Cherry Snowball Cookies
Cherry Snowball Cookies
Cherry Snowball Cookies are the prettiest little Christmas treats — soft, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies rolled in powdered sugar and filled with a sweet maraschino cherry surprise in the center.
These look so festive on a holiday cookie tray and they’re incredibly easy to make. If you love classic snowball cookies, the cherry twist makes them even more magical.
Jennie’s Thoughts
These Cherry Snowball Cookies are just pure Christmas nostalgia for me. They look like tiny snowballs with the prettiest pink center, and they always make people smile when they take that first bite and find the cherry hidden inside. I love how delicate and buttery they are — they melt on your tongue.
They’re also the kind of cookie that looks like it took a lot of effort, but the recipe couldn’t be easier. I make every holiday season because they feel so classic and cozy, and they add the perfect pop of color to a cookie tray.
If you’re making homemade treats for neighbors, teachers, or family gatherings, these are always a standout.
Tips
- Dry your cherries well so the dough doesn’t slip.
- Double-roll in powdered sugar for the perfect snowy look.
- Chill the dough for 10 minutes if it’s too soft to wrap around the cherries.
- Add almond extract (½ teaspoon) for a cherry-almond twist.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 1 cup butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup finely chopped pecans (optional)
- 24 maraschino cherries, drained and patted VERY dry
For Rolling
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cherries
Drain the maraschino cherries and pat them dry with paper towels. The drier they are, the easier the cookies will hold their shape.
2. Make the Dough
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar until creamy.
Add vanilla.
Mix in flour, salt, and pecans (if using) until a soft dough forms.
3. Shape the Snowballs
Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough, flatten slightly in your hand, and wrap the dough fully around one cherry.
Roll gently into a ball, making sure no cherry shows through.
Place on a parchment-lined cookie sheet.
4. Bake
Bake at 350°F for 12–14 minutes until the bottoms are lightly golden.
Allow to cool for 3–4 minutes.
5. Roll in Powdered Sugar
While still slightly warm, roll the cookies in powdered sugar.
Let cool completely, then roll a second time for the perfect snowy finish.
These Cherry Snowball Cookies have quickly become one of my favorite treats to make during the holidays because they check every single box — simple ingredients, easy steps, and absolutely beautiful results.
They’re the kind of cookie that feels timeless, like something your grandmother might have baked and kept in a pretty tin on the counter. Every year when I make them, they bring back that same cozy, comforting feeling of Christmas at home.
What I love most is how customizable they are. You can skip the pecans for a nut-free version, or add a touch of almond extract to enhance the cherry flavor. You can even roll them in sparkly sanding sugar instead of powdered sugar for a festive twist.
They’re soft, snowy, and sweet — everything a holiday cookie should be. And because the dough wraps around the cherry like a little gift, the presentation always feels whimsical and special.
