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Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies

Delicious bite-sized cookies combining the tartness of cranberries with the zingy flavor of orange, perfect for festive gatherings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 120
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cookie Ingredients
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus more for dusting for dusting after baking
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 large orange, zest fresh zest for flavor
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped can substitute with raisins or dried cherries
  • chopped nuts, optional for added crunch

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy.
  3. Mix in the vanilla extract and orange zest.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add this to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
  5. Fold in your chopped dried cranberries. Optionally add chopped nuts.
  6. Using about a tablespoon of dough, roll it into a ball.
  7. Place the cookie balls on an ungreased baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, until just set.
  8. Once baked and slightly cooled, roll them in powdered sugar.

Notes

Chill the dough for 30 minutes if too soft. You can experiment by adding almond extract or substituting some cranberries for mini chocolate chips.