If you’re dreaming of a holiday treat that perfectly balances soft, buttery textures with a burst of fruity goodness, look no further than the Soft Cherry Snowball Cookies For Holiday Cheer Recipe. These delightful cookies are a whimsical twist on the classic snowball, featuring finely chopped maraschino cherries that lend a joyful pop of color and flavor in every bite. Coated generously in powdered sugar, they embody everything festive, cozy, and utterly delicious—making them an absolute must-bake this season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To whip up these Soft Cherry Snowball Cookies For Holiday Cheer Recipe, you don’t need a pantry full of fancy ingredients. Each item is thoughtfully chosen to contribute to the perfect balance of taste, texture, and visual appeal, so get ready for some simple staples that come together like magic.
- Unsalted butter, 1 cup, softened: Provides the rich, creamy base making cookies tender and melt-in-your-mouth soft.
- Powdered sugar, ½ cup plus extra for rolling: Adds sweetness and creates that iconic snowy coating that makes these cookies irresistible.
- Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon: Brings out the warm, comforting flavors that remind you of holiday baking.
- All-purpose flour, 2 cups: The foundation that holds all ingredients together while keeping cookies soft.
- Salt, ¼ teaspoon: Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
- Maraschino cherries, ½ cup, finely chopped: Offers vibrant color and a juicy pop, giving these cookies their unique festive twist.
- Chopped pecans or walnuts, ½ cup (optional): Adds a pleasant crunch and nutty flavor if you want extra textural interest.
How to Make Soft Cherry Snowball Cookies For Holiday Cheer Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by setting your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking. This simple step sets the stage for baking success.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with powdered sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process aerates your dough, leading to those beautifully soft cookies everyone loves.
Step 3: Add Vanilla
Mix in the vanilla extract to infuse your dough with that classic, comforting aroma that instantly makes your kitchen feel festive and warm.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Stir in the all-purpose flour and salt to your creamed mixture, gently working them together until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this keeps the cookies tender.
Step 5: Fold in the Cherries and Nuts
Carefully fold in the finely chopped maraschino cherries and, if you’re using them, the chopped nuts. The cherries add bursts of fruity sweetness and the nuts bring a crunchy contrast that elevates every bite.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion out the dough and roll it into balls. Arrange them about 1 inch apart on your prepared baking sheet so they have room to spread just the right amount.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cookies for 12 to 14 minutes. Keep an eye on the bottoms, which should turn lightly golden, while the tops remain pale, maintaining that soft, tender texture we want.
Step 8: Roll in Powdered Sugar
After letting the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, roll them while still warm in powdered sugar. Once completely cooled on a wire rack, give them another generous roll in powdered sugar for that classic snowy finish.
How to Serve Soft Cherry Snowball Cookies For Holiday Cheer Recipe
Garnishes
While the iconic powdered sugar coating is a star on its own, consider sprinkling a tiny pinch of finely grated lemon zest or a few festive red and green sugar crystals on top for an extra splash of holiday cheer and elegance.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of spiced tea, rich hot cocoa, or even a creamy latte. Their soft texture and fruity notes balance perfectly with warm beverages, making for a delightful snack or dessert during holiday gatherings.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the snowball cookies on a decorative holiday platter or tiered serving tray, nestled among pine sprigs or holly berries for a festive display. You can also package them in clear cellophane bags tied with red satin ribbons to share as thoughtful homemade gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Soft Cherry Snowball Cookies For Holiday Cheer Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll maintain their delightful softness for up to a week, perfect for enjoying throughout the holiday season.
Freezing
If you want to prepare these cookies in advance, you can freeze the unbaked dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a sealed bag or container. When ready, bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To revive slightly stale cookies, warm them gently in the oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. This will help restore their softness and refreshing powdered sugar coating without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I substitute other types of cherries for maraschino?
Fresh or dried cherries can alter the moisture content and texture. Maraschino cherries are preferred because they’re soft, sweet, and add vibrant color that fits this cookie’s signature look, but if using fresh, make sure to dry them thoroughly.
Do I have to add nuts?
No, the nuts are completely optional. Leaving them out results in a softer texture and lets the cherry flavor shine more prominently, which some people might prefer.
How do I prevent the cherries from making the dough too wet?
Draining and patting the maraschino cherries dry is crucial. This removes excess moisture that could otherwise make the dough too sticky or cause the cookies to spread too thin during baking.
What if I don’t have parchment paper?
You can lightly grease your baking sheet or use a silicone baking mat as alternatives to parchment paper, both of which help prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend of equal measure. Just be sure the blend contains xanthan gum for proper texture, and the cookies should bake up just as soft and delicious.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the Soft Cherry Snowball Cookies For Holiday Cheer Recipe that makes every baking session feel like a joyful celebration. Whether you’re gifting them, serving at a party, or simply enjoying a cozy treat at home, these cookies bring warmth, sweetness, and festive spirit right to your kitchen. I can’t wait for you to try them and create your own holiday memories filled with smiles and delicious bites!
Print
Soft Cherry Snowball Cookies For Holiday Cheer Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 34 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Soft Cherry Snowball Cookies are perfect for holiday cheer, combining buttery softness with bursts of maraschino cherry sweetness and a delicate dusting of powdered sugar. Ideal as festive treats or gifts, these cookies offer a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture with optional crunchy pecans or walnuts for extra flavor and texture.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar (plus more for rolling)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup finely chopped maraschino cherries (drained and patted dry)
- ½ cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and ½ cup powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes. Then add the vanilla extract and mix until incorporated.
- Form Dough: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the butter mixture, stirring continuously until a soft dough forms that holds together but isn’t sticky.
- Add Cherries and Nuts: Gently fold in the finely chopped maraschino cherries and the chopped pecans or walnuts if you are using them. Be careful not to overmix to preserve chunks of cherries.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll each into a ball. Place the dough balls about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow room for spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. The tops will remain pale, which is normal for these delicate cookies.
- Cool and Roll in Sugar: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up. While still warm, carefully roll them in powdered sugar to coat the surface.
- Final Cooling: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and cool completely. Once cooled, roll them again in powdered sugar for a beautiful snowy finish that adds to their holiday charm.
Notes
- Ensure maraschino cherries are drained thoroughly and patted dry to avoid excess moisture which can make the dough too wet.
- For a nut-free version, simply omit the pecans or walnuts.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain freshness.
- These cookies freeze well; freeze in an airtight container and dust with powdered sugar after thawing.
