There’s nothing cozier than baking a batch of Cherry Snowball Cookies on a chilly winter afternoon. These soft, buttery bites hide sweet maraschino cherries inside, covered in a gentle dusting of powdered sugar that looks like fresh snow. They’re melt-in-your-mouth delicious, require no chilling, and are ready in under 40 minutes. Perfect for cookie exchanges, gift boxes, or any holiday dessert tray, these little snowballs bring cheerful color and nostalgic flavor to every bite.
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Why You’ll Love These Cherry Snowball Cookies
These cookies taste like pure Christmas joy. The rich buttery base blends with coconut, oats, and chopped walnuts for the perfect mix of soft, chewy, and slightly crisp. Then, every bite bursts with sweet cherry flavor. You’ll love how quick and simple they are—no chilling, no fuss, just mix, bake, and roll in sugar. Their snowy white coating and cherry speckles make them stand out on holiday platters, and they freeze beautifully for gifting or make-ahead baking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of basic ingredients for these festive cookies, most likely already in your pantry. The mix of butter, sugar, flour, and oats creates a shortbread-style dough that’s rich yet tender, while coconut and walnuts add flavor and texture.
Key Ingredients Explained
Butter: Adds richness and creates that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Powdered sugar: Used in the dough and for coating, it gives sweetness and a fine crumb.
Oats and coconut: Bring chewiness and a subtle tropical note.
Walnuts: Provide crunch and a nutty depth that balances the cherries.
Maraschino cherries: Bright, sweet, and colorful, they’re the heart of every cookie.
For gluten-free cookies, swap all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend and use certified gluten-free oats.
How To Make Cherry Snowball Cookies
Prepare and Preheat
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Mix the Dough
In a medium bowl, beat ½ cup softened butter with ¼ cup powdered sugar until creamy. Add 1 cup flour, ¼ cup oats, ¼ cup coconut, ¼ cup chopped walnuts, and a pinch of salt. Stir until a soft dough forms. Gently fold in 15 finely chopped maraschino cherries. Don’t crush them; keep the bits visible for that pretty pink pop.
Shape and Bake
Scoop small portions of dough (about 1 tablespoon each) and place them on the baking sheet, spaced 2 inches apart. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the bottoms are just starting to turn golden.
Roll in Powdered Sugar
While still warm, roll each cookie gently in remaining powdered sugar (about 1 cup). Let them cool completely before storing. This recipe makes 18 cookies in about 40 minutes total, and best of all, there’s no chilling required.
Tips for Perfect Cherry Snowball Cookies
Chop cherries finely to avoid too much moisture in the dough. Avoid overmixing after adding dry ingredients to keep the cookies tender. Let cookies cool for just a minute or two before rolling so the sugar sticks well without melting. For even baking, make sure each dough ball is the same size. If you like extra sweetness, double-roll in powdered sugar once cooled.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They’ll stay soft and flavorful. For freezing, place uncoated cookies in an airtight bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw completely, then roll in powdered sugar before serving. This keeps them fresh, snowy, and picture-perfect.
Variations and Flavor Twists
Want to mix things up? Skip the nuts for a smoother bite or add almond extract for a lovely twist. Try dried cranberries instead of cherries for a tangy contrast. You can also replace oats with extra flour for a more traditional shortbread texture, or stir in mini chocolate chips for a richer holiday treat. Each variation still keeps that classic snowball charm.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies pair perfectly with hot peppermint tea, coffee, or rich hot chocolate. Serve them on a holiday dessert platter beside traditional Russian Tea Cakes for the holidays or buttery Christmas shortbread cookies. They also make adorable gifts packed in festive tins or clear bags tied with ribbon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes snowball cookies unique?
Their tender, buttery texture and powdered sugar coating make them melt in your mouth, unlike any other cookie.
What is the most famous Christmas cookie?
Classic sugar cookies and snowballs often top the list for their festive flavor and nostalgia.
What makes cherry blossom cookies unique?
Cherry blossom cookies feature a sweet cherry center wrapped in soft dough, similar to these cherry snowballs but often topped with a chocolate kiss.
What are snowball cookies made of?
They’re made from butter, flour, sugar, and nuts, then coated in powdered sugar for that signature snow-dusted finish.
Other Recipes You May Enjoy
- Soft cherry-studded cookies perfect for Christmas
- Italian-inspired Christmas cookies
- Festive peppermint brownies
- Easy and colorful Christmas crack toffee
Conclusion or Final Thoughts
Baking Cherry Snowball Cookies is a little holiday joy everyone should experience. Each bite is soft, buttery, and filled with a pop of sweet cherry that feels like Christmas magic. They’re simple to make, freeze well, and look stunning on every cookie tray. Whether you bake them for friends, family, or just yourself, these cookies promise smiles and sweet memories. For even more festive inspiration and holiday baking ideas, check out my Pinterest filled with seasonal favorites and cookie decorating tips. Enjoy the warmth, the sweetness, and the sparkle of these Cherry Snowball Cookies all season long.
Cherry Snowball Cookies
Equipment
- Baking sheet Lined with parchment paper or lightly greased
- Mixing bowl For creaming butter and mixing dough
- Hand mixer or whisk To cream butter and sugar
- Measuring cups and spoons For accurate ingredient measurement
- Cooling rack To cool cookies before coating
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups powdered sugar, divided
- ½ cup softened butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup instant oats
- ¼ cup finely chopped sweetened coconut
- ¼ cup finely chopped walnuts
- 1 pinch salt
- 15 maraschino cherries, finely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line or lightly grease a baking sheet.
- Mix 1/4 cup powdered sugar with softened butter until smooth. Add flour, oats, coconut, walnuts, and salt. Stir until combined, then fold in cherries gently.
- Scoop small portions of dough and place them 2 inches apart on the baking sheet. Bake for 18–20 minutes or until bottoms start to brown.
- Cool briefly, then roll cookies in remaining powdered sugar while still warm. Let them cool completely before serving.
