Irresistibly Soft Cherry Snowball Cookies for Holiday Cheer

As the holiday season approaches, the scent of freshly baked cookies fills the air, evoking memories of joyful gatherings around the hearth and cozy evenings spent with loved ones. Among the myriad of flavors and textures, Irresistibly Soft Cherry Snowball Cookies for Holiday Cheer stand out with their unique combination of sweetness, tartness, and a delightful melt-in-your-mouth texture. These cookies are not just a treat; they are a celebration of the festive spirit that brings people together.

Imagine a snow-dusted landscape where each bite of these decadent cookies transports you to a world of warmth and cheer. With soft, buttery dough and the surprising twist of juicy cherries, these cookies are bound to become a cherished part of your holiday traditions.

The Allure of Cherry Snowball Cookies

Cherry Snowball Cookies, also known as Russian Tea Cakes or Mexican Wedding Cookies, are delightful little confections that are sweetly comforting. Their powdery finish of powdered sugar adds a festive touch, making them perfect for holiday cookie trays. But what really sets them apart is the use of cherries that provide a refreshing burst of flavor.

Why You Should Make Cherry Snowball Cookies

1. Delightfully Unique Flavor: While many cookies are laden with chocolate or nuts, the cherries offer a fruity brightness that is incredibly refreshing. This is especially wonderful during the heavy winter holiday season.

2. Perfect for Sharing: Their small, bite-sized nature makes them easily shareable and enjoyable for gatherings, ensuring that everyone gets a sweet treat.

3. Simple Ingredients: With just a handful of basic ingredients, these cookies are incredibly easy to whip up, even for novice bakers.

4. Variability in Recipe: The base recipe allows for variations. You can use different fruits, nuts, or even flavor extracts for personalized versions

   
   

Irresistibly Soft Cherry Snowball Cookies for Holiday Cheer

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• Author: chef-joudia
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delightful holiday cookies featuring a combination of dried cherries and buttery dough, perfect for festive celebrations.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup dried cherries, chopped
• Optional: 1 cup finely chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
• Optional: 1 teaspoon cinnamon

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Mix in the vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until combined. If using, add chopped nuts and cinnamon.
5. Fold in the chopped dried cherries gently.
6. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly golden.
8. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Once cooled, dust generously with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

Chill the dough for 30 minutes for firmer cookies and use kitchen scissors to chop dried cherries for ease.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 100
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 25mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: cherry cookies, holiday baking, festive treats, dessert recipes, snowball cookies

Ingredient Breakdown

To create these Irresistibly Soft Cherry Snowball Cookies for Holiday Cheer, you’ll need the following ingredients, each playing a vital role in achieving that signature soft texture and rich flavor.

Core Ingredients

• Unsalted Butter: Softened butter gives the dough its rich taste and tender texture, creating a cookie that’s truly buttery and decadent.

• Powdered Sugar: Unlike granulated sugar, powdered sugar not only sweetens but also helps create the melt-in-your-mouth texture essential for snowball cookies.

• All-Purpose Flour: The structure of the cookies relies on all-purpose flour, which binds the ingredients without making the cookies dense.

• Chopped Dried Cherries: The stars of this recipe! Dried cherries add sweetness, a bit of chewiness, and a lovely contrast to the buttery dough.

• Vanilla Extract: A must-have in cookie recipes, it adds depth to the flavor profile.

• Salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor

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• Powdered Sugar for Dusting: For that iconic “snowball” effect, a light dusting of powdered sugar on the finished cookies is essential.

Additional Ingredients (Optional)

• Nuts: Finely chopped walnuts or pecans can be added for texture and flavor. This enhances the cookie’s richness while maintaining its soft texture.

• Cinnamon: A hint of ground cinnamon mixed in can add warmth, perfect for the holiday season.

Step-by-Step Recipe

Creating these cookies is straightforward and rewarding. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a plateful of festive delights in no time.

Real Cooking Insights

• Butter Temperature: Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming. Cold butter won’t incorporate enough air, affecting the cookie’s lightness.

• Cherry Chopping: Use kitchen scissors to easily chop dried cherries into smaller pieces. This method reduces mess and saves time.

• Texture Check: The dough may seem crumbly at first, but as you mix thoroughly, it will come together into a soft dough.

Tips for Perfecting Your Cookies

1. Chill the Dough: If you prefer a firmer cookie, chilling the dough for 30 minutes can help achieve a more defined shape and avoid spreading too much.

2. Don’t Overbake: Since these cookies should be soft, be cautious with baking times. They might look underbaked, but they will firm up as they cool.

3. Use Parchment Paper: Always use parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking, which helps keep the cookies intact.

Variations and Swaps

• Fruit Substitutes: Swap dried cherries for cranberries, apricots, or even candied ginger for an entirely different flavor profile.

• Nut Alternatives: Try macadamia nuts or even omit nuts for a nut-free version.

• Flavor Enhancements: Experiment with almond or orange extract for a festive twist.

• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary preferences while maintaining texture.

Storage and Reheating

Cherry Snowball Cookies can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to one week. If you’d like to maintain their freshness even longer, consider freezing them.

Freezing Instructions

1. Cool Completely: Allow cookies to cool completely before freezing.

2. Layering: Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

3. Seal Tightly: Store cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag, ensuring as much air as possible is removed.

When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature. There’s no need to re-bake, but you may wish to dust with powdered sugar before serving to restore the snowball effect.

Nutrition Insights

While Cherry Snowball Cookies are indulgent, they also bring some nutritional benefits thanks to the cherries. Dried cherries are low in calories yet high in antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber. Here’s a quick breakdown of nutritional aspects per cookie (approximately):

• Calories: 100
• Fat: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Sugar: 6g
• Protein: 1g

While they should be enjoyed in moderation especially during the holiday season they offer a delightful balance of flavors and textures.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried?

Fresh cherries have a higher water content, which can disrupt the cookie’s texture. If you opt to use fresh, ensure they are well-drained and chopped finely.

What’s the best way to crush dried cherries?

Using kitchen scissors is an effective and mess-free way to chop dried cherries. You can also use a food processor, but be careful not to turn them into powder.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

Yes! Substitute butter with coconut oil or dairy-free butter. For the eggs, you can use flaxseed eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) or a commercial egg replacer.

How can I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help prevent excessive spreading. Also, ensure your butter is properly measured and at room temperature for the correct consistency.

Conclusion

There you have it Irresistibly Soft Cherry Snowball Cookies for Holiday Cheer are not only a delicious addition to your holiday cookie lineup but also a heartfelt way to spread joy and warmth during the festive season. With only a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create something truly special for family and friends.

So, gather your loved ones, start mixing, and share these delightful cookies! They might just become the highlight of your holiday traditions. Don’t forget to save this recipe and share it with friends who could use a little extra cheer during the holidays. Happy baking!