Cherry Snowball Cookies

Imagine a winter scene encapsulated within a cookie; that’s what you’ll find in these Cherry Snowball Cookies. Each bite is like experiencing a snow globe, with buttery dough complementing the tangy sweetness of maraschino cherries all wrapped in a subtle hint of coconut and the satisfying crunch of walnuts. These delightful treats are perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy afternoons, or any time you crave something sweet and nostalgic.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, requiring minimal ingredients and steps, making it accessible for bakers of all levels.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of cherries, coconut, and walnuts creates a unique flavor profile that is both comforting and exciting.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a festive gathering or a simple tea party, these cookies bring joy to every event.
• Makes Great Gifts: Packaged beautifully, Cherry Snowball Cookies make wonderful gifts for friends and family during the holiday season.
• Customizable Options: Feel free to substitute ingredients like nuts or use different types of dried fruits based on your preference.

Tools and Preparation

To create these delightful Cherry Snowball Cookies, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure your baking process goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A sturdy mixing bowl allows for easy combining of ingredients without spills.
• Baking sheet: A good-quality baking sheet ensures even baking and prevents sticking when lined with parchment paper.
• Parchment paper: Using parchment paper helps cookies bake evenly and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Spoon or cookie scoop: These tools help portion the cookie dough accurately for uniform sizes.

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Ingredients

For the Cookie 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

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

1. In a mixing bowl, cream together 1/4 cup of powdered sugar and softened butter until smooth.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

1. Gradually add flour, oats, coconut, walnuts, and a pinch of salt into the butter mixture.
2. Gently fold in the finely chopped maraschino cherries until evenly distributed.

Step 4: Portion the Dough

1. Use a spoon or cookie scoop to drop portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
2. Ensure each portion is spaced about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

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

Step 6: Roll in Sugar

1. Once baked, remove cookies from the oven.
2. While still warm, roll each cookie in the remaining powdered sugar until fully coated.

Enjoy your delicious Cherry Snowball Cookies fresh out of the oven or at room temperature!

How to Serve Cherry Snowball Cookies

Cherry Snowball Cookies are perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to cozy afternoons with a cup of tea. Their delightful combination of flavors makes them a versatile treat that can be enjoyed in various ways.

With Hot Beverages

• Coffee – Pairing these cookies with a rich cup of coffee enhances the sweetness and adds depth to your snack experience.
• Tea – A warm cup of herbal or black tea complements the cherry flavor, creating a soothing afternoon break.

As a Dessert Platter

• Cookie Assortment – Serve Cherry Snowball Cookies alongside other cookies like chocolate chip or oatmeal raisin for a delightful dessert spread.
• Fruit Bowl – Pair with a fresh fruit bowl to balance the sweetness with natural flavors; berries work particularly well.

On Special Occasions

• Holiday Parties – These cookies make an excellent addition to festive platters during celebrations, adding color and texture.
• Gift Giving – Package them in decorative boxes as sweet homemade gifts for friends and family.

How to Perfect Cherry Snowball Cookies

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

• Keep Ingredients Chilled – Using chilled butter can help achieve the right texture while baking.
• Don’t Overmix Dough – Mix ingredients until just combined to keep the cookies tender and light.
• Use Fresh Cherries – Fresh or high-quality maraschino cherries enhance the flavor significantly.
• Cool Before Coating – Allow cookies to cool slightly before rolling them in powdered sugar for better coating adherence.
• Experiment with Nuts – Substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds for a different crunch and flavor profile.

Best Side Dishes for Cherry Snowball Cookies

Cherry Snowball Cookies pair wonderfully with various side dishes that enhance their delightful taste. Here are some great options:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream – A scoop of vanilla ice cream provides a creamy contrast to the cookie’s texture.
2. Chocolate Sauce – Drizzling chocolate sauce over each cookie adds richness and indulgence.
3. Fruit Salad – A refreshing fruit salad balances the sweetness of the cookies with natural acidity.
4. Yogurt Parfait – Layering yogurt with granola and berries creates a deliciously textured dish that complements the cookies well.
5. Cheese Platter – A selection of mild cheeses can provide a savory contrast that offsets the sweetness nicely.
6. Nut Butter Dip – Serve nut butter on the side for dipping, adding protein and richness alongside your treats.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When baking Cherry Snowball Cookies, it’s important to avoid some common pitfalls that can affect the outcome of your cookies.

• Bold measurement errors: Always double-check your measurements. Using too much flour or sugar can lead to dry or overly sweet cookies. Use a kitchen scale for accuracy if possible.
• Bold neglecting to cream properly: Failing to cream the butter and sugar until smooth can result in dense cookies. Take the time to mix well so that air gets incorporated.
• Bold overbaking: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. If you leave them in too long, they may become too hard. Aim for a light golden color.
• Bold ignoring ingredient temperature: Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. Cold butter won’t incorporate well, affecting the texture of your cookies.
• Bold skipping cooling time: Letting the cookies cool on the baking sheet before transferring them can create a gooey mess. Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• They will last for up to one week while maintaining freshness.

Freezing Cherry Snowball Cookies

• Place cooled cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag.
• They can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating Cherry Snowball Cookies

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 5-7 minutes for optimal softness.
• Microwave: Use low power and heat for 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up without drying out.
• Stovetop: Cover with a lid on low heat for a couple of minutes; this helps retain moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about Cherry Snowball Cookies.

What makes Cherry Snowball Cookies special?

Cherry Snowball Cookies combine buttery dough with tangy maraschino cherries and coconut, creating a delightful flavor explosion in every bite.

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Yes, you can substitute fresh cherries, but you may need to adjust the sweetness since fresh cherries are less sweet than maraschino cherries.

How do I customize my Cherry Snowball Cookies?

You can add different nuts like pecans or almonds, or swap out coconut for other flavors such as chocolate chips or dried fruits.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend that works well for baking.

Final Thoughts

These Cherry Snowball Cookies are a delightful treat that brings warmth and nostalgia into every bite. Their unique flavor combinations make them perfect for festive occasions or cozy gatherings. Feel free to customize them with your favorite nuts or toppings for an added twist!