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Sweet Surprises: Snowball Cookies in Creative Holiday Containers

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Snowballs & Sharpies: The Ultimate Kid-Friendly Holiday Project

Two of my favorite brands, Rubbermaid and Sharpie, teamed up to turn ordinary cookie gifting into an extraordinary arts-and-crafts adventure. The kids kept asking, “What’s in the box?” and the big reveal was sweeter than the cookies themselves! With colorful markers and reusable containers, our Snowball Cookies became more than just treats—they became a hands-on holiday experience.

Originally published in 2010. Updated for 2025 with new tips, and visuals.

Clear Rubbermaid container with orange lid decorated as a snowman face using Sharpie markers, filled with powdered snowball cookies and placed on a carpeted surface.
Snowball Cookies in a Sharpie-Decorated Rubbermaid Container

Why You’ll Love This Snowball Cookie Gift Idea

  • Fun, interactive project for kids and adults alike
  • Combines baking, decorating, and gift-giving in one activity
  • Reusable containers reduce holiday clutter while adding a personal touch

Ingredients for Snowball Cookies

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 3/4 cup finely chopped nuts (optional)
  • Additional powdered sugar for rolling

Directions: Bake & Decorate

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Gather all ingredients and tools, including mixing bowls and cookie scoops.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

Cream butter and powdered sugar in a large bowl until fluffy. Mix in vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt, then gradually combine with the butter mixture. Fold in nuts if desired.

Step 3: Form and Bake Cookies

Shape dough into 1-inch balls using a tablespoon or cookie scoop. Place 2 inches apart on baking sheets. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until bottoms are lightly golden. Avoid overbaking to keep cookies soft.

Step 4: Coat with Powdered Sugar

Roll cookies in powdered sugar while warm. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Optional: add a second dusting for a “snowy” effect.

Step 5: Decorate Rubbermaid TakeAlongs

Once cookies are cooled, gather Rubbermaid TakeAlongs and Sharpie markers. Let kids or family personalize the containers with holiday messages, drawings, or names. Metallic markers (gold or silver) add extra sparkle.

Two children decorating clear plastic containers with colorful Sharpie markers at a table, surrounded by completed festive designs including snowman faces and a Christmas tree.
Kids Crafting Holiday Cookie Containers with Sharpie

Step 6: Fill the Containers

Place Snowball Cookies inside decorated containers. Use parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Step 7: Add Recipe Tags

Write the Snowball Cookie recipe on a 3″x5″ index card and attach it to the container with ribbon or twine. This makes gifting easy and ensures recipients can recreate the cookies.

Rubbermaid container with snowball cookies and a recipe tag attached with twine.

Step 8: Store or Gift

Cookies will stay fresh in the TakeAlongs for several days at room temperature. Hand-deliver or mail your personalized holiday creations to friends, neighbors, or family.

Expert Tips for Snowball Cookie Success

  • Chill dough for 30 minutes to prevent spreading
  • Use a cookie scoop for uniform sizes
  • Double dust with powdered sugar for a snowier look

Variations & Creative Ideas

  • Add mini chocolate chips or white chocolate chunks
  • Substitute almonds or pecans for walnuts
  • Use colored Sharpie markers to label and decorate containers for extra festivity

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve in decorated Rubbermaid TakeAlongs for gifting
  • Pair with hot cocoa or holiday punch
  • Include a recipe card attached with ribbon or twine

FAQs

  • Can kids help make these cookies? Yes! Older children can help with mixing and rolling dough.
  • How long do the cookies stay fresh? In an airtight container, up to one week at room temperature.
  • Can I freeze these cookies? Yes. Freeze uncoated cookies for up to three months, then roll in powdered sugar after baking.

More Holiday Baking Ideas

Final Thoughts

This Snowball Cookie project turns baking into a full-on holiday adventure. Kids get creative, cookies taste amazing, and the reusable Rubbermaid TakeAlongs make gifting extra special. It’s a win-win for bakers and gift-givers alike!

I received the Rubbermaid/Sharpie Kit described above in order to facilitate an honest review. No other compensation was received. The opinions, where expressed are my own and were in no way influenced by the sponsor. Others’ experiences may vary.

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About Julee Morrison

Julee Morrison is an author and writer with over 35 years of experience in parenting and family recipes. She’s the author of four cookbooks: The Instant Pot College Cookbook, The How-To Cookbook for Teens, The Complete Cookbook for Teens, and The Complete College Cookbook.Available on Amazon,

Her work has appeared in The LA Times, Disney’s Family Fun Magazine, Bon Appétit, Weight Watchers Magazine, All You, Scholastic Parent & Child, and more.

Her article "My Toddler Stood on Elvis' Grave and Scaled Over Boulders to Get to a Dinosaur" appeared on AP News, and her parenting piece “The Sly Way I Cured My Child's Lying Habit” was featured on PopSugar.

Outside of writing, Julee enjoys baking, reading, collecting crystals, and spending time with her family. You can find more of her work at Mommy’s Memorandum.