prep time mean you can whip these up without stress.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delectable cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup Christmas M&Ms
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar (for coating)
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
- Wire cooling rack
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Shallow bowl (for rolling in powdered sugar)
Let’s Bake Some Holiday Magic!
1️⃣ Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats for easy cleanup.
2️⃣ Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar, and almond extract until the mixture is light, fluffy, and oh-so-creamy.
3️⃣ Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
4️⃣ Add the Festive Flair
Gently fold in the Christmas M&Ms. This is the moment the cookies start to feel extra special!
5️⃣ Shape the Dough
Scoop about 1.5 tablespoons of dough and roll it into a smooth ball. Place it on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between cookies.
6️⃣ Bake
Pop the cookies into the oven and bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. The smell? Pure holiday heaven!
7️⃣ First Sugar Coating
Let the cookies cool slightly (about 5 minutes). When they’re still warm but manageable, roll each one in a shallow bowl of powdered sugar until fully coated. Place them on a wire rack to cool completely.
8️⃣ Second Sugar Coating
Once the cookies are completely cool, roll them in powdered sugar again for that perfect snowy finish.
Tips for Perfect Snowball Cookies
- Custom Colors: Use red and green M&Ms for Christmas, or switch up the colors for other holidays!
- Chill the Dough: If your dough feels too soft, refrigerate it for 10–15 minutes before rolling.
- Even Sizes: For evenly baked cookies, use a cookie scoop for portioning the dough.
- Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
What to Serve with Christmas Snowball Cookies
- A warm cup of hot chocolate topped with marshmallows.
- Festive teas like peppermint or chai spice.
- A glass of cold milk for a nostalgic treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use vanilla extract instead of almond extract?
A: Absolutely! Vanilla will give a classic flavor, while almond adds a subtle nutty twist.
Q: Can I freeze these cookies?
A: Yes! Freeze the dough balls before baking or freeze the baked cookies (without the powdered sugar coating) for up to 3 months. Add the final sugar coating after thawing.
Q: Can I use other candies instead of M&Ms?
A: Definitely. Try chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or festive sprinkles for variety.
Sweet Final Thoughts
These Christmas Snowball Cookies are the epitome of holiday baking—easy to make, incredibly delicious, and brimming with festive vibes. I can’t wait to hear how they turn out for you!
If you’re in the mood for more Christmas treats, why not try:
- Peppermint Chocolate Bark: Another holiday classic with a minty twist.
- Cinnamon Sugar Snickerdoodles: Warm, cozy, and perfect with coffee.
- Classic Gingerbread Cookies: Fun to make and decorate!
Let me know how your cookies turn out by leaving a review below or sharing your photos on Pinterest. Happy baking! 🎅🍪
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie Approx.)
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 2g
🎄 Christmas Snowball Cookies 🎄
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat Oven:Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- Cream Butter and Sugar:In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar, and almond extract until light and fluffy.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
- Add M&Ms:Gently fold in the Christmas M&Ms until evenly distributed.
- Form Cookies:Scoop about 1.5 tablespoons of dough, roll into a ball, and place on the prepared baking sheets, spacing evenly.
- Bake:Bake the cookies for 12–14 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden.
- First Powdered Sugar Coating:Let cookies cool for about 5 minutes, then roll each one in 2 cups of confectioners' sugar while still warm. Place on a wire rack to cool completely.
- Second Powdered Sugar Coating:Once the cookies are fully cooled, roll them again in the powdered sugar for a snowy, festive finish.
Notes
Chill Dough: If the dough feels sticky, refrigerate for 10–15 minutes before shaping.
Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
