If you’re on the hunt for a delightful treat that brings together whimsy, melt-in-your-mouth texture, and bursts of cheerful color, then this Funfetti Snowball Cookies Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. These cookies are soft, buttery, and completely covered in powdered sugar, giving every bite a dreamy, snowy finish. The rainbow sprinkles hidden inside brighten each cookie with playful dots of color, making them a festive choice for any celebration or a sweet pick-me-up whenever you need a little joy. Plus, they’re easier to make than you might think, which means you can get baking and enjoying these charming cookies in no time at all!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to nailing the perfect balance of flavor and texture in these cookies. Each one not only adds to the taste but also the tender crumb and lovely visual appeal that make this Funfetti Snowball Cookies Recipe so special.
- Unsalted butter: Softened for easy creaming, this gives the cookies their rich, tender crumb.
- Powdered sugar: Both mixed in for sweetness and used for rolling to create that iconic snowy coating.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and a fragrant depth of flavor.
- All-purpose flour: The cookie’s structure, providing the perfect soft yet sturdy base.
- Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the sweet flavors.
- Rainbow sprinkles: Little pops of color that bring the funfetti magic to life.
- Finely chopped pecans (optional): Add a subtle crunch and nutty contrast if you like a bit more texture.
How to Make Funfetti Snowball Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, setting you up for success from the get-go.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This incorporates air to give your cookies that delicate melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 3: Add Vanilla Extract
Mix in the vanilla extract for that lovely, comforting aroma and flavor that makes homemade cookies so irresistible.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour and salt to your butter mixture, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. This slow incorporation prevents the dough from becoming tough and preserves its tender crumb.
Step 5: Fold in Sprinkles and Pecans
Gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles along with the finely chopped pecans, if you’re using them. The sprinkles melt slightly during baking, creating those fun confetti spots that make these cookies truly festive.
Step 6: Shape and Bake
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about an inch apart on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, just until the bottoms turn a light golden color while the tops remain pale, preserving that signature snowball look.
Step 7: Roll in Powdered Sugar
Allow the cookies to cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet, then roll them in powdered sugar while they’re still warm. Once completely cooled, roll them in powdered sugar again for that perfect snowy finish you crave.
How to Serve Funfetti Snowball Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance presentation with a gentle dusting of extra powdered sugar just before serving, or pair them with a few extra rainbow sprinkles around the plate to echo the festive feel in every bite.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a warm mug of hot chocolate or a fresh glass of cold milk. For an adult twist, try them alongside a creamy coffee or a sweet dessert wine for a fun and unexpected pairing.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Funfetti Snowball Cookies Recipe stacked prettily on a cake stand for a party or individually wrapped in clear bags tied with colorful ribbons for delightful gifts. You could also create a cookie platter mixed with other holiday treats for a rainbow-themed dessert table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, store your Funfetti Snowball Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and tender for up to a week, giving you plenty of time to savor every last sweet bite.
Freezing
These cookies freeze wonderfully! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet for a quick freeze, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. They keep well for up to two months, so you can always have a stash of festive funfetti goodness on hand.
Reheating
To enjoy them slightly warm, pop frozen cookies in a preheated 300°F oven for about 5–7 minutes. This warms them through without drying them out, reviving that just-baked softness and buttery flavor.
FAQs
Can I make these cookies nut-free?
Absolutely! Simply omit the pecans, and your Funfetti Snowball Cookies Recipe will be completely nut-free while still remaining just as delicious and colorful.
What kind of sprinkles work best?
Look for sturdy rainbow sprinkles that won’t completely melt in the oven to preserve those delightful pops of color. You can also use pastel or holiday-themed sprinkles to customize your cookie for any occasion.
Why do I have to roll the cookies in powdered sugar twice?
The first roll coats the warm cookies, allowing the sugar to stick and melt slightly for a smooth base. The second roll after cooling adds a beautiful, snowy finish that gives these cookies their signature appearance and extra sweetness.
Can I substitute the butter with margarine or oil?
Butter is key to the buttery richness and proper texture in this recipe, so it’s best not to substitute it with margarine or oil. They can change the taste and structure of the cookies significantly.
How should these cookies be stored to keep their texture?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature away from moisture. Avoid refrigeration as it can make the cookies hard. Proper storage keeps the cookies tender and fresh for days.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly joyful about baking and sharing the Funfetti Snowball Cookies Recipe that makes it a standout in any cookie lineup. The buttery softness combined with the colorful sprinkles and the snow-like powdered sugar coating creates a treat that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, these cookies promise smiles and sweet memories with every bite. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and share the funfetti happiness with everyone you love!
Print
Funfetti Snowball Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 29 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Funfetti Snowball Cookies are delightful buttery treats loaded with colorful rainbow sprinkles and coated in powdered sugar for a snowy finish. These American classic dessert cookies offer a soft, tender texture with a festive burst of colors, perfect for any celebration or holiday gathering.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus more for rolling)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Add Vanilla: Mix in the vanilla extract to infuse the dough with a sweet, aromatic flavor.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the butter mixture, mixing just until a soft dough forms, avoiding overmixing which could toughen the cookies.
- Fold in Sprinkles and Pecans: Gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles and the finely chopped pecans if using, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
- Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart to allow for slight spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes, until the bottoms are lightly golden but the tops remain pale, indicating they are perfectly baked without overbrowning.
- Initial Cooling and Rolling: Allow the cookies to cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet; while still warm, roll each cookie in powdered sugar to start the snowy coating.
- Final Coating: Once the cookies have fully cooled, roll them again in powdered sugar for a double-layered, snowy finish that enhances their sweet flavor and presentation.
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh and maintain their texture.
Notes
- Omit the pecans for a completely nut-free version, ideal for those with nut allergies.
- Use pastel or holiday-themed sprinkles to customize the cookies for any special occasion or celebration.
- These cookies freeze well for up to 2 months, making them convenient for preparing in advance.
