Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Fresh cranberries release too much moisture and may make the dough unstable. Stick with dried cranberries for the chewy texture that balances the buttery base.

How do I make these cookies gluten-free?

Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for structure. The flavor stays just as bright and festive.

Can I freeze the dough?

Yes! Shape the dough into balls, place them on a tray, and freeze until solid. Store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. When ready, bake straight from frozen, just add 1–2 extra minutes.

Why are my cookies flat?

If your cookies spread too much, the dough may not have chilled long enough. Always refrigerate for at least an hour to help them hold their signature round shape.

Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies – 5-Star Festive Treat

Name: Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; ¼ cup powdered sugar (for dough); ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon orange zest; 1 cup all-purpose flour; ½ cup dried cranberries, chopped; ½ cup powdered sugar (for coating)

Description

Buttery cranberry orange snowball cookies with tangy cranberries and bright orange zest, coated in powdered sugar for a festive finish.

Ingredients

Scale

½ cup unsalted butter, softened

¼ cup powdered sugar (for dough)

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon orange zest

1 cup all-purpose flour

½ cup dried cranberries, chopped

½ cup powdered sugar (for coating)

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Instructions

1. Beat butter and powdered sugar until fluffy.

2. Mix in vanilla and salt until smooth.

3. Fold in flour and orange zest.

4. Stir in dried cranberries evenly.

5. Wrap dough and refrigerate for 1 hour.

6. Let dough rest briefly, then shape into 1-inch balls.

7. Bake at 350°F (180°C) for 15 minutes until bottoms are golden.

8. Roll warm cookies in powdered sugar.

9. Cool, then roll again for snowy finish.

10. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

Chill the dough for best results.

Use only the orange zest, not the bitter white pith.

Store cookies in airtight container for up to 5 days.

Freeze baked cookies up to 2 months.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Cookies, Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: International

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 67
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 44mg
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 1g
Trans Fat: 0.1g
Carbohydrates: 9g
Fiber: 0.3g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 9mg