Chocolate Cherry Snowballs
Equipment
- Baking sheets
- Cooling rack
- electric mixer
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- microwave-safe bowl
- Parchment paper
- Small spoon
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar divided
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup candied cherries finely chopped
- ½ cup dark chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Beat the softened butter until light and fluffy.
- Gradually beat in ½ cup of the powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Mix in the almond extract.
- Add the flour and salt and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Fold in the finely chopped candied cherries.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 9 to 11 minutes until the edges are just beginning to turn golden.
- Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Roll each warm cookie in the remaining powdered sugar.
- Transfer to a cooling rack and allow them to cool completely.
- Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval until smooth.
- Drizzle the melted chocolate over the cooled cookies.
- Allow the chocolate to set completely before storing the cookies.
Notes & Wine Advice
Recipe Notes
Dip your knife in warm water before chopping the candied cherries to prevent sticking and make cutting much easier. Roll the cookies in powdered sugar while still warm so the first coating adheres well. For an extra snowy appearance, roll them a second time after they have cooled completely. Store the cookies in an airtight container with baking parchment between the layers for up to one week. These cookies also freeze beautifully for up to three months.Wine Advice
A glass of Ruby Port beautifully complements the rich chocolate and sweet cherries. A fruity Brachetto d’Acqui is another festive pairing that enhances the chocolate and almond flavors.Nutrition values
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About This Recipe
Chocolate Cherry Snowballs are festive American butter cookies that combine sweet candied cherries, rich dark chocolate, and a delicate almond flavor in every bite. Their buttery texture practically melts in your mouth, while the powdered sugar coating gives them their signature snowball appearance. Finished with a drizzle of dark chocolate, these elegant cookies look just as beautiful on a Christmas cookie platter as they taste. They’re perfect for holiday baking, edible gifts, or simply enjoying with a warm drink during the winter season.
Why You’ll Love Chocolate Cherry Snowballs
This Christmas snowball cookies recipe is easy to prepare and delivers bakery-quality results using everyday ingredients. The buttery dough stays wonderfully tender, the cherries add bursts of sweetness, and the chocolate drizzle provides the perfect finishing touch. These cookies also keep well, making them ideal for preparing ahead of Christmas. If you enjoy festive baking, browse our Chocolate Recipes, Cookies Recipes, Biscuit Recipes, Fruit Recipes, and Christmas Recipes.
How To Make Christmas Snowball Cookies
Cream the butter and powdered sugar until light before mixing in the almond extract, flour, and salt. Fold the chopped candied cherries into the dough, shape into small balls, and bake until the edges are lightly golden. Roll the warm cookies in powdered sugar before cooling completely and finishing with melted dark chocolate. Chocolate Cherry Snowballs are even more attractive after the chocolate has fully hardened.
Serving Chocolate Cherry Snowballs
Serve these Christmas snowball cookies with coffee, hot chocolate, tea, or mulled wine. They make a beautiful addition to Christmas cookie trays, festive dessert buffets, and homemade gift boxes during the holiday season.
Storage Tips
Store Chocolate Cherry Snowballs in an airtight container with parchment paper between the layers for up to one week. They also freeze well for up to three months, making holiday baking easier. For additional food storage guidance, visit the FDA Food Safety website.
These festive cookies combine buttery richness, sweet cherries, and silky chocolate into a timeless Christmas favorite. Their snowy appearance, delicate texture, and irresistible flavor make them a recipe you’ll want to bake every holiday season.