Name: Strawberry Snowball Cookies: A Delicious & Easy Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus more for coating; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional); 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries, finely ground

Strawberry Snowball Cookies: Prepare to be enchanted! Imagine biting into a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth cookie that tastes like a sweet, summery dream. These aren't your average holiday treat; they're a delightful twist on a classic, infused with the bright, fruity flavor of fresh strawberries.

Snowball cookies, also known as Mexican Wedding Cakes or Russian Tea Cakes, have a rich history, often associated with celebrations and festive gatherings. Their origins are debated, but their popularity is undeniable, spanning across cultures and generations. What makes them so universally loved? It's the irresistible combination of a buttery, crumbly texture and a dusting of powdered sugar that resembles a fresh snowfall.

But we're taking things up a notch! My Strawberry Snowball Cookies recipe adds a burst of vibrant strawberry flavor that perfectly complements the cookie's delicate sweetness. The subtle tang of the strawberries cuts through the richness, creating a balanced and utterly addictive treat. They're surprisingly easy to make, perfect for baking with family, and guaranteed to impress at your next gathering. Get ready to experience a new level of cookie bliss!

Ingredients:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus more for coating
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional, but adds a lovely flavor!)
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries, finely ground

Preparing the Strawberry Snowball Cookie Dough

Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer), cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Make sure your butter is truly softened, but not melted, for the best texture. If using a stand mixer, use the paddle attachment. Scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything is evenly incorporated.
Add the Extracts: Stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract (if using). Mix until just combined. Don't overmix at this stage.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the salt throughout the dough.
Grind the Freeze-Dried Strawberries: This is a crucial step for that intense strawberry flavor! Place the freeze-dried strawberries in a food processor or blender and pulse until they are finely ground into a powder. You can also use a zip-top bag and a rolling pin to crush them, but the food processor is much faster and more efficient.
Incorporate the Strawberry Powder: Add the ground freeze-dried strawberries to the flour mixture and whisk to combine. This will help prevent the strawberry powder from clumping when added to the wet ingredients.
Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed butter and sugar mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough cookies. Mix until the flour is just incorporated and no streaks of flour remain.
Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time is important because it allows the butter to firm up, which will prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking. Chilling also helps to develop the flavors. You can chill the dough for up to 2 hours. If chilling for longer than 2 hours, you may need to let the dough sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping.

Baking the Strawberry Snowball Cookies

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier.
Shape the Cookies: Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator. Using a small cookie scoop or your hands, roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Place the cookie dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie.
Bake the Cookies: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. The cookies should still be slightly soft in the center. Be careful not to overbake them, as they will become dry and crumbly.
Cool the Cookies: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Coating the Strawberry Snowball Cookies

First Coating: While the cookies are still slightly warm (but not too hot to handle), roll them in powdered sugar. This first coating will melt slightly and create a sticky base for the second coating.
Second Coating: Once the cookies have cooled completely, roll them in powdered sugar again. This second coating will create that signature "snowball" effect. Make sure the cookies are completely cooled before the second coating, or the powdered sugar will melt and become sticky.
Serve and Enjoy: Arrange the strawberry snowball cookies on a platter and serve. These cookies are best enjoyed within a few days of baking, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. The powdered sugar coating may absorb into the cookie over time, so you can always dust them with more powdered sugar before serving.

Tips for Perfect Strawberry Snowball Cookies:

Use High-Quality Butter: The flavor of the butter really shines through in these cookies, so use a good-quality unsalted butter for the best results.
Don't Overmix the Dough: Overmixing the dough will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is essential for preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Don't Overbake the Cookies: Overbaking the cookies will make them dry and crumbly. Bake until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft.
Coat While Warm: Coating the cookies with powdered sugar while they are still slightly warm helps the sugar adhere better.
Double Coat: The double coating of powdered sugar is what gives these cookies their signature "snowball" look.
Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Variations: You can add chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts) to the dough for added texture and flavor. You can also experiment with different extracts, such as lemon or orange extract.

Troubleshooting:

Cookies Spreading Too Much: If your cookies are spreading too much, make sure your butter is not too soft. Also, make sure you are chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes.
Cookies Too Dry: If your cookies are too dry, you may be overbaking them. Bake until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft.
Powdered Sugar Melting: If the powdered sugar is melting, make sure the cookies are completely cooled before the second coating.

Why Freeze-Dried Strawberries?

I prefer using freeze-dried strawberries over fresh or frozen strawberries in this recipe because they provide a concentrated strawberry flavor without adding any extra moisture to the dough. Fresh or frozen strawberries would add too much liquid, which would affect the texture of the cookies.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy making and eating these delicious strawberry snowball cookies! They are perfect for the holidays, or any time you're craving a sweet treat.

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! These Strawberry Snowball Cookies are more than just a treat; they're a little burst of sunshine, even on the chilliest days. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves a good cookie, especially if you're looking for something a little different from the usual chocolate chip or peanut butter fare. The delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture combined with the subtle strawberry flavor and the satisfying crunch of the powdered sugar coating is simply irresistible. It's a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you wanting more.

What makes these cookies so special is their versatility. They're perfect for a holiday gathering, a bake sale, or simply a cozy night in with a cup of tea. Imagine serving these beauties at your next Christmas party – they're guaranteed to be a hit! Or, picture yourself curled up on the couch with a warm blanket, a good book, and a plate of these delightful Strawberry Snowball Cookies. Pure bliss, right?

But the fun doesn't stop there! Feel free to experiment with variations to make this recipe your own. For a richer flavor, try using browned butter instead of regular melted butter. This will add a nutty depth that complements the strawberry perfectly. You could also add a handful of chopped white chocolate chips to the dough for an extra touch of sweetness and indulgence. If you're feeling adventurous, consider incorporating a teaspoon of freeze-dried raspberry powder along with the strawberry powder for a more intense berry flavor. And for a truly decadent treat, dip the finished cookies in melted white chocolate and sprinkle with crushed freeze-dried strawberries.

Serving suggestions are endless! These cookies are delicious on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a variety of beverages. Try them with a glass of cold milk, a cup of hot cocoa, or even a sparkling wine for a festive touch. They also make a lovely addition to a dessert platter alongside other holiday favorites like fudge, peppermint bark, and gingerbread cookies. You can even crumble them over ice cream or yogurt for a delightful topping.

I've poured my heart and soul into perfecting this recipe, and I'm confident that you'll love it as much as I do. The key to success is to follow the instructions carefully and don't be afraid to get creative with your own variations. Remember to chill the dough thoroughly before baking to prevent the cookies from spreading too much. And most importantly, have fun! Baking should be a joyful experience, so relax, put on some music, and enjoy the process.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these amazing Strawberry Snowball Cookies. I promise you won't be disappointed. And once you've tried them, I'd love to hear about your experience! Share your photos and comments on social media using [Your Hashtag] – I can't wait to see your creations! Happy baking!

I am sure that you will enjoy this Strawberry Snowball Cookies recipe as much as I do. Let me know what you think!