Name: Snowball Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
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)

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Snowball Cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly capture the festive spirit of the holidays. These cookies, adorned with colorful M&Ms, are not only visually appealing but also incredibly easy to make. Ideal for gatherings, gift-giving, or cozy evenings by the fire, these cookies will surely become a cherished part of your holiday traditions. Their buttery texture and sweet flavor make them irresistible!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to Prepare: These cookies come together in just 15 minutes of prep time, making them perfect for last-minute baking.
Versatile Colors: You can customize the M&Ms to match any holiday theme or personal preference, from classic red and green to vibrant rainbow hues.
Easy to Freeze: Make a batch ahead of time and freeze them for up to a month; just roll them in powdered sugar after defrosting!
Kid-Friendly Fun: Involve the kids in rolling the dough balls and coating them in powdered sugar for a fun family activity.
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: The combination of butter and powdered sugar creates a rich, soft cookie that’s hard to resist.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking Snowball Cookies, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Electric mixer
Mixing bowls
Cookie sheets
Parchment paper
Cookie scoop

Importance of Each Tool

Electric mixer: Helps achieve a fluffy texture by thoroughly blending butter and sugar.
Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without mess and allows for easy mixing.
Cookie sheets: Provides a flat surface for even baking; using parchment paper prevents sticking.

Ingredients

To make delicious Snowball Cookies, you will need the following 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 Snowball Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper to prepare for baking.

Step 2: Mix Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Use an electric mixer until fluffy. Add in flour and salt, mixing until everything comes together into a dough.
1. If using a stand mixer, this may take about one or two minutes.
2. A hand mixer might take longer; don’t hesitate to use your hands if needed.
3. Once mixed well, fold in the mini M&Ms.

Step 3: Scoop the Dough

Use a cookie scoop to form balls of dough about 1 tablespoon each. Place them on the prepared cookie sheets with some space between each ball.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

Bake in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes until the bottoms are lightly browned. After baking:
1. Remove from oven and allow cooling on the sheets for about 5–10 minutes.
2. Carefully roll each warm cookie in a small bowl filled with powdered sugar until fully coated.

Step 5: Cool Completely

Transfer cookies onto a wire rack to cool completely. For extra sweetness, consider rolling cooled cookies again in powdered sugar before serving.

These Snowball Cookies can be stored in an airtight container or frozen for later enjoyment—perfect for sharing during festive celebrations!

How to Serve Snowball Cookies

Snowball Cookies are delightful treats that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your holiday cookie experience.

With a Hot Beverage

Coffee or Tea – Pair these cookies with a warm cup of coffee or tea for a cozy treat.
Hot Chocolate – Enjoy your Snowball Cookies alongside a rich, creamy hot chocolate, perfect for cold winter days.

On a Festive Platter

Cookie Tray – Arrange your cookies on a decorative platter with other holiday treats for an eye-catching display.
Gift Bags – Package them in festive bags as gifts for friends and family, spreading joy during the holidays.

As Part of a Dessert Table

Dessert Buffet – Include these cookies in a larger dessert table filled with various sweets, ensuring they stand out with their colorful M&Ms.
Ice Cream Sandwiches – Use two cookies to create fun ice cream sandwiches for an exciting twist on traditional serving.

How to Perfect Snowball Cookies

To ensure your Snowball Cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

Chill the Dough – Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies maintain their shape and enhances flavor.
Measure Accurately – Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements of flour and powdered sugar, ensuring consistent results.
Rotate Baking Sheets – Halfway through baking, rotate your sheets to ensure even cooking and browning.
Don’t Overbake – Remove cookies from the oven when the bottoms are just slightly brown. They will continue to cook as they cool.
Re-roll in Sugar – For an extra sweet touch, re-roll cooled cookies in powdered sugar before serving.

Best Side Dishes for Snowball Cookies

Pairing side dishes with Snowball Cookies can enhance the overall festive experience. Here are some great options to consider.

Fruit Salad – A light and refreshing mix of seasonal fruits that balances the sweetness of the cookies.
Cheese Platter – Offer an assortment of cheeses that complement the flavors of the cookies without overwhelming them.
Nuts and Dried Fruits – A bowl of mixed nuts and dried fruits adds texture and savory elements to your dessert spread.
Cupcakes – Mini cupcakes with festive frosting can create an attractive dessert table alongside your snowball cookies.
Chocolate Fondue – Set up a chocolate fondue station where guests can dip their cookies for an indulgent treat.
Yogurt Parfaits – Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a healthier yet delicious option that pairs well with sweet treats.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Snowball Cookies, it’s easy to overlook some details. Here are common mistakes to watch out for:

Not softening the butter: Using cold butter can lead to uneven mixing. Make sure your butter is slightly softened for easier incorporation into the dough.
Packing powdered sugar: Packing the powdered sugar can lead to overly sweet cookies. Use a light hand when measuring to avoid this mistake.
Overbaking the cookies: Leaving cookies in the oven too long can result in dry, hard treats. Keep an eye on them and remove them as soon as they’re lightly browned on the bottoms.
Skipping the rolling in powdered sugar: Rolling the cookies in powdered sugar is what gives them their signature look and sweetness. Don’t skip this step!
Not letting them cool before storing: Storing warm cookies can cause condensation and sogginess. Ensure they are completely cool before placing them in an airtight container.

Refrigerator Storage

Store Snowball Cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
They can last up to one week in the refrigerator.
Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing Snowball Cookies

Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet for about 2 hours.
Once solid, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag.
They can be frozen for up to one month—just make sure they are well-wrapped.

Reheating Snowball Cookies

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Heat each cookie on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds. Watch closely so they don’t get too soft.
Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, placing cookies inside for a few minutes until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Snowball Cookies?

Snowball Cookies are delightful treats made with butter, flour, and M&M candies, rolled in powdered sugar for a festive finish.

How do I customize my Snowball Cookies?

You can customize your Snowball Cookies by using different colored candies or adding nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra flavor.

How long do Snowball Cookies last?

These cookies can last up to one week at room temperature and up to one month when frozen properly.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare and freeze Snowball Cookies ahead of time. Just thaw them before rolling in powdered sugar and serving.

Are there variations of Snowball Cookies?

Absolutely! You can replace M&Ms with chocolate chips, dried fruits, or other types of candy based on your preference.

Final Thoughts

Snowball Cookies are not only simple to make but also customizable, making them perfect for holiday gatherings or gifts. With their vibrant colors from M&Ms and sugary coating, they will bring joy to any dessert table. Try experimenting with different candies or flavors to create your unique twist!