Irresistible Cherry Snowball Cookies

Step into a winter wonderland of flavor with these enchanting Irresistible Cherry Snowball Cookies! These delightful, buttery treats, studded with vibrant dried cherries and dusted generously with powdered sugar, are guaranteed to melt in your mouth and steal the show at any gathering.

Why You’ll Love These Irresistible Cherry Snowball Cookies

•  Perfectly Buttery Texture: Each bite offers a tender, crumbly texture that truly melts away.
• Bursting with Cherry Flavor: Sweet and slightly tart dried cherries infuse every cookie with a delightful fruitiness.
• Festive & Beautiful: Their snowy appearance makes them ideal for holidays, potlucks, and special occasions.
• Simple to Make: With straightforward ingredients and easy steps, even novice bakers can achieve cookie perfection.
• Crowd-Pleasing Favorite: These classic cookies appeal to everyone, disappearing quickly from any plate.
• Versatile & Adaptable: Easily customize with different dried fruits or extracts for new flavor experiences.

Ingredients Needed for Your Cherry Snowball Cookies

Crafting these delectable cherry snowball cookies requires just a handful of simple ingredients. Selecting high-quality components ensures the best flavor and texture in your final bake.

• 1 cup (200g) unsalted butter, softened: Opt for good quality butter; it’s the foundation of these rich cookies.
• 1/2 cup (100g) powdered sugar (for dough): This fine sugar blends seamlessly into the butter for a smooth dough.
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract: Pure vanilla extract offers the best, most aromatic flavor.
• 2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour: Measure accurately by spooning and leveling to avoid dense cookies.
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25g) salt: Essential for balancing the sweetness and enhancing other flavors.
• 1 cup (150g) dried cherries, finely chopped: Choose plump, soft dried cherries for the best texture and taste.
• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar for rolling: You’ll need extra for that iconic snowy finish.

YOU MIGHT LOVE: Heavenly Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll Recipe – Indulge in another cherry-infused dessert that’s utterly divine and perfect for special occasions.

Essential Equipment for Irresistible Cherry Snowball Cookies

Having the right tools makes baking these delicate cookies a breeze. A reliable stand mixer or hand mixer is a must for creaming the butter and sugar thoroughly, ensuring a light and airy dough. Additionally, parchment paper prevents sticking and makes for easy cleanup.

• • Large mixing bowl: For combining ingredients without mess.
  • Electric mixer (stand or hand): Crucial for achieving a light, fluffy butter-sugar mixture.
  • Baking sheets: Provide an even cooking surface for your cookies.
  • Parchment paper: Ensures non-stick baking and effortless cleanup.
  • Wire rack: Essential for cooling cookies evenly after baking.

this …

• Small bowl or plate: For rolling the warm cookies in powdered sugar.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 30 cookies
• Difficulty: Easy

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cherry Snowball Cookies

 Prepare for Baking

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.

 Mix the Dough

2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar. Beat with an electric mixer until the mixture is visibly light and fluffy, usually 2-3 minutes.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract until it is thoroughly combined and fragrant.
4. Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until a soft, cohesive dough begins to form. Be careful not to overmix, which can lead to tough cookies.
5. Gently fold in the finely chopped dried cherries until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. Ensure every bite will have that delightful cherry burst.

 Bake and Finish

6. 6. Scoop the dough and roll it into 1-inch balls using your hands. Place these balls onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for slight spreading.
   7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden and the cookies are set. They will still be pale on top.
   8. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes. This brief cooling period helps them firm up before handling.
   9. While the cookies are still warm, gently roll them in the remaining powdered sugar. The warmth helps the sugar adhere beautifully.
   10. Transfer the cookies to wire racks and let them cool completely. Once fully cooled, roll them in powdered sugar again for an extra thick, snowy coating that truly makes them irresistible.

CHECK OUT: Chocolate Peppermint Swirl Cookies: A Festive Treat for the Holidays – If you love festive cookies, you’ll adore this minty, chocolaty twist!

Tips for Success with Cherry Snowball Cookies

• Softened Butter is Key: Ensure your butter is truly at room temperature. This allows it to cream properly with the sugar, creating a tender, uniform dough.
• Don’t Overmix: Once you add the flour, mix only until just combined. Overmixing develops gluten, which can lead to tough cookies.
• Double Roll for the “Snow” Effect: Rolling once while warm ensures the sugar sticks, and a second roll after cooling provides that perfect, thick, snowy finish.
• Chop Cherries Finely: Small pieces of dried cherry distribute more evenly and ensure a pleasant texture in every bite.
• Consistent Ball Size: Use a small cookie scoop or roll balls consistently to ensure even baking.

Variations & Substitutions

These Irresistible Cherry Snowball Cookies are incredibly versatile!

• Nutty Twist: Add 1/2 cup (60g) finely chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch.
• Citrus Zest: Incorporate 1 teaspoon of orange or lemon zest into the dough for a bright, aromatic lift.
• Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend (ensure it contains xanthan gum) for a gluten-free version.
• Different Dried Fruits: Experiment with finely chopped dried cranberries, blueberries, or apricots for diverse flavor profiles.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use a good quality plant-based butter substitute to make these cookies dairy-free.

Serving Suggestions

These Irresistible Cherry Snowball Cookies are delightful on their own, but a few simple pairings can elevate the experience. Enjoy them with a warm cup of coffee or a comforting mug of herbal tea. For a festive touch, serve them alongside a bowl of homemade eggnog (non-alcoholic) or a sparkling fruit punch. They also make a wonderful addition to any dessert platter or cookie exchange.

Health Benefits

While these Irresistible Cherry Snowball Cookies are indeed a treat, they offer some small nutritional benefits. Dried cherries provide natural antioxidants. Portion control is always key when enjoying desserts. Here’s a quick look at the values per cookie:

• Calories: 120
• Total Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 15mg
• Sodium: 40mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 13g
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 6g
• Protein: 1g

Storage & Reheating

To keep your Irresistible Cherry Snowball Cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you plan to keep them longer, these cookies freeze beautifully. Simply place the cooled, sugar-dusted cookies in a single layer in an airtight freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving; a quick re-roll in powdered sugar can refresh their snowy look.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cherry Snowball Cookies

How do I make sure my cookies aren’t too crumbly?

Ensure your butter is properly softened but not melted. Also, avoid adding too much flour. Measure precisely and mix until just combined, not more.

Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried?

No, fresh cherries have too much moisture and will alter the dough’s consistency, potentially leading to soggy cookies. Stick to dried cherries for this recipe.

Why do I roll them in sugar twice?

The first roll while warm helps the sugar adhere to the slightly sticky surface. The second roll after cooling gives them a truly abundant, beautiful snowy appearance and extra sweetness.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, shape it into a log, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before rolling and baking.

My cookies spread too much. What happened?

This often happens if your butter was too warm or if you didn’t measure your flour correctly. Chilling the dough for 15-30 minutes before baking can also help prevent excessive spreading.

More Delicious Dishes

If you loved these delightful cherry cookies, you’ll certainly enjoy these other sweet and comforting recipes:

• Peppermint Snowball Cookies That Melt Before You Blink – Get ready for another melt-in-your-mouth experience with a festive minty twist.
• Irresistible Apple Cinnamon Muffins You Must Try – Enjoy the comforting flavors of apple and cinnamon in a soft, tender muffin.
• Easy Maple Pecan Shortbread Cookies – A simple yet elegant cookie, perfect for any occasion with a delightful nutty crunch.

Conclusion

These Irresistible Cherry Snowball Cookies are a delightful addition to any cookie repertoire, bringing joy with their tender crumb and sweet cherry bursts. They are simple to make and always a hit! Follow us on Facebook and Pinterest for more amazing recipes!

Print