Cherry Snowball Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Cherry Snowball Cookies are delightful little treats that combine the sweetness of maraschino cherries with a tender, coconut-oat base. Rolled in confectioners’ sugar, they are perfect for a cozy afternoon snack or holiday dessert table.

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar, divided
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup quick-cooking oats
• 1/4 cup sweetened coconut, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup walnuts, finely chopped
• 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
• 15 maraschino cherries, finely chopped

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1/4 cup of confectioners’ sugar with the softened butter. Use an electric mixer to blend until smooth.
3. Step 3: Add the flour, quick-cooking oats, chopped coconut, walnuts, and salt to the bowl. Mix on medium speed for about 25 seconds until well combined.
4. Step 4: Continue mixing for another 25 seconds until the dough comes together and turns a light pink color.
5. Step 5: Using clean hands, roll the dough into 15 equal-sized balls. Place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Step 6: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 18 minutes.
7. Step 7: While the cookies are still warm, roll each one in the remaining 1 cup of confectioners’ sugar to coat thoroughly.
8. Step 8: Once all cookies are coated, roll each one in the sugar a second time for a snowy, sweet finish.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch and flavor, toast the walnuts lightly before adding them to the dough.
• Substitute pecans for walnuts if preferred.
• Use unsweetened coconut for a less sweet option.
• If you want a stronger cherry flavor, add a teaspoon of cherry extract to the dough.

Storage

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They can also be frozen for longer storage; thaw at room temperature before serving. If desired, re-roll in confectioners’ sugar after thawing to refresh the coating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I omit the oats in this recipe?

The oats add texture and a slight chewiness to the cookies, but you can leave them out if you prefer a smoother cookie. The dough may be a bit more delicate without them.

What can I use instead of maraschino cherries?

If you don’t have maraschino cherries, dried cherries or chopped fresh cherries can be used. Just make sure to drain or pat dry any fresh cherries to avoid excess moisture.

Cherry Snowball Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 111 reviews

Delightfully buttery and tender Cherry Snowball Cookies featuring a unique twist of quick oats, sweetened coconut, walnuts, and vibrant maraschino cherries, all enveloped in a generous coating of confectioners’ sugar for a snowy finish. Perfectly baked to a light golden hue, these charming cookies offer a balanced texture and a sweet, nutty flavor profile that’s ideal for festive occasions or everyday treats.

• Author: Lisa
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Total Time: 33 minutes
• Yield: 15 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookie Dough

• 1 1/4 cups confectioners’ sugar, divided
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup quick-cooking oats
• 1/4 cup sweetened coconut, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup walnuts, finely chopped
• 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
• 15 maraschino cherries, finely chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1/4 cup of the confectioners’ sugar with the softened butter. Using an electric mixer, blend the ingredients until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy, which helps create a tender cookie base.
3. Add Dry Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour, quick-cooking oats, finely chopped coconut, walnuts, and kosher salt to the creamed mixture. Mix on medium speed for approximately 25 seconds to incorporate all components evenly.
4. Incorporate Cherries and Form Dough: Continue mixing for an additional 25 seconds. This step allows the dough to come together and develop a subtle pink tint from the maraschino cherries. Ensure the dough is well combined but avoid overmixing.
5. Shape Cookies: Using clean hands, roll the dough into 15 equal-sized balls. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing each ball about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading during baking.
6. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 18 minutes. They should be lightly golden and firm to the touch but still tender inside.
7. Coat with Sugar: Place the remaining 1 cup of confectioners’ sugar in a small mixing bowl. While the cookies are still warm, roll each one in the sugar to fully coat them.
8. Second Sugar Coating: After the initial coating, roll each cookie in the sugar a second time to achieve a thick, snowy exterior that enhances sweetness and presentation.
9. Store: Once completely cooled, store the Cherry Snowball Cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent them from drying out.

Notes

• Use very clean hands when rolling the dough to prevent sticking and maintain dough consistency.
• Ensure the cherries and nuts are finely chopped to distribute flavor evenly throughout the cookies.
• For a nuttier flavor, consider toasting the walnuts lightly before chopping.
• These cookies can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to one week.
• To keep cookies fresh longer, store them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or freeze for up to three months.
• Allow cookies to cool slightly before rolling in sugar to prevent melting sugar and losing the coating.

Keywords: Cherry Snowball Cookies, snowball cookies, maraschino cherry cookies, buttery cookies, coconut cookies, walnut cookies, holiday cookies, easy baked cookies