If you love classic snowball cookies, these Cherry Snowball Cookies are a festive twist that’s hard to resist! Buttery, tender, and delicately sweet, these little cookies are filled with chopped maraschino cherries and coated in a generous layer of powdered sugar. Every bite melts in your mouth, with a soft, crumbly texture and little bursts of sweet cherry flavor.
PrintCherry Snowball Cookies – Easy Buttery Christmas Cookies
These Cherry Snowball Cookies are buttery, tender, and filled with sweet maraschino cherries. Coated in powdered sugar, they’re an easy and festive Christmas treat!
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Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- 1 cup(2sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cuppowdered sugar
- 1 teaspoonvanilla extract
- 2¼ cupsall-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoonsalt
- ¾ cupmaraschino cherries, finely chopped and thoroughly drained
- ½ cupfinely chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
For the Powdered Sugar Coating
- 1 cuppowdered sugar, for the first coating
- ½ cuppowdered sugar, for the final coating
Instructions
Prepare the Cherries
- Drain the maraschino cherries thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Finely chop the cherries and gently blot them again to remove as much moisture as possible. Set aside.
Make the Cookie Dough
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and creamy.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.
- Gently fold in the chopped cherries and optional nuts until evenly distributed.
Shape the Cookies
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it between your palms into a small ball.
- Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch between each cookie.
- If the dough feels too soft, refrigerate it for 15–20 minutes before baking.
Bake the Cookies
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. The tops should remain pale.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes.
Coat with Powdered Sugar
- Place the first cup of powdered sugar in a shallow bowl.
- While the cookies are still slightly warm, gently roll each one in powdered sugar until coated.
- Transfer them to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely.
- Once cooled, roll the cookies in the remaining powdered sugar for a thick, snowy finish.
These cookies are easy to prepare with simple baking ingredients and make a beautiful addition to any holiday dessert platter. Their snowy powdered sugar coating gives them a charming winter look, while the cherries add a pop of color that makes them especially festive.
Whether you’re baking for Christmas, sharing homemade treats with friends, or preparing something special for a cookie exchange, Cherry Snowball Cookies are a delicious addition to your holiday baking collection.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Melt-in-your-mouth texture:These cookies are buttery, tender, and wonderfully crumbly.
- Sweet cherry flavor:Chopped maraschino cherries add fruity sweetness and a festive touch.
- Beautiful presentation:A generous powdered sugar coating gives each cookie its signature snowy appearance.
- Easy to make:You only need a handful of everyday baking ingredients and a few simple steps.
- Perfect for holidays:Their red cherry pieces and white sugar coating make them ideal for Christmas celebrations.
- Great for sharing:These bite-sized treats are perfect for cookie exchanges, holiday parties, and homemade edible gifts.
What Makes Them Special
Traditional snowball cookies are usually made with butter, flour, powdered sugar, and chopped nuts. This cherry version adds a fruity twist by incorporating finely chopped maraschino cherries into the dough.
The cherries bring little pockets of sweetness and a lovely festive color to the cookies. Their natural moisture also makes it important to drain and dry them properly before mixing them into the dough.
A double coating of powdered sugar creates the classic snowball finish. The first coating is added while the cookies are still slightly warm, helping the sugar stick, while a second coating after cooling gives them a beautiful snowy appearance.
The result is a delicate, buttery cookie with a soft texture and a sweet cherry surprise in every bite.
Helpful Tips for the Best Results
- Drain the cherries well:Remove as much liquid as possible before adding them to the dough. Excess moisture can make the cookies spread or become too soft.
- Chop the cherries finely:Small pieces distribute more evenly throughout the dough and make shaping easier.
- Pat them dry:Use paper towels to remove extra moisture after chopping.
- Use softened butter:Room-temperature butter makes it easier to create a smooth, well-combined dough.
- Don’t overmix:Mix just until the ingredients come together to keep the cookies tender.
- Chill the dough if needed:If the dough feels too soft or sticky, refrigerate it for 20–30 minutes before shaping.
- Coat twice in powdered sugar:Roll the cookies once while slightly warm and again after they have cooled for a thicker, snowy finish.
- Handle gently:These cookies are delicate, especially when warm, so allow them to rest briefly before transferring them.
When to Serve Cherry Snowball Cookies
Cherry Snowball Cookies are perfect for Christmas celebrations, winter gatherings, holiday cookie exchanges, and homemade gift boxes. Their festive appearance makes them a beautiful addition to any dessert table.
They are also wonderful for Valentine’s Day thanks to their sweet cherry flavor and little red pieces throughout the cookies. Serve them with coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or a glass of cold milk for a simple and satisfying treat.
Whether you’re preparing a holiday cookie platter or looking for a new twist on traditional snowball cookies, these buttery cherry treats are sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients
This recipe makes approximately24–28 cookies, depending on the size of the dough balls. These buttery cookies are filled with sweet maraschino cherries and finished with a generous powdered sugar coating.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (75 g) maraschino cherries, finely chopped and thoroughly drained
- ½ cup (60 g) finely chopped pecans or walnuts, optional
For the Powdered Sugar Coating
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar, for rolling
- Extra powdered sugar for the second coating
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Unsalted butter:Softened butter creates the rich, tender texture that makes snowball cookies so delicious. If using salted butter, reduce or omit the added salt.
Powdered sugar:Also called confectioners’ sugar, it gives the cookies their delicate sweetness and helps create their soft, crumbly texture.
Maraschino cherries:These add sweet cherry flavor and festive red color. Make sure they are well-drained and patted dry before chopping.
Vanilla extract:Adds warmth and enhances the buttery flavor. Almond extract can also be used for a slightly different flavor.
All-purpose flour:Provides structure while keeping the cookies tender. Measure carefully to avoid adding too much flour.
Pecans or walnuts:These are optional but add a traditional snowball cookie crunch. You can leave them out for a nut-free version.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Paper towels
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Small bowl for powdered sugar
- Wire cooling rack
Before You Begin
- Bring the butter to room temperature so it creams easily.
- Drain the maraschino cherries thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Chop the cherries into small, even pieces.
- Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Measure the flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off.
- Preheat the oven to350°F (175°C)before baking.
Cherry Snowball Cookies – Instructions
Prep Time:20 minutes
Chilling Time:30 minutes (optional)
Cook Time:12–15 minutes
Total Time:Approximately 1 hour
Servings:24–28 cookies
Baking Temperature:350°F (175°C)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Cherries
Drain the maraschino cherries thoroughly and place them on a layer of paper towels. Pat them dry to remove as much moisture as possible.
Finely chop the cherries into small pieces. Set aside while preparing the cookie dough.
Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2–3 minutes.
Continue mixing until the mixture becomes light, smooth, and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
Add the Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the butter mixture. Mix on low speed until a soft dough begins to form.
Avoid overmixing, as this can make the cookies dense instead of tender.
Fold in the Cherries and Nuts
Add the finely chopped maraschino cherries and optional chopped pecans or walnuts.
Gently fold them into the dough using a rubber spatula until evenly distributed.
If the dough feels too soft or sticky, cover the bowl and refrigerate it for about 20–30 minutes.
Shape the Cookies
Scoop small portions of dough, approximately 1 tablespoon each, and roll them gently between your palms to form smooth balls.
Place the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving about 1–2 inches of space between them.
Keep the cookies relatively small and evenly shaped so they bake at the same rate.
Bake Until Set
Bake in the preheated oven at350°F (175°C) for 12–15 minutes.
The cookies should look set, with lightly golden bottoms while the tops remain pale. Avoid overbaking to preserve their soft, delicate texture.
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies rest for about 5 minutes before transferring them.
Coat with Powdered Sugar
Place the powdered sugar in a shallow bowl.
While the cookies are still slightly warm, gently roll each one in powdered sugar until completely coated.
Transfer them to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely.
Once cooled, roll them in powdered sugar again for a thicker, snowy coating.
Serve and Enjoy
Arrange the Cherry Snowball Cookies on a serving plate or holiday dessert tray.
Their buttery texture, sweet cherry pieces, and beautiful powdered sugar coating make them a delicious treat for Christmas gatherings, cookie exchanges, or afternoon coffee.
Helpful Tips for Success
- Dry the cherries thoroughly:Excess moisture can affect the dough’s consistency and cause the cookies to spread.
- Chop the cherries finely:Smaller pieces make shaping easier and distribute the cherry flavor evenly.
- Don’t overwork the dough:Mix only until the ingredients are combined.
- Chill if necessary:Refrigerating soft dough helps the cookies maintain their round shape.
- Watch the baking time:Snowball cookies should remain pale on top. Lightly golden bottoms are a good indication that they’re ready.
- Roll while slightly warm:The first powdered sugar coating sticks better when the cookies are still warm.
- Apply a second coating:Rolling them again after cooling creates that classic snowy appearance.
Cherry Snowball Cookies – Serving, Storage, Variations & FAQs
Serving Suggestions
Cherry Snowball Cookies are delicious on their own, but they also make a beautiful addition to holiday dessert tables and homemade gift boxes.
- Christmas cookie platter:Arrange them alongside sugar cookies, gingerbread cookies, and chocolate crinkle cookies for a festive assortment.
- With hot chocolate:Serve them with a warm cup of hot chocolate for a cozy winter treat.
- Afternoon coffee:Their buttery sweetness pairs perfectly with coffee, cappuccino, or tea.
- Holiday dessert boxes:Place them in decorative cookie boxes or tins lined with parchment paper for homemade gifts.
- Valentine’s Day treats:Their little red cherry pieces make them a lovely addition to Valentine’s Day dessert platters.
- Ice cream pairing:Serve them alongside vanilla or cherry ice cream for an easy dessert.
Storage Instructions
Room Temperature:Store completely cooled Cherry Snowball Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together.
Refrigerator:Refrigeration is generally unnecessary, but you can store them in an airtight container for up to 1 week if your kitchen is particularly warm.
Freezing Baked Cookies:Place the completely cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container, separating the layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and dust with additional powdered sugar if needed.
Freezing Cookie Dough:Shape the dough into balls and arrange them on a baking sheet. Freeze until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
Make-Ahead Tip:You can prepare the dough a day ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, allow it to soften slightly if necessary, shape the cookies, and bake as directed.
Delicious Variations
- Cherry Almond Snowball Cookies:Replace the vanilla extract with ½ teaspoon almond extract for a delicious cherry-almond combination.
- Chocolate Cherry Snowballs:Add ¼ cup mini chocolate chips or finely chopped dark chocolate to the dough.
- White Chocolate Cherry Cookies:Fold in white chocolate chips for extra sweetness and a creamy texture.
- Coconut Cherry Snowballs:Add ¼ cup finely shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
- Pecan Cherry Snowballs:Use finely chopped pecans for a traditional nutty flavor and extra crunch.
- Walnut Cherry Snowballs:Replace the pecans with chopped walnuts for a slightly earthy, rich flavor.
- Extra Cherry Flavor:Add a little cherry extract to intensify the fruity taste.
- Pink Snowball Cookies:Add a tiny drop of pink food coloring to the dough for a soft, festive pink appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my Cherry Snowball Cookies spreading?
Excess moisture from the maraschino cherries or overly soft butter can cause the cookies to spread. Drain and dry the cherries thoroughly, and refrigerate the dough for 20–30 minutes if it feels too soft before baking.
Do I have to use nuts?
No. Pecans and walnuts are completely optional. You can leave them out and still enjoy buttery, tender cookies with delicious cherry flavor.
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Maraschino cherries are recommended because they provide sweetness and a concentrated cherry flavor. Fresh cherries contain more moisture and may change the texture of the dough.
Why are my snowball cookies crumbly?
Snowball cookies naturally have a delicate, crumbly texture. However, if they fall apart too easily, you may have added too much flour or not mixed the butter and sugar sufficiently. Measure the flour carefully and allow the cookies to cool slightly before handling.
When should I roll the cookies in powdered sugar?
Roll them once while they are still slightly warm so the powdered sugar sticks to the surface. After they have cooled completely, roll them again for a thicker, snowy coating.
Can I make Cherry Snowball Cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate it. You can also bake the cookies a few days before serving and store them in an airtight container.
Can I freeze Cherry Snowball Cookies?
Yes! Baked cookies can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature and add another coating of powdered sugar if needed.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
The cookies should look set and remain pale on top, with lightly golden bottoms. They typically take 12–15 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
Can I use salted butter?
Yes. If you use salted butter, simply reduce or omit the additional salt in the recipe.
Final Thoughts
Cherry Snowball Cookies are a delightful twist on a classic holiday favorite. With their buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture, sweet cherry pieces, and beautiful powdered sugar coating, they are as pretty as they are delicious.
They’re easy to prepare, perfect for making ahead, and wonderful for sharing with family and friends. Whether you’re adding them to your Christmas cookie platter, preparing homemade gifts, or enjoying a sweet afternoon treat, these festive cookies are sure to bring a little extra sweetness to every occasion!