Name: Strawberry Snowball Cookies: A Delicious & Easy Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h
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 into a powder

Strawberry Snowball Cookies: Prepare to be enchanted by these delicate, melt-in-your-mouth treats that are as delightful to make as they are to eat! Imagine biting into a buttery, crumbly cookie, infused with the sweet, summery flavor of strawberries, and coated in a generous blanket of powdered sugar, resembling a miniature snowball. These aren’t just cookies; they’re a nostalgic trip to cozy winter days and festive celebrations.

While the exact origins of snowball cookies are debated, many believe they evolved from traditional European Christmas cookies, adapted over time with regional variations. In some cultures, they symbolize good luck and prosperity for the new year. What makes these Strawberry Snowball Cookies so universally loved? It’s the perfect combination of textures the tender crumb gives way to a satisfyingly rich, buttery flavor, enhanced by the bright, fruity notes of strawberry. Plus, their simple elegance makes them ideal for gifting, holiday gatherings, or simply enjoying with a warm cup of tea on a chilly afternoon. I find that people are always impressed by how delicious and pretty they are!

This recipe is surprisingly easy to follow, even for novice bakers. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let’s embark on a delightful baking adventure together. You’ll be amazed at how quickly these little snowballs disappear!

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 into a powder

Preparing the Strawberry Powder:

Before we even think about creaming butter and sugar, let’s tackle the strawberry powder. This is what gives our snowball cookies that beautiful pink hue and intense strawberry flavor. Don’t skip this step it’s crucial!

Measure out your freeze-dried strawberries: You’ll need 1/2 cup of freeze-dried strawberries. I usually use a measuring cup and lightly pack them in.
Grind the strawberries: The best way to grind freeze-dried strawberries is in a food processor. Pulse them until they are a fine powder. Be patient; it might take a few minutes. If you don’t have a food processor, you can use a blender or even a spice grinder. Just make sure whatever you use is completely dry.
Sift the strawberry powder (optional, but recommended): Sifting the strawberry powder will remove any larger pieces and ensure a smoother texture in your cookies. This step is especially helpful if you’re using a less powerful grinder.
Set aside: Once you have your finely ground strawberry powder, set it aside. We’ll be adding it to the dough later.

Making the Cookie Dough:

Now for the fun part! This dough is incredibly easy to make, and the results are melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Just follow these steps carefully.

Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer), cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Make sure your butter is truly softened not melted for the best results. If using a stand mixer, use the paddle attachment.
Add the extracts: Beat in the vanilla extract and almond extract (if using). The almond extract really complements the strawberry flavor, but it’s totally optional if you’re not a fan.
Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and the ground freeze-dried strawberry powder. Whisking ensures that the salt and strawberry powder are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies.
Form the dough into a disc: Gently form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate 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 in the oven.

Shaping and Baking the Cookies:

This is where the “snowball” magic happens! Shaping these cookies is super easy, and the baking time is relatively short.

Preheat oven and prepare baking sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Parchment paper prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Shape the cookies: Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. I find it easiest to use a small cookie scoop to ensure uniform size.
Place cookies on baking sheets: Place the cookie dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie.
Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The cookies should still be pale in the center. Be careful not to overbake them, as they will become dry and crumbly.
Cool slightly: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Coating the Cookies:

The final step is what truly transforms these cookies into “snowballs.” A generous coating of powdered sugar is essential!

First coating: While the cookies are still slightly warm (but not hot!), roll them in powdered sugar. The warmth helps the powdered sugar adhere better.
Second coating: Once the cookies have cooled completely, roll them in powdered sugar again. This second coating will create that beautiful, snowy appearance. Don’t be shy with the powdered sugar!
Enjoy!: Store the Strawberry Snowball Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for several days (if they last that long!).

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! These Strawberry Snowball Cookies are more than just a treat; they’re a little bite of winter wonderland, kissed with the sweet promise of summer. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try, and heres why: the delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture combined with the subtle strawberry flavor is simply irresistible. They’re surprisingly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort, yet they deliver a sophisticated and delightful experience that will impress your family and friends. Plus, who can resist that beautiful, snowy coating? They’re just so darn pretty!

But the best part? These cookies are incredibly versatile! While I adore them just as they are, there are so many ways you can customize them to your liking. For a richer, more decadent experience, try adding a handful of chopped white chocolate to the dough. The creamy sweetness of the white chocolate complements the strawberry perfectly. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of freeze-dried raspberries on top of the powdered sugar coating will intensify the strawberry flavor and add a lovely pop of color.

Serving suggestions are endless! These cookies are perfect with a cup of hot cocoa on a chilly evening, alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert, or even as a charming addition to a holiday cookie platter. They also make a wonderful homemade gift, especially when packaged in a pretty tin or cellophane bag. Imagine the joy on someone’s face when they receive a batch of these delightful Strawberry Snowball Cookies! You could even pair them with a jar of homemade strawberry jam for an extra special touch.

And don’t be afraid to experiment! Perhaps you’d like to try using a different type of nut, like pecans or walnuts, instead of almonds. Or maybe you’d prefer to use a different extract, such as vanilla or almond, to enhance the flavor. The possibilities are truly endless, so feel free to get creative and make these cookies your own. Remember to adjust the baking time slightly depending on your oven and the size of your cookies. You want them to be lightly golden brown on the bottom but still soft and tender on the inside.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the magic of these Strawberry Snowball Cookies for yourself. I know you’ll love them as much as I do! Once you’ve given them a whirl, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below! Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me to continue creating recipes that you’ll love. Happy baking, and may your kitchen be filled with the sweet aroma of strawberries and the joy of creating something delicious!

Don’t forget to tag me in your social media posts using #StrawberrySnowballCookies so I can see your creations! I can’t wait to see what you come up with. Happy baking!