Cherry Snowball Cookies
Cherry Snowball Cookies are the perfect little treats that bring the festive spirit to any occasion. These delightful cookies, dusted in powdered sugar and bursting with a sweet cherry flavor, are a fantastic way to sweeten up your gatherings. Whether it’s a holiday celebration, a cozy family brunch, or simply a treat to brighten your day, these cookies invite smiles with every bite. They blend the richness of butter with the nuttiness of pecans and the sweetness of cherries, creating a mouthwatering experience that feels special yet is surprisingly simple to make.
Why you’ll love this dish
If you’re wondering why Cherry Snowball Cookies should be on your baking list, let me share a few compelling reasons. First, they are incredibly easy to whip up, requiring minimal ingredients and time. Perfect for seasoned bakers and novices alike, these cookies are bound to impress – they’re tender, flavorful, and visually appealing. Secondly, they radiate warmth and joy; there’s something about the combination of almonds and cherries that just screams “comfort.”
They are an ideal treat for holidays, family gatherings, or a sweet addition to cookie platters. The cozy aroma that fills your home as they bake alone is enough to make you want to dive into a batch immediately.
“I made these for a holiday party, and they disappeared in minutes! Everyone loved the cherry flavor and soft texture. I’ll definitely be making them again!” – Sarah, happy home baker.
How this recipe comes together
Making Cherry Snowball Cookies is a fun and straightforward process. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity: you’ll start by creaming together butter and sugars to create a fluffy base. Next, mix in your extracts and cherries, followed by the dry ingredients. All you need to do then is scoop and bake! The final touch of rolling the warm cookies in powdered sugar gives them that delightful snowball appearance, making them utterly irresistible.
What you’ll need
Before diving in, gather these essential ingredients to ensure your Cherry Snowball Cookies turn out perfectly:
- 1.5 cups Butter (room temperature) (Salted or unsalted works)
- 0.75 cup Powdered sugar (For dough)
- 0.5 cup Granulated sugar (Creates tender texture)
- 1 tsp Salt (Enhances all flavors)
- 1.5 tsp Almond extract (Key flavor component)
- 1.5 tsp Vanilla extract (Pure preferred)
- 0.5 tsp Cherry extract or emulsion (See substitution notes)
- 0.5 cup Maraschino cherries (Drained and chopped)
- 1 cup Pecans (Finely ground)
- 4.5 cups All-purpose flour (May vary slightly)
- 0.75 cup Mini chocolate chips (Semi-sweet recommended)
- 1.5 cups Powdered sugar (For rolling)
Feel free to customize your recipe with substitutions, such as using walnuts for pecans or adding a splash of orange extract for a citrus twist!
Step-by-step instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the room-temperature butter, powdered sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
- Mix in the salt, almond extract, vanilla extract, and cherry extract until well combined.
- Drain the maraschino cherries thoroughly, chop them finely, and gently fold them into the dough.
- Add the finely ground pecans and mix until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Gradually add the flour, ½ cup at a time, mixing until a cohesive dough forms.
- Fold in the mini chocolate chips with a wooden spoon for an extra touch of indulgence.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30–60 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Scoop about 1.5 tablespoons of dough, roll into balls, and place them on lined baking sheets.
- Bake for 15–17 minutes or until the bottoms are subtly golden.
- While the cookies are still warm, roll them in powdered sugar, allow them to cool, and roll again for that signature snowball finish.
Best ways to enjoy it
Cherry Snowball Cookies are delightful on their own, but they can also be paired creatively. Serve them with a cup of hot cocoa or a sweet chamomile tea for a cozy snack. If you’re hosting a gathering, consider placing them on a dessert platter alongside other holiday treats, like peppermint bark or gingerbread cookies. The contrast of flavors and textures will surely impress your guests.
How to store
To keep your Cherry Snowball Cookies fresh, place them in an airtight container at room temperature, where they will stay delicious for up to one week. If you’d like to freeze them, simply allow the cookies to cool completely first, then layer them between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and roll in powdered sugar again if desired.
Helpful cooking tips
- Ensure your butter is at room temperature for the best texture; it’s easier to cream and results in a fluffier dough.
- Chilling the dough is crucial; it prevents spreading during baking and helps the cookies maintain their shape.
- For extra cherry flavor, consider adding a few extra chopped cherries or a drop more of cherry extract if you fancy it!
Creative twists
Feeling adventurous? Here are a few variations to try with your Cherry Snowball Cookies:
- Coconut Snowballs: Add shredded coconut to the dough for a tropical twist.
- Nut-Free Version: Replace pecans with sunflower seeds to accommodate nut allergies.
- Chocolate Cherries: Use white chocolate chips instead of mini chocolate chips for a deliciously sweet contrast.
Your questions answered
Q: Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
A: While fresh cherries can be used, they need to be pitted and chopped finely. You may also need to adjust the moisture in the dough since fresh cherries contain more liquid.
Q: How can I tell when the cookies are done?
A: The bottoms of the cookies should be lightly golden, but the tops may remain pale. Keep an eye on them as they bake for best results!
Q: Are these cookies safe for freezing?
A: Absolutely! As mentioned, these cookies freeze well and can be enjoyed long after you’ve made them.
Q: How long does the dough need to chill?
A: Ideally, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes, but if you have time, an hour is even better for optimal texture and form during baking.
With their charming appearance and delightful flavor, Cherry Snowball Cookies are bound to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Enjoy!
Cherry Snowball Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the room-temperature butter, powdered sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
- Mix in the salt, almond extract, vanilla extract, and cherry extract until well combined.
- Drain the maraschino cherries thoroughly, chop them finely, and gently fold them into the dough.
- Add the finely ground pecans and mix until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Gradually add the flour, ½ cup at a time, mixing until a cohesive dough forms.
- Fold in the mini chocolate chips with a wooden spoon for an extra touch of indulgence.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30–60 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Scoop about 1.5 tablespoons of dough, roll into balls, and place them on lined baking sheets.
- Bake for 15–17 minutes or until the bottoms are subtly golden.
- While the cookies are still warm, roll them in powdered sugar, allow them to cool, and roll again for that signature snowball finish.
