The scent of cherry blossoms wafts through the air, a delicate promise of sweetness wrapped in a tender embrace of butter and nuts. Cherry Snowball Cookies are more than mere confections; they are small orbs of joy, dusted with powdered sugar like fresh snowflakes, inviting you to indulge and savor each moment. With every bite, they sing a symphony of flavor, crafting memories anew.
Creating these cookies is an experience that nurtures the soul. They carry the essence of celebration and warmth, perfect for gatherings or quiet moments of reflection at home. As the holidays approach or life’s simple pleasures beckon, these cookies embody both nostalgia and comfort, reconnecting us to the art of baking that weaves stories through generations.
How to make Cherry Snowball Cookies
Ingredients:
- 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)
- 1.5 cups Powdered sugar (For rolling)
Directions:
- In a mixing bowl, allow the butter, powdered sugar, and granulated sugar to dance together. Beat them until they achieve a light, fluffy texture, which should take about five delightful minutes.
- As the mixture whirls, add in the salt, almond extract, vanilla extract, and cherry extract. Watch as the flavors meld, forming a fragrant tapestry of aromas.
- Embrace the cherries; drain them well before finely chopping. Carefully fold these ruby jewels into the dough, a gentle incorporation that preserves their essence.
- Introduce the finely ground pecans, ensuring an even distribution throughout. Feel the texture shift as these creamy specks join the chorus of flavors.
- Gradually add the flour, pouring in half a cup at a time, until the dough coalesces into a cohesive ball.
- With a wooden spoon, invite the mini chocolate chips into the mixture, participating in the delight of this tactile creation.
- Once complete, chill the dough, allowing flavors to deepen, for 30 to 60 minutes. During this time, preheat your oven to a warm embrace of 350°F (175°C).
- When ready to proceed, scoop the chilled dough into 1.5-tablespoon portions, rolling them gently into balls before placing them on lined baking sheets.
- Bake the cookies for 15–17 minutes, letting them turn a golden shade beneath, while the cherry and nut aromas envelop your kitchen.
- As soon as they emerge from the oven, lovingly roll the warm cookies in powdered sugar, allowing the sweetness to cling to their warmth, then let them cool before another dusting for that iconic snowball finish.
How to serve Cherry Snowball Cookies
Serve these enchanting cookies as a cherished centerpiece during the holiday season or as a delightful conversation starter at afternoon teas. Pair them with a steaming cup of tea or coffee, allowing the flavors to meld and the ambiance to sparkle with familiarity.
How to store Cherry Snowball Cookies
To preserve their delicate nature, store the Cherry Snowball Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They shall retain their texture for up to one week, though the magic often seems to linger longer when shared among loved ones.
Tips to make Cherry Snowball Cookies
- Ensure that the butter is at room temperature for optimal creaming; this aids in achieving that light, airy consistency.
- When folding in cherries and chocolate chips, be gentle. This preserves the integrity of the cherries and maintains the texture your cookies will boast.
- For variations in flavor, consider mixed nuts or different extracts, keeping the heart of the cookie intact while exploring new territories.
Variations
For a spirited twist, consider incorporating a hint of coconut or a splash of orange zest in the dough, infusing the cookies with an unexpected surprise. Each adaptation creates a new story woven into the already enchanting tale of these cookies.
FAQs
1. Can I substitute the nuts in this recipe?
Yes, if allergies or preferences call, walnuts or even sunflower seeds can work beautifully in this recipe, providing both texture and richness.
2. What can I use if I don’t have cherry extract?
If cherry extract is elusive, feel free to substitute with additional almond extract or a splash of good-quality fruit juice to maintain the cookie’s essence.
3. Can these cookies be frozen?
Indeed, these cookies freeze wonderfully! Store them in an airtight container or freezer bag lined with parchment paper for up to three months.
In the quiet ritual of baking, each ingredient speaks of care, and each whisked motion breathes life into the dough. In embracing the art, we find beauty and patience, revealing that every moment spent in the kitchen is a moment well-lived.
Cherry Snowball Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter, powdered sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about five minutes.
- Add in the salt, almond extract, vanilla extract, and cherry extract, mixing until well combined.
- Finely chop the drained cherries and gently fold them into the dough.
- Incorporate the finely ground pecans evenly throughout the mixture.
- Gradually add the flour, half a cup at a time, until the dough comes together.
- Mix in the mini chocolate chips gently.
- Chill the dough for 30 to 60 minutes, and preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Scoop the chilled dough into 1.5-tablespoon portions and roll them into balls.
- Place the cookie balls on lined baking sheets.
- Bake for 15–17 minutes, until lightly golden.
- Roll the warm cookies in powdered sugar, and cool before dusting again.