If you love the charm of snowball cookies but crave a burst of color and celebration in every bite, you are going to adore this Funfetti Snowball Cookies Recipe. These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treats are sprinkled with joyful confetti that makes them perfect for any festive occasion or anytime you want to brighten your day. Combining the classic tender, crumbly texture of a traditional snowball with the playful surprise of colorful sprinkles, this recipe brings a delightful twist that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is all you need to create these charming cookies. Each one plays a vital role—from giving the rich buttery base, to that sweet hint of vanilla, to the burst of color and crunch that sprinkles add—ensuring every bite is perfectly balanced and vibrant.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides a creamy, rich base that’s essential for tender cookies.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the dough gently and adds to the classic snowball texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic depth that elevates the flavor profile beautifully.
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: Gives structure to your cookies, ensuring they hold their shape while staying soft.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the overall taste.
- 1/2 cup colorful sprinkles (or confetti): Creates that fun and festive visual surprise inside each cookie.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for rolling): Coats the cookies with that iconic snowy finish and extra sweetness.
How to Make Funfetti Snowball Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking and help your cookies bake evenly with a golden edge and soft center.
Step 2: Mix Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step ensures each cookie is wonderfully tender and melts in your mouth.
Step 3: Add Vanilla Extract
Stir in the vanilla extract, allowing its sweet and fragrant notes to evenly blend throughout your dough, setting the stage for irresistible flavor.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Sift together the all-purpose flour and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add this to your butter mixture to prevent clumps and ensure a smooth, cohesive dough without overmixing.
Step 5: Fold in Sprinkles
Gently fold the colorful sprinkles into your dough. This is where the magic happens—each cookie becomes a tiny celebration of color, promising a fun and festive bite every time.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Using your hands or a cookie scoop, roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheet. This uniform size helps them bake consistently through.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges have set and a slight golden tint appears, but the centers remain soft.
Step 8: Cool and Roll in Powdered Sugar
Allow the cookies to cool for about 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a cooling rack. When fully cooled, roll each cookie in powdered sugar so they’re perfectly coated with a sweet, snowy layer that compliments their delicate crumb.
How to Serve Funfetti Snowball Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Consider dusting an extra sprinkle of powdered sugar right before serving for an added snowy effect. You can also add a few whole sprinkles on top for an eye-catching, festive pop of color.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of hot cocoa, coffee, or even a glass of cold milk. Their richness balances nicely with these beverages, making any snack time feel like a cozy celebration.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging your Funfetti Snowball Cookies Recipe on a festive platter with colorful napkins or in a gift box tied with ribbon for a charming homemade gift. You could even stack them with layers of wax paper to share with friends, spreading joy one cookie at a time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and soft for up to 5 days, perfect if you want to savor them throughout the week or share them gradually.
Freezing
You can freeze baked cookies by placing them in a freezer-safe container layered with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 months, letting you enjoy that funfetti goodness anytime.
Reheating
For a just-baked warmth, gently warm the cookies in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or in a preheated 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes. This brings back their fresh-from-the-oven softness and yum factor.
FAQs
Can I use different types of sprinkles for the Funfetti Snowball Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! You can switch up sprinkles based on the occasion—rainbow jimmies, nonpareils, or even holiday-themed colors work wonderfully and keep the cookies just as festive.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
The recipe calls for all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you could experiment with a gluten-free flour blend to make them gluten-free, but results may vary slightly in texture.
Can I add nuts to the dough?
Yes, chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts make a delightful crunchy addition, adding texture and a nutty flavor that complements the sweetness and funfetti colors.
Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
Chilling is not necessary for this recipe, which is great if you’re eager to bake right away. The cookies hold their shape well without chilling due to the dough texture.
How do I prevent sprinkles from bleeding color into the dough?
Use high-quality sprinkles designed for baking, as they are less likely to bleed. Gently folding them in at the end also helps keep the colors bright and distinct.
Final Thoughts
Making the Funfetti Snowball Cookies Recipe is like adding a splash of happiness to your baking repertoire. These cookies are simple, colorful, and irresistibly delicious—a perfect treat to share or enjoy solo. So get your sprinkles ready and dive into this heartwarming recipe that’s sure to bring smiles to everyone lucky enough to take a bite.
Print
Funfetti Snowball Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Funfetti Snowball Cookies are a delightful treat that combines buttery soft cookies with colorful sprinkles, rolled in powdered sugar for a festive finish. Perfect for celebrations and sharing, these cookies melt in your mouth with a sweet vanilla flavor and a fun crunch from the sprinkles.
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 Rolling
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent 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. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the butter mixture. Mix until just combined, avoiding overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Add Funfetti: Gently fold the colorful sprinkles into the dough, distributing them evenly without melting the colors.
- Form Cookies: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Place the dough balls evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.
- 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 to cool completely. Once fully cooled, roll each cookie in the 1/4 cup powdered sugar until coated like a snowball.
- Serve and Enjoy: Arrange your Funfetti Snowball Cookies on a serving platter and enjoy their festive colors and buttery sweetness!
Notes
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- Use good-quality sprinkles that won’t bleed color into the dough.
- Rolling the cooled cookies in powdered sugar gives them their signature snowball appearance.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- For an extra festive touch, try mixing in mini chocolate chips or a splash of almond extract.
