Name: Cherry Snowball Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: Ingredients:; 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened; ½ cup powdered sugar (plus extra for rolling); 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour; ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts (optional); 24 maraschino cherries (well drained and patted dry)

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When the holiday season approaches, kitchens everywhere begin to fill with the aromas of sugar, butter, and spice. Among the many cookies that symbolize warmth, celebration, and tradition, Cherry Snowball Cookies hold a special place. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture, snowy powdered sugar coating, and sweet maraschino cherry surprise inside, these cookies are both delightful to eat and beautiful to serve.

In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Cherry Snowball Cookies—from their history and flavor profile to detailed step-by-step instructions, variations, serving ideas, storage tips, and even their nutritional breakdown. Whether you’re baking for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or just a cozy winter afternoon, this guide will ensure your cookies come out perfect every time.

What Are Cherry Snowball Cookies?

Cherry Snowball Cookies are buttery shortbread-style cookies filled with a whole or halved maraschino cherry, baked until golden, then rolled in powdered sugar to resemble little snowballs.

The cookie dough itself is typically a simple mix of butter, powdered sugar, flour, and vanilla extract, sometimes with the addition of finely chopped nuts for texture. Once baked, they are rolled in powdered sugar while still warm, creating a soft, sweet, snow-like coating that makes them irresistible on any holiday cookie tray.

Why You’ll Love Cherry Snowball Cookies

Festive Appearance – Their powdered sugar coating looks just like freshly fallen snow, making them perfect for Christmas cookie exchanges.
Surprise Inside – The hidden cherry gives each cookie a burst of sweetness and color.
Easy to Make – With simple pantry ingredients, these cookies come together quickly.
Make-Ahead Friendly – The dough can be prepared in advance and chilled until you’re ready to bake.
Crowd Pleaser – Kids love the sweet cherry centers, while adults appreciate the nostalgic shortbread flavor.

Ingredients for Cherry Snowball Cookies

To make about 24 cookies, you’ll need:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
½ cup powdered sugar (plus extra for rolling)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
24 maraschino cherries, well drained and patted dry

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Cherries

Drain the maraschino cherries from their juice.
Pat them completely dry with paper towels to prevent extra moisture in the dough.

2. Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
Add vanilla extract and mix well.
Gradually stir in flour, salt, and chopped nuts (if using). The dough will be soft but should hold together.

3. Assemble the Cookies

Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough, flatten it slightly in your palm, and place one cherry in the center.
Wrap the dough around the cherry, rolling it into a smooth ball.
Place each ball onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, about 1 inch apart.

4. Bake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake cookies for 12–15 minutes, or until set but not browned. The bottoms should be lightly golden.

5. Roll in Powdered Sugar

While still warm, roll the cookies in powdered sugar.
Let them cool on a wire rack, then roll again for an extra snowy coating.

Tips for Perfect Cherry Snowball Cookies

Dry the cherries well – Excess juice can make the dough too soft and cause spreading.
Double roll in sugar – First while warm, then again after cooling, for the best snowy look.
Chill the dough – If your dough feels sticky, chill it for 20–30 minutes before shaping.
Uniform size – Use a small cookie scoop for evenly sized cookies.

Flavor Variations

Cherry Snowball Cookies are delicious as written, but you can easily customize them:

Chocolate Cherry Snowballs – Add 2 tablespoons cocoa powder to the dough.
Almond Snowballs – Use almond extract instead of vanilla for a nutty flavor.
Coconut Snowballs – Roll cookies in a mix of powdered sugar and shredded coconut.
Festive Colors – Use red and green maraschino cherries for a holiday cookie tray.

Serving Ideas

Arrange on a Christmas dessert platter alongside gingerbread men, sugar cookies, and fudge.
Package in holiday tins or cellophane bags as edible gifts for friends and neighbors.
Serve with hot cocoa, mulled wine, or coffee for a cozy winter treat.
Add to Valentine’s Day or bridal shower dessert tables—the bright cherry center is perfect for romantic occasions.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezing Dough: Shape dough balls around cherries, place on a tray, and freeze. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes to the bake time.
Freezing Baked Cookies: Freeze fully baked (without powdered sugar), then thaw and roll in sugar before serving.

Nutrition Information (per cookie, approx.)

Calories: 135
Fat: 8 g
Carbohydrates: 14 g
Sugar: 6 g
Protein: 1 g

(Values may vary depending on exact ingredients used.)

History of Snowball Cookies

Snowball cookies, also known as Russian Tea Cakes or Mexican Wedding Cookies, have been enjoyed worldwide for centuries. Their origins trace back to European nut-based shortbread cookies, often made for weddings and holidays. The cherry version is a delightful American adaptation that became popular in the mid-20th century, especially during Christmas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use candied cherries instead of maraschino?
A: Yes, but make sure they are not too sticky or syrupy.

Q: Do I have to use nuts?
A: No, you can omit them completely for a nut-free version.

Q: Why did my cookies spread?
A: Likely because the butter was too soft or the cherries were not dried enough.

Cherry Snowball Cookies Recipe Card

Yield: 24 cookies
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

1 cup butter, softened
½ cup powdered sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 ¼ cups flour
¼ tsp salt
½ cup chopped nuts (optional)
24 maraschino cherries, drained

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cream butter and sugar, add vanilla.
Mix in flour, salt, and nuts.
Shape dough around cherries.
Bake 12–15 minutes until set.
Roll warm cookies in powdered sugar, then again when cool.

Conclusion

Cherry Snowball Cookies are more than just a holiday dessert—they’re a tradition, a memory, and a sweet way to bring joy to your family and friends. With their delicate shortbread texture, snowy sugar coating, and hidden cherry inside, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your home year after year.