Cherry Snowball Cookies – A Christmas Classic
The holidays are all about joy, warmth, and of course—cookies! Among the countless varieties of Christmas cookies, Cherry Snowball Cookies stand out as a festive favorite. With their buttery, nutty flavor, dusting of snowy powdered sugar, and the surprise of a sweet maraschino cherry tucked inside, these cookies bring both nostalgia and delight to any holiday gathering.
Not only do they look beautiful on a holiday cookie platter, but they also melt in your mouth with a delicate balance of rich and fruity flavors. If you’re looking for a cookie that screams “Christmas magic,” these snowball cookies are it.
🎁 Why You’ll Love Cherry Snowball Cookies
- Festive & Pretty: The hidden cherry surprise makes every bite special.
- Classic Holiday Tradition: Perfect addition to cookie swaps or Christmas dessert tables.
- Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: Buttery cookie dough rolled in powdered sugar.
- Easy to Make Ahead: Great for baking in batches and storing for parties.
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar (plus extra for rolling)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup finely chopped almonds (or pecans)
- 24 maraschino cherries, drained and patted dry
- Pinch of salt
👩🍳 Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make dough: Cream butter and ½ cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in vanilla.
- Add dry ingredients: Gradually stir in flour, salt, and chopped nuts until dough forms.
- Wrap cherries: Take 1 tablespoon of dough, flatten, and wrap around a cherry to form a ball. Place on baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 12–15 minutes until set but not browned.
- Coat in sugar: While warm, roll cookies in powdered sugar. Let cool and roll again for a snowy finish.
Cherry Snowball Cookies
Festive buttery cookies filled with cherries and coated in powdered sugar—perfect for Christmas gatherings.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in vanilla.
- Stir in flour, salt, and chopped nuts until dough forms.
- Flatten dough, wrap around a maraschino cherry, and roll into a ball. Place on baking sheet.
- Bake 12–15 minutes until set but not browned.
- Roll cookies in powdered sugar while warm. Cool, then roll again for snowy effect.
Notes
Cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week. Roll again in powdered sugar before serving if needed.
🍽️ Serving Ideas
- Arrange in a festive tin for gifting.
- Place on a holiday dessert platter with peppermint bark and gingerbread men.
- Serve with hot cocoa or mulled wine for a cozy winter treat
