Cherry Snowball Cookies

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Cherry Snowball Cookies are the kind of treat that brings a touch of whimsy and joy to any dessert table. These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies are studded with bright maraschino cherries and rolled in powdered sugar, giving them the look of delicate snowballs. They’re simple yet charming, making them perfect for holidays, baby showers, or anytime you want a pop of color and sweetness.

What makes these cookies so special is their tender, shortbread-like texture paired with the chewy surprise of cherry in every bite. Whether you’re baking for guests or just indulging in a cozy weekend at home, these cookies feel nostalgic and fun, with a fruity twist that makes them stand out.

Why You’ll Love This Cherry Snowball Cookies Recipe

These cookies are incredibly easy to make, yet they deliver a beautiful presentation and big flavor. With just a handful of pantry staples, you get soft, buttery bites that are not too sweet, perfectly balanced by the bright flavor of cherries. They also freeze well, so you can make them ahead and have a batch ready for unexpected guests or cravings.

Can I Use Different Types of Cherries in Cherry Snowball Cookies?

Maraschino cherries are the classic pick here because of their vivid red color and chewy texture. They hold up well in baking and give that signature festive look. However, if you’re feeling adventurous, dried cherries or even Amarena cherries can offer a deeper flavor profile. Just keep in mind they may slightly change the texture and appearance of your cookies.

Ingredients for the Cherry Snowball Cookies

To make these cookies just right, every ingredient plays an important role in creating their soft texture and signature flavor.

Unsalted butter is the backbone of the cookie, bringing a rich and creamy texture. It helps create that classic shortbread crumb that melts in your mouth.

Powdered sugar sweetens the dough and also makes the outer coating so pretty and snowy. It’s less grainy than granulated sugar, giving the cookie a soft bite.

All-purpose flour is the structure of the cookie. It balances the fat from the butter and keeps the cookie from spreading too much.

Cornstarch makes the cookie even more tender by reducing the protein content in the flour mixture.

Vanilla extract adds warmth and depth to the flavor, enhancing the buttery base and cherry notes.

Salt is key to balancing the sweetness and bringing out the full flavor of each ingredient.

Maraschino cherries bring their unique, sweet tang and vibrant red color. Be sure to dry them well before adding to avoid too much moisture.

Powdered sugar (again) is for rolling the cookies after baking. It gives them their signature snowball look.

How To Make the Cherry Snowball Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by beating the unsalted butter and powdered sugar together until it becomes light and fluffy. This step incorporates air and sets up the cookie for a tender texture.

Step 2: Add Vanilla and Dry Ingredients

Mix in the vanilla extract and then gradually add the flour, cornstarch, and salt. Stir until just combined—you don’t want to overwork the dough.

Step 3: Fold in the Cherries

Chop the maraschino cherries into small bits and gently fold them into the dough. You want an even distribution so each cookie has that fruity pop.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Let the dough rest in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This makes it easier to roll and keeps the cookies from spreading while baking.

Step 5: Shape and Bake

Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the chilled dough and roll them into balls. Place on a lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the bottoms just begin to turn golden.

Step 6: Roll in Powdered Sugar

Once the cookies are cool enough to handle but still warm, roll them in powdered sugar. Let them cool completely, then roll again for a perfect snowy finish.

Storing and Serving Cherry Snowball Cookies

These cookies are best served at room temperature and pair beautifully with a cup of tea, coffee, or even hot cocoa. They make a charming addition to holiday cookie platters and gift tins.

Cherry Snowball Cookies will keep well for up to a week in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also freeze them (uncoated or fully coated in sugar) for up to three months. Just be sure to let them thaw at room temperature before enjoying or serving.

This recipe makes around 24 cookies, which is just enough to share while still keeping a few to savor for yourself.

What to Serve With Cherry Snowball Cookies?

Hot Chocolate with Whipped Cream

A classic pairing that brings out the cookie’s buttery flavor with a rich, chocolatey contrast.

Eggnog or Holiday Punch

Perfect for festive gatherings, these drinks complement the cherry flavor and snowy look of the cookies.

Sparkling Rosé or Champagne

If you’re serving these at a party, a little bubbly makes them feel even more celebratory.

Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Sandwich these cookies around a small scoop of ice cream for a playful, elegant dessert.

Cheesecake Bites

Add some creamy cheesecake squares to your dessert platter for a rich and tangy contrast.

Lemon Bars

The tartness of lemon bars pairs beautifully with the sweet, mellow flavor of the snowball cookies.

Mint Chocolate Truffles

They offer a refreshing and rich complement to the fruity, light texture of the cookies.

Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls

Their warm spice and jammy sweetness make a cozy pairing with cherry cookies.

Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?

If these Cherry Snowball Cookies have your heart, you’ll want to try these other unique cookie recipes from the blog:

• Whimsical Cotton Candy Cookies Delight for a burst of nostalgic fun.
• Peggi’s Gigantic Melt-In-Your-Mouth Crispy Peanut Butter Cookies for those who love a satisfying crunch.
• Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies if you’re craving buttery richness.
• White Chocolate Orange Creamsicle Truffles to explore citrusy sweetness.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add almond extract or swap cherries for cranberries? Did you roll them twice in sugar for extra snowy magic?

I love seeing how others bring these recipes to life. Share your tweaks and questions below – we’re all in this sweet journey together.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and more delightful treats on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and discover your next favorite dessert!

Conclusion

Cherry Snowball Cookies are everything a sweet treat should be: simple to make, charming to serve, and full of nostalgic flavor. Whether for the holidays, a special gathering, or a quiet afternoon, these cookies are bound to become a seasonal staple in your kitchen.

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