As the holiday season approaches, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of baking cookies to fill the home with warmth and joy. Surprisingly, I came across a delightful twist on a traditional favorite while experimenting with holiday recipes: Christmas Tiramisu Snowball Cookies. Imagine the rich essence of coffee and the creaminess of mascarpone, elegantly encased in a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth cookie. They resemble soft snowballs dusted with powdered sugar, embodying the festive spirit in every bite.
These cookies are not only a treat for the taste buds but also a breeze to whip up using easily accessible ingredients. Perfect for both intimate family gatherings and lively holiday parties, they are bound to become a staple in your seasonal baking repertoire. Join me in creating these delightful morsels that promise to warm hearts and bring smiles to every gathering this festive season!
Why Make Christmas Tiramisu Snowball Cookies?
Delightful, these cookies perfectly blend the beloved flavors of tiramisu into a festive treat.
Simplicity at its best, you can whip them up in no time with minimal ingredients.
Irresistible texture delivers a soft, melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s simply enchanting.
Versatile enough to adapt with nut variations or flavored extracts, you’ll never get bored!
A crowd-pleaser, they’re perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings or cozy family nights.
Delicious aroma fills your kitchen, making it a magical experience as you bake!
Ingredients for Christmas Tiramisu Snowball Cookies
• • Gather these delightful components!
For the Cookies
- Unsalted Butter – Helps create a rich and moist texture; ensure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Powdered Sugar – Adds sweetness; reserve extra for dusting after baking.
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances flavor for a deliciously warm touch.
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure to maintain the cookie’s shape.
- Cocoa Powder – Imparts a rich chocolate flavor that pairs beautifully with coffee.
- Finely Ground Coffee or Espresso – Intensifies the flavor profile; opt for a strong brew for robust taste.
- Finely Chopped Nuts (Optional) – Elevated texture and richness; almonds or walnuts work perfectly!
Now that we have all our ingredients ready, let the baking begin!
How to Make Christmas Tiramisu Snowball Cookies
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking, ensuring your cookies have a perfect base while baking.
Beat the softened butter and ½ cup of powdered sugar together in a mixing bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy. This helps create a delightful, airy texture in your cookies. Stir in the vanilla extract for that extra warmth.
Mix the flour, cocoa powder, ground coffee, and optional chopped nuts in a separate bowl. This step ensures your dry ingredients are well-blended, enhancing the cookie’s overall flavor.
Combine the wet and dry ingredients gradually. Stir just until mixed to avoid overmixing, which can lead to a denser cookie. Enjoy the wonderful aroma as everything comes together!
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes. The edges should feel firm, but the centers will remain slightly soft; that’s exactly how you want them!
Cool cookies for a few minutes on the baking sheet before rolling them in additional powdered sugar. This step makes the cookies resemble fluffy snowballs!
Optional: Serve these cookies warm for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Christmas Tiramisu Snowball Cookies
Room Temperature Butter: Ensure your butter is at room temperature; this helps create a light and fluffy batter for perfect cookies.
Avoid Overmixing: Stir the dough just until combined to maintain the cookies’ tender texture; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
Baking Time Check: Keep an eye on your cookies a minute or two before the suggested time to prevent overbaking; they will continue to firm up.
Quality Coffee: Use freshly ground coffee for the best flavor; it enhances the coffee notes that make these cookies stand out.
Additional Surface Sugar: Roll the cookies in extra powdered sugar after baking to create that iconic snowball look, while adding sweetness to the final product.
Make Ahead Options
These Christmas Tiramisu Snowball Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the holiday season! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply mix and shape the dough into balls, then refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. This not only helps the flavors meld beautifully but also makes for a less-stressful baking session. When you’re ready to bake, just place the chilled dough on a baking sheet and bake as instructed. Additionally, you can roll the cooled cookies in powdered sugar and store them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days without losing their delightful taste. Enjoy the time-saving benefits while delighting in these homemade treats!
How to Store and Freeze Christmas Tiramisu Snowball Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. This keeps them fresh and maintains their delightful texture.
Fridge: If you prefer, these cookies can be refrigerated for up to 2 weeks. Just ensure they’re properly covered to prevent them from drying out.
Freezer: Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving for the best taste.
Reheating: For a soft, fresh-baked feel, microwave a cookie for about 10-15 seconds before enjoying your Christmas Tiramisu Snowball Cookies!
What to Serve with Christmas Tiramisu Snowball Cookies?
Create a festive spread that beautifully complements these dreamy, coffee-infused treats.
- Rich Hot Chocolate: A warm, creamy beverage enhances the chocolatey notes of the cookies while adding a cozy drink option.
- Classic Eggnog: This holiday favorite, with its spiced flavors, pairs wonderfully with the rich taste of tiramisu cookies for a festive touch.
- Berries and Cream: Fresh strawberries or raspberries provide a juicy contrast, balancing the cookie’s sweetness with a refreshing tartness.
- Coffee or Espresso: A smooth cup of coffee highlights the coffee in the cookies, creating a lovely, dessert-like coffee break experience.
- Whipped Cream: Light and airy, it adds a delightful soufflé-like texture alongside the snowball cookies—perfect for a festive dessert plate.
Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a quiet evening with family, these pairings will elevate your holiday experience!
Variations & Substitutions for Christmas Tiramisu Snowball Cookies
Embrace your creativity and make this recipe truly your own with these fun twists and substitutions!
- Instant Coffee: Swap finely ground coffee for instant coffee granules to save time while still delivering a coffee kick.
- Flavored Extracts: Use almond or hazelnut extract instead of vanilla for a deliciously unique twist that’ll surprise your taste buds.
- Nut-Free: Omit the nuts entirely or substitute with equal amounts of seeds, like sunflower or pumpkin, for a nut-free version.
- Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend for a delightful gluten-free treat enjoyed by all.
- Chocolate Dipped: After rolling in powdered sugar, dip half the cookie in melted chocolate for an extravagant and elegant finish.
- Spiced Version: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, cozy flavor that complements the holiday spirit.
- Crushed Candy Canes: Mix in crushed peppermint candies for a festive crunch and minty flavor that elevates the holiday magic.
- Dried Fruits: Incorporate finely chopped dried fruits, such as cherries or cranberries, into the dough for a fruity surprise in every bite.
Each variation brings a unique spin to a beloved recipe, inviting smiles and joy to your festive gatherings!
Christmas Tiramisu Snowball Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best ingredients for my cookies?
Absolutely! Ensure your unsalted butter is at room temperature to mix easily and create a light texture. Look for powdered sugar that’s fresh and not clumpy. When choosing coffee, go for finely ground for the best flavor infusion, and if you’re using nuts, make sure they’re fresh and finely chopped for the perfect crunch without overpowering the cookies.
How should I store my Christmas Tiramisu Snowball Cookies?
You can store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Be sure to keep them away from direct sunlight or heat to maintain their soft texture. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks; just make sure they’re well-covered to prevent drying out.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, you can freeze your Christmas Tiramisu Snowball Cookies! Begin by laying them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet to avoid sticking. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature and, for that fresh-baked taste, give them a quick microwave zap for about 10-15 seconds.
What should I do if my cookie dough seems too sticky?
If you find your dough is overly sticky, it might be due to the temperature of your ingredients or the humidity in your environment. You can sprinkle a little more flour into the dough, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a manageable consistency. Remember, it’s important not to overmix, as that can result in a tough cookie.
Are these cookies safe for people with nut allergies?
Absolutely! You can easily make this recipe nut-free by simply omitting the optional finely chopped nuts. The cookies will still be just as delightful without them! Additionally, always double-check your other ingredients to ensure they don’t contain any traces of nuts or other allergens.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, making these Christmas Tiramisu Snowball Cookies ahead of time is a fantastic idea! You can bake them a day or two before your gathering and store them properly. Just remember to give them a light roll in powdered sugar just before serving for that fresh look and added sweetness!
Indulgent Christmas Tiramisu Snowball Cookies You'll Love
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Beat the softened butter and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Mix the flour, cocoa powder, ground coffee, and optional chopped nuts in a separate bowl.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients gradually, stirring just until mixed.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes; the edges should feel firm, but centers remain soft.
- Cool cookies for a few minutes before rolling in extra powdered sugar.
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