Cherry Snowball Cookies
Cherry Snowball Cookies are tender, buttery holiday treats with a sweet maraschino cherry hidden inside and a double coating of powdered sugar. They’re quick to make, festive, and perfect for gifting or sharing at holiday gatherings.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 20-24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (60 g) powdered sugar, plus extra for rolling
- 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 20–24 maraschino cherries, drained and patted dry
- 3/4 cup (90 g) powdered sugar, for rolling cookies before and after baking
Instructions
- Drain 20-24 maraschino cherries and pat them dry with paper towels. Let them sit out for 10 minutes if extra juicy.
- In a large bowl, beat 1 cup unsalted butter with 1/2 cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes). Add vanilla extract and almond extract (if using), and mix until blended.
- Sift together 2 cups all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Gradually add to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough per cookie. Flatten each ball, place a cherry in the center, and wrap the dough around it, sealing the cherry completely.
- Roll each dough-wrapped cherry into a smooth ball and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced 2 inches apart. Chill the tray in the fridge for 15 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake cookies for 15-18 minutes, until set but not browned. The bottoms should be lightly golden.
- Let cookies cool for 5 minutes, then gently roll them in powdered sugar while still warm. Place on a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, roll each cookie again in powdered sugar for a snowy finish.
- Serve on a festive plate or store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Notes
Chill the dough before baking to prevent spreading. Pat cherries dry to avoid soggy centers. Double roll cookies in powdered sugar for a classic snowy look. For gluten-free or vegan adaptations, use suitable flour and butter substitutes. Cookies freeze well for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 30
- Fat: 6
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 13
- Protein: 1
Keywords: cherry snowball cookies, holiday cookies, Christmas cookies, maraschino cherry cookies, powdered sugar cookies, festive treats, nut-free cookies, easy cookie recipe