Description
These Cranberry Pistachio Snowball Cookies are the perfect festive treat! With a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture, bursts of tart cranberries, and the nutty crunch of pistachios, they’re rolled in powdered sugar for a snowy, irresistible finish. Ideal for holiday baking or gifting, these cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (or plant-based butter for a dairy-free option)
- ½ cup powdered sugar (plus extra for rolling)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (or a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free cookies)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup pistachios, chopped
- ½ cup dried cranberries, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. - Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together using a hand or stand mixer. Mix until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. - Add Vanilla and Dry Ingredients:
Mix in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender. - Fold in Cranberries and Pistachios:
Gently fold in the chopped pistachios and dried cranberries, ensuring even distribution throughout the dough. - Shape the Dough:
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls using your hands. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a small gap between each cookie. - Bake the Cookies:
Bake the cookies for 12–15 minutes, or until the bottoms are just starting to turn golden. The tops should remain pale. - Coat in Powdered Sugar:
Let the cookies cool for about 5 minutes. While still warm, roll each cookie in powdered sugar for the first coating.
Once the cookies have cooled completely, roll them again in powdered sugar for a second snowy coating.
Notes
- Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the baking time.
- Customization: Add orange zest or a pinch of cinnamon to the dough for extra holiday flair.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American