Name: Cherry Snowball Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 Cup All Purpose Flour / Plain Flour; 1/2 Cup Unsalted Butter; 1/4 Cup Powdered Sugar (for the dough); 2/3 Cup Powdered Sugar (to coat the cookies); 18 Candied Cherries; 1/2 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract; 1/4 Teaspoon Salt

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Cherry Snowball Cookies – Buttery, crumbly, and delicious snowy cookie filled with cherries. An irresistible holiday treat for any cookie lover!

What are cherry snowball cookies?

Snowballs, also known as Russian tea cakes or Mexican wedding cookies, are bite-sized, buttery cookies that are rolled in powdered sugar, which gives them a white, snow-like appearance. They are often made with pecans or walnuts and have a crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

There are many variations of classic snowballs and cherry stuffed snowballs are one of them. The buttery dough is rolled into balls, stuffed with candied cherries, baked until light golden and then rolled in powdered sugar while cookies are still warm, creating a snowy appearance. These are delicious and festive.

Why you’ll love this recipe:

Delicious and crumbly cookies that literally melt in your mouth.

Can be a great addition to your Christmas cookie platter.

The dough can be made ahead of time and kept in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to bake.

Great for gifting!

Ingredients & Substitutions:

All Purpose Flour – Also known as plain flour. It is the base of the cookie dough.

Powdered Sugar – Also known as confectioners sugar. If you don’t have it, grind sugar into a smooth powder.

Butter – I have used softened unsalted butter in this recipe. It can be replaced with margarine but the flavor and texture might vary slightly. Make sure the butter is at room temperature before making the dough.

Cherries – Candied or maraschino cherries are used and should be well-drained before using.

Vanilla – Enhances the flavor of the cookies.

Salt – Skip it if you are using salted butter.

Serving suggestions:

Serve them with a cup of tea, coffee or hot cocoa.

Pack them in a festive box or tin along with other holiday treats for a wonderful gift

Add these cookies to a dessert platter alongside other treats, brownies, or sweets during holiday gatherings.

Storage suggestions:

You can store the baked goods in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Can I freeze the dough?

You can also freeze the unbacked dough easily. Roll it into a ball, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag or airtight container. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.

Can the baked snowballs be frozen?

If you want to store them for longer period of time, freeze them for up to 2 months. Once the cookies are baked and rolled in powdered sugar, arrange them in an airtight container and separate the layers with parchment papers and store in the freezer. Let them thaw at room temperature and roll them in some powdered sugar again before serving.

Variations:

You can use any of your favorite dried fruit or chocolate kisses instead of candied cherries.

You can also incorporate spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom into the dough for a warm, aromatic and festive touch.

You could also add some finely chopped nuts like pecans, walnuts or almonds to the dough.

Roll the finished cookies in colored sugar or sprinkles for a festive appearance.

Tips & Notes:

Use a good quality butter and other ingredients for the best flavor.

If using maraschino cherries, make sure they’re well-drained and patted dry to prevent excess moisture in the dough, which could affect the cookie’s texture.

Refrigerating the shaped dough balls for an hour before baking can prevent excessive spreading while baking.

Do not roll the them in powdered sugar while they are too hot. They should be just warm, so the sugar sticks well without melting. Once cooled, roll them again in the powdered sugar for an extra coating.

Step by step instructions:

Combine softened butter and powdered sugar in a mixing bowl.

Mix together until creamy. Add vanilla extract and salt and mix well.

Add flour to the creamed butter mixture.

Mix everything using a spatula.

Make a nice and smooth dough.

Divide the into 18 even sized balls.

Flatten each ball a little and place a cherry in the middle. Grab the edges to seal it.

Gently roll it between your palms to make a round ball.

Place the shaped dough balls on a lined baking tray and let them chill in the refrigerator for an hour.

Once the cookies are chilled, bake them in the preheated oven at 180 degrees C for 12-15 minutes or until the bottom of the cookies are light brown color.

When the cookies are still warm, roll them in the powdered sugar and let them cool completely.

Roll them again the powdered sugar before serving.

How to make cherry snowballs recipe video below: