Chocolate Cherry Snowballs
Chocolate Cherry Snowballs are buttery melt-in-your-mouth Christmas cookies filled with sweet candied cherries and finished with powdered sugar and a drizzle of dark chocolate. These festive treats are perfect for holiday cookie platters, edible gifts, and afternoon coffee.
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
Calories: 90 kcal | Carbohydrates: 10 g | Protein: 1 g | Fat: 5 g | Saturated Fat: 3 g | Sodium: 25 mg | Sugar: 6 g