Cherry Snowball Cookies

Cherry Snowball Cookies deliver festive magic with maraschino cherries, pecans, and chocolate chips in powdered sugar perfection.

Hi, I’m Linda, and welcome to Tasty at Home—where bold flavors meet everyday kitchens. Last December, my neighbor knocked on my door with a tin of the most amazing cookies I’d ever tasted.

One bite of those Cherry Snowball Cookies transported me straight to my grandmother’s kitchen in small-town Iowa, where the scent of vanilla and almond extract danced through every holiday season.

Well, let me tell you, I practically begged for that recipe. After weeks of testing and tweaking—and yes, burning a few batches when I got distracted wrapping presents—I’ve perfected these revolutionary holiday treats.

These aren’t your ordinary Christmas Cookie Mix creations. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or someone who usually sticks to store-bought, these Fruit Cookies Christmas will become your new obsession.

The magic happens when tender, buttery dough meets the sweet-tart pop of maraschino cherries and the crunch of finely ground pecans. Then comes that final roll in powdered sugar that creates the signature “snowball” appearance. Trust me, these Cherry Icebox Cookies will have your guests asking for seconds before they’ve finished their first bite.

About These Game-Changing Cherry Snowball Cookies

What makes this recipe absolutely different from every other holiday cookie? First, the combination of three extracts—vanilla, almond, and cherry—creates layers of flavor that develop beautifully as the cookies bake. Meanwhile, the finely ground pecans add a subtle nuttiness that balances the sweetness perfectly.

Additionally, these cookies improve with time, making them ideal for holiday gift-giving or make-ahead entertaining. The powdered sugar coating creates a delicate shell that gives way to an incredibly tender interior. Furthermore, the mini chocolate chips provide unexpected bursts of richness that complement the cherries beautifully.

Essential Ingredients

Shopping Tips for US Grocery Stores

When shopping for these ingredients, head to the baking aisle first for your extracts and chocolate chips. Look for pure vanilla extract rather than imitation—it makes a noticeable difference. Similarly, cherry extract can be found near the vanilla, but if unavailable, cherry emulsion works wonderfully and provides more intense flavor.

For the maraschino cherries, avoid the neon-red varieties when possible. Instead, choose brands with more natural coloring for better flavor. Regarding pecans, you can buy whole pecans and grind them yourself in a food processor, or look for pre-ground pecans in the baking section.

Bold Add-ins and Creative Variations

Essentials: The butter, sugars, and three extracts form the flavor foundation that cannot be compromised.

Bold Add-ins: Consider these creative Christmas Cookie Mix variations:

• Dried cranberries instead of maraschino cherries for a tarter flavor
• White chocolate chips for extra sweetness
• A pinch of cardamom for subtle spice
• Chopped candied ginger for holiday warmth

Quality Indicators and Substitutions

Choose butter that’s naturally pale yellow and feels slightly soft when pressed. Fresh pecans should smell nutty, not rancid. Moreover, high-quality extracts will have clear, not cloudy, liquid.

International Substitutions:

• Cherry extract → 1 tsp vanilla + ¼ tsp almond extract
• Maraschino cherries → Dried cherries, chopped fine
• Pecans → Walnuts or almonds, finely ground

Equipment and Essential Preparation Steps

You’ll need a stand mixer or hand mixer, large mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons, a cookie scoop (1½ tablespoon size), and parchment-lined baking sheets. A food processor helps if grinding whole pecans, and a fine-mesh sieve works perfectly for dusting with powdered sugar.

Step 1: Create the Butter Base

Beat butter, powdered sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy—about 5 minutes with a stand mixer. This step is crucial because proper creaming incorporates air, creating the tender texture these cookies are famous for. The mixture should look pale and increased in volume.

Step 2: Add the Flavor Foundation

Mix in salt, almond extract, vanilla extract, and cherry extract until well combined. The aroma at this stage should be incredibly fragrant and festive. Don’t rush this step; proper mixing ensures even flavor distribution throughout every cookie.

Step 3: Prepare and Add Cherries

Drain cherry juice completely, then chop cherries into small pieces. Here’s where I learned from experience—remove as much liquid as possible with paper towels. Excess moisture can make your dough too sticky and affect the final texture. Add chopped cherries to the bowl and mix gently.

Step 4: Incorporate the Pecans

Mix in finely ground pecans until evenly distributed. The pecans should be fine enough that they blend seamlessly into the dough but still provide subtle texture. Consequently, this step adds richness without overwhelming the cherry flavor.

Step 5: Gradually Add Flour

Slowly beat in flour, ½ cup at a time, until incorporated. You may need anywhere from 3½ to 4½ cups depending on humidity and how much cherry juice remains in your dough. The dough should come together without being too sticky or too dry.

Pro Tip: Based on cherry juice content, dough consistency may vary. Simply add more flour if too sticky, or a splash of milk if too much flour makes it crumbly.

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Slowly mix in or stir in mini chocolate chips until evenly distributed. Use a wooden spoon for this step to avoid overmixing, which can make cookies tough.

Step 7: Chill the Dough

Refrigerate dough for 30 minutes to 1 hour. This crucial step makes rolling easier and prevents cookies from spreading too much during baking. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 8: Shape and Bake

Scoop 1½ tablespoons of dough and roll into round balls. If the dough sticks to your cookie scoop, dip it in powdered sugar between each scoop. Place cookies on baking sheets, spaced 1 inch apart.

Bake for 15-17 minutes until bottoms are lightly golden. The tops should still look pale and soft. Transfer to cooling racks and cool for 5 minutes before the final magical step.

Step 9: The Snowball Transformation

Roll warm cookies in powdered sugar while they’re still slightly warm. This creates the first layer of “snow.” After cookies cool completely, roll them again for that perfect snowball appearance that gives these treats their name.

Expert Tips and Festive Variations

These Cherry Snowball Cookies benefit from a few professional techniques. First, room temperature butter is non-negotiable—cold butter won’t cream properly, while melted butter changes the texture entirely. Second, don’t overbake; slightly underdone cookies will continue cooking on the hot pan.

Regional and Seasonal Variations

Southern Style: Replace pecans with finely chopped toasted almonds and add a pinch of bourbon flavor extract.

New England Holiday: Substitute dried cranberries for maraschino cherries and add orange zest for a festive twist.

Midwest Comfort: Use chopped walnuts instead of pecans and add a touch of maple extract alongside the vanilla.

West Coast Fresh: Include finely chopped dried apricots with the cherries for a California-inspired variation.

Valentine’s Day Special: Use red and pink mini chocolate chips and shape into heart cookies before the powdered sugar coating.

Storage and Make-Ahead Magic

These cookies actually improve after a day or two, making them perfect for holiday gift boxes. The flavors meld and the texture becomes even more tender. For gift-giving, layer cookies between parchment paper in decorative tins.

Perfect Pairings

Serve these delightful treats with hot cocoa, spiced cider, or coffee for the ultimate winter comfort combination. They’re also spectacular alongside my creamy scalloped potatoes recipe for Christmas brunch, or pair beautifully with homemade Texas roadhouse rolls for a complete holiday spread.

For an elegant dessert presentation, arrange Cherry Snowball Cookies on a platter with my crispy cotton candy cheesecake bombs for textural variety that guests absolutely love.

Cherry Snowball Cookies FAQs

The Sweet Conclusion

These Cherry Snowball Cookies represent everything magical about holiday baking—they’re beautiful, delicious, and create lasting memories with every bite. The combination of buttery tenderness, fruity sweetness, and that signature powdered sugar coating makes them irresistible to both children and adults.

Man, oh man, there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of pulling a perfect batch from the oven, knowing you’ve created something special. Whether you’re building your Christmas Cookie Mix collection or looking for the perfect Fruit Cookies Christmas recipe, these Cherry Icebox Cookies deliver every single time.

Next time you make these, consider pairing them with my easy broccoli bacon salad for a complete holiday meal, or serve alongside grandma’s thanksgiving stuffing for a dessert that bridges seasons beautifully.

I’d love to see your Cherry Snowball Cookie creations! Share your photos and tell me about any creative variations you tried. After all, the best recipes are the ones that bring families together and create new traditions.

Remember, every cookie tells a story—and these Cherry Snowball Cookies might just become the star of your holiday tale.

Cherry Snowball Cookies

Cherry Snowball Cookies are festive holiday treats made with buttery dough, maraschino cherries, pecans, and mini chocolate chips, all rolled in powdered sugar for a beautiful snowball finish.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 17 minutes mins

Chilling Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 36 cookies

Equipment

• stand mixer or hand mixer
• mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cookie scoop
• Parchment-lined baking sheets
• Food processor
• Fine-Mesh Sieve

Ingredients

  

Dough

• 1.5 cups Butter (room temperature) Salted or unsalted works
• 0.75 cup Powdered sugar For dough
• 0.5 cup Granulated sugar Creates tender texture
• 1 tsp Salt Enhances all flavors
• 1.5 tsp Almond extract Key flavor component
• 1.5 tsp Vanilla extract Pure preferred
• 0.5 tsp Cherry extract or emulsion See substitution notes
• 0.5 cup Maraschino cherries Drained and chopped
• 1 cup Pecans Finely ground
• 4.5 cups All-purpose flour May vary slightly
• 0.75 cup Mini chocolate chips Semi-sweet recommended

For Rolling

• 1.5 cups Powdered sugar For rolling

Instructions

 

• Beat butter, powdered sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
• Mix in salt, almond extract, vanilla extract, and cherry extract until well combined.
• Drain cherries well, chop finely, and gently fold into dough.
• Add finely ground pecans and mix until evenly distributed.
• Gradually add flour, ½ cup at a time, until dough comes together.
• Fold in mini chocolate chips with a wooden spoon.
• Chill dough for 30–60 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Scoop dough (1.5 tbsp portions), roll into balls, and place on lined baking sheets.
• Bake for 15–17 minutes until bottoms are lightly golden.
• Roll warm cookies in powdered sugar, let cool, then roll again for the snowball finish.

Notes

For variations, try dried cranberries instead of cherries, white chocolate chips, or add spices like cardamom. Always chill dough before baking to prevent spreading.

Keyword Cherry Snowball Cookies, holiday cookies