Cherry Snowball Cookies

Cherry Snowball Cookies: Just the name conjures up images of cozy winter evenings, doesn’t it? These melt-in-your-mouth delights are far more than just a simple cookie; they’re a delightful experience, a perfect blend of sweet and tart, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I’ve been making these Cherry Snowball Cookies for years, and they’re always the first to disappear at any gathering.

While the precise origins are a little hazy, snowball cookies in general boast a long and delicious history, likely stemming from simple, readily available ingredients and a desire for a comforting treat. Their simple elegance has allowed them to transcend specific cultures, becoming a beloved staple in countless households across the globe. The addition of cherries, however, adds a vibrant twist, a burst of juicy sweetness that elevates this classic to new heights.

What makes these cookies so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of factors, really. The buttery, crumbly texture melts in your mouth, leaving a delicate trail of sweetness. The tartness of the cherries cuts through the richness, creating a beautiful balance of flavors. And let’s be honest, the ease of preparation is a huge bonus! They’re surprisingly simple to make, requiring no special skills or equipment, making them ideal for both seasoned bakers and enthusiastic beginners alike. So, gather your ingredients and prepare to be amazed by the simple perfection of these Cherry Snowball Cookies.

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups pitted fresh or frozen dark sweet cherries, drained well (if using frozen, do not thaw)
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Preparing the Dry Ingredients:

1. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. Make sure to thoroughly whisk the dry ingredients to ensure even distribution throughout the dough. This prevents pockets of baking powder or soda from creating unevenly baked cookies.

Creaming the Butter and Sugar:

2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer. Creaming means beating the mixture until it’s light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes on medium-high speed. The key here is to incorporate as much air as possible, which will result in lighter and chewier cookies.
3. Once the butter and sugar are well combined, beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.

Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients:

4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until no more dry ingredients are visible.
5. Stir in the sour cream until the batter is smooth. The batter will be quite thick. This is normal for snowball cookies.
6. Gently fold in the drained cherries and chocolate chips. Avoid overmixing at this stage to prevent the cherries from breaking down and the chocolate from melting.

Chilling the Dough:

7. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. Chilling the dough is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking. It also allows the flavors to meld together.

Scooping and Baking the Cookies:

8. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
9. Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, scoop out rounded tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls. Make sure the balls are roughly the same size for even baking.
10. Place the cookie balls onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading.
11. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Baking times may vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on them. Start checking for doneness around the 10-minute mark.
12. Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Allowing them to cool slightly on the baking sheet helps them to firm up.

Dusting with Powdered Sugar:

14. Once the cookies are completely cool, dust them generously with powdered sugar. You can do this by placing them in a large bowl and gently shaking the bowl, or by individually dusting each cookie. For a more intense snowy effect, you can dust them twice.

Storage:

15. Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let them thaw completely before serving.

Tips for Success:

Using Frozen Cherries:

If using frozen cherries, ensure they are well-drained before adding them to the dough. Excess moisture can make the cookies soggy.

Adjusting Sweetness:

If you prefer less sweet cookies, you can reduce the amount of granulated sugar by ¼ cup.

Variations:

Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits. Cranberries, white chocolate chips, or pecans would all be delicious additions.

Troubleshooting:

If your cookies spread too much during baking, try chilling the dough for a longer period or reducing the baking temperature slightly.

If your cookies are too dry, try reducing the baking time slightly or adding a tablespoon or two of milk to the batter.

Conclusion:

So there you have it – my recipe for the ultimate Cherry Snowball Cookies! I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for several reasons. First, the flavor combination is simply divine. The sweet and tart cherries perfectly complement the buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookie base, creating a delightful balance that will leave you wanting more. Second, these cookies are surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner bakers. The simple steps and readily available ingredients make them a perfect choice for a weekend baking project or a last-minute dessert for unexpected guests.

Beyond their ease and deliciousness, these Cherry Snowball Cookies offer a wonderful opportunity for customization and creativity. I love the classic version, but feel free to experiment and make them your own! For instance, you could add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough for added texture and nutty flavor. A dash of almond extract would also complement the cherry beautifully, adding a sophisticated twist to the classic recipe. If you prefer a more intense cherry flavor, you could try using a cherry liqueur or a homemade cherry jam in the filling. The possibilities are truly endless!

Consider serving these cookies alongside a cup of strong coffee or a glass of chilled milk for the perfect afternoon treat. They also make a fantastic addition to holiday gatherings, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to impress your friends and family with a homemade dessert. Imagine the delighted smiles as your guests bite into these delicate, flavorful cookies – it’s a truly rewarding experience!

Serving Suggestions:

For a truly elegant presentation, consider dusting the finished cookies with powdered sugar using a fine-mesh sieve for an even coating. You could also arrange them on a beautiful serving platter with sprigs of fresh rosemary or mint for a touch of visual appeal. For a festive touch, especially during the holiday season, try adding a small candy cane or a dusting of cocoa powder to some of the cookies for variety.

Variations to Explore:

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of cherries! While fresh cherries are ideal, you can also use frozen cherries (make sure to thaw and drain them well before using). Dried cherries, chopped finely, would also work well, adding a chewy texture to the cookies. If you’re not a fan of cherries, you could easily substitute other fruits, such as cranberries, blueberries, or raspberries. Just remember to adjust the sweetness according to the fruit you choose.

I encourage you to try this recipe and let me know what you think! Share your baking experience with me and other readers by leaving a comment below. I’d love to see your photos of the finished cookies – tag me on social media if you share them! Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me continue to create delicious and accessible recipes for everyone to enjoy. So, what are you waiting for? Get baking and experience the joy of creating these irresistible Cherry Snowball Cookies!

Happy baking!

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