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; 1 pinch of salt; 15 maraschino cherries (finely chopped)

Published: September 17, 2025

by Olivia

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: This recipe requires simple ingredients and minimal steps, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
Delicious Flavor: The combination of cherries, coconut, and walnuts creates a unique flavor that will impress everyone who tries them.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday party, a cookie exchange, or just an afternoon snack, these cookies fit right in.
Versatile Treat: You can easily modify the recipe by adding different nuts or dried fruits to customize your Cherry Snowball Cookies.

Tools and Preparation

To create these delectable Cherry Snowball Cookies, you’ll need some essential tools that make the baking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl is vital for combining your ingredients thoroughly without any spills.
Baking sheet: Using a baking sheet lined with parchment paper ensures even baking and easy cleanup.
Measuring cups: Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the perfect texture and flavor in your cookies.

Ingredients

For the 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 prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cream the 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 aerates the mixture for lighter cookies.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

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

Step 4: Fold in Cherries

Gently fold in the finely chopped maraschino cherries. Be careful not to overmix to preserve their shape.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

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

Step 6: Bake

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

Step 7: Coat with Sugar

After baking, roll the warm cookies in the remaining powdered sugar until fully coated. This adds sweetness and enhances their snowball appearance.

How to Serve Cherry Snowball Cookies

Cherry Snowball Cookies are delightful treats that can brighten any gathering. Their sweet and tangy flavor pairs wonderfully with a variety of beverages and settings.

With a Hot Beverage

Tea – A warm cup of herbal or black tea complements the sweetness of the cookies.
Coffee – Pairing these cookies with a rich coffee brings out their buttery flavors.

For Festive Occasions

Holiday Platters – Include Cherry Snowball Cookies on cookie trays for festive celebrations.
Gift Boxes – Package them in decorative boxes as thoughtful gifts for friends and family.

As Part of Desserts

Ice Cream Sundaes – Crumble cookies over vanilla ice cream for an added crunch.
Fruit Salad – Serve alongside fresh fruit salad for a refreshing dessert combination.

How to Perfect Cherry Snowball Cookies

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

Use Room Temperature Butter – This helps achieve a smooth texture, making it easier to cream with sugar.
Chop Cherries Finely – Smaller pieces distribute evenly throughout the dough for better flavor in each bite.
Don’t Overmix the Dough – Gently combine ingredients to maintain a tender cookie texture.
Space Cookies Properly – Keep at least 2 inches apart on the baking sheet to allow for spreading during baking.
Cool Before Coating – Let cookies cool slightly before rolling in powdered sugar to prevent melting.

Best Side Dishes for Cherry Snowball Cookies

These Cherry Snowball Cookies can be enjoyed with various side dishes that enhance their delightful flavors.

Vanilla Ice Cream – A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream balances the sweetness of the cookies.
Chocolate Milkshake – The richness of a chocolate milkshake pairs well with the tangy cherries.
Fresh Berries Salad – A mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries adds freshness and complements the cookie’s texture.
Coconut Whipped Cream – Light and fluffy, this whipped cream enhances the coconut notes in the cookies.
Banana Bread Slices – Moist banana bread creates a comforting addition alongside these cookies.
Nutty Granola Parfait – Layered with yogurt, granola, and fruits, this parfait makes for a satisfying treat next to your cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

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

Boldly skip the butter: Forgetting to use softened butter can lead to a dense cookie. Always ensure your butter is at room temperature for the best texture.
Boldly ignore the sugar coating: Skipping the final roll in powdered sugar leaves you with less sweetness. Don’t forget this step for that signature snowball effect!
Boldly rush the mixing: Mixing ingredients too quickly can result in uneven distribution. Take your time to blend everything thoroughly for a consistent flavor and texture.
Boldly overcrowd the baking sheet: Placing cookies too close together can cause them to merge while baking. Make sure to space each cookie 2 inches apart for even baking.
Boldly overlook cooling time: Cutting cookies too soon after baking can lead to crumbling. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store Cherry Snowball Cookies in an airtight container.
They will stay fresh for up to one week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Cherry Snowball Cookies

Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag.
These cookies can be frozen for up to three months; ensure they are layered with parchment paper.

Reheating Cherry Snowball Cookies

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
Microwave: Heat each cookie on low power for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, placing cookies inside briefly until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about making Cherry Snowball Cookies.

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

You can use fresh cherries, but they may alter the texture and moisture of the cookies. Ensure they are pitted and finely chopped.

How do I make Cherry Snowball Cookies gluten-free?

To make these cookies gluten-free, substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

What variations can I try with Cherry Snowball Cookies?

You can customize by adding different nuts or dried fruits based on your preference. Experimenting with flavors like almond extract is also delightful!

How should I store leftover Cherry Snowball Cookies?

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness.

Final Thoughts

These Cherry Snowball Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. Their unique combination of flavors makes them perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy night in or a festive gathering. Feel free to customize them with your favorite nuts or extracts—get creative and enjoy every bite!

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