As I sifted through my kitchen on a chilly afternoon, the faint scent of maraschino cherries danced in the air, promising something magical. Enter Cherry Snowball Cookies, the holiday cheer in my baking repertoire that transforms any gathering into a festive celebration. With their buttery dough filled with sweet-tart cherries, crunchy pecans, and delightful mini chocolate chips, these cookies are not just another treat—they’re a heartfelt gesture perfect for gift-giving and sharing. The beauty of these cookies lies in their charming snowy appearance, effortlessly capturing the spirit of the season. Plus, they’re quick to whip up, making baking during the busy holidays a breeze! Ready to roll up your sleeves and get started? Let’s delve into this easy festive delight that’s sure to warm your heart and home!
Why Are Cherry Snowball Cookies So Special?
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of maraschino cherries, rich pecans, and mini chocolate chips creates a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate.
Charming Appearance: These cookies resemble snowballs, making them perfectly festive for holiday gatherings or gift-giving.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, even novice bakers can whip up these treats in no time.
Versatile Variations: Feel free to swap maraschino cherries for dried cranberries or change the nuts to cater to different tastes and occasions.
Make-Ahead Friendly: The dough can be prepared in advance, saving you valuable time during the busy holiday season. Store them between layers of parchment for the best results, just like you would for your favorite Peppermint Kiss Cookies.
A Touch of Nostalgia: These cookies evoke memories of holiday baking with loved ones, making every bite feel like a warm hug.
Cherry Snowball Cookies Ingredients
For the Dough
- Butter – Use room temperature butter for proper creaming, ensuring a rich and tender texture.
- Powdered Sugar – Adds sweetness and contributes to that charming snowball finish.
- Granulated Sugar – Adds tenderness and balances the sweetness.
- Salt – A pinch enhances all the flavors in the cookie.
- Almond Extract – Provides a key flavor; feel free to substitute with vanilla or other extracts for unique variations.
- Vanilla Extract – Opt for pure vanilla for a richer taste.
- Cherry Extract or Emulsion – Intensifies the cherry flavor; can be swapped with more vanilla if needed.
- Maraschino Cherries – Chopped and well-drained to keep the dough from getting too wet.
- Pecans – Finely ground for nuttiness; can be replaced with walnuts or almonds for different textures.
- All-Purpose Flour – Gives structure to the cookies; adjust the amount based on moisture from the cherries.
- Mini Chocolate Chips – Adds delightful bursts of sweetness; can be swapped for white chocolate if you prefer.
For the Coating
- Powdered Sugar – Essential for achieving that beautiful snowball coating.
Get ready to create delicious Cherry Snowball Cookies that will elevate your holiday celebrations!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cherry Snowball Cookies
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of room temperature butter, ½ cup of powdered sugar, and ½ cup of granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed. Mix for about 5 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step is crucial for incorporating air, leading to tender Cherry Snowball Cookies.
Step 2: Add Flavors
With the mixer on low, blend in ¼ teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of almond extract, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of cherry extract or emulsion until fully combined. The dough should begin to take on a fragrant, inviting aroma. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are well mixed.
Step 3: Incorporate Cherries
Drain and chop 1 cup of maraschino cherries, ensuring they are well-drained to prevent excess moisture. Gently fold the chopped cherries into the cookie dough using a spatula or wooden spoon, being careful not to overmix. This step adds the sweet-tart burst of flavor to your Cherry Snowball Cookies, making each bite delightful.
Step 4: Mix in the Pecans
Add ½ cup of finely ground pecans to the dough and mix until evenly distributed. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to incorporate the nuts, which add a lovely crunch and nuttiness. The cookie dough will begin to thicken, showing it’s on the right track toward becoming a delicious cookie.
Step 5: Add the Flour
Gradually add 2 cups of all-purpose flour, mixing in ½ cup at a time until the dough holds together but isn’t sticky. Aim for a soft dough texture that can easily be shaped. If the dough seems too wet due to the cherries, you can include a bit more flour, about a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.
Step 6: Stir in Chocolate Chips
Carefully fold in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips using a wooden spoon, making sure not to overmix. This will bring a sweet surprise to your Cherry Snowball Cookies, balancing the flavors beautifully. The chocolate chips should be evenly distributed throughout the dough for a delightful taste in each bite.
Step 7: Chill the Dough
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 to 60 minutes. This step is essential as it helps solidify the dough, preventing the cookies from spreading too much while baking. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) during this time, ensuring it’s ready when the dough is chilled.
Step 8: Shape the Cookies
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion out 1.5 tablespoons of dough, rolling each portion into a ball. Place the balls on lined baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for any slight spreading during baking. The dough balls should appear smooth and round.
Step 9: Bake the Cookies
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-17 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden, but the tops remain pale. Keep an eye on your Cherry Snowball Cookies, as you want them to be a bit underbaked, allowing for a soft, chewy texture once cooled.
Step 10: Coat in Powdered Sugar
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. While still warm, roll them in powdered sugar, then transfer to a cooling rack. Once completely cooled, roll them in powdered sugar again to achieve the signature snowball finish, making them irresistible and festive.
Make Ahead Options
Cherry Snowball Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the festive rush! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by following the first six steps of the recipe and then chilling it in the refrigerator. Be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent it from picking up any odors. When you’re ready to bake, simply scoop and roll the dough into balls, then bake as directed. This method not only enhances the flavors but also allows you to enjoy warm, freshly baked cookies with minimal effort. Your Cherry Snowball Cookies will be just as delicious as if made on the spot!
Expert Tips for Cherry Snowball Cookies
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Butter Temperature: Ensure your butter is at room temperature for the perfect creamy texture. Cold butter will lead to dense cookies while melted butter affects structure.
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Chill the Dough: Don’t skip chilling the dough! This prevents the Cherry Snowball Cookies from spreading and keeps them perfectly round.
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Prevent Excess Moisture: Always drain maraschino cherries well before adding them to the mix. This keeps the dough from becoming too sticky and ensures a stable cookie.
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Mind the Baking Time: Keep a close eye on your cookies! Aim for a slightly underbaked finish for moist, chewy centers. Remember, they continue to cook after you remove them from the oven.
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Flour Adjustment: Humidity can affect how much flour you need. If your dough feels sticky, add more flour a tablespoon at a time to achieve the right consistency.
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Variety Is Key: Feel free to personalize your Cherry Snowball Cookies! Swap out nuts or experiment with different extracts for unique twists.
Cherry Snowball Cookies Variations
Feel free to play and customize these treats to create your own unique version of Cherry Snowball Cookies!
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Dried Cranberries: Substitute maraschino cherries with dried cranberries and add orange zest for a tangy holiday twist that brightens the flavor!
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Nut Alternatives: Replace pecans with finely chopped almonds or walnuts to suit personal tastes, adding a different crunch to each bite.
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Bourbon Infusion: For a Southern flair, incorporate a splash of bourbon extract to bring a warm, rich depth to your cookies, perfect for cozy evenings.
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Chocolate Options: Switch out mini chocolate chips for white chocolate or omit altogether for a lighter, more delicate cookie experience.
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Spiced Version: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor that complements the sweetness of the cherries beautifully.
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Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, making these delightful treats accessible for everyone, without losing their signature taste.
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Cocoa Variation: For a chocolatey twist, substitute ½ cup of flour with unsweetened cocoa powder, and enjoy a chocolate cherry fusion that’s irresistibly rich.
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Flavor Boost: Enhance the cherry flavor by adding extra cherry extract or emulsion, creating a more pronounced fruity burst that will wow your guests.
Feel inspired? Why not pair your Cherry Snowball Cookies with a cozy cup of hot cocoa or one of my delicious Pumpkin Oat Cookies for a delightful holiday spread?
What to Serve with Cherry Snowball Cookies
Indulging in these sweet treats invites a cozy, festive gathering, perfect for sharing with friends and family during the holidays.
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Creamy Hot Chocolate: The rich, velvety texture of hot chocolate complements the cookie’s buttery sweetness, creating a comforting pairing perfect for chilly days.
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Spiced Apple Cider: Warm, spiced cider adds a fruity twist that pairs beautifully with the cookie’s nutty flavors while evoking holiday warmth.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream creates a delightful contrast to the chewy cookie, enhancing every bite with cool sweetness.
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Pecan Pie Bars: These nutty bars echo the pecan flavor in the cookies, making them the ideal dessert duo for festive feasting.
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Festive Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits offers brightness and freshness, beautifully balancing the rich flavors of the Cherry Snowball Cookies.
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Christmas Cookie Platter: Assemble an array of holiday cookies to create a visually stunning centerpiece on your dessert table, inviting plenty of variety for each guest.
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Buttery Spritz Cookies: The melt-in-your-mouth texture of spritz cookies creates a lovely complement to the Cherry Snowball Cookies, keeping the indulgence in the spirit of the season.
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Peppermint Mocha: The refreshing minty flavor combines with rich chocolate, providing a lively contrast to the chewy sweetness of the cookies—a coffee lover’s dream.
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Chai Tea: The aromatic spices in chai tea resonate with the flavors of the cookies, offering a warm and comforting drink option to elevate your holiday treat experience.
Storage Tips for Cherry Snowball Cookies
Room Temperature: Store your Cherry Snowball Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Fridge: If you prefer to keep them longer, you can refrigerate the cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Just bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best taste.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer between parchment paper in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.
Reheating: If you like them warm, gently reheat the frozen cookies in a microwave for just a few seconds or bake at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes, keeping an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
Cherry Snowball Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of cherries should I use for Cherry Snowball Cookies?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and texture, I recommend using well-drained maraschino cherries, as they provide that sweet-tart burst and maintain the right moisture balance in the dough. If you’re feeling adventurous, feel free to experiment with dried cranberries or even fresh cherries when they’re in season.
How should I store Cherry Snowball Cookies?
You can store your Cherry Snowball Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them fresher for longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. Just remember to let them come back to room temperature for the best taste before serving.
Can I freeze Cherry Snowball Cookies?
Yes, indeed! For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer between parchment paper within an airtight container for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. If you prefer warmed cookies, gently heat them in the microwave for a few seconds or bake at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes.
Why did my cookies spread too much when baking?
The most common culprit is the dough not being chilled long enough. Always chill the dough for 30-60 minutes before baking to solidify the butter, helping the cookies maintain their shape. If your dough seems too sticky, feel free to add a little more flour, about a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a workable consistency.
Are Cherry Snowball Cookies safe for pets or individuals with allergies?
While the ingredients in Cherry Snowball Cookies are delicious for humans, they should not be shared with pets, especially cherries and chocolate, which can be harmful to them. For individuals with common allergies, ensure that nuts can be omitted or replaced with seeds if necessary, and use substitutes like gluten-free flour for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and chill it in the refrigerator for improved flavor development. Just remember to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. When you’re ready to bake, simply scoop and shape the cookies into balls right from the fridge.
Delicious Cherry Snowball Cookies for Your Holiday Celebrations
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cream the butter and sugars together until light, fluffy, and pale in color.
- Blend in salt, almond extract, vanilla extract, and cherry extract until fully combined.
- Gently fold in chopped maraschino cherries into the dough.
- Mix in well-ground pecans until evenly distributed.
- Gradually add all-purpose flour until the dough holds together but isn't sticky.
- Fold in mini chocolate chips without overmixing.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 to 60 minutes.
- Shape the dough into balls and place on lined baking sheets.
- Bake for 15-17 minutes until the bottoms are lightly golden.
- Roll the warm cookies in powdered sugar, then cool completely.
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