Cherry Snowball Cookies

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 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 holiday gatherings, cozy afternoons, or as a delightful treat any time of year. The unique combination of flavors and textures makes them stand out, ensuring they will be a hit with family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple to Make: With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies are easy to whip up.
• Delicious Flavor: The blend of cherries, coconut, and walnuts creates a delightful flavor profile that everyone will love.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday party or an afternoon snack, these cookies fit right in.
• Customizable Treats: Feel free to experiment with different nuts or add more fruit for variety.
• Great for Gifting: Pack them in a decorative box, and you have an excellent homemade gift.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making Cherry Snowball Cookies, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline your baking process and ensure successful results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A sturdy mixing bowl is essential for combining ingredients smoothly.
• Baking sheet: A quality baking sheet ensures even heat distribution for perfectly baked cookies.
• Parchment paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Ingredients

For this Cherry Snowball Cookies recipe, you’ll need:

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 Butter and Sugar

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

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Step 4: Add Cherries

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

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

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

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

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

Step 7: Coat with Sugar

• Once baked, roll each cookie in the remaining powdered sugar while still warm until fully coated.

These Cherry Snowball Cookies will bring warmth and joy to any occasion! Enjoy every bite!

How to Serve Cherry Snowball Cookies

Cherry Snowball Cookies are delightful treats that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging yourself, these cookies can bring joy to any occasion.

With a Cup of Tea

• Pairing with a warm cup of tea enhances the cookie’s flavors and provides a cozy experience.

As Holiday Gifts

• These cookies make perfect gifts when placed in decorative tins, bringing a touch of sweetness to friends and family.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange Cherry Snowball Cookies alongside other sweets on a dessert platter for an inviting spread at parties.

With Fresh Fruit

• Serve them with fresh fruit like strawberries or oranges for a refreshing contrast to the sweet cookies.

How to Perfect Cherry Snowball Cookies

Creating the perfect Cherry Snowball Cookies requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your baking game.

• Use room temperature butter: This ensures better mixing and creates a smoother dough.
• Chill the dough: Refrigerating the dough for 30 minutes before baking helps maintain shape and enhances flavors.
• Finely chop cherries: Smaller pieces distribute evenly throughout the cookie, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
• Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies; they should turn slightly golden but remain soft inside.
• Experiment with nuts: Try substituting walnuts with pecans or almonds for a different texture and flavor profile.

Best Side Dishes for Cherry Snowball Cookies

To enhance your dessert experience, consider serving these side dishes alongside your Cherry Snowball Cookies. They complement the flavors beautifully.

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly, balancing the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad adds freshness, providing a nice contrast to the rich cookies.
3. Hot Chocolate: Warm hot chocolate brings indulgence; its richness harmonizes with the cookie’s sweetness.
4. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a delightful side that offers both creaminess and crunch.
5. Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses adds savory notes that balance out the sweetness of the cookies.
6. Coffee: A strong cup of coffee complements the cherry flavor, making for an excellent afternoon treat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Cherry Snowball Cookies, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Using cold butter: Cold butter will not cream well with sugar. Always ensure your butter is softened for a smooth mixture.
• Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined for a tender texture.
• Skipping the chilling step: Not chilling the dough may result in cookies spreading too much while baking. If you have time, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Inaccurate measurements can ruin the balance of flavors. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision.
• Baking on an unlined sheet: This can cause cookies to stick and burn. Always line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy removal and even baking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Cherry Snowball Cookies in an airtight container.
• They can last up to 1 week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Cherry Snowball Cookies

• Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Cherry Snowball Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 5-7 minutes for freshness.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies on low power for 10-15 seconds as needed.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat, covered, for 2-3 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Cherry Snowball Cookies that might help you perfect your baking experience.

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

Yes, you can substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds based on your preference!

What’s the best way to chop maraschino cherries?

Drain them first, then finely chop with a sharp knife or kitchen scissors for uniform pieces.

How can I customize my Cherry Snowball Cookies?

Feel free to add chocolate chips or use different flavored extracts like almond or vanilla for a unique twist!

Are Cherry Snowball Cookies suitable for gifting?

Absolutely! These cookies make delightful gifts, especially when packaged nicely in a decorative box.

How do I know when my Cherry Snowball Cookies are done?

Look for lightly golden edges while the centers remain soft; they will firm up as they cool.

Final Thoughts

Cherry Snowball Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile and fun to make. You can customize them with various nuts or additional flavors according to your taste preferences. These cookies evoke warmth and joy, making them perfect for any occasion—so give this recipe a try today!