Have you ever walked into a room and been hit with the warm, buttery aroma of freshly baked cookies? It’s like a hug for your senses, isn’t it? Now imagine that same comforting feeling, but with a festive twist—enter Cherry Snowball Cookies. These melt-in-your-mouth treats are not only perfect for holiday gatherings but also a delightful addition to any Christmas cookie exchange. Plus, they’re egg-free, making them a great option for those looking for no-egg desserts. Ready to bake up some magic? Let’s dive in!
Why Cherry Snowball Cookies Are a Holiday Must-Have
Picture this: soft, crumbly cookies rolled in powdered sugar, with a pop of color and flavor from juicy glace cherries nestled right in the center. Doesn’t that sound like the ultimate holiday indulgence? These cookies are called “snowballs” because of their snowy-white coating, but when you bite into one, you’ll find a sweet surprise waiting inside.
And here’s the best part—they’re surprisingly easy to make! Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these cookies are foolproof. Plus, they’re versatile enough to fit into any dessert lineup, whether it’s for a cozy family night or a big holiday bash.
What You’ll Need to Make Cherry Snowball Cookies
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of the recipe, let’s talk ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ½ cup powdered sugar (plus extra for rolling)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup finely chopped glace cherries (or cherry candy for a fun twist!)
- Optional: Cookie glaze for an extra touch of sweetness
See? Nothing too fancy, and chances are, you already have most of these items in your pantry. If you don’t have glace cherries , don’t worry—you can substitute them with maraschino cherries or even small pieces of cherry candy for a playful spin.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s break it down into simple steps so you can whip these up with ease.
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Start by creaming together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Think of it as giving your cookies a soft, pillowy base. Add in the vanilla extract for that classic cookie aroma.
Step 2: Mix in the Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour and salt to the butter mixture. Mix until everything comes together into a smooth dough. Be careful not to overmix—just like life, sometimes less is more!
Step 3: Fold in the Cherries
Gently fold in the chopped glace cherries . This is where the magic happens. Each bite will have a little burst of cherry goodness that pairs perfectly with the buttery cookie.
Step 4: Shape and Bake
Roll the dough into small balls (about 1-inch in diameter) and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 350°F for about 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are just golden. They’ll still look pale in the center—that’s exactly what you want!
Step 5: Roll in Powdered Sugar
Once the cookies have cooled slightly, roll them in powdered sugar while they’re still warm. This creates that signature “snowball” effect. For an extra festive touch, drizzle a bit of cookie glaze on top before serving.
Tips for Perfect Cherry Snowball Cookies
- Use Quality Ingredients: Since the flavor of these cookies relies heavily on the butter and cherries, opt for high-quality ingredients. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
- Don’t Skip the Glaze: While the cookies are delicious on their own, a simple cookie glaze can elevate them to the next level. Just mix powdered sugar with a splash of milk and a drop of almond extract for a quick and tasty topping.
- Make Ahead: These cookies freeze beautifully! Store them in an airtight container and thaw when you’re ready to serve. Perfect for busy holiday schedules.
Why These Cookies Are a Hit at Any Dessert Table
Imagine walking into a Christmas cookie exchange with a plate of these beauties. Not only do they look stunning with their snowy coating and vibrant cherry centers, but they also taste incredible. Plus, they’re a great conversation starter. Who wouldn’t want to know how you got those adorable little cherries inside?
And if you’re looking for dessert items that cater to dietary restrictions, these cookies are naturally egg-free , making them a safe bet for friends and family who avoid eggs. Pair them with a hot cup of cocoa or coffee, and you’ve got yourself a match made in holiday heaven.
The Final Bite
There’s something truly magical about baking during the holidays. It’s not just about the food—it’s about the memories you create while making it. So why not add Cherry Snowball Cookies to your list of must-make recipes this season? They’re simple, delicious, and guaranteed to bring smiles to everyone who tries them.
Ready to give them a try? Grab your apron, preheat that oven, and let’s get baking. And hey, if you end up making these cookies, snap a pic and share it with us. After all, nothing beats seeing others enjoy the fruits (or should I say cherries?) of your labor.
Happy baking, and may your holidays be as sweet as these cookies!
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Fudgy Chewy Brownie Cookies
- Lemon Turkish Delight
- Authentic Turkish Delight (Lokum)
- Red Velvet Cake Truffles
- Orange Spice Turkish Delight
Tried This Recipe?
I’d love to hear how this recipe turned out! To show off your creation, leave a comment or tag @foodiecreator on Instagram and #foodiecreator.
Cherry Snowball Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar plus extra for rolling
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup finely chopped glace cherries or cherry candy for a fun twist!
- Optional: Cookie glaze for an extra touch of sweetness
Instructions
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: Start by creaming together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Think of it as giving your cookies a soft, pillowy base. Add in the vanilla extract for that classic cookie aroma.
- Mix in the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt to the butter mixture. Mix until everything comes together into a smooth dough. Be careful not to overmix—just like life, sometimes less is more!
- Fold in the Cherries: Gently fold in the chopped glace cherries . This is where the magic happens. Each bite will have a little burst of cherry goodness that pairs perfectly with the buttery cookie.
- Shape and Bake: Roll the dough into small balls (about 1-inch in diameter) and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 350°F for about 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are just golden. They’ll still look pale in the center—that’s exactly what you want!
- Roll in Powdered Sugar: Once the cookies have cooled slightly, roll them in powdered sugar while they’re still warm. This creates that signature “snowball” effect. For an extra festive touch, drizzle a bit of cookie glaze on top before serving.
- For an extra festive touch, drizzle a bit of cookie glaze on top before serving.
Notes
- Use a point cut corned beef for a juicier texture or a flat cut for leaner slices.
- If your corned beef doesn’t come with a seasoning packet, you can make your own spice mix.
- For extra flavor, fry the cabbage separately in olive oil, garlic, and spices instead of cooking it with the beef.
- Leftover broth can be saved to make Corned Beef and Cabbage Soup.
