Every year, as the cold winds start to swirl and the aroma of cinnamon wafts through my kitchen, I find myself reaching for a cherished family recipe that brings comfort and nostalgia: Soft Cherry Snowball Cookies. It was on a particularly snowy afternoon that I discovered this gem—my grandmother’s tucked-away recipe card, decorated with splatters of dough and lined with her elegant handwriting.
As I mixed the soft dough and folded in the bright, plump cherries, I was transported back to her cozy kitchen, warmed by the glow of the oven and the sound of holiday music humming in the background. Those delightful little bites, dusted with powdered sugar like fresh-fallen snow, became a beloved treat, not just for their tender melt-in-your-mouth texture but also for the way they filled the air with an irresistible sweetness. I know you’ll love these cookies just as much, for they are more than just a treat—they are tiny bites of joy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy and Quick: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have these cookies ready to bake in no time!
- Crowd-Pleasing: They’re great for holiday gatherings or any cozy get-together—everyone will be asking for the recipe!
- Flavorful Delight: The combination of buttery goodness with the sweet tartness of cherries is simply divine.
- Soft and Chewy: These cookies boast a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’ll keep you coming back for more!
- Versatile: Easily customize with your favorite nuts or spices for a unique twist.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: This is the base of our cookies, giving them a rich and creamy texture. Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy creaming!
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens our dough and gives these cookies that lovely, melt-in-your-mouth quality.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Pure vanilla adds a warm aroma and depth of flavor. Don’t skimp on this!
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for our cookies, helping to create the perfect balance for softness.
- 1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries, drained: These little bursts of flavor brighten the cookies and add a pop of color.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: A little salt enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness beautifully.
- Additional powdered sugar for coating: This makes our cookies look delightful and taste even sweeter!
Full recipe card is below.
How to Make It
1. Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). I can already smell the warmth filling my kitchen!
2. Cream Together
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Picture this fluffy mixture as a cloud—a fluffy cloud of deliciousness!
3. Add Vanilla
Mix in the vanilla extract, and take a moment to breathe in that heavenly aroma. It’s like comfort in a bottle!
4. Gradually Add Flour
Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until combined. The dough might feel a tad stiff, but keep mixing to incorporate everything!
5. Fold in the Cherries
Gently fold in the chopped cherries. This step is where the magic happens—watch those gorgeous red pieces speckle your dough!
6. Roll the Dough
Roll the dough into small balls (about 1 inch) and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. You’re almost there!
7. Bake Away
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. The smell wafting through your kitchen will be irresistible—just try to resist the urge to eat them right out of the oven!
8. Cool and Coat
Allow the cookies to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before rolling them in powdered sugar. This is where they transform into little snowballs!
9. Let Cool Completely
Finally, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before indulging.
Pro Tips for Success
- Don’t Overmix: Be gentle when mixing in the flour to keep your cookies soft.
- Drain Cherries Well: Make sure to drain the maraschino cherries well to avoid excess liquid in the dough.
- Chill the Dough: If the dough seems too sticky, pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes before rolling into balls.
- Even Sizing: Use a cookie scoop for uniform sizing—this helps with even baking!
Flavor Variations
- Nutty Twist: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch!
- Chocolate Lovers: Toss in a handful of mini chocolate chips for a rich contrast to the cherries.
- Cocoa Snowballs: Replace a bit of flour with cocoa powder for chocolatey snowball cookies.
Serving Suggestions
These delightful cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of tea or coffee! For the festive occasions, consider serving them on a platter dusted with extra powdered sugar—such a charming display!
Make-Ahead & Storage
These cookies stay fresh for about 5-7 days in an airtight container at room temperature. For a fun twist, make the dough ahead of time, roll it into balls, and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days!
Leftovers
Leftover cookies? Not likely! But if you find yourself with a few spare, crumble them over vanilla ice cream because who doesn’t love a cookie sundae?
Freezing
Yes! These cookies can be frozen. Simply layer them between parchment paper in an airtight container. To thaw, let them sit at room temperature for a couple of hours.
Reheating
For that fresh-baked taste, reheat your cookies in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes or pop them in the microwave for a quick 10-15 seconds.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries in this recipe?
While maraschino cherries are a great choice for sweetness, you can use dried cherries but adjust the sugar accordingly!
How do I know when my cookies are done?
Check the bottoms of your cookies; they should be lightly golden. Remember, they will continue to bake slightly even after you take them out!
Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and you’re good to go!
What should I do if my dough is too crumbly?
If your dough feels too crumbly, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until it reaches the right consistency.
Final Thoughts
As the scent of Soft Cherry Snowball Cookies dances through your home, I hope you feel the same warmth and joy that these cookies have brought to my family. Baking is not just about mixing ingredients; it’s about creating memories, filling your home with love, and indulging in sweet moments together. So, grab your apron, roll up your sleeves, and let’s bake these delightful treats that’ll have everyone wishing they’d thought of bringing the cookies first! Happy baking, my friends! 🍪❤️
Soft Cherry Snowball Cookies
Ingredients
Cookie Base
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy creaming!
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar Sweetens our dough and gives these cookies that lovely, melt-in-your-mouth quality.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Pure vanilla adds a warm aroma and depth of flavor.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour The foundation for our cookies, helping to create the perfect balance for softness.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness beautifully.
- 1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries, drained These little bursts of flavor brighten the cookies and add a pop of color.
- Additional powdered sugar for coating Makes our cookies look delightful and taste sweeter!
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until combined.
- Gently fold in the chopped cherries.
- Roll the dough into small balls (about 1 inch) and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool for a few minutes before rolling them in powdered sugar.
- Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.