If you are looking for a charmingly sweet and soft treat to brighten your day, this Cherry Almond Snowball Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. These delightful little cookies are lovingly dusted with powdered sugar and studded with tart candied cherries and crunchy almonds, creating a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Each bite offers a tender crumb that melts in your mouth, making these snowball cookies an irresistible holiday favorite or a simple pleasure anytime you crave something cozy and delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is a breeze for this recipe, yet each one plays a vital role in crafting these soft and flavorful cherry almond snowball cookies. From the rich butter that lends the perfect tenderness to the fragrant almond extract that gives these cookies their unique charm, you’ll see how simple essentials combine for a wonderful result.
- Unsalted butter (¾ cup): Using room temperature butter ensures a creamy texture and tender cookies.
- Granulated sugar (¼ cup): Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the tart cherries.
- Almond extract (1 teaspoon): This provides the lovely nutty aroma that defines the cookie’s flavor profile.
- All-purpose flour (1 ¾ cups): The base that holds everything together with a soft crumb.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors, bringing out the sweetness and depth.
- Blanched slivered almonds (1 cup, finely chopped): Adds delightful crunch and nuttiness throughout each bite.
- Candied cherries (½ cup, finely chopped): Bursts of vibrant tartness that brighten every morsel.
- Powdered sugar (for rolling): Creates that iconic snowball appearance with a melt-in-your-mouth finish.
How to Make Cherry Almond Snowball Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pans
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Meanwhile, line two sheet pans with parchment paper to ensure your cookies won’t stick and will bake evenly. Taking these little prep steps makes the baking process smooth and enjoyable.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using an electric mixer, beat the room temperature butter and granulated sugar together for about two minutes until you achieve a smooth, creamy mixture. This step is crucial because it incorporates air, leading to soft, tender cookies that practically melt as you eat them.
Step 3: Add Flavor and Dry Ingredients
Next, blend in the almond extract for that unmistakable nutty fragrance. Then, sprinkle in the flour and a pinch of salt, mixing just until combined to prevent overworking the dough. Overmixing can make the cookies tough, and we want these to be beautifully tender.
Step 4: Fold in Chopped Almonds and Candied Cherries
Gently fold in the finely chopped slivered almonds and candied cherries so they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. These nuggets of flavor add bursts of texture and color that truly make this recipe shine.
Step 5: Shape and Bake
Use a rounded spoonful (a #20 scoop works perfectly) to drop the dough onto the parchment-lined pans, spacing them about two inches apart. Bake for around 15 minutes or until the cookies puff up and the bottoms turn just golden brown—this signals perfect doneness with soft centers.
Step 6: Powdered Sugar Coating
Allow the cookies to cool on the pan for about five minutes before gently rolling them in powdered sugar. Place them back on the sheet pans to cool completely and then roll them once more in powdered sugar to get that signature snowball look that’s both charming and delicious.
How to Serve Cherry Almond Snowball Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Cherry Almond Snowball Cookies Recipe, consider sprinkling a tiny pinch of finely chopped toasted almonds on top after the final powdered sugar coating. This not only adds visual appeal but also enhances the nutty crunch.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of tea or coffee. If you’re feeling festive, serve them alongside a glass of cold milk or a creamy hot chocolate to complement the sweetness and softness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching presentation, arrange these cookies in a festive tin or stack them on a pretty cake stand dusted that extra bit with powdered sugar. Wrapping them in parchment and tying with a ribbon makes them a heartfelt homemade gift too!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Cherry Almond Snowball Cookies Recipe leftovers will stay fresh when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. This lets you enjoy their soft texture and sweet flavors without worry.
Freezing
If you want to keep these delicious cookies longer, freeze them in a sealed container layered with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They’ll maintain their flavor and texture for up to three months, perfect for surprising guests or enjoying later.
Reheating
To enjoy your cookies fresh from the freezer, thaw them a little at room temperature and warm gently in an oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. This brings back that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture you love.
FAQs
Can I substitute candied cherries with fresh cherries?
Fresh cherries contain more moisture and won’t hold up well in this recipe, which relies on candied cherries for their intense flavor and chewiness. For best results, stick to candied cherries.
Is almond extract necessary?
Yes, almond extract is key because it complements the almonds and cherries perfectly, enhancing the overall flavor of these snowball cookies.
Can I use whole almonds instead of slivered?
While whole almonds could work if chopped finely, slivered almonds provide a nicer texture and distribute more evenly throughout the cookies for that classic bite.
Why do I roll the cookies in powdered sugar twice?
Rolling twice in powdered sugar creates that classic snowball look and ensures the sugar sticks better, giving each cookie a beautifully sweet, delicate coating.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
This recipe depends on butter for its soft texture and richness, but you can experiment with vegan butter substitutes. Keep in mind texture and flavor may vary slightly.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you fall in love with this Cherry Almond Snowball Cookies Recipe as much as I have. These little treats bring together simple ingredients in a comforting, indulgent way that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Whether you bake a batch for holiday celebrations or just because, they are sure to bring smiles and sweet moments to every occasion. So roll up your sleeves and enjoy baking these charming snowball cookies with your favorite people!
Print
Cherry Almond Snowball Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cherry Almond Snowball Cookies are soft, buttery treats dusted in powdered sugar, filled with finely chopped candied cherries and almonds that add a delightful texture and sweetness. Perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you crave a tender, nutty cookie with a fruity twist.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature (170 grams)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (50 grams)
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (210 grams)
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup blanched slivered almonds, finely chopped (114 grams)
- ½ cup candied cherries, finely chopped (100 grams)
For Rolling
- Powdered sugar, for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two sheet pans with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
- Make the Dough: Using an electric mixer, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is smooth and creamy, which usually takes about 2 minutes. Then, add the almond extract and mix well.
- Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix-ins: Add the all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt to the butter mixture and mix just until combined. Next, fold in the finely chopped blanched slivered almonds and candied cherries, mixing gently until evenly incorporated.
- Shape the Cookies: Drop rounded spoonfuls of the cookie dough—using approximately a #20 scoop—onto the prepared sheet pans, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for slight spreading.
- Bake: Place the sheets in the preheated oven and bake the cookies until they are puffed and the bottoms have just begun to turn golden brown, about 15 minutes.
- Initial Cooling and Rolling: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes. While still slightly warm, roll each cookie in powdered sugar to coat.
- Final Cooling and Double Rolling: Return the sugar-coated cookies to the sheet pans and allow them to cool completely. Once cool, roll them again in powdered sugar to create a snowy, festive finish.
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will keep fresh for up to 5 days.
Notes
- Using room temperature butter ensures a smooth and creamy creaming process for the dough.
- Finely chopping the candied cherries and almonds helps distribute their flavors evenly throughout the cookie.
- Rolling the cookies twice in powdered sugar gives them a beautiful snowy appearance and adds a delightful sweetness.
- Use parchment paper on baking sheets to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Cookies are best enjoyed within 5 days to maintain freshness and texture.
