Cherry Almond Snowball Cookies: A Festive Treat for Every Occasion

Delight in the festive Cherry Almond Snowball Cookies, a perfect treat to adorn your holiday table with their enchanting blend of cherries and almond flavors. These melt-in-your-mouth cookies boast a sugary dusting that will captivate your taste buds and leave you reaching for more.

• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Category: Dessert
• Cuisine: American
<
li>Cost: $

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Cherry Almond Snowball Cookies are a hit at any gathering. The combination of buttery shortbread, sweet cherries, and nutty almonds makes them a standout choice for cookie exchanges or festive treats. Their attractive snowy appearance adds a decorative touch to any holiday spread, while their rich taste ensures they won’t last long on the plate. With minimal prep time, you can easily whip up these delicious cookies and impress your guests.

Context/Background

Snowball cookies, also known as Russian tea cakes or Mexican wedding cookies, are a classic treat during the winter holidays. The addition of cherries and almonds gives this version a unique twist, enhancing the traditional shortbread cookie with fruity and nutty flavors. Perfect for Christmas or New Year’s celebrations, these cookies have a timeless charm that never goes out of style.

• Overbaking: These cookies should be slightly golden but not browned.
• Using wet cherries: Ensure cherries are well-drained to prevent the dough from becoming too wet.
• Not chilling the dough: If the dough becomes too warm, chill it before baking to maintain its shape.
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Tips for Perfect Cherry Almond Snowball Cookies

• Use high-quality butter for the best flavor.
• Drain cherries thoroughly to keep the dough consistency just right.
• Roll cookies in powdered sugar while warm for the best coating.
<
li>Chill dough if it becomes too sticky to handle.

Variations and Substitutions

• Replace almonds with pecans or walnuts for a different nutty flavor.
• Swap maraschino cherries for dried cherries for a tart twist.
<
li>Use vanilla extract only for a more classic snowball cookie taste.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies pair beautifully with a festive holiday tea or coffee. Arrange them on a platter along with other Christmas treats for a delightful dessert table presentation.

Storage and Leftovers

Store Cherry Almond Snowball Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies for up to 3 months.

<
h2>Make Ahead Instructions

Prepare the dough in advance and freeze it in balls for up to a month. Bake directly from the freezer, adding a few minutes to the baking time.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 130
• Protein: 2g
<
li>Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fat: 8g
• Fiber: 0g
<
li>Sugar: 6g

Dietary Notes

• Vegetarian

The Recipe

Serves: 24

<
p>Prep Time: 20 mins

Cook Time: 10 mins

Total Time: 30 mins

<
h3>Kitchen Equipment Needed
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Baking sheets
<
li>Parchment paper
• Cooling rack

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter, softened
<
li>1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
<
li>2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup chopped maraschino cherries
<
li>3/4 cup finely chopped almonds
• Powdered sugar for rolling

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
<
li>Cream the butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy.
2. Mix in the almond extract and vanilla extract.
3. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined.
<
li>Stir in the chopped cherries and almonds until well distributed.
4. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are just golden.
<
li>Let cool slightly on the baking sheet before rolling in powdered sugar.
6. Roll again in powdered sugar before serving.

Recipe Notes

• Ensure cherries are well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the dough.
<
li>For a festive touch, add colored sugar sprinkles to the powdered sugar.

Community Tips and Photos

Share your experience with these cookies! Tag us using #CherryAlmondSnowballs on social media.

Questions and Answers

• Can I use fresh cherries? It’s best to use maraschino cherries as fresh ones can add too much moisture.
<
li>Can these be made gluten-free? Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix for a gluten-free version.