Cherry Snowball Cookies

Imagine a winter scene encapsulated within a cookie; that’s what you’ll find in these Cherry Snowball Cookies. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy afternoons, these delightful treats showcase the tangy sweetness of maraschino cherries, complemented by buttery dough and a hint of coconut. Each bite is a reminder of warmth and joy, making them an ideal addition to any dessert table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies can be whipped up quickly.
• Delicious Flavor Combination: The blend of sweet cherries, buttery texture, and crunchy walnuts creates a flavor explosion in every bite.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday party or a casual snack, Cherry Snowball Cookies fit perfectly into any setting.
• Great for Sharing: These cookies make wonderful gifts when packaged in decorative boxes or tins.
• Kid-Friendly Fun: Involve your kids in the baking process for some quality family time.

Tools and Preparation

To create these delicious Cherry Snowball Cookies, having the right tools can make all the difference. Prepare your kitchen with the essentials to ensure smooth baking.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Spoon or cookie scoop

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A sturdy mixing bowl is crucial for combining ingredients evenly without spills.
• Baking sheet: A good-quality baking sheet ensures even cooking and prevents sticking when lined with parchment paper.
• Parchment paper: This helps cookies bake evenly while preventing them from sticking to the baking sheet.

Ingredients

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. Enjoying these cookies evokes memories, bringing forth feelings of cozy warmth and pure joy.

For the Cookie Dough

• 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 prepare for baking.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

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

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the flour, instant oats, finely chopped coconut, walnuts, and a pinch of salt into the bowl. Mix thoroughly until everything is well incorporated.

Step 4: Fold in Cherries

Gently fold in the finely chopped maraschino cherries into the dough mixture ensuring even distribution without smashing them too much.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

Use a spoon or cookie scoop to drop portions of dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Space them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Place the cookies in the oven and bake for approximately 18 minutes or until they turn slightly golden around the edges.

Step 7: Coat with Powdered Sugar

Once baked, remove from oven and roll each cookie in the remaining powdered sugar until fully coated while they’re still warm.

Enjoy your homemade Cherry Snowball Cookies as delightful treats that capture winter magic!

How to Serve Cherry Snowball Cookies

Cherry Snowball Cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a winter celebration or a cozy afternoon treat. These delightful cookies can be served in various ways to enhance their charm and flavor.

On a Festive Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a colorful platter with holiday-themed decorations for a festive look that will impress your guests.

With Hot Beverages

• Serve these cookies alongside hot chocolate, coffee, or tea. The warmth of the drinks complements the sweetness of the cookies beautifully.

Gift-Wrapped Treats

• Package the cookies in decorative boxes or bags as thoughtful gifts. Add a personal touch with handwritten notes for friends and family.

At Cookie Exchanges

• Bring Cherry Snowball Cookies to cookie exchanges. Their unique flavor will stand out among traditional offerings and delight fellow cookie lovers.

With Fresh Fruit

• Pair the cookies with slices of fresh fruit like strawberries or oranges. The acidity from the fruit balances the rich taste of the cookies.

How to Perfect Cherry Snowball Cookies

To ensure your Cherry Snowball Cookies are always a hit, consider these simple tips that can elevate their taste and texture.

• Use room temperature butter – Softened butter blends better with sugar, creating a smoother dough that helps achieve a light texture.

• Chop cherries finely – Finely chopping maraschino cherries ensures even distribution throughout the cookie dough, enhancing every bite.

• Don’t overbake – Keep an eye on your cookies while baking. They should be slightly golden but not dark to maintain a soft center.

• Roll in powdered sugar while warm – Rolling the cookies in powdered sugar right after they come out of the oven allows it to stick better for an extra sweet coating.

• Store properly – Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness and prevent them from drying out.

Best Side Dishes for Cherry Snowball Cookies

Cherry Snowball Cookies can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance their sweetness and richness. Here are some excellent options:

1. Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream – The coolness of vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with warm cookies, creating a delightful contrast.

2. Fruit Salad – A refreshing fruit salad adds brightness and acidity, balancing out the sweetness of the cookies.

3. Chocolate Fondue – Set up a fondue station with melted chocolate for dipping. The combination of flavors is sure to please everyone.

4. Cheese Board – Include soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese on a cheese board. This savory option provides a nice contrast to sweet treats.

5. Spiced Nuts – Offer spiced nuts as a crunchy accompaniment. Their salty profile complements the sweet notes of the cookies nicely.

6. Herbal Tea – Serve with herbal teas such as chamomile or peppermint for a soothing beverage choice that enhances relaxation while enjoying these treats.

7. Yogurt Parfait – Layer yogurt with granola and berries for an easy side dish that adds healthiness alongside indulgence.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Cherry Snowball Cookies, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the final outcome. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

• Skipping the butter softening step: Use room temperature butter for smoother mixing and better texture. Cold butter can lead to a dense cookie.
• Overmixing the dough: Gently fold in the ingredients to avoid tough cookies. Overmixing activates the gluten in flour, which can make them chewy instead of tender.
• Not spacing cookies properly: Ensure each cookie is spaced 2 inches apart on the baking sheet. This allows them to spread evenly during baking.
• Ignoring baking time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Remove them when they are slightly golden around the edges for optimal texture.
• Forgetting to roll in sugar: Don’t skip rolling the warm cookies in powdered sugar after baking. This adds sweetness and enhances their appearance.
• Storing improperly: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. This helps maintain their softness and flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Keep layers separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing Cherry Snowball Cookies

• Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• For best results, layer with parchment paper.

Reheating Cherry Snowball Cookies

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5 minutes until soft.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds on low power for a warm treat.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat for a couple of minutes, flipping occasionally, until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Cherry Snowball Cookies.

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Yes, you can use fresh cherries, but be sure to chop them finely and remove the pits. You may need to adjust sugar levels as fresh cherries are not as sweet.

How do I make Cherry Snowball Cookies gluten-free?

To make these cookies gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum.

What can I substitute for walnuts?

If you have nut allergies or prefer not to use nuts, you can replace walnuts with sunflower seeds or simply omit them from the recipe.

How long do Cherry Snowball Cookies last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies last about one week in the refrigerator and up to three months in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

Cherry Snowball Cookies are a delightful treat that combines sweetness with a hint of coconut and crunch from walnuts. They are perfect for holiday gatherings or any cozy occasion. Feel free to customize these cookies by adding different nuts or using other types of dried fruits for a unique twist!