Cherry Almond Snowball Cookies Recipe

There’s something truly magical about baking a batch of Cherry Almond Snowball Cookies—each one is a little bite of nostalgia and pure joy, with a rosy burst of candied cherry and toasty almonds nestled in a delicate, buttery cookie layer. These cookies are snowy on the outside, thanks to a double rolling in powdered sugar, but tender, nutty, and delightfully festive on the inside. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or just craving a sweet treat with a pop of color, you’ll fall in love with the simple yet show-stopping nature of these cookies.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Cherry Almond Snowball Cookies is how a handful of pantry staples, plus some vibrant cherries, create such irresistible flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need, and why every ingredient matters:

• BUTTER: Creamy, unsalted butter gives the cookies their rich, tender crumb and signature melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• GRANULATED SUGAR: Just enough sweetness to make the flavors pop without overpowering the delicate almond and cherry notes.
• ALMOND EXTRACT: A splash of this extract transports these cookies into “bakery” territory with its fragrant, nutty aroma.
• ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR: The simple structure for the dough that holds everything together yet keeps the cookies soft and tender.
• SALT: Just a pinch brings out every subtle flavor in the cookie—don’t skip it!
• BLANCHED SLIVERED ALMONDS: Finely chopped, these add a gentle crunch and extra almond goodness throughout each bite.
• CANDIED OR MARASCHINO CHERRIES: Chopped small, these bits add juicy color and a hint of tartness that stands out against the buttery base.
• POWDERED SUGAR: Essential for that dreamy, snowy finish—rolling the cookies while warm helps the sugar to stick beautifully.

How to Make Cherry Almond Snowball Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheets and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two sheet pans with parchment paper. This not only helps the cookies bake evenly but also prevents any sticking, making cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Cream Together Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the room-temperature butter with the sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and fluffy—about 2 minutes. This step is key for that soft, tender cookie texture you’ll love.

Step 3: Add Almond Extract, Flour, Almonds, and Cherries

Mix in the almond extract, then add the flour and a pinch of salt. Blend just until combined—be careful not to overmix. Gently fold in the finely chopped almonds and cherries, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. The scent at this stage is almost too good to resist!

Step 4: Shape the Cookies

Drop rounded spoonfuls of dough (a #20 cookie scoop is perfect, but a regular spoon works too) onto your prepared sheet pans, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. No need to fuss over the shape—the rustic look is part of the charm of Cherry Almond Snowball Cookies.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake for around 15 minutes, until the cookies are puffed and the bottoms are just beginning to turn golden. Resist the urge to overbake! You want them soft, not crunchy, so keep a close eye near the end.

Step 6: The Double Powdered Sugar Coating

Let the cookies cool for about 5 minutes, just until they’re cool enough to handle but still a touch warm. Roll each one in a generous amount of powdered sugar, then set them back on the pan to cool completely. Once cooled, roll them in powdered sugar again for that magical, snowy coating classic to Cherry Almond Snowball Cookies.

How to Serve Cherry Almond Snowball Cookies

Garnishes

A pretty dusting of extra powdered sugar is all these cookies need, but for an extra flourish, try topping each with a tiny piece of cherry or a sliver of almond. They look gorgeous on a festive cookie platter!

Side Dishes

Cherry Almond Snowball Cookies are fantastic with a cup of hot tea or coffee. If you’re serving them at a holiday party, try pairing with a selection of other buttery cookies, classic shortbread, or even some chocolate-dipped treats for an irresistible mix.

Creative Ways to Present

Box them up in parchment-lined tins for a homemade gift, or pile them high in a glass cake stand for your dessert table centerpiece. You can even string them onto pretty holiday ribbons (just poke through the sides gently) for a whimsical edible garland!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Cherry Almond Snowball Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They stay delightfully soft, and the sugar coating keeps them from drying out.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully! Place cooled cookies in layers, separated with parchment, in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months—just dust again with powdered sugar after thawing if you’re looking for that fresh, snowy effect.

Reheating

While you don’t need to reheat these cookies to enjoy them, you can gently warm a few in a low oven (about 250°F) for 3-4 minutes to refresh them. Let cool slightly before adding a final round of powdered sugar if desired!

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of candied or maraschino cherries?

Fresh cherries contain a lot of moisture, which can affect the texture of the cookies. Stick with candied or maraschino cherries for the best results and signature appearance of Cherry Almond Snowball Cookies.

What makes these different from regular snowball cookies?

The almond extract and finely chopped cherries set Cherry Almond Snowball Cookies apart, giving them a unique, fruity, and nutty flavor—and that lovely hint of color makes them extra special for sharing.

Can I make these cookies gluten free?

Yes, you can substitute a cup-for-cup gluten free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Just check that it’s suitable for baking cookies and expect a slightly different texture.

Is it necessary to roll the cookies in powdered sugar twice?

The double roll is highly recommended! The first coat sticks to the warm cookies, creating a base, and the second adds that perfect snowy finish Cherry Almond Snowball Cookies are famous for.

Do I need to refrigerate the dough before baking?

No chilling is required for this recipe, making it wonderfully quick and easy! You can bake the dough straight after mixing for soft, fresh cookies in no time.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a cookie that tastes as cheerful as it looks, Cherry Almond Snowball Cookies are a must-bake. Their irresistible blend of textures and flavors is sure to put a smile on anyone’s face—give them a try, and don’t be surprised when they disappear faster than you can say “more, please!”

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