Description
These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth snowball cookies are the perfect holiday treat. Combining a classic shortbread base with tart dried cranberries and vibrant orange zest, each bite offers a delightful balance of flavor. Finished with a zesty orange glaze and a light dusting of sugar, these festive, snow-capped cookies are an elegant addition to any Christmas gathering and are sure to impress guests with their professional quality.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup confectioners sugar, divided
1 tablespoon fresh orange zest
2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
1/2 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
Instructions
Cream the softened butter and 1/4 cup of confectioners sugar in a large bowl until smooth and fluffy.
Incorporate the orange zest into the butter mixture.
Gradually add the sifted flour, mixing on low speed until a consistent dough forms.
Fold in the finely chopped cranberries.
Chill the dough for 30 minutes to ensure cookies hold their shape.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll the dough into small 1-inch balls and place on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 25 minutes or until the edges are just set.
Whisk together the orange juice and remaining confectioners sugar to create the glaze.
Allow cookies to cool slightly before brushing with the glaze and dusting with additional sugar if desired.
Notes
Chilling the dough is essential to prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Trending
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
