Cherry Snowball Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Cherry Snowball Cookies are a delightful treat combining the richness of butter and nuts with bursts of cherry and chocolate flavors. These tender, powdery cookies are perfect for festive occasions or anytime you crave a sweet, nostalgic bite.

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups Butter (room temperature), salted or unsalted
• 0.75 cup Powdered sugar (for dough)
• 0.5 cup Granulated sugar
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1.5 tsp Almond extract
• 1.5 tsp Vanilla extract (pure preferred)
• 0.5 tsp Cherry extract or emulsion
• 0.5 cup Maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
• 1 cup Pecans, finely ground
• 4.5 cups All-purpose flour (may vary slightly)
• 0.75 cup Mini chocolate chips (semi-sweet recommended)
• 1.5 cups Powdered sugar (for rolling)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Beat butter, powdered sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
2. Step 2: Mix in salt, almond extract, vanilla extract, and cherry extract until well combined.
3. Step 3: Drain cherries well, chop finely, and gently fold them into the dough.
4. Step 4: Add finely ground pecans and mix until evenly distributed.
5. Step 5: Gradually add flour, ½ cup at a time, mixing until the dough comes together.
6. Step 6: Fold in mini chocolate chips using a wooden spoon.
7. Step 7: Chill dough for 30–60 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
8. Step 8: Scoop 1.5 tablespoon portions of dough, roll into balls, and place on lined baking sheets.
9. Step 9: Bake for 15–17 minutes until the bottoms are lightly golden.
10. Step 10: Roll warm cookies in powdered sugar, let cool, then roll again for the snowball finish.

Tips & Variations

• Use unsalted butter and adjust salt amount if you prefer more control over the saltiness.
• If you don’t have cherry extract, a splash of cherry juice or substituting with a little additional almond extract works well.
• For a nut-free version, omit pecans and add extra mini chocolate chips or dried fruit.
• Chilling the dough is important for easier handling and better texture.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a sealed container or bag for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw at room temperature. The powdered sugar coating may be refreshed by rolling cookies again in powdered sugar after thawing.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Fresh cherries have a higher moisture content, which can affect dough consistency. If using fresh cherries, drain them thoroughly and chop finely, but the texture and sweetness will differ from the traditional recipe.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

This recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. To make them gluten-free, substitute a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend that includes xanthan gum for the best results.

Cherry Snowball Cookies Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 133 reviews

Cherry Snowball Cookies are delightful bite-sized treats combining a buttery, tender dough with the bright flavor of maraschino cherries, finely ground pecans, and sweet mini chocolate chips. Rolled generously in powdered sugar for a snowy finish, these cookies offer a perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors with a hint of almond and cherry essence, making them ideal for festive occasions or everyday indulgence.

• Author: Naya
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-17 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 36 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough

• 1.5 cups Butter (room temperature), salted or unsalted
• 0.75 cup Powdered sugar (for dough)
• 0.5 cup Granulated sugar
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1.5 tsp Almond extract
• 1.5 tsp Vanilla extract
• 0.5 tsp Cherry extract or emulsion
• 0.5 cup Maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
• 1 cup Pecans, finely ground
• 4.5 cups All-purpose flour (may vary slightly)
• 0.75 cup Mini chocolate chips, semi-sweet

For Rolling

• 1.5 cups Powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Prepare the dough base: Beat the butter, powdered sugar (for dough), and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 5 minutes with an electric mixer, which helps incorporate air and ensures a tender cookie.
2. Add flavorings: Mix in the salt, almond extract, vanilla extract, and cherry extract until well combined, creating a richly flavored dough base with a hint of cherry and almond.
3. Incorporate cherries: Drain the maraschino cherries thoroughly to avoid excess moisture, then chop them finely. Gently fold the chopped cherries into the dough to distribute their sweetness evenly.
4. Mix nuts: Add the finely ground pecans to the dough and mix until they are evenly integrated, providing a nutty texture and flavor.
5. Add flour gradually: Gradually add the all-purpose flour half a cup at a time. Mix after each addition until the dough comes together and is no longer sticky but still pliable.
6. Fold in chocolate chips: Using a wooden spoon, fold in the mini semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough to add bursts of chocolate flavor.
7. Chill the dough: Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for 30 to 60 minutes. This step firms the dough, making it easier to handle and helping the cookies hold their shape during baking.
8. Preheat oven: While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare baking sheets with parchment paper or liners.
9. Form cookie balls: Scoop approximately 1.5 tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into a smooth ball. Place them evenly spaced on the lined baking sheets to allow for spreading.
10. Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 15 to 17 minutes until the bottoms are lightly golden, indicating they are cooked through but still tender inside.
11. Roll in powdered sugar: Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, roll them while still warm in powdered sugar. Let them cool completely, then roll again in powdered sugar to achieve the signature snowy coating.

Notes

• Ensure maraschino cherries are well drained to prevent the dough from becoming too wet.
• Chilling the dough is important for texture and easier handling.
• If cherry extract is unavailable, a few drops of cherry juice concentrate or omitting it is possible, but flavor will be less intense.
• Using salted butter will add a slight saltiness; adjust added salt accordingly if using unsalted butter.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.

Keywords: Cherry Snowball Cookies, holiday cookies, nutty cookies, cherry cookies, chocolate chip cookies, snowball cookies