Cherry Snowball Cookies

Imagine a winter scene encapsulated within a cookie; that’s what you’ll find in these Cherry Snowball Cookies. Perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy nights in, or any occasion that calls for a touch of sweetness, these cookies boast a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The buttery dough pairs beautifully with the tangy maraschino cherries, while hints of coconut and crunchy walnuts take them to the next level. Enjoying these cookies evokes warm memories and pure joy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch in no time.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: These cookies are great for parties, holidays, or as gifts.
• Delicious Flavor Combination: The mix of cherries, coconut, and walnuts creates a unique taste experience.
• Great Texture: A soft center with a light crunch on the outside makes each bite satisfying.
• Customizable: Feel free to substitute ingredients to suit your taste preferences.

Tools and Preparation

To make Cherry Snowball Cookies successfully, it’s essential to have the right tools. Here’s what you’ll need to get started.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A spacious mixing bowl allows you to combine ingredients easily without spills.
• Baking sheet: Using a quality baking sheet ensures even heat distribution for perfectly baked cookies.
• Parchment paper: This prevents sticking and makes clean-up effortless.
• Spoon or cookie scoop: Helps in portioning out uniform cookie sizes for consistent baking.

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

For the Cherries

• 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 helps create a light texture in the cookies.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the flour, instant oats, finely chopped coconut, walnuts, and a pinch of salt into the creamed mixture. Mix until everything is well incorporated.

Step 4: Fold in Cherries

Gently fold in the finely chopped maraschino cherries. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough for consistent flavor.

Step 5: Portion the Dough

Use a spoon or cookie scoop to drop portions of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, making sure to space them about 2 inches apart.

Step 6: Bake Cookies

Place the cookies in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 18 minutes or until they turn slightly golden around the edges.

Step 7: Roll in Sugar

After baking, roll each cookie in the remaining powdered sugar until fully coated. This adds sweetness and a snowy appearance perfect for their name!

How to Serve Cherry Snowball Cookies

These delightful Cherry Snowball Cookies are perfect for sharing and can be served in various ways. Whether for a festive gathering or a cozy afternoon treat, there are plenty of options to enhance your cookie experience.

Cookie Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter, mixing them with other holiday treats like shortbread or chocolate chip cookies for a colorful display.

Gift Packaging

• Place the cookies in a clear bag tied with a ribbon. This makes a lovely homemade gift for friends and family during holidays or special occasions.

With Coffee or Tea

• Serve these cookies alongside your favorite hot beverage. The sweetness of the cookies pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of coffee or tea.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• For an indulgent dessert, sandwich a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two Cherry Snowball Cookies. This creates a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.

Festive Dessert Table

• Include the cookies as part of a larger dessert table at parties. They add variety and color, complementing cakes, pies, and other confections.

How to Perfect Cherry Snowball Cookies

To make sure your Cherry Snowball Cookies come out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use room temperature butter: This helps create a smooth dough and ensures even mixing with other ingredients.
• Chop cherries finely: Smaller pieces of maraschino cherries distribute more evenly throughout the dough for better flavor in each bite.
• Don’t overbake: Monitor the baking time closely; remove them when they’re just slightly golden to keep them soft inside.
• Roll in powdered sugar while warm: Coating the cookies right after baking allows the sugar to stick better, enhancing their sweetness.
• Store properly: Keep cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness. They can last up to a week if stored correctly.

Best Side Dishes for Cherry Snowball Cookies

Pairing side dishes with your Cherry Snowball Cookies can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad
   A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.

2. Cheese Platter
   Include mild cheeses like brie or gouda; their creaminess complements the cookie’s texture beautifully.

3. Chocolate Fondue
   Set up a fondue station where guests can dip fruit or cookie pieces into warm chocolate for an interactive treat.

4. Nutty Granola
   Serve crunchy granola on the side; its toasted flavor pairs well with the cookie’s softness.

5. Yogurt Parfait
   Layer yogurt with granola and fresh berries for a light yet satisfying side dish that goes well with sweets.

6. Herbal Tea Selection
   Offer a variety of herbal teas; their soothing flavors create a perfect contrast to the sugary bites of cookies.

7. Mini Muffins
   A selection of mini muffins (such as blueberry or lemon) can provide additional flavor diversity on your dessert table.

8. Ice Cream Scoops
   Having different flavors available lets guests customize their dessert experience with refreshing coldness alongside warm cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Cherry Snowball Cookies, it’s easy to overlook some key details. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for perfect results.

• Skipping the butter softening: Ensure your butter is softened properly before mixing. Cold butter can lead to a dense texture.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Use proper measuring cups and spoons for each ingredient. Accurate measurements ensure consistent results.
• Overmixing the dough: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the cookies tough instead of tender.
• Ignoring spacing on the baking sheet: Make sure to space cookies at least 2 inches apart. This allows them to spread evenly while baking.
• Baking at the wrong temperature: Always preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Baking at an incorrect temperature can affect cookie texture and flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Cherry Snowball Cookies

• Place cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• They will keep well for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Cherry Snowball Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 300°F (150°C) and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time on low power for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, placing cookies on it for a few minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Cherry Snowball Cookies that might help you during your baking journey.

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries for Cherry Snowball Cookies?

Using fresh cherries is possible, but they should be pitted and chopped finely. Keep in mind that fresh cherries may alter the sweetness and moisture of the cookies.

How can I customize my Cherry Snowball Cookies?

You can add different nuts or substitute with dark chocolate chips for extra flavor. Consider using almond extract instead of vanilla for a unique twist!

Can I make Cherry Snowball Cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Simply replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that other ingredients are also gluten-free.

What should I do if my dough is too crumbly?

If your dough feels too crumbly, try adding a teaspoon of milk or water gradually until it comes together.

How long do Cherry Snowball Cookies last?

When stored properly, these cookies can last up to one week in the refrigerator or three months in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

Cherry Snowball Cookies embody warmth and joy with their delightful flavors and textures. They are versatile enough to accommodate various preferences, from nut swaps to different sweeteners. Try them out and enjoy these charming treats any time of year!