There’s a certain kind of joy that fills the kitchen when the holiday season rolls around. I remember the day my friend brought over a batch of Cherry Snowball Cookies, their snowy exterior glistening as if dusted by the first winter’s frost. The sweet-tart burst of maraschino cherries paired with crunchy pecans made each bite a delightful surprise. What’s even better is how effortlessly these cookies come together, embodying that homemade charm without putting you in a time crunch.
Whether you’re gearing up for a festive gathering or simply looking to satisfy that cookie craving, these Cherry Snowball Cookies are your answer. With their buttery texture and the aromatic notes of vanilla and almond, they’re not just treats; they’re memories waiting to happen. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a recipe that gets better with time? Perfect for gifting or sharing, these little snowballs of joy will make your holiday season just a bit sweeter. Ready to dive into this deliciousness? Let’s get baking!
Why Are Cherry Snowball Cookies So Irresistible?
Irresistible Indeed: These cookies offer a delightful blend of sweet and nutty flavors, with crunchy pecans and juicy cherries brightening every bite.
Effortless Creation: The straightforward steps make baking a breeze, even for novice cooks.
Versatile Variations: Feel free to get creative—swap in different nuts or spices to match your taste.
Memory Makers: Perfect for holiday gifting, these cookies evoke nostalgia and are sure to impress loved ones.
Timeless Appeal: Their snowy icing and tender texture make them a festive favorite that never goes out of style.
Flavor Boost: They actually taste better after a day or two, allowing you to prepare ahead of time!
Cherry Snowball Cookies Ingredients
Note: Gather these delightful ingredients to create your Cherry Snowball Cookies that will warm every holiday gathering.
For the Dough
- Butter – Provides a rich, tender texture; use room temperature for optimal creaming.
- Powdered Sugar (for dough) – Adds sweetness and tenderness, essential for cookie structure.
- Granulated Sugar – Balances sweetness and contributes to the cookie’s soft texture.
- Salt – Enhances flavors and balances sweetness beautifully.
- Almond Extract – A key flavor component that adds depth to the cookie profile.
- Vanilla Extract – Opt for pure vanilla for the best flavor in your cookies.
- Cherry Extract or Emulsion – Imparts the distinct cherry flavor; a substitute works well if unavailable.
- Maraschino Cherries – Chopped and well-drained, they add moisture and sweetness without overwhelming the dough.
- Pecans – Finely ground for texture and nutty flavor; feel free to substitute with walnuts or almonds.
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure, keeping the cookies perfectly light; adjust for humidity as needed.
- Mini Chocolate Chips – Semi-sweet is recommended for that extra richness and complementary flavor.
For Rolling
- Powdered Sugar (for rolling) – Creates that signature “snowball” appearance that adds charm and sweetness.
How to Make Cherry Snowball Cookies
- Prep Dough: Beat together room temperature butter, powdered sugar, and granulated sugar in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. This is crucial for achieving that tender texture!
- Mix Ingredients: Add in salt, almond extract, vanilla extract, and cherry extract. Mix until fully incorporated, ensuring a well-rounded flavor profile.
- Add Cherries and Pecans: Chop and drain the maraschino cherries well. Fold them into the dough along with finely ground pecans, creating a delightful, chewy mix.
- Incorporate Flour: Gradually add all-purpose flour, about ½ cup at a time, until the dough forms and is no longer sticky—this might take a few minutes.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Use a wooden spoon to gently fold in the mini chocolate chips, ensuring even distribution without overmixing, which helps maintain tenderness.
- Chill Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30 to 60 minutes while preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) for perfect cookie shaping.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop out 1.5 tablespoon portions of dough, roll them into balls, and place them on parchment-lined baking sheets, leaving some space between each.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 17 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden while the tops remain pale—watch those edges!
- Finish with Sugar: Once baked, gently roll the warm cookies in powdered sugar, allow them to cool, and then roll them again for that delightful “snowball” effect!
Optional: Dust with an extra layer of powdered sugar before serving for an even sweeter surprise!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Cherry Snowball Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the ingredients until combined and then wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap. To maintain their delightful texture, refrigerate the dough, which prevents that unwanted spreading during baking. When you’re ready to bake, simply scoop and roll the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and bake as directed. For best flavor, you can even roll the cookies in powdered sugar one day before serving, allowing the flavors to meld. With this prep method, you’ll enjoy freshly baked.cookies in no time—ideal for busy holiday weeks!
Cherry Snowball Cookies Variations
Let your imagination run wild and make these delightful treats your own!
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Dried Cranberries: Substitute maraschino cherries with dried cranberries for a new fruity flavor. Add a hint of orange zest to enhance the citrusy aspect!
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Ground Almonds: Swap out pecans for ground almonds for a different nutty twist. Almonds offer a milder taste, allowing the cherry flavor to shine even brighter.
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Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough for a warm, cozy flavor. This can elevate the festive feel, perfect for the holiday season.
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Vegan Option: Use coconut oil instead of butter and aquafaba in place of eggs for a vegan-friendly version! The result will still be tasty but with a slightly different texture.
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Peppermint Surprise: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the dough for a refreshing minty twist, making your cookies perfect for winter festivities.
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Colorful Chocolate Chips: Substitute regular mini chocolate chips with pastel or festive-colored ones for a pop of color that’s perfect for any occasion, especially Valentine’s!
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Nut-Free: For a nut-free treat, simply omit the pecans and incorporate sunflower seeds for a lovely crunch without the allergens.
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Extra Sweetness: Drizzle melted white chocolate over finished cookies and sprinkle with chopped nuts for an elegant touch. This decadent addition takes these cookies up a notch!
How to Store and Freeze Cherry Snowball Cookies
Room Temperature: Keep Cherry Snowball Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their delightful texture and flavor.
Fridge: For slightly longer storage, refrigerate the cookies in an airtight container for up to a week; allow them to return to room temperature before serving.
Freezer: Place cookies in a well-sealed freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating: If desired, gently warm the cookies in the microwave for a few seconds or let them sit in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes—this will refresh their just-baked taste!
What to Serve with Cherry Snowball Cookies?
Imagine the warmth of the holiday season enveloping you as you enjoy these delightful cookies paired with cozy beverages and festive sides.
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Hot Cocoa: The rich, creamy sweetness of hot cocoa harmonizes beautifully with the sweet-tart bursts of cherry in every cookie.
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Spiced Cider: The fragrant spices in mulled cider enhance the buttery flavor of the cookies, creating a comforting treat on chilly nights.
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Coffee: Strong coffee provides a perfect contrast to the sweetness of the cookies, balancing flavors for a delightful afternoon break.
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Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds an airy lightness that complements the tender texture of these snowball cookies.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve a warm cookie alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful juxtaposition of warm and cool textures.
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Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad can cut through the richness of the cookies, offering a refreshing bite with each indulgent mouthful.
Indulging in Cherry Snowball Cookies surrounded by these delightful pairings creates a full sensory experience you’ll cherish during the holiday season!
Expert Tips for Cherry Snowball Cookies
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Use Room Temperature Butter: Ensure your butter is at room temperature for optimal creaming, which creates that light, tender texture in your cookies.
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Chill the Dough: Don’t skip refrigerating your dough! This step prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking, helping them maintain their lovely shape.
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Properly Drain Cherries: Make sure your maraschino cherries are well-drained; excess moisture can impact the dough consistency and result in soggy cookies.
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Underbake for Tenderness: For the softest cookies, remove them from the oven when they are just set and a little pale; they will continue to firm up as they cool.
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Experiment with Nuts: Feel free to substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds, or even try different flavor extracts to make your Cherry Snowball Cookies uniquely yours!
Cherry Snowball Cookies Recipe FAQs
What’s the best way to select maraschino cherries for this recipe?
Absolutely! When choosing maraschino cherries, look for those that are less vibrant in color, avoiding those with dark red spots. The best cherries are well-drained and retain a firm texture, providing a lovely burst of flavor without making your dough too moist.
How should I store Cherry Snowball Cookies, and how long do they last?
You should store your Cherry Snowball Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days for optimal freshness. If you’d like to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. Always allow them to come back to room temperature before serving; trust me, that’s when they shine!
Can I freeze Cherry Snowball Cookies, and if so, how?
Certainly! To freeze your Cherry Snowball Cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a well-sealed freezer bag or container, where they will keep well for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature for a delightful treat that tastes just as fresh!
What should I do if my cookies spread too much while baking?
Very good question! If your Cherry Snowball Cookies spread too much, it could be due to one of several factors. First, ensure your butter is at room temperature (not melted) to create the perfect texture. Second, chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes prior to baking helps prevent excessive spreading. Lastly, if your dough ever feels sticky, you can incorporate a bit more flour—just add a tablespoon at a time until you reach the right consistency.
Are these cookies safe for pets or those with allergies?
While Cherry Snowball Cookies are delicious for humans, they aren’t suitable for pets, especially due to the chocolate chips, which can be toxic to dogs. Additionally, be cautious with those who have nut allergies; substituting pecans with sunflower seeds can be a great allergy-friendly option. Always consider dietary restrictions when sharing your baked goods!
Cherry Snowball Cookies That Bring Holiday Cheer and Joy
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prep Dough: Beat together room temperature butter, powdered sugar, and granulated sugar in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
- Mix Ingredients: Add in salt, almond extract, vanilla extract, and cherry extract. Mix until fully incorporated.
- Add Cherries and Pecans: Chop and drain the maraschino cherries well. Fold them into the dough along with finely ground pecans.
- Incorporate Flour: Gradually add all-purpose flour, about ½ cup at a time, until the dough forms and is no longer sticky.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Use a wooden spoon to gently fold in the mini chocolate chips.
- Chill Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30 to 60 minutes.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop out 1.5 tablespoon portions of dough, roll them into balls, and place them on parchment-lined baking sheets.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 17 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden.
- Finish with Sugar: Once baked, gently roll the warm cookies in powdered sugar, allow them to cool, and roll them again.