Cherry Snowball Cookies: A Sweet Bite of Joy
Let me just say, if you’ve never had Cherry Snowball Cookies, you are in for such a treat! These little delights are like a snowy winter wonderland of flavor, with a perfect blend of cherries and sweetness that just makes my heart sing. Picture this: soft, powdery cookies that melt in your mouth, bringing a pop of tart cherry goodness in every bite. You’re going to want to make these for your next get-together or maybe just for yourself—trust me, they are that good!
What Are Cherry Snowball Cookies?
Cherry Snowball Cookies are delightful little confections that are soft, buttery, and wonderfully sweet. They’re often rolled in powdered sugar, making them resemble little snowballs—hence the name! The beauty of these cookies lies in their simplicity, using a handful of ingredients to create something genuinely delightful. The burst of cherry flavor is a delightful surprise amidst the soft cookie texture, making these treats perfect for any occasion. Plus, they come together quickly, making them an excellent option for home bakers of any skill level.
Ingredients Overview for Cherry Snowball Cookies
Before you jump into making these delicious Cherry Snowball Cookies, let’s gather all the essentials. Here’s what you’ll need:
- All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for our cookies. You can substitute with a gluten-free blend if desired.
- Unsalted Butter: Make sure it’s soft for easy mixing. You can use margarine in a pinch, but butter gives the best flavor!
- Powdered Sugar: This will sweeten the cookies and dust the top for that snowball appearance.
- Chopped Maraschino Cherries: For the best flavor, use the good stuff! You can also use dried cherries if you prefer a chewier texture.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of this adds a lovely, warm note to the cookies.
- Chopped Nuts (optional): Walnuts or pecans can add some crunch, but feel free to skip them if you’re not a fan.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Cherry Snowball Cookies
Ready to whip up these sweet gems? Let’s get started!
- Preheat the Oven: First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). You want it nice and toasty!
- Mix Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and powdered sugar until it’s light and fluffy—this usually takes a couple of minutes.
- Add the Vanilla: Mix in the vanilla extract until evenly incorporated.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in Cherries and Nuts: Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries (and chopped nuts if using) until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Scoop the Dough: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake: Bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. They’ll look soft, but they’ll firm up as they cool.
- Cool and Coat: Allow the cookies to cool for a few minutes, then roll them in powdered sugar until completely coated. Let them cool fully on a wire rack.
Serving Suggestions
These Cherry Snowball Cookies are fabulous on their own, but you can always jazz them up! Serve them on a cute platter during your next gathering, or stash them in a pretty tin for a delightful gift. Pair with a big mug of hot cocoa or some freshly brewed coffee for a cozy afternoon treat—it’s pure bliss! If you’re feeling adventurous, try them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a seasonal dessert!
Tips for the Perfect Cherry Snowball Cookies
- Don’t overmix: Mixing too much can toughen the cookies, so just blend until combined.
- Chill the dough: If you find the dough too sticky, y’all can chill it for about 30 minutes before scooping.
- Use fresh cherries: If you happen to have access, fresh cherries can add a lovely, natural tartness.
- Experiment with flavor: Consider adding almond extract for a delicious twist!
Q&A Section
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dough can be made up to three days ahead and stored in the fridge. Just bake them the day you plan to serve for the freshest taste.
What if I don’t have maraschino cherries?
No worries! Dried cherries or even fresh chopped cherries work great as substitutes!
Can I freeze these cookies?
You can freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure they are well-sealed to avoid freezer burn!
How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They might get a bit soft, but oh-so-good!
Why You’ll Love Cherry Snowball Cookies
There’s just something so magical about Cherry Snowball Cookies that you will absolutely adore! They are easy to make, come together in no time, and the flavor is just unforgettable. The cherry bursts combined with the melt-in-your-mouth texture makes them a standout choice for any dessert table. Plus, who doesn’t love a treat that looks as delightful as it tastes? They’re perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself!
Behind the Scenes
When I first tried developing the recipe for these Cherry Snowball Cookies, I had a little hiccup. I accidentally added too much flour and ended up with a dough that could’ve doubled as modeling clay! After some trial and error, I found the right balance and wow, was it worth it. Each batch became better and better, and I learned that the quality of the cherries really made a difference. Now, these cookies are a staple in my holiday baking, and I can’t wait for you to enjoy them as much as I do!
Cherry Snowball Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful, soft cookies filled with cherries and rolled in powdered sugar, resembling little snowballs.
Ingredients
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter, softened
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar
- 1 cup Chopped Maraschino Cherries
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1/2 cup Chopped Nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream together the unsalted butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients.
- Fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and chopped nuts if using.
- Drop rounded balls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow to cool for a few minutes, then roll in powdered sugar until coated. Let them cool fully on a wire rack.
Notes
Don’t overmix the dough and chill if too sticky. Fresh cherries add a lovely tartness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg