Cherry Snowball Cookies are a delightful intersection of elegance and indulgence, blending the sweetness of cherries with the richness of buttery cookie dough. This refined treat is adorned with a delicate dusting of powdered sugar, resembling a playful snowball. The unique combination of flavors—acidic, sweet cherries harmonizing with a melt-in-your-mouth texture—elevates these cookies beyond the ordinary, making them a perfect addition to any sophisticated gathering.
Why Make This Recipe
- Effortless Yet Elegant: While these cookies impress with their aesthetic appeal, they are surprisingly simple to prepare.
- Minimal Ingredients: With just a few high-quality ingredients, each component shines through, creating a symphony of flavors.
- Impressive Flavor: The contrast between the sweet cherries and the buttery cookie base offers a delightful complexity that is sure to enchant the palate.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Base
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dried cherries, finely chopped
How to Make Cherry Snowball Cookies
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to cream the room temperature butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Incorporate Vanilla: Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined, allowing the aroma to fill your kitchen.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Blend in Cherries: Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in the finely chopped dried cherries, creating a soft, sticky dough.
- Shape the Cookies: Using a small cookie scoop, form the dough into balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, giving them ample space to spread.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set but slightly soft.
- Dust with Sugar: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer them to a wire rack and generously dust with powdered sugar while they are still warm.
How to Serve Cherry Snowball Cookies
Present these dainty cookies on a refined porcelain platter, garnished with a sprig of fresh mint or delicate edible flowers for an added touch of sophistication. For an extravagant experience, serve alongside a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of cherry sorbet.
How to Store Cherry Snowball Cookies
To maintain their texture and flavor, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer preservation, consider refrigeration, allowing them to return to room temperature before serving. If reheating, use a low oven setting to gently warm them, preserving their delightful softness.
Tips to Make Cherry Snowball Cookies
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality unsalted butter and pure vanilla extract to enhance the cookies’ flavor depth.
- Chop Cherries Finely: Make sure the dried cherries are chopped finely, as this will distribute the flavor evenly throughout the cookies.
- Uniform Shaping: Use a cookie scoop for uniform size, ensuring even baking and a polished look.
- Cool Before Dusting: Allow cookies to cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar to prevent it from melting into the surface.
- Experiment with Flavors: Consider infusing the dough with a hint of almond extract for a sophisticated twist.
Variation
- Nutty Delight: Substitute half of the flour with finely ground almonds for a nutty flavor and unique texture.
- Cherry-Almond Swirl: Add almond extract and incorporate whole almond pieces for an elegant crunch.
- Citrus Zest: Infuse the cookie dough with lemon or orange zest for a refreshing hint that complements the cherries beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries, but be sure to remove the pits and chop them finely. Reduce the moisture by patting them dry to avoid a sticky dough.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Cherry Snowball Cookies can stay fresh for up to a week when stored properly in an airtight container.
Can I freeze them?
Absolutely! These cookies freeze well. Lay them in a single layer in an airtight container, and they can be stored for up to three months.
Conclusion
Cherry Snowball Cookies encapsulate refined simplicity—an elegant treat that transforms any occasion into a delightful culinary experience. Their rich flavors and delicate appearance invite creativity in presentation and personal adaptation. Share your thoughts in the comments, and join the conversation on social media. How would you make this dish your own?
Print
Cherry Snowball Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful elegance of Cherry Snowball Cookies, blending sweet cherries with buttery cookie dough, dusted with powdered sugar.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dried cherries, finely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream the butter and granulated sugar in a bowl until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add vanillla extract and mix until combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, then fold in chopped cherries to form a soft dough.
- Use a small cookie scoop to form balls about 1 inch in diameter and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, until edges are golden and centers are set but slightly soft.
- Cool cookies for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack and dusting with powdered sugar.
Notes
For a twist, try adding almond extract or citrus zest. Ensure dried cherries are finely chopped to distribute flavor evenly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg