Orange Snowball Cookies

Friday, December 2, 2011
No these are NOT a no-bake orange snowball cookie commonly found on the internet or anything to do with the hostess brand marshmallow cakes, it's a simple Italian orange snowball aka butterball cookie.

This cookie is a butterball cookie, crunchy, buttery rolled into powdered sugar, and has an orange zest flavoring along with coconut.

Mom loved this recipe on the Christmas cookie tray because of its snowy look and the cookie was full of fall flavors with the addition of cinnamon and very simple to make.

We all took turns rolling them into powdered sugar for the holiday cookie tray and I can assure you, they almost didn't make it to that tray we ate them so fast.

If you love those Mexican wedding cakes or the Snowball cookies with pecans, these are similar but different in flavor, the buttery flavored melt in your mouth sensation is the same.

If you are an orange cookie lover, this is one for your collection.

It's one of the first recipes I've posted as a blogger, hopefully, it's easily read.











Orange Snowball Cookies(aka butterballs, Mexican wedding cakes, pecan sandies with orange not like any of those but similar)


2 1/4 cups flour
1 1/4 cups coconut flakes
2 Sticks butter (softened)
2 1/2 cups powdered sugar( sifted)
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 Tbsp orange zest (orange part only)
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
Variations: mini chocolate chips instead of coconut or chopped pecans


Tools:
2 Baking sheets
Electric Mixer
Mixing Bowl
Parchment paper
Melon Baller


Preheat oven to 350. Toast coconut (place on a baking sheet and spread out evenly, cook for about 10 minutes, until golden, watch it closely it will burn)

In a mixing bowl beat butter on medium-high with an electric mixer until smooth, add vanilla and coconut extract, and continue mixing.


Slowly add 1 1/4 cups of powdered sugar and blend well.

Add flour, orange zest, cinnamon, and salt and continue mixing.

Remove mixer and stir in coconut with a spoon.




Cover and chill for at least 2 hours.

Let dough rest on the counter for a few minutes to allow softening slightly.

Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment pape.
Using a melon baller, or a tablespoon, get one level scoop (tablespoon) of dough for each cookie.

Roll dough into balls with your hands and place on prepared baking sheets, spacing about 1 inch apart.




Bake for about 15-20 minutes.

Cool on sheets for 5 minutes and roll hot cookies in remaining powdered sugar.

Cool and roll in powdered sugar again. Store in an airtight container.


22 comments

  1. I think that the addition of cinnamon was very appropriate. These cookies are heavenly. Thanks for sharing, I take advantage of your recipe for my Christmas home- made gifts ^__^ Bye, have a great week end

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  2. Claudia,

    Thanks for sharing this yummy recipe. I love the addition of the orange, coconut, and cinnamon. they will look so enticing on a cookie plate.

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  3. These sound really good. My mom always made a cookie like these for the holidays except hers didn't have orange and cinnamon.

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  4. Oh,yum!!! I didn't realize that these had coconut in them...which makes them even MORE delicious!

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  5. This one is a keeper! I like the unique combination of flavors as well as the snowy presentation. Great holiday cookie to add to the plate. Thanks for sharing this one Claudia!

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  6. Awesome. My kind of cookie. And the cinnamon was a nice touch. Probably my favorite of the sweet spices.

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  7. Such a great combination! I love citrus and coconut.

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  8. It's like bringing a little bit of the tropics and wrapping it up like a snowball for the holidays.

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  9. What a great dessert perfect for the holidays!! I love this and the touch of orange sounds fantastic!! :)

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  10. I love that these don't sound too heavy, and the orange should be a good balance to the sweetness from the powdered sugar :)

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  11. Orange in underused for cookies - they always give off a rich, seasonal scent and these are picture-perfect!

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  12. They look so festive. Perfect for the holidays.

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  13. What great cookies! I love the orange and cinnamon - perfect for Christmas time!

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  14. I'm totally with you on the cinnamon. These look awfully tasty.

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  15. what a nice recipe, I like it, it is so close to one of my families recipes but not with the orange... yup, I like it, esp with the spice

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  16. Another yummy Christmas cookie for the Queen of Cookies! Fabulous display my friend. I only wish I could bake cookies like yours :)

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  17. I love the kind of cookies that just melt in your mouth like this! Delectable!

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  18. These look so delicious, perfect for the holiday season! Lovely recipe :)

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  19. a wonderful addition to the recipe my bloggy friend xo

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  20. Oh, what a delicious recipe just in time for my cookie exchange. I love coconut and orange.

    Thanks for sharing,
    Joanne

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  21. I saw these on your sidebar with my name written all over them. Great combo.

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Remember to use the search option for a recipe you're looking for and thanks for all your kind words and support. We love our readers all the best Claudia