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Irresistible Cherry Snowball Cookies

Irresistible Cherry Snowball Cookies

Irresistible Cherry Snowball Cookies are soft, crumbly, and melt-in-your-mouth festive treats bursting with juicy dried cherries and coated in powdered sugar, perfect for any celebration or cozy indulgence.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free version)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting)

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (or vegan butter for vegan version)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Add-ins

  • 1 cup dried or candied cherries, chopped
  • ½ cup chopped nuts (optional; can substitute with extra cherries, white chocolate chips, or seeds)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: Start by creaming together softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then, stir in vanilla extract for flavor, followed by the flour and salt to form a soft, pliable dough. Lastly, gently fold in chopped dried or candied cherries and optional nuts to ensure even distribution without crushing them.
  2. Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls using your hands or a small cookie scoop, keeping the sizes consistent. Place them evenly spaced on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat to avoid sticking and promote even baking.
  3. Bake to Perfection: Bake the cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 12-15 minutes, or until the edges just start to turn golden but the centers remain soft. Oven times may vary, so watch closely to prevent over-baking.
  4. The Snowball Finish: While still warm, gently roll each cookie in powdered sugar to coat them fully. For a thicker “snow” layer, allow cookies to cool and repeat the dusting once more. This gives them that classic, irresistible snowball appearance.

Notes

  • Use room temperature butter to ensure the dough mixes smoothly without lumps.
  • Stir just until combined to keep cookies tender and crumbly, not tough.
  • If time permits, chilling the dough for 30 minutes helps maintain shape during baking.
  • Use a scoop or measuring spoon for uniform cookies that cook evenly.
  • Sift powdered sugar before dusting for a light, even coating.

Nutrition

Keywords: cherry cookies, snowball cookies, festive cookies, holiday treats, melt-in-your-mouth cookies, gluten-free cookies, vegan option