Cherry Snowball Cookies Recipe
Introduction
Cherry Snowball Cookies are delightful little treats packed with chewy oats, coconut, walnuts, and bright pops of maraschino cherries. These tender, buttery cookies are perfect for sharing or enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee.
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups powdered sugar (divided)
- ½ cup softened butter
- 1 cup flour
- ¼ cup instant oats
- ¼ cup finely chopped sweetened coconut
- ¼ cup finely chopped walnuts
- 1 pinch of salt
- 15 maraschino cherries (finely chopped)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a bowl, cream together ¼ cup of the powdered sugar and the softened butter until smooth.
- Step 3: Gradually add the flour, oats, coconut, walnuts, and a pinch of salt to the bowl, mixing well. Gently fold in the chopped cherries last.
- Step 4: Use a spoon to drop portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Step 5: Bake the cookies for around 18 minutes, or until they turn slightly golden on the edges.
- Step 6: After baking, roll the warm cookies in the remaining powdered sugar until fully coated.
Tips & Variations
- For added flavor, toast the walnuts lightly before mixing them in.
- You can substitute pecans for walnuts for a different nutty taste.
- Use unsweetened coconut if you prefer less sweetness, adjusting sugar as needed.
- Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help the cookies hold their shape better.
Storage
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them fresh longer, refrigerate for up to two weeks. Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave to soften before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Fresh cherries have a higher moisture content, which may change the texture of the cookies. Maraschino cherries work best because they maintain sweetness and firmness during baking.
Why are the cookies rolled in powdered sugar after baking?
Rolling the cookies in powdered sugar while they’re still warm gives them a sweet coating that enhances their flavor and creates the classic “snowball” look and texture.
Print
Cherry Snowball Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 18 servings 1x
Description
Delight in these charming Cherry Snowball Cookies, a sweet and tender treat packed with finely chopped maraschino cherries, oats, coconut, and walnuts. Soft, buttery, and dusted with powdered sugar, these cookies offer a perfect balance of flavors and textures, ideal for any festive occasion or afternoon snack.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 ¼ cups powdered sugar (divided)
- ½ cup softened butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup instant oats
- ¼ cup finely chopped sweetened coconut
- ¼ cup finely chopped walnuts
- 1 pinch of salt
- 15 maraschino cherries, finely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together ¼ cup of the powdered sugar with the softened butter until the mixture is smooth and light in texture, which will provide the base for your cookies.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour, instant oats, finely chopped coconut, walnuts, and a pinch of salt to the creamed mixture, stirring gently to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
- Add Chopped Cherries: Gently fold in the finely chopped maraschino cherries to the dough, distributing them evenly without overmixing to maintain a tender texture.
- Shape Cookies: Using a spoon, drop portions of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for approximately 18 minutes, or until the edges turn slightly golden, signaling they are done.
- Coat with Powdered Sugar: Once out of the oven and still warm, roll each cookie in the remaining powdered sugar until fully coated, creating a snowy, sweet exterior that complements the soft interior.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened at room temperature for easy creaming.
- Do not overmix the dough to keep cookies tender.
- You can substitute walnuts with pecans for a different nutty flavor.
- Allow cookies to cool slightly before rolling in powdered sugar to prevent melting the coating.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Cherry Snowball Cookies, Holiday Cookies, Maraschino Cherry Cookies, Powdered Sugar Cookies, Nutty Cookies, Coconut Cookies, Oat Cookies
