Christmas Snowball Cookies

These festive Christmas Snowball Cookies are a nut-free twist on the traditional version, made with buttery dough and holiday-colored M&Ms. Rolled in powdered sugar for that classic “snowball” look, they’re the perfect treat for Christmas cookie exchanges, gift boxes, or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

• 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)

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone liners.
• In a large bowl, beat together the butter, 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar, and almond extract until light and fluffy.
• In a separate bowl, whisk the flour and salt together.
• Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a dough forms.
• Fold in the Christmas M&Ms gently.
• Scoop about 1.5 tablespoons of dough, roll into a ball, and place onto the prepared baking sheets.
• Repeat with the remaining dough, spacing the cookies evenly.
• Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden.
• Let cookies cool for 5 minutes until they can be handled.
• Roll each cookie in powdered sugar while still warm and place on a cooling rack.
• Once fully cooled, roll the cookies in powdered sugar again for a snowy finish.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Tips

• Serve these cookies alongside a warm cup of hot cocoa, coffee, or spiced cider for a cozy holiday treat.
• They make a delightful addition to any holiday cookie platter or dessert buffet.
• Perfect for gifting—place them in a festive tin or clear bag tied with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift.
• Great for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or just sharing with family and friends.

Storage Tips

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to keep them fresh and soft.
• For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months.
• When ready to enjoy frozen cookies, thaw at room temperature and re-roll in powdered sugar if needed to restore their snowy coating.
• Avoid storing cookies in the refrigerator as it can cause them to dry out.

Variations

1. Classic Vanilla Snowball Cookies
   Replace the almond extract with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for a traditional and mild vanilla flavor. This version is perfect if you prefer a simple, classic taste without the nutty hint of almond.
2. Peppermint Snowball Cookies
   Add 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract instead of almond extract and fold in crushed peppermint candies or candy canes along with the M&Ms. This gives the cookies a refreshing minty flavor that’s perfect for Christmas.
3. White Chocolate and Cranberry Snowballs
   Substitute the Christmas M&Ms with 1/2 cup dried cranberries and 1/2 cup white chocolate chips. This combination adds tartness from the cranberries and a creamy sweetness from the white chocolate for a festive flavor twist.
4. Gluten-Free Snowball Cookies
   Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour, keeping the rest of the ingredients the same. This variation allows those with gluten sensitivities to enjoy this classic holiday treat.
5. Nutty Snowball Cookies
   If you want a traditional version with nuts, fold in 1 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts into the dough along with or instead of the M&Ms. The nuts add a satisfying crunch and rich flavor.
6. Chocolate Snowball Cookies
   Add 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a chocolate-flavored dough. Pair this with red and green M&Ms or chocolate chips for a festive and indulgent cookie.
7. Spiced Snowball Cookies
   Mix 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg into the flour before combining. This warm spice addition adds a cozy, holiday-inspired flavor that complements the sweetness.

FAQs

1. Can I make these cookies without M&Ms?
   Yes! You can omit the M&Ms or replace them with chocolate chips, dried fruit, or nuts depending on your preference.
2. Are these cookies gluten-free?
   The original recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. To make them gluten-free, substitute with a gluten-free flour blend.
3. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
   You can, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid the cookies becoming too salty.
4. How do I store Christmas snowball cookies to keep them fresh?
   Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2 months.
5. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Allow the dough to come to room temperature before scooping and baking.
6. Why are my cookies cracking or breaking?
   Make sure you don’t overbake them. Bake until just lightly golden on the bottom. Overbaking can cause dry, crumbly cookies.
7. What can I use instead of almond extract?
   Vanilla extract is the most common substitute and gives a classic flavor. You can also try peppermint or lemon extract for a twist.
8. Why do I roll the cookies in powdered sugar twice?
   Rolling them in powdered sugar while warm allows it to stick better. The second roll after cooling ensures a thick, snowy coating.
9. Can I make these cookies nut-free?
   Yes! This recipe is already nut-free since it uses no nuts, making it suitable for those with nut allergies.
10. How many cookies does this recipe make?
    The recipe yields approximately 32 cookies, depending on the size you make them.

These easy Christmas snowball cookies are a festive, nut-free alternative to traditional recipes. Simple to make and full of holiday cheer, they’re a sweet way to celebrate the season with family and friends.

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