Name: Cherry Snowball Cookies That Melt in Your Mouth Delightfully
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 17 min
Total time: 92 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Butter (room temperature); ¾ cup Powdered Sugar (for dough); ½ cup Granulated Sugar; ¼ teaspoon Salt; 1 teaspoon Almond Extract (pure recommended); 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (pure recommended); 1 teaspoon Cherry Extract (or emulsion); ¾ cup Maraschino Cherries (drained and chopped); ½ cup Pecans (finely ground); 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (may vary based on moisture); ½ cup Mini Chocolate Chips (semi-sweet); ½ cup Powdered Sugar (for rolling)

As I stood in my kitchen, the crisp scent of fresh-baked goodness enveloped me like a warm hug, instantly transporting me to the heart of holiday cheer. These Cherry Snowball Cookies, with their buttery dough and sweet-tart maraschino cherries, offer a delightful escape from the ordinary. Packed with crunchy pecans and mini chocolate chips, they’re a flavor sensation that turns every gathering into a celebration. Best of all, they are a quick-to-make festive treat that can elevate any cookie platter. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these cookies are bound to leave a lasting impression on your loved ones. Ready to add a touch of magic to your holiday baking? Let’s dive into the world of Cherry Snowball Cookies together!

Why are Cherry Snowball Cookies a must-try?

Uniquely Delicious: The combination of maraschino cherries, pecans, and mini chocolate chips creates a flavor symphony that dances on your palate.
Quick and Easy: With simple steps, these cookies are perfect for both novice and seasoned bakers looking for a fun holiday project.
Visually Stunning: Their powdered sugar coating gives them a delightful “snowball” appearance, making them an eye-catching addition to any cookie platter.
Versatile Variations: Feel free to swap cherries for dried cranberries or add white chocolate chips to personalize your cookie experience!
Ideal for Gatherings: These delightful treats are sure to impress guests and make any holiday gathering feel extra special. Don’t forget to check out these Chocolate Oat Cookies for another tasty treat!

Cherry Snowball Cookies Ingredients

For the Dough
Butter – Provides richness and tenderness; use room temperature butter for the best consistency.
Powdered Sugar (for dough) – Sweetens while helping create a light texture.
Granulated Sugar – Enhances sweetness and contributes to the dough’s tender structure.
Salt – Balances and enhances flavors in the cookie.
Almond Extract – Adds a distinctive almond flavor essential for depth; use pure almond extract for the best flavor.
Vanilla Extract – Provides an aromatic flavor; preferring pure vanilla will enhance the taste significantly.
Cherry Extract or Emulsion – Gives a rich cherry flavor; if unavailable, substitution with cherry emulsion is recommended.
Maraschino Cherries – Provides sweetness and moisture; drain well and chop finely to avoid excess liquid affecting the dough.
Pecans – Contributes a nutty flavor and texture; finely ground pecans blend into the dough, achieving richness.
All-Purpose Flour – Forms structure; the quantity may vary based on moisture from cherries.
Mini Chocolate Chips – Adds richness; use semi-sweet chips for balance.
For Rolling
Powdered Sugar (for rolling) – Creates the signature “snowball” appearance and sweetness.

These delightful Cherry Snowball Cookies will be the highlight of your holiday festivities.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cherry Snowball Cookies

Step 1: Dough Preparation
Begin by beating 1 cup of room temperature butter with ¾ cup of powdered sugar and ½ cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Mix in ¼ teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of almond extract, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of cherry extract until well combined. Finely chop ¾ cup of drained maraschino cherries and fold them gently into the dough, along with ½ cup of finely ground pecans. Gradually add 2 cups of all-purpose flour, ½ cup at a time, until the dough holds together without being sticky. Finally, fold in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips with a wooden spoon.

Step 2: Chill Dough
Once your dough for the Cherry Snowball Cookies is nicely mixed, wrap it in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for 30 to 60 minutes. This step is crucial, as it helps solidify the butter, preventing the cookies from flattening during baking. While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking when you’re finished.

Step 3: Shaping and Baking
After chilling, using a cookie scoop (about 1.5 tablespoons), roll the dough into balls and place them on parchment-lined baking sheets, ensuring they are spaced about 1 inch apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 17 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. Keep a close eye on them; they should remain soft and pale on top for that characteristic melt-in-your-mouth texture of Cherry Snowball Cookies.

Step 4: Finishing Steps
As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, roll them in a generous layer of powdered sugar while they are still warm to create that snowy coating. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then roll them again in powdered sugar for a second time to enhance their festive appearance. Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack, and watch as they brighten any holiday gathering with their charm!

Make Ahead Options

These Cherry Snowball Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during the busy holiday season! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply mix all the ingredients and wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap. For best results, chill the dough in the refrigerator to maintain its shape and texture. When you’re ready to bake, scoop and shape into balls, then bake as directed. You can also roll the cookies in powdered sugar up to an hour before serving; they’ll be just as delightful and fresh. Embrace the holiday spirit while enjoying the convenience of prepped treats!

What to Serve with Cherry Snowball Cookies

As you unwrap the joy of Cherry Snowball Cookies, consider these delightful pairings to complete your festive feast.

Hot Cocoa: This rich, creamy beverage brings warmth and coziness, perfectly complementing the sweetness of the cookies.
Spiced Cider: A steaming cup of spiced cider adds a delightful hint of warmth and spice that harmonizes beautifully with the buttery cherry flavors.
Vanilla Ice Cream: The smooth, creamy texture of vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully, providing a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.
Cheese Platter: A selection of sharp cheeses balances the sweetness and richness of the cookies, creating an intriguing flavor combination that guests will love.
Chocolate Chip Cookies: Offering a classic and comforting counterpart, a tray of chewy chocolate chip cookies can appeal to traditional cookie lovers.
Fruit Tart: A tart filled with seasonal fruits adds a bright, refreshing element to your dessert table, enhancing the visual appeal and taste contrast.
Coffee or Espresso: A dark-roasted coffee or a shot of espresso pairs excellently, cutting through the sweetness while enhancing the flavors of the cookies.
Mini Cheesecakes: Serve individual mini cheesecakes with fruit toppings as a rich dessert option to balance the lightness of the Cherry Snowball Cookies.
Nutty Biscotti: The crunchy texture of biscotti adds a delightful contrast and is perfect for dipping into coffee or tea during the holidays.

Cherry Snowball Cookies Variations You’ll Love

Feel free to get creative with these delightful Cherry Snowball Cookies by exploring these tempting twists!

Dried Cranberry Swaps: Replace the maraschino cherries with chopped dried cranberries for a tangy bite that’s equally festive.
White Chocolate Bliss: Add white chocolate chips to the cookie dough for an extra layer of sweetness that complements the cherries beautifully.
Spiced Delight: Incorporate ground cardamom or cinnamon into the dough for a warm, aromatic flavor that elevates the holiday spirit.
Nutty Alternatives: Swap out pecans for toasted almonds or walnuts to enjoy a new nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the sweet cherries.
Bourbon Infusion: For a Southern twist, add a splash of bourbon extract along with toasted almond bits for a rich depth of flavor that will surprise and delight.
Coconut Charm: Fold in unsweetened shredded coconut to give your cookies a tropical twist, perfect for a sunny holiday vibe.
Maple Sweetness: Replace granulated sugar with pure maple sugar or syrup for a distinct maple flavor that will take your cookies to the next level.
Berry Burst: Try using frozen mixed berries instead of cherries to create a colorful and fruity version of these festive cookies.

No matter which variation you choose, your Cherry Snowball Cookies are sure to spread joy this holiday season. And if you’re looking for more delightful recipes, don’t miss out on these Chocolate Oat Cookies or Gluten-Free Chocolate Oat Cookies. Happy baking!

How to Store and Freeze Cherry Snowball Cookies

Fridge: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their tenderness and flavor.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

Dough: You can also freeze the unbaked dough. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before baking.

Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat frozen cookies in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes to restore their fresh-baked taste and texture.

Expert Tips for Cherry Snowball Cookies

Room Temperature Butter: Ensure your butter is at room temperature for optimal creaming—cold butter won’t blend properly, ruining your cookie texture.
Avoid Overbaking: Keep a close eye on the cookies; they should be soft and pale on top to maintain that desired melt-in-your-mouth feel in your Cherry Snowball Cookies.
Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! It helps solidify the butter, preventing cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Powdered Sugar Technique: If the dough sticks to your cookie scoop, dip it in powdered sugar between scoops for a smoother rolling process.
Customization Considerations: Feel free to switch up the ingredients, like using dried cranberries instead of cherries for a new twist on these festive cookies!

Cherry Snowball Cookies Recipe FAQs

What type of cherries should I use for these cookies?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and texture, I recommend using maraschino cherries. Be sure to drain them well and chop them finely to avoid excess moisture interfering with the dough.

How should I store Cherry Snowball Cookies to keep them fresh?
To maintain their delightful tenderness, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, layer them with parchment paper in decorative tins; they also get tastier after a day or two as the flavors meld!

Can I freeze Cherry Snowball Cookies? How?
Certainly! To freeze baked cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Alternatively, you can freeze the unbaked dough, wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap. When you’re ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator and scoop as usual!

Why did my cookies spread too much during baking?
Very! If your cookies spread too much, it could be because the dough was too warm when placed in the oven. Always chill the dough for at least 30-60 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading. If your kitchen is warm, you might want to chill the dough again briefly before baking.

Are Cherry Snowball Cookies safe for pets?
No, it’s best to keep these cookies away from your pets. Maraschino cherries contain a lot of sugar, and ingredients like chocolate can be harmful to dogs and cats. Make sure to store these mouthwatering treats safely out of their reach!

Can I substitute ingredients in this recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for variations, you can swap dried cranberries for the cherries for a tangy twist or substitute white chocolate chips for a sweeter profile. Feel free to explore and create a flavor that you love!