Cranberry Orange-Scented Almond Snowball Cookies Recipe

The holiday season is the perfect time to fill your home with the warm, inviting aroma of freshly baked cookies. 

These Cranberry Orange-Scented Almond Snowball Cookies are a delightful twist on a classic treat, blending the sweetness of cranberries, the zest of orange, and the nutty crunch of almonds.

Best of all, this recipe is completely vegan, so everyone can indulge! 

Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, preparing edible gifts, or baking with the kids, these cookies are fun, easy to make, and always a hit.

Let’s jump into the recipe and start baking some festive magic!

Why You’ll Love These Snowball Cookies

These cookies are more than just a sweet treat—they’re packed with flavor and perfect for the season:

• Festive Flavors: Orange zest and cranberries bring bright, holiday-inspired notes, while almonds add a nutty richness.
• Vegan-Friendly: Made without eggs or dairy, they’re inclusive for plant-based diets.
• Perfect for Gifting: Their snowball shape and powdered sugar coating make them a charming addition to cookie tins and gift boxes.
• Fun to Make: Easy enough for kids to join in, especially with rolling the dough and dusting the cookies.

Ingredients For Our Vegan Cranberry Orange-Scented Almond Snowball Cookies

Here’s what you’ll need for these delightful snowball cookies:

• 1 cup vegetable shortening (or ¾ cup vegan butter, softened to room temperature)
• ¾ cup powdered sugar, divided (½ cup for the dough, ¼ cup for garnish)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• ⅛ tsp almond extract
• Zest of 1 orange
• ¼ cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
• ¾ cup sliced almonds, finely chopped
• Optional garnish: Desiccated coconut for rolling or extra powdered sugar

How to Make Cranberry Orange-Scented Almond Snowball Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Blend the Fruit and Nuts

In a food processor or blender, pulse the dried cranberries, sliced almonds, and orange zest until finely chopped. This ensures even distribution of flavors in the cookies.

Step 3: Make the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the shortening (or vegan butter) and ½ cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Mix in the vanilla and almond extracts, followed by the orange zest mixture.
3. Gradually add the flour, stirring until a soft dough forms.

Step 4: Roll and Chill

1. Divide the dough into 1-inch balls, rolling each one between your hands until smooth.
2. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
3. Chill the dough balls in the refrigerator for 15–30 minutes. This helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.

Step 5: Bake

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes or until the bottoms are just golden. The tops should remain pale. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once the cookies are completely cooled, roll them in the remaining powdered sugar (or desiccated coconut, if preferred) until evenly coated. Add an extra cranberry or almond slice on top for a decorative touch if desired.

Tips for Perfect Snowball Cookies Every Time

We’ve made these a fair few times, so we’ve found a few things that are helpful to bear in mind:

• Use Room-Temperature Shortening or Butter: Softened shortening makes the dough easier to work with and ensures even mixing.
• Don’t Overbake: Snowball cookies are best when slightly soft and crumbly inside, so keep a close eye on them as they bake.
• Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter cookie, add an extra tablespoon of powdered sugar to the dough.
• Chop Ingredients Finely: Ensure the cranberries and almonds are chopped small enough to incorporate smoothly into the dough.

Storage and Freezing Advice

Want to save some cookies for later or prepare dough ahead of time? Here’s how to store and freeze them for the best results:

• Storage: Once cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week.
• Freezing: To prepare in advance, freeze unbaked dough balls on a tray until firm. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, pop them straight into the oven and add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Making This Recipe Your Own

These cookies are wonderfully versatile, and you can easily tweak the recipe to suit your taste. Here are a few ideas:

• Switch the Nuts: Swap the almonds for chopped pecans, walnuts, or hazelnuts for a new flavor and texture.
• Use Different Zests: Try lemon or grapefruit zest instead of orange for a refreshing citrus twist.
• Add a Drizzle: Finish your cookies with a drizzle of melted vegan white chocolate for a festive, indulgent touch.

Final Thoughts

These Cranberry Orange-Scented Almond Snowball Cookies are a must-try for your holiday baking lineup. 

Their bright citrus flavor, nutty crunch, and powdered sugar coating make them irresistible for both kids and adults.

Best of all, they’re easy to prepare and completely plant-based, so everyone can enjoy them. 

Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and create a batch of these festive cookies that are sure to bring joy to any occasion!

Let us know how your cookies turned out and share your favorite holiday baking tips—we’d love to hear from you!