There is nothing quite as delightful as biting into a cookie that brings a burst of color and joy with every chew, and that is exactly what the Funfetti Snowball Cookies Recipe delivers. These charming, buttery cookies are soft and crumbly, filled with playful sprinkles that create a festive surprise inside each bite. Rolled in powdered sugar, they have a snowy, melt-in-your-mouth finish that simply invites you to keep reaching for more. Whether you’re baking for a party, holiday, or just because, this recipe will brighten any occasion and warm hearts with its sweet, cheerful charm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create something truly special. Each one plays a crucial role, from the rich butter ensuring a tender texture to the sprinkles that add their festive pop of color and fun.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: The base of your cookie dough, adding richness and helping achieve that meltaway texture.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the dough gently and creates a smooth, tender bite.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings a warm, fragrant note that complements the sprinkles beautifully.
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: The structure of your cookies, providing just the right amount of chew and bite.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- 1/2 cup colorful sprinkles (or confetti): The star of the show, adding that iconic funfetti look and sweet mini bursts of texture.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for rolling): Creates the classic snowball cookie coating with its delicate, snowy dusting.
How to Make Funfetti Snowball Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, setting a perfect foundation for the delicious process ahead.
Step 2: Mix Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is key to creating that wonderful tender texture that these cookies are known for.
Step 3: Add Vanilla Extract
Next, stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the dough with that irresistible warmth and sweetness that works hand in hand with the sprinkles.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing here to keep the cookies tender and delicate. This step builds the dough’s perfect crumbly structure.
Step 5: Add Funfetti Sprinkles
Gently fold in the colorful sprinkles. These tiny bursts of color brighten the dough, promising joyful pops of flavor and that signature funfetti look once baked.
Step 6: Form the Cookies
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheet. The round shape is essential for the classic snowball appearance after baking and coating.
Step 7: Bake
Bake your cookies for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges just start to turn a very light golden. These cookies should remain pale to keep their soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 8: Cool and Roll in Powdered Sugar
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. While still slightly warm, roll each cookie generously in powdered sugar, giving them their signature snowball look and that irresistible, delicate sweetness on the outside.
How to Serve Funfetti Snowball Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra festive touch, sprinkle a few more colorful confetti sprinkles on top just after rolling in powdered sugar or lightly drizzle with white chocolate for a glossy finish. These small details make your presentation pop and add a lovely texture contrast.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk for dipping, or alongside a cup of hot cocoa or coffee. The creamy drinks balance the sweetness and complement the light, buttery flavors of the cookies perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Funfetti Snowball Cookies Recipe stacked prettily on a decorative plate or tiered cookie stand for celebrations. Wrap a few in colorful cellophane tied with a bow for charming homemade gifts that spread joy and cheer in every bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This preserves their softness and lets the powdery snowball coating stay intact and fresh.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked dough balls by placing them on a baking sheet and freezing until solid, then transferring to a sealed bag or container. When ready, bake fresh from frozen, just adding a couple of minutes to the baking time for best results.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy these cookies warm again, pop them in a 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes. This refreshes the soft texture, making them taste like they just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use different types of sprinkles for the Funfetti Snowball Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! Any colorful sprinkles or confetti you love will work beautifully. Just avoid ones that might melt or bleed too much color during baking to keep your cookies looking festive.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies should be lightly golden only at the very edges and remain pale otherwise. This ensures they stay soft and tender, key characteristics of the Funfetti Snowball Cookies Recipe.
Can I substitute butter with margarine or oil?
Butter is best here for flavor and texture. Margarine can work but may alter the richness. Oil is not recommended because it changes the dough’s structure and softness required for these cookies.
Is it necessary to roll the cookies in powdered sugar?
Rolling in powdered sugar gives these cookies their classic snowy finish and a delightful sweet coating, but if you prefer, you can skip this step or dust lightly just before serving.
Are these cookies suitable for kids’ parties?
Definitely! The colorful sprinkles are sure to delight kids and adults alike, making the Funfetti Snowball Cookies Recipe a fantastic choice for birthdays, celebrations, or any cheerful gathering.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a cookie recipe that combines simplicity with joyful flair, you absolutely must try the Funfetti Snowball Cookies Recipe. These treats are a celebration in every bite, blending buttery softness with bursts of colorful fun and a snowy sugar coating that feels just like a warm hug. Once you taste them, you’ll want to share this feel-good recipe with all your favorite people, spreading smiles and happiness with each batch.
Print
Funfetti Snowball Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Funfetti Snowball Cookies are a delightful twist on classic snowball cookies, featuring colorful sprinkles throughout the buttery dough and a generous coating of powdered sugar. Perfect for festive occasions or whenever you want a cheerful, melt-in-your-mouth treat.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup colorful sprinkles (or confetti)
For Coating
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
- Mix Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, using an electric mixer or by hand with a sturdy spoon.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually sift in the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing gently until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix to ensure tender cookies.
- Add Funfetti: Fold in the colorful sprinkles evenly throughout the dough, distributing them well without melting the colors by mixing too vigorously.
- Form Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into smooth balls. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden but the cookies remain pale on top to keep their tender texture.
- Cool and Roll in Powdered Sugar: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack until completely cool. Once cooled, roll each cookie in the 1/4 cup powdered sugar to coat thoroughly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Arrange the funfetti snowball cookies on a serving plate and enjoy their buttery, sweet, and colorful goodness with family and friends.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened at room temperature for easy creaming and better texture.
- Do not overbake – the cookies should remain soft and delicate inside.
- Use good-quality colorful sprinkles that can withstand baking to keep the vibrant appearance.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For an extra festive touch, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or substitute vanilla extract with almond extract.
