Cherry Snowball Cookies

What’s better than shortbread cookies? Cherry Snowball Cookies with chocolate chips and maraschino cherries of course! These melt-in-your-mouth cookies are perfect for various occasions, from holiday gatherings to afternoon tea. With their rich cherry flavor, light texture, and delightful powdered sugar coating, these cookies stand out as a treat everyone will love. Pair them with a cup of homemade hot chocolate for a cozy experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of cherry, almond, and vanilla extracts brings an explosion of taste in every bite.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies are perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday party or a casual get-together, these cookies fit right in.
• Versatile Treats: Enjoy them as dessert or snack; they are great anytime!
• Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: The buttery pecan crunch combined with the sweetness makes these cookies simply addictive.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools can make your baking experience smoother. Let’s ensure you’re fully equipped!

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Mixing bowl
• Electric mixer
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Cookie scoop or spoon
• Cooling rack

Why These Tools Matter

• Mixing bowl: A spacious bowl allows you to combine ingredients easily without making a mess.
• Electric mixer: This tool saves time and ensures your butter is whipped perfectly light and fluffy.
• Baking sheet: A good-quality baking sheet promotes even baking for perfectly cooked cookies.
• Cooling rack: Cooling racks help your cookies cool evenly, preventing sogginess.

Ingredients

Ingredients:
– 1½ cups butter, at room temperature (salted or unsalted works)
– ¾ cup powdered sugar
– ½ cup granulated sugar
– 1 tsp salt
– 1½ tsp almond extract
– 1½ tsp vanilla extract
– ½ tsp cherry extract or emulsion (see notes)
– ½ cup maraschino cherries (drained well)
– 1 cup pecans (finely ground)
– 4½ cups all-purpose flour
– ¾ cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 1½ cups powdered sugar (dusting)

How to Make Cherry Snowball Cookies

Step 1: Beat the Butter and Sugars

Start by beating the butter, powdered sugar, and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Add Flavorings

Mix in the salt, almond extract, vanilla extract, and cherry extract (if using). Ensure everything is well combined.

Step 3: Prepare the Cherries

Drain excess cherry juice from the maraschino cherries. Chop them up into small pieces. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove any moisture before adding them to the batter.

Step 4: Incorporate Pecans

Add the finely ground pecans into the mixture and stir until they are evenly distributed.

Step 5: Add Flour Gradually

Slowly beat in the all-purpose flour, half a cup at a time. Continue until your dough has reached a good consistency. If it feels too wet due to added cherry juice, consider adding more flour or a splash of milk if too much flour was added.

Step 6: Stir in Chocolate Chips

Gently mix in or stir the mini semi-sweet chocolate chips. This will add delightful bursts of chocolate flavor throughout your cookies.

Step 7: Chill the Dough

Refrigerate your cookie dough for about 30 minutes to an hour. Chilling will make it easier to handle when shaping.

Step 8: Preheat Your Oven

While waiting for the dough to chill, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 9: Shape the Cookies

Scoop about 1½ tablespoons of dough and roll it into round balls. If you find the dough sticky, dip your cookie scoop into powdered sugar between scoops for easier handling.

Step 10: Bake

Arrange the cookie balls on your prepared baking sheet, spaced about an inch apart. Bake them in the oven for 15-17 minutes until they are lightly golden around the edges.

Step 11: Cool Down

Once baked, transfer your cookies to a cooling rack and allow them to cool for about 5 minutes before rolling them in additional powdered sugar.

Step 12: Store Properly

Once cooled completely, store your Cherry Snowball Cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Enjoy every delicious bite!

How to Serve Cherry Snowball Cookies

Cherry Snowball Cookies are delightful treats that can be enjoyed in various ways. They are perfect for festive occasions, holiday gatherings, or simply as a sweet snack any time of the year.

With Hot Chocolate

• Pair these cookies with a warm cup of homemade hot chocolate for a cozy experience.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange your Cherry Snowball Cookies on a beautiful dessert platter alongside other cookies and treats for a stunning display at parties.

As a Gift

• These cookies make lovely homemade gifts. Package them in decorative boxes or jars for friends and family.

With Fresh Fruit

• Serve alongside fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries to balance the sweetness and add a refreshing touch.

At Tea Time

• Enjoy these cookies during afternoon tea with your favorite herbal or black tea for a delightful pairing.

With Ice Cream

• Crumble the cookies over vanilla or cherry ice cream for an indulgent dessert that adds texture and flavor.

How to Perfect Cherry Snowball Cookies

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

• Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough helps maintain its shape during baking and makes it easier to handle.
• Measure Flour Accurately: Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid using too much flour, which can lead to dense cookies.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your extracts and cherries are fresh for the best flavor in your cookies.
• Bake Evenly: Rotate your baking sheet halfway through cooking to ensure all cookies bake evenly.
• Second Coating of Sugar: For an extra sweet touch, roll your cooled cookies in powdered sugar again before serving.
• Store Properly: Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their freshness and texture.

Best Side Dishes for Cherry Snowball Cookies

Cherry Snowball Cookies pair well with several side dishes that enhance their delightful flavor. Here are some great options:

1. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Cheese Platter: Pair with soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese for a savory counterpoint.
3. Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries: These treats complement the cherry flavor while adding a delightful crunch.
4. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a refreshing side that balances sweetness.
5. Mini Cupcakes: Offer an assortment of mini cupcakes in various flavors for guests who enjoy variety.
6. Nut Mix: A simple mix of nuts provides a crunchy texture that pairs nicely with the soft cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Cherry Snowball Cookies, it’s easy to run into some common pitfalls. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for.

• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can make the cookies tough. Aim to mix until just combined for a tender texture.
• Not chilling the dough: Forgetting to refrigerate the dough can lead to cookies spreading too much while baking. Chill it for at least 30 minutes.
• Ignoring ingredient temperatures: Using cold butter instead of room temperature can affect the cookie’s texture. Ensure your butter is softened before mixing.
• Skipping the powdered sugar coating: Not rolling the cookies in powdered sugar might result in less flavor and visual appeal. Make sure to coat them generously!
• Underbaking or overbaking: Aiming for the right baking time is crucial. Keep an eye on them towards the end of baking; they should be lightly golden around the edges.

Refrigerator Storage

• item Store Cherry Snowball Cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
• item Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Cherry Snowball Cookies

• item Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls for up to three months.
• item Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or place in a freezer-safe bag to avoid freezer burn.
• item Baked cookies can also be frozen for up to three months; ensure they are completely cooled before freezing.

Reheating Cherry Snowball Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm cookies on a baking sheet for about 5-10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies on a microwave-safe plate for about 15-20 seconds.
• Stovetop: Gently warm cookies in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for even heating.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Cherry Snowball Cookies?

Cherry Snowball Cookies are delightful shortbread-style treats made with cherry flavor and chocolate chips, rolled in powdered sugar for a sweet finish.

Can I customize my Cherry Snowball Cookies?

Absolutely! You can add different nuts, swap out chocolate chips for white chocolate, or use other extracts like coconut or lemon for varied flavors.

How do I store leftover Cherry Snowball Cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator. They remain fresh and tasty for up to one week.

Can I make Cherry Snowball Cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, ensuring it contains xanthan gum for proper texture.

Conclusion

Cherry Snowball Cookies are not only delicious but versatile as well. Their buttery texture combined with cherry flavor makes them perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize these cookies with your favorite nuts or extracts, and enjoy their delightful taste!