Grinch Snowball Cookies
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Grinch Snowball Cookies are a delightful holiday treat that’s bound to spread cheer and get everyone in the festive spirit! These charming snowball-shaped cookies, with their vibrant green hue and delicious pecan flavor, bring a fun twist to the traditional cookie platter. I love making them for family gatherings, cookie exchanges, and even for a cozy night in with friends, as they are not only adorable and tasty but also very easy to prepare. The sweet bits of cranberries and a touch of white chocolate on top make them truly irresistible!
Why you’ll love this dish
There are so many reasons to fall in love with Grinch Snowball Cookies! First and foremost, they are quick and easy to whip up, making them perfect for busy holiday seasons. With a total prep and baking time of just over 30 minutes, there’s little standing in the way of enjoying these sweet treats fresh out of the oven. They also offer a unique budget-friendly option, especially when you can whip them up using pantry staples.
Imagine presenting these cheerful cookies at a holiday party or family gathering—everyone will be racing to the dessert table! Plus, even kids can get involved in the fun of mixing, rolling, and decorating these cookies. In short, they’re a festive and fun way to brighten anyone’s day!
"I made these cookies for our annual holiday party, and they were a huge hit! Everyone loved the combination of flavors and how cute they looked on the dessert table!" – Happy Baker
Preparing GRINCH SNOWBALL COOKIES!
Making Grinch Snowball Cookies is a straightforward process that produces delicious results. Start by gathering your ingredient list, then preheat your oven to 350 degrees. You’ll mix up a buttery dough with powdered sugar, flour, and a touch of festive green food coloring. Chopped pecans and possibly some dried cranberries for sweetness add texture and flavor. After shaping them into bite-sized balls, it’s time to bake and decorate! The whole process is fun and engaging, perfect for gatherings or making memories with loved ones.
What you’ll need
Here’s everything you need to gather to make these festive cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted sweet cream butter
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus an additional 1 cup for rolling)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3-5 drops of green food coloring
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (you can substitute with any nut of your choice)
- 1/3 cup chopped dried cranberries (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 1 container of Wilton confetti heart sprinkles (use only the red ones)
- 1/4 cup melted white chocolate
- 1 cookie sheet fitted with parchment paper
- 1 disposable piping bag
Step-by-step instructions
Now that you’re excited about making these adorable cookies, let’s dive into the preparation steps.
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a standing mixer, cream together the unsalted butter, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined. Incorporate the green food coloring to achieve your desired hue.
- Fold in the chopped pecans and dried cranberries for added texture and flavor.
- Shape the dough into approximately 1-inch balls and place them evenly on the parchment-lined cookie sheet.
- Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until they are set but not browned.
- While the cookies are baking, melt the white chocolate until smooth. Transfer the melted chocolate into a piping bag and cut the tip.
- Once the cookies are done, roll them in the remaining powdered sugar while they are still warm.
- Pipe a small dollop of melted chocolate onto each cookie and finish with a red heart sprinkle on top.
- Allow the cookies to cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Best ways to enjoy it
These Grinch Snowball Cookies are delightful on their own but can also be enhanced with a little creativity. Consider serving them on a festive platter alongside hot cocoa or a cup of peppermint tea. They make a wonderful addition to holiday cookie exchanges and can also be packaged in beautiful gift boxes for your friends and family. For an extra festive touch, arrange them with other holiday treats like gingerbread men or chocolate bark!
Keeping leftovers fresh
After a joyful cookie-baking day, you might have some leftovers. To ensure your cookies stay fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should last for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the unbaked dough or baked cookies in a freezer-safe container. This way, you can have a batch ready to go whenever the craving strikes!
Helpful cooking tips
To enhance your Grinch Snowball Cookies, here are a few helpful tips:
- For a richer flavor, consider browning the butter before mixing it in.
- Play with the green food coloring until you achieve the perfect Grinch shade—it’s all about festive vibes here!
- If you’re not a fan of pecans, feel free to use walnuts or even a nut-free blend by substituting with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
Creative twists
Experimenting with variations can make these cookies even more delightful.
- Try adding a splash of lemon or almond extract for a different flavor profile.
- For a chocolate twist, incorporate mini chocolate chips into the dough.
- You can also experiment with different holiday sprinkles or toppings, such as crushed candy canes for an extra festive flair.
Your questions answered
-
How long do these cookies take to make?
They generally take about 30 minutes from start to finish, including baking time. -
Can I substitute butter with margarine?
While you can use margarine, butter gives a richer and more flavorful result, essential for these cookies. -
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, you can freeze both the dough and the baked cookies. Just make sure they are stored in airtight containers to prevent freezer burn.
These Grinch Snowball Cookies are an absolute must-try this holiday season! With their festive appearance and delicious taste, they’re sure to become a family favorite in no time. Happy baking!
Grinch Snowball Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a standing mixer, cream together the unsalted butter, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined. Incorporate the green food coloring to achieve your desired hue.
- Fold in the chopped pecans and dried cranberries for added texture and flavor.
- Shape the dough into approximately 1-inch balls and place them evenly on the parchment-lined cookie sheet.
- Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until they are set but not browned.
- While the cookies are baking, melt the white chocolate until smooth. Transfer the melted chocolate into a piping bag and cut the tip.
- Once the cookies are done, roll them in the remaining powdered sugar while they are still warm.
- Pipe a small dollop of melted chocolate onto each cookie and finish with a red heart sprinkle on top.
- Allow the cookies to cool for 10 minutes before serving.
