Name: Cherry Snowball Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ¼ cups powdered sugar (divided); ½ cup softened butter; 1 cup flour; ¼ cup instant oats; ¼ cup finely chopped sweetened coconut; ¼ cup finely chopped walnuts; 15 maraschino cherries (finely chopped); Pinch of salt

Imagine a winter scene encapsulated within a cookie; that’s what you’ll find in these Cherry Snowball Cookies. Each bite is like experiencing a snow globe, with the buttery dough complementing the tangy sweetness of maraschino cherries all wrapped in a subtle hint of coconut and the satisfying crunch of walnuts. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or just want to indulge in a sweet treat on a cozy afternoon.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and clear instructions, even beginner bakers can whip up these delightful cookies.
Delicious Flavor: The combination of cherries, coconut, and walnuts creates a unique flavor profile that everyone will love.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Christmas, birthdays, or just a snack at home, these cookies fit right in.
Make Ahead: These cookies store well, making them great for prepping in advance.
Customizable: Feel free to substitute nuts or add more cherries to suit your taste!

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Cherry Snowball Cookies, gather your tools and equipment. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Spoon or cookie scoop
Measuring cups

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows you to combine all your ingredients without spilling.
Baking sheet: Essential for even baking; it helps keep your cookies from sticking and burning.
Parchment paper: This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Spoon or cookie scoop: Helps you portion out uniform cookie sizes for even baking.

Ingredients

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)

How to Make Cherry Snowball Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, cream together 1/4 cup of powdered sugar and softened butter until the mixture is smooth.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the flour, instant oats, finely chopped coconut, finely chopped walnuts, and a pinch of salt into the bowl. Mix until combined.

Step 4: Fold in Cherries

Gently fold in the finely chopped maraschino cherries until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 5: Portion the Dough

Use a spoon or cookie scoop to drop portions of dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Ensure they are spaced about 2 inches apart.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Place the baking sheet in the oven. Bake for around 18 minutes or until the cookies turn slightly golden around the edges.

Step 7: Coat in Sugar

After baking, roll each cookie in the remaining powdered sugar until fully coated. Let cool before serving.

Servings: 18 cookies
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve Cherry Snowball Cookies

Cherry Snowball Cookies can be enjoyed in various delightful ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying them at home, these cookies are perfect for any occasion.

With a Cup of Tea

Pair your cookies with a warm cup of herbal tea for a soothing afternoon treat.

On a Dessert Platter

Arrange the cookies on a beautiful dessert platter alongside other sweets like fudge and brownies for a festive display.

As a Gift

Package the cookies in decorative boxes as thoughtful gifts for friends and family during the holiday season.

Alongside Ice Cream

Serve the cookies with a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.

With Fresh Fruit

Complement the cookies with slices of fresh fruit like strawberries or oranges for a refreshing contrast.

How to Perfect Cherry Snowball Cookies

To ensure your Cherry Snowball Cookies turn out heavenly every time, follow these helpful tips.

Use room temperature butter: This helps create a smoother dough and ensures even mixing with sugar.
Chop cherries finely: Finely chopping the maraschino cherries allows their flavor to distribute evenly throughout the dough.
Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined to keep the cookies tender and avoid toughness.
Adjust baking time: Keep an eye on the cookies; they should be lightly golden around the edges but not too brown.
Cool before rolling: Allow the cookies to cool slightly before rolling them in powdered sugar to avoid melting it away.

Best Side Dishes for Cherry Snowball Cookies

Pairing side dishes with your Cherry Snowball Cookies can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness that complements the sweetness of the cookies.
Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy, crunchy side that contrasts nicely with the cookie’s texture.
Chocolate Fondue: Melted chocolate offers a rich dip for the cookies, making them even more indulgent.
Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese along with crackers for savory balance against sweet treats.
Nuts and Dried Fruits: A bowl of mixed nuts and dried fruits provides crunch and natural sweetness, enhancing cookie enjoyment.
Coffee or Hot Chocolate: Warm beverages pair beautifully, offering cozy warmth while contrasting flavors with the cherry cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Cherry Snowball Cookies, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the final outcome. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

Using cold butter: Cold butter doesn’t cream well with sugar, leading to a dense texture. Always ensure your butter is softened at room temperature for optimal mixing.
Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until combined to maintain a tender crumb.
Not chopping cherries finely: Large pieces of cherries can alter the texture and bake unevenly. Finely chop the maraschino cherries for consistent flavor distribution.
Skipping parchment paper: Baking directly on a sheet can cause sticking and uneven baking. Always line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
Ignoring oven calibration: Ovens can vary in temperature accuracy, affecting baking time. Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the correct temperature before baking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store Cherry Snowball Cookies in an airtight container.
They will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Freezing Cherry Snowball Cookies

You can freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months.
Place cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or bag, ensuring they’re well sealed.

Reheating Cherry Snowball Cookies

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake cookies for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Heat individual cookies on medium power for about 10-15 seconds.
Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for a few minutes until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Cherry Snowball Cookies:

Can I substitute coconut in Cherry Snowball Cookies?

Yes! If you’re not a fan of coconut, you can omit it or replace it with additional nuts or oats for added texture.

How do I make Cherry Snowball Cookies gluten-free?

You can use a gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour. Just ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

What is the best way to chop maraschino cherries?

For even distribution in the dough, use a knife to finely chop maraschino cherries on a cutting board. You may also use kitchen scissors for convenience.

How long do Cherry Snowball Cookies last?

These cookies can last up to one week when stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature.

Final Thoughts

Cherry Snowball Cookies are not only delightful but also versatile. Their combination of sweet cherries, buttery dough, and crunchy walnuts makes them perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize by adding different nuts or using alternate flavorings like almond extract. Enjoy this cozy treat today!