Hey y'all! If you love melt-in-your-mouth treats with a pop of color and sweetness, these Cherry Snowball Cookies are about to become your new favorite snack! Soft, buttery, and packed with maraschino cherries, they’re perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie swaps, or just when you want something extra special with your afternoon coffee. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This
- Delightfully tender, buttery texture that just melts in your mouth.
- Bright pops of cherry add a fruity twist and vibrant color.
- Simple ingredients and easy steps make these cookies achievable for home bakers of any skill level.
- Perfect for gifting, holiday trays, or making any day feel special.
- They store exceptionally well and taste even better the next day!
Ingredients
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar, plus extra for coating
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup (90g) finely chopped maraschino cherries, well-drained
- ½ cup (60g) finely chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Directions
- Prep Oven & Cherries: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Pat the maraschino cherries dry and chop them finely. Set aside.
- Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and ½ cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Vanilla: Mix in the vanilla extract until just combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Whisk together flour and salt. Gradually add to the butter mixture, mixing on low until a soft dough forms.
- Fold in Cherries (and Nuts): Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and nuts if using, making sure they're evenly distributed.
- Shape the Cookies: Scoop out tablespoon-sized amounts of dough and roll into balls (about 1 inch). Place on prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Bake for 14-16 minutes, or until the bottoms are just golden. The tops will remain pale—don’t overbake!
- Powdered Sugar Coating: Let cookies cool for 5 minutes, then roll in powdered sugar while still warm. Cool completely on a wire rack, then give a second roll in powdered sugar for a snowy finish.
Notes
- Be sure the cherries are well-drained and patted dry to prevent excess moisture in your dough.
- For uniform cookies, use a cookie scoop or measuring spoon.
- Dough can be chilled for 30 minutes if very soft or sticky, which can help with shaping.
Variations
- Chocolate Chip Cherry Snowballs: Add ⅓ cup mini chocolate chips to the dough.
- Almond Cherry Snowball Cookies: Substitute chopped almonds for the pecans/walnuts and add ½ teaspoon almond extract.
- Lemon Cherry Snowballs: Add 1 tablespoon lemon zest to the dough for a citrusy kick.
Required Equipment
- Electric mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Wire rack
Storage Instructions
- Store Cherry Snowball Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months – thaw and re-roll in powdered sugar before serving for freshest look and taste.
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Serve with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or milk for a cozy treat.
- They make a gorgeous addition to holiday cookie trays and pair wonderfully with other classic cookies like shortbread or gingerbread.
- For a festive dessert, sandwich two cookies with cherry jam in between.
Pro Tips
- Chop cherries finely to ensure they mix well without causing the cookies to fall apart.
- If the dough feels crumbly, knead it gently with your hands until it comes together.
- Roll cookies in powdered sugar twice – once warm and once cooled – for the best snowball look!
FAQ
- Can I make these cookies in advance? Absolutely! They keep well for several days and freeze beautifully.
- Can I use glacé cherries instead of maraschino cherries? Yes, just be sure to chop and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture.
- Do I have to add nuts? Not at all! The cookies are just as delicious without nuts, perfect for anyone with allergies or simply for preference.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 14-16 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar, plus extra for coating
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup (90g) finely chopped maraschino cherries, well-drained
- ½ cup (60g) finely chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
-
1Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Pat the maraschino cherries dry and chop them finely. Set aside.
-
2In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and ½ cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
-
3Mix in the vanilla extract until just combined.
-
4Whisk together flour and salt. Gradually add to the butter mixture, mixing on low until a soft dough forms.
-
5Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and nuts if using, making sure they're evenly distributed.
-
6Scoop out tablespoon-sized amounts of dough and roll into balls (about 1 inch). Place on prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart.
-
7Bake for 14-16 minutes, or until the bottoms are just golden. The tops will remain pale—don’t overbake!
-
8Let cookies cool for 5 minutes, then roll in powdered sugar while still warm. Cool completely on a wire rack, then give a second roll in powdered sugar for a snowy finish.
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO
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Approximate Information for One Serving
Serving Size:
1 serving
Calories:
120 caloriescal
Protein:
1gg
Fat:
7gg
Saturated Fat:
0g
Trans Fat:
0g
Cholesterol:
0mg
Sodium:
0mg
Potassium:
0mg
Total Carbs:
13gg
Fiber:
0g
Sugar:
0g
Net Carbs:
0g
Vitamin A:
0
Vitamin C:
0mg
Calcium:
0mg
Iron:
0mg
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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