Cherry Snowball Cookies

Posted on October 20, 2025

What’s better than shortbread cookies? Cherry Snowball Cookies with chocolate chips and maraschino cherries, of course! These melt-in-your-mouth treats are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday gathering or a cozy afternoon snack. Their delightful cherry flavor, combined with a rich buttery pecan crunch and a dusting of powdered sugar, makes them an irresistible treat. Pair these cookies with a warm cup of homemade hot chocolate, and you’ve got a dessert that everyone will love.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Delicious Flavor: The combination of cherry and chocolate creates a mouthwatering taste experience.
Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps mean you can whip these up in no time.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s for a festive celebration or just because, these cookies fit right in.
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: They have the ideal balance of crumbly and soft, making each bite delightful.
Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different extracts or add-ins to suit your taste.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your kitchen tools. Having the right tools on hand makes the baking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Kitchen Tools

Mixing bowl
Electric mixer
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Cookie scoop

Why These Tools Matter

Mixing bowl: A sturdy bowl is essential for combining ingredients without spills.
Electric mixer: This tool saves time and ensures that your butter and sugars are creamed perfectly.
Baking sheet: A good quality sheet allows even baking for all your cookies.
Parchment paper: Using parchment prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless.

Ingredients

What’s better than shortbread cookies? Cherry Snowball Cookies with chocolate chips and maraschino cherries of course! These melt-in-your-mouth cookies are made with plenty of cherry flavor, rolled in powdered sugar, and have such an addicting rich taste yet retain just the right amount of flavorful buttery pecan crunch that they are popularly known for. We love to dip the cookies into a cup of homemade hot chocolate.

Ingredients:
– 1½ cups butter, at room temperature (salted or unsalted works)
– ¾ cup powdered sugar
– ½ cup granulated sugar
– 1 tsp salt
– 1½ tsp almond extract
– 1½ tsp vanilla extract
– ½ tsp cherry extract or emulsion (see notes)
– ½ cup maraschino cherries (drained well)
– 1 cup pecans (finely ground)
– 4½ cups all-purpose flour
– ¾ cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 1½ cups powdered sugar (dusting)

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How to Make Cherry Snowball Cookies

Step 1: Beat the Butter and Sugars

Begin by beating together the butter, powdered sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process should take about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Add Flavorings

Mix in the salt, almond extract, vanilla extract, and cherry extract if you’re using it. This will enhance the cookie’s overall flavor profile.

Step 3: Prepare the Cherries

Drain the cherry juice from the maraschino cherries. Chop them into smaller pieces. After chopping, use paper towels to remove as much liquid as possible before adding them to your mixing bowl.

Step 4: Incorporate Pecans

Add the finely ground pecans to the mixture. Stir until everything is well combined.

Step 5: Add Flour Gradually

Slowly beat in flour to the mixture, ½ cup at a time until incorporated. You may need between 3½ to 4½ cups based on how much cherry juice was added. If needed, adjust with more flour or a splash of milk if too dry.

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips

With your dough prepared, gently mix or stir in the mini semi-sweet chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Step 7: Chill the Dough

Refrigerate your cookie dough for about 30 minutes to an hour. Chilling helps make it easier to handle when forming cookies.

Step 8: Preheat Your Oven

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

Step 9: Shape Cookies

Scoop out about 1½ tablespoons of dough and roll it into a round ball. If you’re using a cookie scoop that sticks, consider dipping it in powdered sugar between scoops for easier handling.

Step 10: Bake

Place your shaped cookie balls on the prepared baking sheet spaced about an inch apart. Bake them in the oven for approximately 15–17 minutes until lightly golden around the edges.

Step 11: Cool Down

Once baked, transfer your cookies to a cooling rack for about 5 minutes before rolling them in powdered sugar for that classic snowball look.

Step 12: Store Properly

After cooling completely, store your Cherry Snowball Cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for days!

How to Serve Cherry Snowball Cookies

Cherry Snowball Cookies are delightful treats that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging at home, these cookies pair wonderfully with different accompaniments.

With Hot Chocolate

The rich flavors of the cookies complement a warm cup of homemade hot chocolate, enhancing the cozy experience.

On a Dessert Platter

Arrange Cherry Snowball Cookies on a colorful dessert platter alongside other treats like brownies and fruit tarts for an eye-catching display.

As Party Favors

Package individual cookies in decorative bags tied with ribbons for charming party favors that guests will love to take home.

With Fresh Fruit

Serve these cookies alongside fresh strawberries or raspberries for a refreshing contrast to their sweetness.

With Coffee or Tea

Pair your cookies with a steaming cup of coffee or tea to balance the sweetness and enjoy during afternoon breaks.

How to Perfect Cherry Snowball Cookies

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

Measure Accurately: Use the correct measuring cups for dry and wet ingredients to maintain the right texture of the dough.
Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough helps it hold its shape while baking, preventing excessive spreading.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your butter and extracts are fresh for the best flavor in your cookies.
Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the baking time; remove them from the oven when they are just set for a soft texture.
Double Coat in Powdered Sugar: For an extra sweet finish, roll the cooled cookies in powdered sugar twice before serving.

Best Side Dishes for Cherry Snowball Cookies

Cherry Snowball Cookies can be complemented by several delicious side dishes that enhance their taste. Here are some great options to consider:

Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream balances the sweetness of the cookies perfectly.
Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and a burst of flavor that pairs well with cookie richness.
Chocolate Dipping Sauce: Serve warm chocolate sauce for dipping; it creates a decadent treat when paired with the cookies.
Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses can contrast nicely with the sweetness of Cherry Snowball Cookies.
Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries as a light side that offsets cookie indulgence.
Nut Mix: A bowl of spiced nuts provides a savory crunch that complements the soft texture of the cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Cherry Snowball Cookies, even small errors can lead to disappointing results. Here are some common mistakes to watch for.

Skipping the chilling step: Not refrigerating the dough can result in cookies that spread too much while baking. Always chill the dough for at least 30 minutes.
Not measuring flour correctly: Over-measuring flour can create a dry cookie. Use a spoon to fluff up your flour before spooning it into the measuring cup.
Using wet cherries: Adding cherries without properly draining them can make the dough too wet. Make sure to drain and pat them dry with paper towels before mixing.
Ignoring oven temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can affect texture. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer if needed.
Rolling cookies too small: Making cookies smaller than recommended may lead to uneven baking. Use a consistent measure, like a tablespoon or cookie scoop.

Refrigerator Storage

Store Cherry Snowball Cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing Cherry Snowball Cookies

Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 3 months.
Wrap each ball tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag.

Reheating Cherry Snowball Cookies

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Heat individual cookies on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds.
Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, turning occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Cherry Snowball Cookies?

Cherry Snowball Cookies are buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treats filled with chopped maraschino cherries and chocolate chips, rolled in powdered sugar.

How do I store Cherry Snowball Cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or freeze unbaked dough for later use.

Can I customize Cherry Snowball Cookies?

Absolutely! You can substitute different nuts or add more chocolate chips based on your preference.

Why did my cookies spread too much?

This can happen if the dough wasn’t chilled long enough or if there was excess moisture from the cherries. Always chill your dough and ensure cherries are well-drained.

Conclusion

Cherry Snowball Cookies are not just delicious but also versatile, allowing you to customize ingredients according to your taste. Whether enjoyed with hot chocolate or shared at gatherings, these cookies are sure to impress anyone who tries them. Give this recipe a try and savor the delightful flavors!