Cherry Snowball Cookies

Buttery cherry snowball cookies with a sweet candied cherry centre, rolled in snowy icing sugar—perfect for a festive treat!

Cherry Snowball Cookies are a timeless favourite, perfect for the holiday season or any occasion that calls for a little sweetness.

These bite-sized delights feature a buttery, nutty dough wrapped around a juicy candied cherry, rolled in a snowy coating of icing sugar for a festive finish. With a burst of cherry flavour, they’re as beautiful as they are delicious.

Whether you’re baking for a party, gifting, or just indulging at home, these cookies are sure to impress!

Tips for the BEST Snowball Cookies

• Fix Dry Dough: Add a teaspoon of cold water if the dough feels too dry; chill if it’s too soft to shape.
• Even Sizes: Use a cookie scoop for consistent, uniform cookies.
• Perfect Coating: Roll cookies in icing sugar while hot for better adhesion; roll again after cooling for a thicker coating.
• Optimal Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain texture and flavor.
• Freezing Option: Freeze unbaked dough balls or baked cookies in an airtight container for up to three months.

Ingredients and Substitutions

Butter – Adds richness and creates a soft, tender cookie texture. Margarine or plant-based butter works for a dairy-free option, though the flavour and texture may not be optimal.

Icing Sugar – Sweetens the dough and gives the cookies a smooth finish when rolled.

Flour – Forms the structure of the cookies and ensures a delicate crumb.Gluten-free 1:1 baking flour can be used for a gluten-free version. Avoid self-rising flour. Be sure to spoon and level the flour before sifting. Do not skip sifting the flour.

Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavours..

Vanilla Extract – Adds warmth and depth to the flavour. Almond extract or cherry extract provides a slightly different flavour profile.

Candied Cherries – The sweet, chewy centerpiece of each cookie. Maraschino cherries (drained and dried) or rehydrated dried cherries work well but may alter the texture.

Almonds – Add a subtle crunch and nutty flavour. You may use other nuts like walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts, or replace with finely shredded coconut for a nut-free option.

Looking for More Classic Christmas Cookie Recipes?

Check out more of my favourite Christmas cookies!

These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth old-fashioned pecan crescents cookies are a family heirloom Christmas cookie recipe.

Festive pressed Christmas cookies with a buttery texture and vibrant colours, perfect for gifting, sharing, or holiday cookie exchanges!

Soft, spiced Molasses Stamped Cookies with intricate designs are a festive holiday treat, perfect for gifting, parties, or cookie exchanges!

How to Make Cherry Snowball Cookies

Yields: About 48 cookies | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 30-35 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/4 cup icing sugar (plus more for rolling)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup blanched almonds, finely chopped
• 1 lb whole candied cherries

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Line two sheet pans with parchment paper. Set aside.
2. Cream the butter and icing sugar together until smooth.
3. Add the sifted flour, salt, and vanilla extract, and almonds, and mix until combined.
4. Flatten a teaspoon of dough in your palm and place a cherry in the center. Pinch the dough around the cherry and roll it into a smooth ball. (Image 1)
5. Place the cookies on a baking sheet and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until lightly golden. (Image 2)
6. While hot, roll the cookies in extra icing sugar to coat.

Continue to Content

Yield: 48 Cookies

Cherry Snowball Cookies

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Buttery cherry snowball cookies with a sweet candied cherry centre, rolled in snowy icing sugar—perfect for a festive treat!

Print

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/4 cup icing sugar (plus more for rolling)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup blanched almonds, finely chopped
• 1 lb whole candied cherries

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Line two sheet pans with parchment paper. Set aside.
2. Cream the butter and icing sugar together until smooth.
3. Add the sifted flour, salt, and vanilla extract, and almonds, and mix until combined.
4. Flatten a teaspoon of dough in your palm and place a cherry in the
   center. Pinch the dough around the cherry and roll it into a smooth
   ball.
5. Place the cookies on a baking sheet and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until lightly golden.
6. While hot, roll the cookies in extra icing sugar to coat.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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  Christmas Chocolate Gift Basket
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  Cuisinart SM-50BL Stand Mixer
• 
  Nordic Ware Natural Aluminum Commercial Baker's Half Sheet (2 Pack)

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

24

Serving Size:

2 Cookies
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 186Total Fat: 7gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 90mgCarbohydrates: 29gFiber: 1gSugar: 13gProtein: 2g

This information is provided as a courtesy and for entertainment purposes only. This information comes from online calculators. Although frugalmomeh.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.

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Elizabeth Lampman

Elizabeth Lampman is a coffee-fuelled Mom of 2 girls and lives in Hamilton, Ontario. She enjoys travelling, developing easy recipes, crafting, taking on diy projects, travelling and saving money!