Cherry Snowball Cookies

Imagine a winter scene encapsulated within a cookie; that’s what you’ll find in these Cherry Snowball Cookies. If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings warmth and joy to your table, you’ve found it! These cookies are perfect for busy weeknights or special family gatherings. Each bite is filled with the tangy sweetness of maraschino cherries and the buttery goodness of a cookie that just melts in your mouth.

What makes this recipe so special is how it combines simple ingredients to create something magical. Whether it’s a cozy night in or a festive celebration, these Cherry Snowball Cookies will surely bring smiles all around.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up these delicious cookies in no time.
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves cookies! These are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Perfect for sharing: Bake a batch to share with friends or at gatherings, spreading warmth and happiness.
• Make-ahead option: Prepare the dough ahead of time and bake them fresh when you’re ready.
• Deliciously unique flavor: The combination of cherries, coconut, and walnuts creates a taste that’s both comforting and exciting.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients to create these lovely Cherry Snowball Cookies! You probably have most of them already in your pantry.

Ingredients:
– 1 ¼ c powdered sugar (divided)
– ½ c softened butter
– 1 c flour
– ¼ c instant oats
– ¼ c finely chopped sweetened coconut
– ¼ c finely chopped walnuts
– 1 pinch of salt
– 15 maraschino cherries (finely chopped)

Variations

The beauty of Cherry Snowball Cookies is their flexibility! Here are some fun ideas to switch things up:

• Add chocolate chips: For an extra treat, mix in some mini chocolate chips for delightful bursts of chocolate.
• Try different nuts: Swap walnuts for pecans or almonds for a different crunch and flavor.
• Use dried fruit: Replace maraschino cherries with dried cranberries or apricots for a new twist on sweetness.
• Coconut-free option: If coconut isn’t your thing, leave it out entirely for a more classic snowball cookie flavor.

How to Make Cherry Snowball Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures that your cookies bake evenly. While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cream Together Butter and Sugar

In a bowl, cream together 1/4 cup of powdered sugar and softened butter until smooth. This process incorporates air into the mixture and gives your cookies that light texture. Plus, it smells heavenly!

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the flour, oats, coconut, walnuts, and a pinch of salt into the bowl. Stirring in these dry ingredients creates the base of our dough. Lastly, gently fold in the chopped cherries – this adds bursts of flavor throughout each cookie!

Step 4: Shape the Cookies

Use a spoon to drop portions of dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Make sure to space them about 2 inches apart; they will spread as they bake. This little detail helps achieve that perfect shape!

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

Pop those delightful cookies into the oven and bake for about 18 minutes or until they turn slightly golden. Keep an eye on them toward the end – you want them just right!

Step 6: Coat with Sugar

Once baked, roll the warm cookies in the remaining powdered sugar until they are fully coated. This final touch not only looks beautiful but adds sweetness with every bite.

Enjoy every moment as you savor these lovely Cherry Snowball Cookies!

Pro Tips for Making Cherry Snowball Cookies

Baking can be a delightful journey, and a few helpful tips can elevate your Cherry Snowball Cookies to perfection!

• Use fresh maraschino cherries: Opting for freshly opened maraschino cherries will enhance the flavor profile of your cookies, providing that sweet-tart balance that makes each bite enjoyable.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Gently combining ingredients will help maintain a tender texture. Overmixing can lead to dense cookies rather than the light, airy bites you want.
• Chill the dough if needed: If your dough feels too sticky, pop it in the fridge for about 15 minutes. This will make it easier to handle and shape without sticking to your hands.
• Experiment with nuts: While walnuts add a lovely crunch, feel free to swap them out for pecans or almonds if you prefer. Each nut brings its unique flavor and texture to the cookie.
• Store properly for freshness: To keep your cookies soft and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to a week (if they last that long!).

How to Serve Cherry Snowball Cookies

These delightful cookies are versatile and can be served in various ways to impress family and friends. Whether it’s for a festive gathering or an afternoon tea, here are some ideas on how to present them beautifully!

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar right before serving adds an elegant touch while enhancing the snowball effect.
• Chopped nuts: Scatter some finely chopped walnuts or pecans on top for added texture and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

• Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal fruits adds brightness and complements the sweetness of the cookies beautifully.
• Vanilla almond milk: This creamy beverage pairs wonderfully with cookies, offering a balanced contrast to their richness.
• Herbal tea: A warm cup of herbal tea provides a soothing pairing that enhances the cozy feeling these cookies evoke.
• Ice cream sundae: Crumbling these cookies over vanilla or coconut ice cream creates an indulgent dessert that’s sure to please everyone!

Enjoy crafting these Cherry Snowball Cookies and sharing them with loved ones. Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Cherry Snowball Cookies are fantastic for meal prep! You can easily make them ahead of time and store them for a cozy treat whenever the craving hits.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature.
• Enjoy within a week for optimal freshness.

Freezing

• To freeze, let the cookies cool completely.
• Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.

Reheating

• If you prefer your cookies warm, reheat them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes.
• Alternatively, you can microwave them for about 10-15 seconds until warm.

FAQs

If you have questions about making these delightful Cherry Snowball Cookies, you’re not alone!

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries for Cherry Snowball Cookies?

Fresh cherries can be used, but they may alter the texture and moisture content of the cookies. Maraschino cherries add sweetness without adding extra moisture.

How do I ensure my Cherry Snowball Cookies turn out perfectly?

Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature and avoid overmixing once you add the flour. This ensures a tender cookie that melts in your mouth!

Can I use other nuts instead of walnuts in Cherry Snowball Cookies?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with pecans or almonds based on your preference or dietary needs.

How long does it take to make Cherry Snowball Cookies?

The total time from start to finish is about 40 minutes—20 minutes of preparation and 20 minutes of baking.

Final Thoughts

Baking these Cherry Snowball Cookies is not just about creating delicious treats; it’s about filling your home with warmth and joy. Each bite brings back fond memories and creates new ones. I hope this recipe brightens your day as much as it does mine. Enjoy making these delightful cookies, and don’t hesitate to share them with loved ones. Happy baking!