Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies

Sweet, buttery, and dusted in powdered sugar, Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies are the perfect bite-sized holiday treat. With zesty citrus and tart cranberries, these cookies melt in your mouth and bring joy to every Christmas table.

What Are Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies?

Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies are a festive twist on the classic snowball cookie, also known as Russian tea cakes or Mexican wedding cookies. Traditionally made with butter, flour, and powdered sugar, these cookies have a crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth texture that feels light yet rich at the same time.

This version stands out thanks to the addition of tart dried cranberries and fresh orange zest. The cranberries add pops of sweet-tart flavor, while the zest brightens the buttery dough with citrusy freshness. Rolled in powdered sugar while still warm, each cookie looks like a fluffy snowball, making them a beautiful addition to Christmas platters.

They’re simple to prepare and require only a short list of ingredients. With minimal prep time and a quick bake, these cookies are ready in under two hours, including chilling. Their delicate sweetness pairs wonderfully with coffee, tea, or hot cocoa. Whether you bake them for holiday gifting, family gatherings, or a cozy weekend treat, they’re always a crowd favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies because they combine nostalgic holiday flavors with a bright citrus twist. Unlike heavy desserts, these cookies feel light, crumbly, and irresistible, making it easy to reach for more than one.

The recipe is incredibly simple. You only need basic pantry ingredients like butter, flour, sugar, and vanilla, plus the festive touch of dried cranberries and orange zest. The steps are straightforward, and the dough comes together quickly without complicated techniques.

Another reason to adore them is their versatility. You can enjoy them plain, add spices like cinnamon for warmth, or swap in other dried fruits to match your taste. They also store well, making them ideal for meal prep during the busy holiday season.

Finally, these cookies make wonderful edible gifts. Wrapped in a festive tin or clear bag with a ribbon, they’re a thoughtful homemade present. Every bite feels like a little piece of holiday cheer, and that’s why these cookies always disappear first from the Christmas cookie tray.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Key ingredients explained

• Butter: Provides the rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Use unsalted butter for best control of flavor.
• Powdered sugar: Used both in the dough and as the snowy coating. It keeps the texture soft and delicate.
• Flour: All-purpose flour gives structure without making the cookies too dense.
• Orange zest: Adds bright, citrusy notes that balance the sweetness. Use only the colored peel to avoid bitterness.
• Dried cranberries: Provide tart, chewy bites throughout the cookie. Chop them finely so they blend evenly.
• Vanilla extract: Adds depth of flavor and warmth.
• Salt: Just a touch to enhance all the flavors.

Easy substitution options

If you don’t have cranberries, you can substitute dried cherries, blueberries, or raisins. Lemon zest works beautifully in place of orange for a different citrus profile. Vegan butter can replace regular butter if needed, though it may slightly change the texture. If you prefer a nutty twist, fold in chopped pecans or walnuts along with the fruit. These substitutions keep the cookies festive while letting you tailor them to your pantry and preferences.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Mixing the dough

Start by beating softened butter with powdered sugar until light and creamy. Add the vanilla and salt, mixing until combined. Gradually add flour and orange zest, stirring until just incorporated. Fold in the chopped cranberries. The dough should come together smoothly but remain slightly soft.

Chilling the dough

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least one hour. Chilling is important because it firms the dough, prevents spreading, and makes it easier to roll into uniform balls. If your dough feels too hard after chilling, let it rest for a few minutes at room temperature before shaping.

Rolling and baking

Scoop about a tablespoon of dough and roll it into 1-inch balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving some space between each. Bake at 350°F (180°C) for around 15 minutes. The tops should remain pale while the bottoms turn lightly golden. This ensures the centers stay tender and buttery.

Coating in powdered sugar

Let the cookies cool slightly before rolling them in powdered sugar. This first coating sticks best when the cookies are warm. Once they’ve cooled fully, roll them again in sugar for a bright, snowy finish. This double coat gives them their signature look and irresistible sweetness.

Tips for Success

Always zest only the orange peel, not the white pith, to avoid bitterness. Chill the dough thoroughly so the cookies keep their round shape. Rolling the cookies in sugar while warm ensures an even coating, while the second coat adds the snowy finish. Use high-quality butter for the richest flavor, and chop the cranberries small so they blend evenly into the dough. If baking multiple trays, rotate them halfway through to keep the cookies baking evenly. With these tips, you’ll have perfect snowballs every time.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They stay soft and flavorful without drying out. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies for up to two months. If you want to get ahead on holiday baking, freeze unbaked dough balls for up to three months. Simply thaw in the fridge overnight before baking. These make-ahead options are perfect for busy holiday schedules, so you can always have fresh cookies ready when needed.

Serving Ideas

Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies shine on Christmas dessert platters, alongside other festive treats like Sugar Cookie Cheesecake. Serve them with tea, coffee, or hot chocolate for a cozy afternoon break. They also make lovely holiday gifts. Pack them in festive tins, jars, or bags tied with ribbon, and they’ll delight family, friends, or neighbors.

Recipe Notes & Variations

For best results, always chill the dough. If you want to experiment, add warm spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or stir in nuts for a crunchier bite. Lemon zest makes a brighter variation, while dried cherries or blueberries create new flavor pairings. Using vegan butter keeps them dairy-free without losing much texture. Rolling twice in powdered sugar ensures a flawless snowy finish. This recipe is flexible, so you can adapt it to suit your holiday traditions.

Conclusion

Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies are buttery, sweet, and festive with a bright citrus twist. They’re quick to make, versatile, and loved by both kids and adults. Perfect for gifting, entertaining, or enjoying by the fire, they’re sure to become one of your favorite Christmas recipes. For more holiday baking inspiration, check out recent recipes or visit my Pinterest page for even more ideas.