If you're looking for an easy no-bake treat that's a little different from the usual holiday cookies, these Orange Snowballs are about to become a new favorite. They have a bright burst of orange flavor, a buttery vanilla cookie base, and just the right amount of sweetness from a generous coating of powdered sugar.
They're simple to make, easy to share, and always disappear quickly from the cookie tray. Whether you're making them for Christmas, a cookie exchange, or just because you're craving a little citrus sunshine, this recipe is sure to bring smiles.
What makes this recipe irresistible
They're simple to make, easy to share, and always disappear quickly from the cookie tray. Whether you're making them for Christmas, a cookie exchange, or just because you're craving a little citrus sunshine, this recipe is sure to bring smiles.
Watch me make Orange Snowballs, so easy!
Orange Snowballs
Ingredients
- 11- ounce box vanilla wafers
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for a bolder flavor
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
- ¼ cup frozen orange juice concentrate thawed
- 2 teaspoons orange zest
- 2½ cups powdered sugar divided
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Add the vanilla wafers and pecans to a food processor; pulse until finely ground.
- Pour in melted butter, orange juice concentrate, orange zest, vanilla extract, salt, and 1 cup of powdered sugar. Pulse until the mixture forms a soft dough.
- Scoop and roll into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in the remaining powdered sugar to coat. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for a firmer texture.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for a cool, citrusy bite.
Notes
Nutrition
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Ingredients
Please refer to the printable recipe card for the exact measurements for this recipe.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ's)
Absolutely! These are a great make-ahead treat. Prepare them up to a week in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Roll them in an extra dusting of powdered sugar just before serving if needed.
Frozen orange juice concentrate gives these treats a bold citrus flavor without adding too much liquid. Fresh orange juice won't provide the same intensity and can make the mixture too soft.
If the mixture seems crumbly, let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes so the cookie crumbs can absorb the moisture. If it's still too dry, stir in an additional teaspoon of thawed orange juice concentrate or melted butter until the mixture holds together when pressed.
Yes! Pecans add a buttery flavor, but chopped walnuts work well, too. If you need a nut-free version, simply omit the nuts and replace them with an equal amount of crushed vanilla wafers for a similar texture.
Deb's top tip
Don't skip the orange zest! Even though the frozen orange juice concentrate provides plenty of citrus flavor, the fresh zest adds a bright aroma that makes these snowballs taste homemade instead of overly sweet. It's a small addition that makes a big difference. 🍊
Test kitchen notes
I like to chill the finished snowballs for at least 30 minutes before serving. The texture becomes firmer, the orange flavor really shines, and they're much less messy to enjoy. Finally, don't be shy with the powdered sugar.
Also, give them a second coating after they chilled for that classic snowy look everyone loves.
Related recipes
If you're filling a holiday cookie tray or simply love easy no-bake treats, there are plenty more recipes to try! My Kahlua Truffles Recipe is rich, chocolatey, and perfect for coffee lovers. Ritz Cracker Cookies are a sweet-and-salty classic with a creamy peanut butter filling that's always a hit. And if warm spices are calling your name, these Gingersnap Truffles are packed with cozy ginger cookie flavor and make a festive addition to any dessert spread.
A sweet citrus treat for any occasion
These Orange Cream Snowballs are one of those easy recipes that prove you don't need to turn on the oven to make something special. With their bright orange flavor, buttery cookie base, and snowy coating of powdered sugar, they're a welcome addition to holiday cookie trays, parties, or an afternoon treat with a cup of coffee.
Did you put your own spin on these? Tell me about it in the comments. I always enjoy hearing how you make these recipes your own.
Terry says
Houston - we have a problem! I love anything Creamsicle, but sadly, orange juice concentrate is no longer sold here in Canada 🇨🇦 (nor are any other frozen concentrates). 😕
Do you think it would work if I simmered, and reduced down some unsweetened orange juice until it was a syrup-like consistency? 🙏 🤞
Many thanks!
Debra Clark says
Oh no, that's a great question! I do think that would work. I'd simmer 1 cup of unsweetened orange juice over medium heat until it's reduced to a quarter cup and has a thick, syrup-like consistency. Keep an eye on it and stir constantly. Let it cool completely before measuring and adding it to the recipe. Since fresh juice is a little less concentrated than frozen concentrate, you may also want to add an extra teaspoon of orange zest to really boost that bright citrus flavor. If you give it a try, please come back and let us know how it turns out. I'd love to hear how it works for my Canadian readers! 🍊🧡
MaryB says
The orange flavor in these cookies is such a great idea. I never thought of that addition. And thank you for including what to do to make them nut free, as we have nut allergies in the family. I’ll definitely be making this version of snowball cookies.
Debra Clark says
That's great Mary, I'm glad that helps this recipe work for your family. I can't wait to hear what you think after you've had a chance to try them!
Linda Y says
I'm definitely going to make these with my 8 year-old great grandson!! He loves to cook and this is a recipe he can have fun making. I'm glad the nuts are optional because we have nut allergies in our family. I'll make one batch without and one batch with nuts (for me)!!
Debra Clark says
Perfect and how fun to make with your little guy. You two enjoy and have fun together!
Cheryl Huerta says
I am looking forward to making these. My husband looked it over with me and he said these would be amazing!!! So we are going shopping tomorrow night when our store has its sales and we will try these and see how it goes!!! Im sure it will be amazing!!!!!
So excited to try them!!!!!
Debra Clark says
Wonderful Cheryl, thanks for letting me know. I hope you have time to stop back by and let me know what you think! Enjoy the treats!!
Karen Engebretson says
My son loves this kind of cookie and I think the orange flavor will be quite a boost for him. Can't wait to try this recipe out and with it being summer and no bake it is a win- win!
Debra Clark says
That's fantastic! It's such a yummy treat and they keep really well. I hope you and your family enjoy them Karen!
Sue Turcsany says
Orange is my least favorite flavor but my husband is obsessed with it. He is always asking me to make him a yellow cake with homemade orange frosting (which I've finally perfected). I think it goes back to him eating Hostess orange cupcakes which he still buys.(when he can find them). I'm going to surprise him with this treat, when I have all the ingredients to make it.
Debra Clark says
That will be such a sweet surprise for him! It sounds like orange treats hold a lot of nostalgia for him, especially those Hostess cupcakes. Your homemade orange frosting sounds delicious, too. I hope he loves these Orange Snowballs just as much! 🍊🧡
Carol says
Wow, a cookie recipe that does not need mee to turn on the oven. The orange flavor sounds delicious not just at Holiday time but Spring also.
I enjoy all cookies and do not have just one favorite, Cookie Monster and I could be BFF's.
Debra Clark says
I love that! 😂 Cookie Monster would definitely welcome another BFF! I agree, these aren't just for the holidays. The bright orange flavor makes them just as fun for spring and summer, especially since you don't have to turn on the oven. I hope you get a chance to give them a try! 🍊🧡
Carole Chlebek says
These snowballs look delish. Will be sure to save recipe as I do all your posts. The words taste like a dreamsicle got me. What could be better? Thank you.
Debra Clark says
Thank you so much! “Tastes like a dreamsicle” really does say it all. I’m thrilled you’re saving the recipe, and I hope these bright little treats bring plenty of smiles when you make them! 🍊🧡
Sherri Rochester says
What a perfect bite! No bake is a plus! Citrus, crispy, sweet, it checks off most of my wants in a morning snack. put two of these balls on a small dessert plate and serve with a cup of steamy coffee or a cup of hot tea. Mmmmmm
Debra Clark says
That sounds like such a lovely way to enjoy them! Two Orange Snowballs with a hot cup of coffee or tea would make a sweet little morning treat. I’m glad the no-bake part checks another box, too Sherri!
Lois says
These are so good. So easy to make and no baking on a warm summer day. Love them.
Debra Clark says
For sure, we enjoyed them last Christmas didn't we. What a treat!
Rita says
Oh, my goodness! My mom used to make snowball cookies for Christmas and I had totally forgot about them! I don’t think they were orange flavoured though. What a yummy twist! Sounds delicious!
Debra Clark says
I love that this recipe brought back such a special memory! Those classic snowball cookies have a way of doing that. I hope you'll give this orange version a try. It's a fun little twist on the traditional recipe, and I'd love to hear how it compares to the ones your mom used to make Rita!