Cherry Snowball Cookies are buttery, melt-in-your-mouth holiday treats with a sweet surprise inside , a bright red maraschino cherry tucked into each cookie and coated in a blanket of powdered sugar “snow.” These cookies are festive, elegant, and incredibly easy to make, making them perfect for Christmas cookie trays, edible gifts, or cozy baking sessions with family.
The delicate buttery dough, infused with vanilla and almond, wraps each cherry like a soft pillow. When baked, the cookies turn golden on the bottom while staying tender and crumbly on the inside. Rolled in powdered sugar while warm, they look just like little snowballs — and taste even better!
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar (plus more for rolling)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional, but recommended)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 20–24 maraschino cherries, drained and patted dry
Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Cherries
- Drain maraschino cherries and pat them completely dry with paper towels. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Dough
- In a large bowl, beat softened butter and ½ cup powdered sugar until light and creamy.
- Add vanilla and almond extracts and mix well.
- Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- If the dough is too soft, refrigerate for 20 minutes to make it easier to handle.
Step 3: Wrap the Cherries
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and flatten it slightly in your hand.
- Place one cherry in the center, then gently roll dough around it, covering the cherry completely.
- Repeat with remaining dough and cherries.
Step 4: Bake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet about 1 inch apart.
- Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until bottoms are lightly golden (tops should stay pale).
Step 5: Roll in Sugar
- Let cookies cool for 5 minutes, then roll warm cookies in powdered sugar to coat.
- Once fully cooled, roll again for a snowy finish.
Variations
- Chocolate Cherry Snowballs: Add 2 tablespoons cocoa powder to the dough.
- Cherry Almond Snowballs: Mix ¼ cup finely chopped almonds into the dough.
- Glazed Version: Drizzle with melted white chocolate or almond glaze for extra sweetness.
- Festive Look: Use red and green sugar sprinkles in addition to powdered sugar for color.
Cooking Notes
- Make sure cherries are completely dry; excess moisture will cause cookies to spread.
- For an almond-forward flavor, use almond extract in both dough and glaze.
- Double-roll in powdered sugar for a more opaque, snowy appearance.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with hot cocoa or peppermint tea for a cozy holiday pairing.
- Add to a Christmas cookie platter with shortbread, gingerbread, and spritz cookies.
- Wrap in clear cellophane bags tied with red ribbons for charming edible gifts.
Tips
- Refrigerate dough briefly if it becomes too soft to shape.
- Use a small cookie scoop for even-sized cookies.
- Store in an airtight container with parchment layers to prevent sticking.
- These cookies freeze beautifully , up to 2 months before coating with sugar.
Timing
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Chill Time (optional): 20 minutes
- Baking Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Nutritional Information (per cookie, 24 servings)
- Calories: 140
- Protein: 1g
- Sodium: 40mg
FAQs
Q1: Can I make cherry snowball cookies ahead of time?
- Yes, they keep well for several days in an airtight container and can be frozen uncoated for longer storage.
Q2: Can I use fresh cherries?
- No, maraschino cherries are best because they hold their shape and flavor during baking.
Q3: Can I make them gluten-free?
- Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour substitute.
Q4: How do I prevent my dough from cracking?
- Make sure the butter is fully softened and the dough is well mixed but not dry.
Q5: How should I store them?
- Store at room temperature in a sealed container for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for up to 10 days.
Conclusion
Cherry Snowball Cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious , buttery, delicate, and bursting with a hidden cherry surprise. Their soft, crumbly texture and snowy powdered sugar coating make them a holiday favorite you’ll want to bake every year. Whether for cookie swaps, gifting, or Christmas dessert trays, these cookies capture the sweet magic of the season in every bite.