What are some of the best Cherry Snowball Cookies? The whole place smelled like vanilla and toasted nuts, and there was *always* a platter piled high with these little beauties. They’re not quite sugar cookies, and they’re not shortbread, but something wonderfully in between. Think of them as a nutty, buttery hug in cookie form, with a surprising burst of cherry in the middle. Is it easier to make chocolate chip cookies than they look?
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What is a cherry snowball cookie?
Cherry Snowball Cookies, sometimes called Russian Tea Cakes or Mexican Wedding Cookies are delicate, buttery cookies rolled in powdered sugar. Think of them as melt-in-your-mouth goodness with a hint of nuttiness. It’s a buttery shortbread cookie studded with chopped nuts and a glace cherry, then covered in a generous blanket of powdered sugar. I think the name comes from their appearance – little white balls that look like snowballs! They are quite popular at Christmas and make great gifts for friends.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What I love about these **Cherry Snowball Cookies** is how deceptively simple they are. * **Flavor:** The buttery, nutty flavor is just divine. Then you get that sweet-tart pop from the cherry – it’s a party in your mouth! * **Simplicity:** ** You probably have most of the ingredients in your pantry already. And the steps? Super straightforward. Even a beginner baker can nail this recipe. Can baking get expensive? I love the classic cherry version, but you can easily change things up. Use different nuts, add chocolate chips, or even a hint of citrus zest. The possibilities are endless! I once tried them with macadamia nuts, and everyone went nuts, no pun intended. I actually think these are even better than sugar cookies! They are so much less fiddly than rolling and decorating sugar cookies. They are also a little lighter and less sweet which is a big win.
How do I make Cherry Snowball Cookies?
Quick Overview
How do you make Cherry Snowball Cookies? You’ll basically be creaming butter and sugar, mixing in the dry ingredients and nuts, forming the dough into balls, and baking them until they are just lightly golden. What happens when you roll them in powdered sugar? I promise, it’s a simple process with a seriously delicious outcome.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened. Make sure it’s *really* soft but not melted! This is key for a smooth dough. * 1/2 cup granulated sugar. I’ve tried using brown sugar before, and it changes the texture too much. Stick with granulated! * 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Use the good stuff! * 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour. Spoon and level it for accurate measuring! * 1/4 teaspoon salt. Don’t skip the salt! * 1 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts. I prefer pecans, but walnuts work great too. Toast them lightly for even more flavor! * 1/2 cup chopped glace cherries. Add a festive pop of color and flavor.
For the Coating:
* 2 cups powdered sugar. You’ll need a good amount for that perfect snowball effect!
How do I follow step by step
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream Butter & Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer. The mixture should be pale and almost doubled in volume.
Step 3: Add Vanilla
Beat in vanilla extract until combined. Don’t overmix at this stage.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. This ensures that the salt is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 5: Gradually Add Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing will result in tough cookies.
Step 6: Stir in Nuts and Cherries
Stir in the chopped pecans (or walnuts) and glace cherries until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 7: Shape into Balls
Roll dough into 1-inch balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch between each cookie.
Step 8: Bake
Do not overbake cookies, or they will be dry. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are set but not browned.
Step 9: Cool Slightly
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before rolling them in powdered sugar. This helps the sugar adhere better.
Step 10: Roll in Powdered Sugar
While the cookies are still warm, roll them generously in powdered sugar. Place them on a wire rack to cool completely. Once they are cool, roll them again in powdered sugar. This double coating is what gives them that signature “snowball” look.
What should I serve it with?
What are some of the best ideas to make Cherry Snowball Cookies?
For Breakfast:A warm cup of coffee or tea. They’re not too sweet, so they’re perfect with your morning beverage.
For Brunch: Arrange them on a pretty platter with other holiday treats like mini quiches and fruit skewers. A glass of sparkling wine or mimosas would be a great addition.
As Dessert: Serve them after a holiday meal with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A glass of dessert wine would be lovely.
For Cozy Snacks:What are some comfort food recipes? My family likes to snuggle up and watch Christmas movies while munching on these.
How do you make a perfect Cherry Snowball Cookie?
I’ve made these **Cherry Snowball Cookies**, so I’ve learned a few things along the way. Here are my top tips for making them perfect every time.
Butter Softening:Make sure your butter is softened. It should be soft enough to easily press your finger into, but not melted. If it’s too cold, the dough will be crumbly. If it’s too melted, the cookies will spread too much.
Mixing Advice: Don’t overmix the dough! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which will result in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
Nut Toasting:Is it necessary to toast nuts before adding them to the dough? Let them cool completely before cutting.
Glacé Cherry Chopping: What is the best Glacé cherries can be sticky and difficult to chop. Try lightly coating them in powdered sugar before chopping to prevent them from sticking to your knife.
Baking Tips:Keep a close eye on the cookies while they are baking. They should be pale in color and set, but not browned. Overbaking will result in dry cookies. If your oven bakes unevenly, rotate the baking sheet halfway through the baking time.
Powdered sugar coating: Powdered sugar coating The double coating of powdered sugar is essential for that signature “snowball” look. Roll the cookies in powdered sugar while they are still warm, and then again once they have cooled completely.
I also found out, completely by accident, that a tiny pinch of nutmeg added to the dry ingredients gives a warmth that is just divine. It’s my secret ingredient now!
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
How do you store Cherry Snowball Cookies?
Room Temperature:Can you store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days?
Refrigerator Storage: What is theCan you store cookie dough in the refrigerator for up to a week?
How do I use a freezerFor longer storage, you can freeze cookies for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Don’t add the second coat of powdered sugar before freezing; add it after they’ve thawed.
What is Glaze Timing Advice?Since these are covered in powdered sugar rather than a glaze, you don’t really have to worry about the coating. I recommend adding the second coating of powdered sugar just before serving for the freshest, most vibrant look.
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Final Thoughts
What are some of my favorite Christmas cookies? They are simple enough for a weeknight treat, yet special enough for any celebration. They are also incredibly customizable and easy to adapt to different preferences. If you love peanut butter and want something similar, you should try Peanut Butter Blossoms. They are also easy to make and a crowd pleaser! I know you’ll love them as much as my family does. They are the perfect addition to any holiday cookie exchange or a simple weeknight dessert. I can’t wait to see how yours turn out! Please leave a comment below and let me know what you thought! I would love to see your creations!
7 Best Raspberry Almond Winter Delights: Perfect Gluten-Free Treat!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour blend
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 0.5 cup brown sugar
- 0.5 cup almond flour
- 0.5 cup sliced almonds toasted and chopped
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 20 pieces fresh raspberries crushed gently
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until smooth and creamy.
- In another bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, almond flour, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just incorporated.
- Fold in the chopped almonds and crushed raspberries gently into the dough.
- Use a small scoop to divide the dough onto the baking sheets, spacing each cookie about 2 inches apart.
- Bake the cookies for 20-22 minutes until the edges turn a light golden brown.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a rack to cool completely.
