Description
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.
Notes
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.