Hey there, fellow baking enthusiasts! I’m so thrilled to share a delightful recipe that’s perfect for cozy gatherings or simply treating yourself after a long day. Meet the Cherry Snowball Cookies, little bites of joy that will brighten up any occasion with their sweet cherry flavor and fun snowy appearance. If you’ve been looking for a way to add a little sparkle and sweetness to your dessert table, you’re in the right place! These cookies are not only beautiful but also incredibly satisfying to make, and eat!
Why Make This Recipe
Cherry Snowball Cookies are the epitome of comfort baking. They’re easy to whip up, require just a handful of ingredients, and are perfect for any time of the year. Whether you’re gearing up for a holiday gathering or just want to indulge in a sweet treat, these cookies hit the spot. Plus, they combine the wonderful flavors of maraschino cherries and shredded coconut with a lovely nutty crunch, creating a unique taste that’s hard to resist.
Another reason to dive into the world of Cherry Snowball Cookies is their versatility. They can be enjoyed at brunch with friends, served at a festive party, or even wrapped up as a thoughtful gift for someone you love. Each bite is like a little burst of happiness! Making these cookies is not just about the end result; it’s about enjoying the process, getting your hands a little messy, and filling your kitchen with delightful aromas of baking. So let’s get started!
How to Make Cherry Snowball Cookies
Now that we’ve built up the excitement, let’s dive into this simple yet scrumptious recipe. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Additional powdered sugar for rolling
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This is where the magic begins!
- Mix in the vanilla extract, giving your cookie dough a lovely aromatic twist.
- Gradually add the flour, salt, and chopped walnuts, mixing until well combined. Look at that dough coming together!
- Fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and shredded coconut. This is where you can really see the beauty of the ingredients.
- Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Don’t worry about making them perfect; a little unevenness adds charm!
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. Your kitchen will smell amazing during this time!
- Let the cookies cool for a few minutes before rolling them in powdered sugar while they are still warm. This snowy coating is what makes them so special!
- Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before serving. Patience is a virtue here, trust me!
How to Serve Cherry Snowball Cookies
When it comes to serving these beauties, feel free to get creative! They are perfect on their own, but you can also serve them alongside a hot cup of tea or coffee. If you want to take it up a notch, arrange the cookies on a festive plate and add some seasonal decorations for a touch of flair. They’ll make a gorgeous centerpiece at any gathering!
How to Store Cherry Snowball Cookies
To keep your Cherry Snowball Cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay good for about a week, but trust me, they’re so scrumptious that they probably won’t last that long! If you want to keep them for an extended period, you can also freeze them. Just make sure they’re well-wrapped, and pop them in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw on the counter for a bit.
Tips to Make Cherry Snowball Cookies
- Softened Butter: Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. This ensures that everything whips together smoothly.
- Chop the Nuts: For the best texture, chop the walnuts finely so they blend well with the dough.
- Chill the Dough: If your kitchen is warm or if you find the dough too sticky to handle, consider chilling it for about 30 minutes before rolling into balls. It makes shaping much easier!
- Experiment with Flavors: If cherries aren’t your thing, feel free to swap them out for dried cranberries or even chocolate chips. The possibilities are endless!
Variation
While Cherry Snowball Cookies are divine in their original form, you can get creative with mix-ins! Consider adding a dash of almond extract for added flavor, or swap out walnuts for pecans. You could even add a sprinkle of cinnamon for a warm spice note! Each variation will bring a unique twist to this classic recipe.
FAQs
Q1: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it’s designed for baking to get the best results.
Q2: What can I use instead of maraschino cherries?
If you’re looking for something different, feel free to mix in chopped dried cherries, cranberries, or even fresh cherries when they’re in season. Each will provide a unique taste to your cookies.
Q3: How can I make these cookies ahead of time?
You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to three days before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze the raw cookie balls and bake them fresh whenever you’d like a batch of warm cookies ready to go.
There you go! With this Cherry Snowball Cookies recipe, you’re all set to fill your kitchen with sweetness and joy. Happy baking!
Print
Cherry Snowball Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful cherry-flavored cookies coated in powdered sugar that bring joy to any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Additional powdered sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the flour, salt, and chopped walnuts, mixing until well combined.
- Fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and shredded coconut.
- Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool for a few minutes before rolling them in powdered sugar while still warm.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze well-wrapped for up to three months. Experiment with flavors by substituting cherries or nuts!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg