Strawberry Snowball Cookies

Strawberry snowball cookies are a delightful twist on the classic snowball treat. With a soft, buttery texture and a burst of sweet strawberry flavor, these bite-sized confections are rolled in powdered sugar for a festive, snowy finish. Perfect for holidays, parties, or as an everyday indulgence, they’re as pretty as they are delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Unique twist: A fruity update to the classic snowball cookie.
• Melt-in-your-mouth texture: Buttery and tender with a soft crumb.
• Simple ingredients: Made with pantry staples and freeze-dried strawberries.
• Great for gifting: Beautiful and festive, perfect for holiday cookie trays.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Unsalted butter, softened
• Powdered sugar (for the dough and coating)
• Vanilla extract
• Almond extract (optional)
• All-purpose flour
• Freeze-dried strawberries, finely crushed
• Salt

Directions

1. Prepare the strawberry powder: Place the freeze-dried strawberries in a food processor or blender and pulse until finely crushed. Set aside.
2. Make the dough: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and 1/3 cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and almond extract (if using) and mix well.
3. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, crushed strawberries, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
4. Chill the dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30-60 minutes to firm up.
5. Shape the cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are set but not browned. Let them cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet.
7. Coat in powdered sugar: Roll the warm cookies in powdered sugar to coat. Let them cool completely, then roll them in powdered sugar again for a snowy finish.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes about 24 cookies
• Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes chilling time)
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 57 minutes

Variations

• Lemon-strawberry: Add lemon zest to the dough for a citrusy twist.
• Chocolate drizzle: Drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the cooled cookies for added sweetness.
• Nutty addition: Fold in finely chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts for extra texture.
• Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

Storage

• Room temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze uncoated cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw and coat in powdered sugar before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh strawberries?

No, fresh strawberries add too much moisture. Stick to freeze-dried strawberries for the best texture and flavor.

2. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.

3. Why is my dough too crumbly?

If the dough is crumbly, try adding 1-2 teaspoons of milk or water to bring it together.

4. Can I skip chilling the dough?

Chilling helps prevent spreading and makes the dough easier to handle, so it’s highly recommended.

5. What’s the best way to crush freeze-dried strawberries?

Use a food processor or blender for a fine powder, or place them in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin.

6. How do I prevent the powdered sugar from melting?

Coat the cookies while warm, then roll them again after cooling for a thicker, snowy layer.

7. Can I use salted butter?

If using salted butter, reduce the added salt in the recipe to balance the flavors.

8. Can I use almond flour?

Almond flour can alter the texture but works as a partial substitute for a nuttier flavor.

9. What can I pair with these cookies?

Serve them with tea, coffee, or a glass of milk for a delightful treat.

10. Can I add food coloring?

For a brighter pink hue, add a drop of red or pink food coloring to the dough.

Conclusion

Strawberry snowball cookies are a charming, fruity variation of a timeless favorite. Their delicate texture, sweet strawberry flavor, and powdered sugar coating make them a standout addition to any dessert spread. Perfect for holidays or everyday indulgence, these cookies are sure to delight. Try them today and savor the magic of strawberry-filled sweetness!

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