Cherry Snowball Cookies

Name: Cherry Snowball Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 33 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; Pinch of salt; 15 maraschino cherries (finely chopped)

Published: September 18, 2025

by Dian

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Delicious Flavor: The combination of maraschino cherries and coconut creates a unique and enjoyable taste.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies come together quickly.
Perfect for Sharing: Bake a batch for family, friends, or special occasions; they’re sure to impress everyone.
Versatile Treat: These cookies are great for any season—whether it’s winter holidays or summer picnics.
Kid-Friendly Activity: Get the little ones involved in the kitchen; they’ll love helping with the mixing and rolling!

Tools and Preparation

To create your Cherry Snowball Cookies effortlessly, you’ll need some essential tools that will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Mixing bowl
Spoon or cookie scoop

Importance of Each Tool

Baking sheet: Provides an even surface for baking, ensuring your cookies cook uniformly.
Parchment paper: Prevents sticking, making it easy to remove cookies without mess.
Mixing bowl: A spacious bowl allows you to combine ingredients thoroughly without spilling.
Spoon or cookie scoop: Helps portion out dough evenly for consistently sized cookies.

Ingredients

To make these delightful Cherry Snowball Cookies, you will need:

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 smooth. This step is crucial as it creates a light texture in your cookies.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

Gradually add in flour, instant oats, chopped coconut, walnuts, and a pinch of salt. Stir until combined.

Step 4: Add Cherries

Gently fold in the finely chopped maraschino cherries into the dough mixture. This adds flavor and moisture.

Step 5: Shape 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 to allow for spreading during baking.

Step 6: Bake

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

Step 7: Coat with Sugar

After removing from the oven, roll each cookie in the remaining powdered sugar until fully coated. This gives them that signature snowball look!

Now you’re ready to enjoy these delightful Cherry Snowball Cookies! They’re sure to become a favorite treat in your household.

How to Serve Cherry Snowball Cookies

Cherry Snowball Cookies are perfect for sharing and enjoying with friends and family. They can be served in a variety of ways that enhance their delightful flavor and festive appeal.

Pair with Hot Beverages

Coffee – The rich, bold flavors of coffee pair nicely with the sweet and tangy notes of the cookies.
Hot Chocolate – Enjoy these cookies alongside a warm cup of hot chocolate for a cozy treat.
Herbal Tea – A soothing herbal tea can balance the sweetness of Cherry Snowball Cookies beautifully.

Create a Dessert Platter

Mixed Fruit – Include fresh fruits like strawberries, blueberries, and kiwi for a refreshing contrast to the cookies.
Cheese Plate – Add mild cheeses, such as cream cheese or mascarpone, to complement the sweetness.
Chocolate Dips – Offer melted chocolate for dipping, adding an extra layer of indulgence.

Gift Packaging Ideas

Decorative Boxes – Place cookies in colorful boxes tied with ribbons for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Mason Jars – Layer cookies in mason jars for a charming presentation that keeps them fresh.

How to Perfect Cherry Snowball Cookies

To ensure your Cherry Snowball Cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips:

Bold Butter Temperature – Use softened butter at room temperature to achieve a smooth dough.
Bold Chop Cherries Finely – Ensure maraschino cherries are finely chopped so they blend well into the mixture without overwhelming each bite.
Bold Measure Ingredients Accurately – Use precise measurements for flour and sugar to maintain the right texture.
Bold Space Cookies Properly – Give enough space between cookie portions on the baking sheet; they will spread while baking.
Bold Cool Before Coating – Allow cookies to cool slightly before rolling them in powdered sugar for better adherence.

Best Side Dishes for Cherry Snowball Cookies

Enjoying Cherry Snowball Cookies is even better when paired with complementary side dishes. Here are some great options:

Fresh Fruit Salad – A light fruit salad adds a refreshing touch that balances the sweetness of the cookies.
Yogurt Parfait – Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a delicious breakfast or snack.
Nut Mix – A mix of almonds, cashews, and walnuts provides crunch and pairs well with the cookie’s texture.
Cheese Board – Serve an assortment of soft cheeses that contrast nicely with the sweetness of the cookies.
Vegetable Crudités – Fresh veggies with hummus offer a savory option that complements sweet snacks well.
Mini Sandwiches – Small sandwiches filled with turkey or chicken provide protein and make for a balanced treat platter.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking Cherry Snowball Cookies can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

Bold ingredient measurement: Not measuring your ingredients accurately can lead to inconsistent results. Always use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups for best outcomes.
Bold underbaking cookies: It’s tempting to take cookies out early, but underbaking can result in doughy centers. Ensure they are slightly golden before removing them from the oven.
Bold neglecting chilling dough: Skipping the chilling step can affect the texture of your cookies. Allowing the dough to chill helps maintain their shape during baking.
Bold using stale ingredients: Fresh ingredients are key in baking. Check that your baking supplies, especially flour and nuts, are fresh for optimal flavor.
Bold overcrowding the baking sheet: Placing cookies too close together can cause them to merge while baking. Space them at least 2 inches apart for even cooking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Cherry Snowball Cookies

Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen.
Transfer them into a freezer-safe bag or container; they will keep well for up to 3 months.

Reheating Cherry Snowball Cookies

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
Microwave: Heat each cookie on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds, ensuring not to overheat.
Stovetop: Use a non-stick skillet on low heat, covering with a lid for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Cherry Snowball Cookies.

How do I make Cherry Snowball Cookies gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that works well for baking.

Can I use different nuts in Cherry Snowball Cookies?

Yes! Feel free to replace walnuts with other nuts like pecans or almonds according to your preference.

What is the best way to chop maraschino cherries for Cherry Snowball Cookies?

Drain and pat dry the cherries before chopping them finely. This helps prevent excess moisture in the cookie dough.

How should I store leftover Cherry Snowball Cookies?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them to maintain freshness longer.

Final Thoughts

Cherry Snowball Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize these treats by adding different nuts or swapping out cherries for other dried fruits. Their delightful flavor and texture make them perfect for any occasion, so give this recipe a try!

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