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+ servings
Patricia Krouse

Cherry Snowball Cookies

Delightful cookies dusted in powdered sugar and bursting with sweet cherry flavor, perfect for holidays and gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 17 minutes
Total Time 32 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 120

Ingredients
  

For the cookie dough
  • 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
For rolling
  • 1.5 cups Powdered sugar For rolling

Method
 

Preparation
  1. 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.
  2. Mix in the salt, almond extract, vanilla extract, and cherry extract until well combined.
  3. Drain the maraschino cherries thoroughly, chop them finely, and gently fold them into the dough.
  4. Add the finely ground pecans and mix until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
  5. Gradually add the flour, ½ cup at a time, mixing until a cohesive dough forms.
  6. Fold in the mini chocolate chips with a wooden spoon for an extra touch of indulgence.
  7. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30–60 minutes.
Baking
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Scoop about 1.5 tablespoons of dough, roll into balls, and place them on lined baking sheets.
  3. Bake for 15–17 minutes or until the bottoms are subtly golden.
  4. While the cookies are still warm, roll them in powdered sugar, allow them to cool, and roll again for that signature snowball finish.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 1gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 50mgSugar: 8g

Notes

Ensure your butter is at room temperature for the best texture. Chilling the dough is crucial to prevent spreading during baking. For extra cherry flavor, consider adding a few extra chopped cherries or a drop more of cherry extract.

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