If you’re searching for a delightful treat that combines the festive joy of cherries with a melt-in-your-mouth texture, this Cherry Snowball Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. These tender, buttery cookies burst with sweet maraschino cherries, chopped pecans, and little pockets of semi-sweet chocolate chips, all wrapped in a cloud of powdered sugar. Each bite offers a perfect balance of chew, crunch, and sugary bliss—making this recipe an absolute must-try whether it’s for holiday gatherings, afternoon snacks, or just because.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cherry Snowball Cookies Recipe relies on a handful of simple yet carefully chosen ingredients that turn into something spectacular. Each component plays a crucial role, from the creamy butter that delivers richness to the almond and cherry extracts that give it a signature flavor twist.
- Butter: Using room temperature butter ensures a smooth, creamy dough that bakes evenly.
- Powdered sugar (for dough): Adds sweetness and a tender crumb to the cookies’ base.
- Granulated sugar: Balances texture by creating just the right amount of tenderness.
- Salt: Amplifies all the sweet flavors and balances richness.
- Almond extract: A vital flavor booster that pairs beautifully with cherries.
- Vanilla extract: Provides depth and a comforting aroma.
- Cherry extract: Enhances the cherry presence beyond just the fruit.
- Maraschino cherries: Their juicy sweetness contrasts perfectly with the nutty dough.
- Pecans: Ground finely for texture and a subtle nutty note.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation that holds everything together, measured carefully for ideal dough consistency.
- Mini chocolate chips: Adds little bursts of chocolate happiness in every bite.
- Powdered sugar (for coating): The finishing touch that gives these cookies their signature snowball look and extra sweetness.
How to Make Cherry Snowball Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This step ensures your cookies bake evenly and are easy to remove without sticking. Gather all your ingredients so you’re ready to craft your dough without any pauses—baking is smoother when everything is at hand.
Step 2: Ready the Cherries and Pecans
Drain the maraschino cherries thoroughly, then pat them dry to avoid excess moisture in your dough. Chop them into small quarter-inch pieces for even distribution. Pulse the pecans in a food processor until they reach a flour-like consistency, which helps them blend seamlessly with the flour and gives a tender texture throughout each cookie.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
Using a mixer, beat the butter with the powdered sugar and granulated sugar on medium-high speed. Doing this for about 3 minutes is key because the mixture lightens in color and becomes fluffy—this aeration helps bake the cookies with a lovely delicate crumb.
Step 4: Add Extracts and Salt
Next, mix in the almond, vanilla, and cherry extracts along with the salt. These ingredients infuse your dough with a vibrant fragrance and flavor that’s essential to the Cherry Snowball Cookies Recipe. A quick 30-second beat helps everything meld beautifully.
Step 5: Incorporate Flour and Pecans
Add your flour and ground pecans gradually in three parts, mixing on low speed just until combined. This careful mixing prevents overworking the dough, which can make the cookies tough instead of tender—and nobody wants that in snowball cookies!
Step 6: Fold in Cherries and Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the chopped cherries and mini chocolate chips. Folding rather than mixing vigorously preserves the shape and integrity of the cherries and chips so every bite includes these delightful bursts of flavor and texture.
Step 7: Shape the Dough
Roll the dough into one-inch balls, placing a whole maraschino cherry at the center of each ball for an extra surprise inside. Arrange the cookie dough balls about two inches apart on your lined baking sheets to allow room for baking expansion.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cookies for 12 to 15 minutes, rotating the baking sheets halfway through for even cooking. Once out of the oven, let the cookies rest for 5 minutes on the pan so they can firm up slightly before the sweet finishing step.
Step 9: The Signature Snowball Coating
While still warm, roll the cookies in powdered sugar to coat them generously. After they cool completely, roll them a second time for that iconic thick, snowy layer that makes these cookies unforgettable visually and taste-wise.
How to Serve Cherry Snowball Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For a festive touch, sprinkle a tiny pinch of finely chopped pecans or extra powdered sugar around your serving plate. You can even place a few whole maraschino cherries alongside for a colorful garnish that hints at the delicious cookies.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a steaming cup of tea, coffee, or even a glass of cold milk. Because of their richness, a simple beverage balances the sweetness perfectly without overwhelming your palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Cherry Snowball Cookies Recipe on a tiered dessert tray for holiday parties or scatter edible flower petals around a rustic wooden board for a charming homemade gift presentation. Wrapping a few in clear cellophane tied with a red ribbon instantly transforms them into thoughtful edible presents.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Cherry Snowball Cookies have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to one week, making them perfect for baking in advance of a special occasion.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies to enjoy later by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, freezing until solid, then transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag. They hold their flavor and texture well for up to three months when stored this way.
Reheating
If you prefer your snowball cookies slightly warm, pop them in a preheated 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This quick warm-up refreshes their buttery softness and melts the mini chocolate chips just enough for added indulgence.
FAQs
Can I substitute the maraschino cherries with fresh cherries?
Fresh cherries have a different moisture content and tartness, which can affect the dough’s consistency and flavor. If using fresh cherries, pit and drain them carefully, and reduce any additional liquid in the recipe slightly to maintain the right texture.
What if I don’t have cherry extract?
If cherry extract isn’t available, you can use a splash of almond extract alone to keep the nutty flavor profile, or substitute with a small amount of vanilla extract, though the cherry note will be less pronounced.
Why is there both powdered sugar and granulated sugar in this recipe?
Powdered sugar adds tenderness and a soft texture to the cookie dough, while granulated sugar contributes to light crispness and overall sweetness balance. The combination helps create the perfect texture unique to snowball cookies.
Can I use other nuts besides pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds can be great alternatives and provide their own unique flavors, but be sure to pulse them finely like the pecans to keep the dough tender and avoid large, hard chunks.
Do I have to roll the cookies in powdered sugar twice?
Rolling twice in powdered sugar is key to achieving that thick, snowfall coating characteristic of these cookies. It enhances sweetness and creates a beautiful contrast to the cookie’s slightly nutty interior.
Final Thoughts
If you want to make a batch of cookies that feel like a warm hug and offer a festive, fruity twist, the Cherry Snowball Cookies Recipe is your new go-to. Easy to make yet utterly memorable, these cookies are bound to become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire. Don’t wait for a special occasion—grab your ingredients and bring these delightful snowball treats to life!
Print
Cherry Snowball Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cherry Snowball Cookies are delicate, buttery treats packed with chopped maraschino cherries, finely ground pecans, and semi-sweet mini chocolate chips. Infused with almond, vanilla, and cherry extracts, these cookies offer a tender crumb and a sweet powdered sugar coating that melts in your mouth. Perfect for holiday gatherings or any time you crave a nostalgic, flavorful cookie experience.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1.5 cups butter (room temperature, salted or unsalted)
- 0.75 cup powdered sugar (for dough)
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar (creates tenderness)
- 1 tsp salt (enhances flavors)
- 1.5 tsp almond extract (key flavor)
- 1.5 tsp vanilla extract (pure preferred)
- 0.5 tsp cherry extract (see substitutions)
- 0.5 cup maraschino cherries (drained, chopped)
- 1 cup pecans (finely ground)
- 4.5 cups all-purpose flour (may vary)
- 0.75 cup mini chocolate chips (semi-sweet)
Coating
- 1.5 cups powdered sugar (for coating)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Gather all ingredients to have them ready.
- Prepare Cherries and Pecans: Drain maraschino cherries well and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Chop them into quarter-inch pieces for even distribution. Pulse pecans in a food processor until they reach a flour-like consistency to mix smoothly into the dough.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: Using a mixer, cream the softened butter with powdered sugar and granulated sugar on medium-high speed for about 3 minutes until the mixture is pale and fluffy, which helps create a tender texture.
- Add Extracts and Salt: Add almond extract, vanilla extract, cherry extract, and salt to the butter mixture. Beat for an additional 30 seconds to combine all flavors evenly.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour and ground pecans in three parts, mixing on low speed after each addition until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to maintain cookie tenderness.
- Fold in Cherries and Chocolate Chips: Gently fold chopped maraschino cherries and mini chocolate chips into the dough, ensuring they are evenly distributed without crushing the cherries.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into one-inch balls. For an extra cherry surprise, place one small piece of cherry in the center of each ball as you shape them. Arrange the cookie balls on the prepared baking sheets spaced about 2 inches apart to allow spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies at 350°F for 12 to 15 minutes, rotating the baking sheets halfway through baking for even cooking. Once baked, let the cookies rest and cool on the pan for about 5 minutes.
- Coat with Powdered Sugar: While the cookies are still warm, roll them in powdered sugar for the first coating to adhere. After they have fully cooled, roll them a second time in powdered sugar to create a thick, snowy coating that defines the classic snowball cookie look.
Notes
- Ensure maraschino cherries are well-drained and patted dry to prevent soggy dough.
- If cherry extract is unavailable, consider using additional almond extract or vanilla extract as a substitute.
- Use room temperature butter for better creaming and dough consistency.
- The amount of flour may vary slightly depending on humidity and flour brand; dough should be pliable but not sticky.
- For a nut-free version, pecans can be omitted or replaced with additional flour and cherries.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or frozen for longer storage.
