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 the buttery dough complementing the tangy sweetness of maraschino cherries, all wrapped in a subtle hint of coconut and the satisfying crunch of walnuts. These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy evenings by the fire, or simply to enjoy with friends and family. Their unique flavor and delightful texture make them a memorable treat for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies can be whipped up in no time.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of cherries, coconut, and walnuts creates a delightful taste that will impress everyone.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a festive celebration or a casual snack, these cookies fit perfectly.
• Fun for Kids: Involve your little ones in the baking process for some family bonding time.
• Versatile Treat: Customize by adding different nuts or fruits to suit your taste.

Tools and Preparation

To make Cherry Snowball Cookies, you’ll need some essential tools that will make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A good mixing bowl allows you to combine ingredients easily without mess.
• Baking sheet: A sturdy baking sheet helps ensure even baking and prevents warping.
• Parchment paper: Using parchment paper makes cleanup easy and prevents cookies from sticking.
• Spoon or cookie scoop: This tool helps portion out the dough consistently for uniform-sized cookies.

Ingredients

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 the buttery dough complementing the tangy sweetness of maraschino cherries all wrapped in a subtle hint of coconut and the satisfying crunch of walnuts. Enjoying these cookies evokes memories. Brings forth feelings of cozy warmth and pure joy.

Ingredients:
– 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

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 the mixture is smooth.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the flour, instant oats, finely chopped coconut, finely chopped walnuts, and a pinch of salt into the bowl. Mix well until combined.

Step 4: Fold in Cherries

Gently fold in the finely chopped maraschino cherries to evenly distribute them throughout the dough.

Step 5: Shape Cookies

Use a spoon or cookie scoop to drop portions of dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Ensure they are spaced about 2 inches apart.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

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

Step 7: Roll in Sugar

After baking, remove the cookies from the oven. While still warm, roll them in the remaining powdered sugar until they are fully coated.

Enjoy your delicious Cherry Snowball Cookies!

How to Serve Cherry Snowball Cookies

Cherry Snowball Cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or simply enjoying them at home, these cookies pair beautifully with different accompaniments.

With a Hot Beverage

• Coffee: The rich flavors of coffee complement the sweetness of the cookies perfectly.
• Hot Chocolate: Indulge in a warm cup of hot chocolate for a comforting pairing.
• Herbal Tea: A soothing herbal tea balances the sweetness and adds a refreshing touch.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Mixed Cookies: Combine with other cookie varieties for a colorful and diverse dessert spread.
• Fruit Slices: Fresh fruit slices add a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the cookies.
• Cheese Cubes: Pairing with mild cheese creates an interesting flavor combination.

At Special Occasions

• Holiday Parties: These cookies make for festive treats that enhance any holiday celebration.
• Birthday Celebrations: Cherry Snowball Cookies are a fun addition to birthday dessert tables.

How to Perfect Cherry Snowball Cookies

To achieve the best results with your Cherry Snowball Cookies, follow these helpful tips. They will ensure your cookies turn out delicious every time.

• Use Room Temperature Butter: This helps create a smooth batter and allows for better incorporation of ingredients.
• Chop Cherries Finely: Finely chopped cherries distribute evenly throughout the dough, enhancing flavor in every bite.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix until just combined to keep your cookies tender and light.
• Watch Baking Time Carefully: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake to prevent over-browning; they should be golden around the edges.
• Let Them Cool Completely Before Coating: This ensures that the powdered sugar adheres properly without melting.

Best Side Dishes for Cherry Snowball Cookies

When serving Cherry Snowball Cookies, consider pairing them with side dishes that enhance their flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream provides a delightful contrast to the cookie’s texture.
2. Fresh Berries: Juicy berries add freshness and brightness, making for an appealing presentation.
3. Chocolate Dipping Sauce: Drizzling warm chocolate sauce over the cookies creates an indulgent treat.
4. Cream Cheese Frosting: A dollop of whipped cream cheese frosting complements the sweetness and adds richness.
5. Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and fruits can balance out the sweet richness of the cookies.
6. Fruit Salad: A medley of fresh fruits offers a light and refreshing side that pairs well with sweet treats.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking Cherry Snowball Cookies can be a joy, but certain mistakes can lead to less-than-ideal results. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping the butter softening: Using cold butter makes it hard to cream with sugar, resulting in dense cookies. Always soften your butter before mixing.
• Neglecting to measure flour correctly: Too much flour can lead to dry cookies. Use a spoon to fluff the flour before measuring and level it off with a knife.
• Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can create tough cookies. Mix just until combined for a tender texture.
• Not spacing cookies properly: If cookies are too close together, they will spread into each other while baking. Leave at least 2 inches of space between each cookie on the baking sheet.
• Ignoring oven temperature accuracy: An inaccurate oven can lead to undercooked or overbaked cookies. Use an oven thermometer to ensure it’s at the right temperature.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cooled Cherry Snowball Cookies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to one week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Cherry Snowball Cookies

• Place cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.
• Frozen cookies can last 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 a freshly baked taste.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a non-stick pan over low heat for a few minutes, turning occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Cherry Snowball Cookies.

Can I substitute different nuts in Cherry Snowball Cookies?

Yes! You can use pecans, almonds, or even seeds if you’re allergic or prefer different flavors.

How do I make Cherry Snowball Cookies gluten-free?

To make these cookies gluten-free, substitute regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend that contains xanthan gum.

What’s the best way to chop maraschino cherries?

Use kitchen shears or a sharp knife for easy chopping. Pat them dry before adding them to reduce excess moisture.

How do I enhance the flavor of my Cherry Snowball Cookies?

Incorporate almond extract or vanilla extract into the dough for added flavor depth.

Can I add other fruits to this recipe?

Absolutely! Dried cranberries or chopped apricots would work well alongside the cherries for extra sweetness.

Final Thoughts

Cherry Snowball Cookies are not only delightful but also versatile! Their combination of flavors makes them perfect for any occasion, from cozy family gatherings to festive celebrations. Feel free to customize them by adding your favorite nuts or even trying different dried fruits. Give these cherry-infused treats a try; they’re sure to become a staple in your dessert repertoire!