There’s something magical about biting into a cranberry lime snowball cookie—the way it crumbles delicately in your mouth, the burst of citrusy zest, and the sweet tang of cranberry preserves tucked inside. These melt-in-your-mouth treats are a holiday classic, bringing warmth and nostalgia to every bite. Whether you’re baking them for a Christmas cookie exchange, a winter party, or just to enjoy with a cup of tea, these cookies are sure to impress.
In this recipe, you’ll learn how to make perfectly soft and buttery snowball cookies with a hint of zesty lime and a sweet cranberry filling. Plus, you’ll get tips on ingredient swaps, storage, and creative variations to customize them to your taste!
Why You’ll Love These Cranberry Lime Snowball Cookies
✔️ Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture – Buttery, crumbly, and soft with every bite.
✔️ Festive & Beautiful – Perfect for holiday baking and gifting.
✔️ Simple Ingredients – Made with pantry staples you likely already have.
✔️ Customizable – Easily swap out flavors for a twist on the classic.
✔️ Make-Ahead Friendly – Great for freezing and storing.
Ingredients for Cranberry Lime Snowball Cookies
To create these delicate, citrusy, and sweet snowball cookies, gather the following ingredients:
Cookie Dough
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Unsalted butter (softened) | 1 cup |
| Powdered sugar (sifted) | ½ cup |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
| Lime zest | Zest of 1 lime |
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Salt | ¼ tsp |
Filling & Coating
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Cranberry preserves | ½ cup |
| Powdered sugar (for coating) | As needed |
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cranberry Lime Snowball Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Mix in vanilla extract and lime zest, blending well.
- Gradually add flour and salt, stirring until the dough comes together.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This makes it easier to handle and helps prevent spreading.
Step 3: Shape the Cookies
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop 1 tablespoon of dough, flatten slightly, and add ½ teaspoon of cranberry preserves in the center.
- Carefully roll the dough into a ball, ensuring the filling is sealed inside.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
- Arrange the dough balls on the baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden on the bottom.
Step 5: Coat in Powdered Sugar
- Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes before rolling them in powdered sugar.
- For an extra snowy look, roll them in sugar again once completely cooled.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!
- Arrange your cookies on a festive plate and enjoy with a cup of tea, coffee, or hot cocoa.
Tips for the Best Cranberry Lime Snowball Cookies
Use High-Quality Butter
Butter is the base of the dough, so using high-quality unsalted butter makes a difference in flavor.
Chill the Dough for Easy Handling
A short chill time (30 minutes) helps firm the dough, making it easier to roll and preventing the cookies from spreading too much.
Seal the Filling Well
To avoid cranberry preserves leaking out, press the dough firmly around the filling, ensuring there are no gaps.
Sift the Powdered Sugar
For a smooth, snowy coating, always sift the powdered sugar before rolling the cookies.
Flavor Variations & Substitutes
Lemon Cranberry Snowballs
- Swap lime zest for lemon zest for a slightly sweeter citrus flavor.
Orange Almond Snowballs
- Add ½ teaspoon almond extract and swap lime zest for orange zest.
Nutty Snowballs
- Mix in ½ cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
Different Fillings
- Try raspberry or apricot preserves instead of cranberry.
How to Store & Freeze Snowball Cookies
Storing at Room Temperature
- Keep cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezing Baked Cookies
- Freeze cookies in a single layer before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag.
- Store for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Freezing the Dough
- Shape dough into balls without the filling, freeze, then bake when needed.
- Store unbaked dough balls in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 |
| Carbs | 15g |
| Sugar | 7g |
| Fat | 6g |
| Protein | 1g |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why are my snowball cookies dry?
These cookies have a crumbly texture, but if they’re too dry, try adding an extra tablespoon of butter.
2. Can I make these cookies without cranberry preserves?
Yes! You can leave out the filling or replace it with chocolate chips, nuts, or other preserves.
3. How do I prevent my cookies from cracking?
Make sure to chill the dough and press the edges together well when sealing the filling.
4. Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make them gluten-free.
5. Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes! Use plant-based butter for a dairy-free version.
6. How do I make extra festive snowball cookies?
Roll cookies in colored sugar or drizzle with white chocolate for a festive touch!
Final Thoughts & Call to Action
Now that you know how to make cranberry lime snowball cookies, it’s time to bake a batch and share them with friends and family! These cookies are perfect for the holidays or any time you crave a sweet, buttery treat.
Print
Cranberry Lime Snowball Cookies – A Festive and Buttery Holiday Treat
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
These cranberry lime snowball cookies are a delightful twist on the classic holiday treat! Buttery, crumbly, and dusted with powdered sugar, they melt in your mouth with every bite. The combination of zesty lime and tart cranberry preserves adds a refreshing contrast, making them a perfect addition to your holiday cookie platter. Whether you’re baking for a festive gathering or simply treating yourself, these cookies are sure to be a favorite!
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lime
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Filling & Coating:
- ½ cup cranberry preserves
- Additional powdered sugar, for coating
Instructions
- Make the Dough – In a large bowl, cream butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract and lime zest, then mix well.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients – Gradually mix in flour and salt, stirring until a dough forms.
- Chill the Dough – Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Shape the Cookies – Scoop 1 tablespoon of dough, flatten slightly, and place ½ teaspoon of cranberry preserves in the center. Roll into a ball, sealing the filling inside.
- Bake – Arrange the cookies on the baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until lightly golden on the bottom.
- Coat with Powdered Sugar – Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes, then roll them in powdered sugar while still warm. Roll again once completely cooled for an extra snowy look.
- Serve & Enjoy – Enjoy these delicious cookies with a cup of tea, coffee, or hot cocoa!
Notes
- Make it dairy-free – Use plant-based butter for a dairy-free version.
- Alternative fillings – Try raspberry or apricot preserves for a different flavor.
- Storage tips – Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- 30 minutes:
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American