These Cherry Snowballs are the ultimate festive treat for the holidays!
Made with just four simple ingredients, they offer a perfect combination of buttery dough and sweet maraschino cherry in the center.
With a dusting of powdered sugar, they make for a melt-in-your-mouth cookie everyone will love—plus, they’re quick and easy to make in under 30 minutes.
Perfect for last-minute holiday baking or as a special sweet snack!
For Cherry Snowballs
- Butter – I use softened butter for the best texture and flavor in the dough.
- Powdered Sugar – This gives the dough a smooth, light texture and a slight sweetness.
- All-Purpose Flour – The base of the dough that holds everything together.
- Maraschino Cherries – These provide the sweet, juicy center for each cookie.
- Additional Powdered Sugar – Used to coat the cookies after baking for that sweet, snowy finish.
Cherry Snowballs Recipe
Looking for a simple yet festive cookie that will wow your friends and family this holiday season? Cherry Snowballs are the perfect treat—easy to make, with buttery dough surrounding a juicy maraschino cherry, all dusted in powdered sugar.
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Servings: 30 cookies
Notes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 jar maraschino cherries (6 ounces), drained and halved
- Additional powdered sugar for coating
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Cream the Butter and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the Flour:
- Gradually mix in the flour, blending until the dough comes together smoothly.
- Form the Dough:
- Take a tablespoon of dough and wrap it around each cherry, shaping the dough into a ball.
- Arrange the cookie balls on ungreased baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch of space between each.
- Bake the Cookies:
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the bottoms are golden brown.
- Roll in Powdered Sugar:
- While still warm, roll the cookies in powdered sugar.
- Let them cool on a wire rack.
Nutrition
Calories: 101 kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 16mg | Sodium: 54mg | Potassium: 11mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 191 IU | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 1mg
- Can I use margarine instead of butter?
If you’re in a pinch, margarine will work, but butter gives these cookies the best flavor and texture. I always recommend using unsalted butter for the most delicious result! - My dough is too sticky—what should I do?
No worries! If your dough feels sticky, pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes. This helps firm it up, making it easier to handle and shape around the cherries. - Can I skip rolling the cookies in powdered sugar twice?
You can, but that second dusting after the cookies cool down really adds that signature “snowball” effect. If you’re short on time, a single roll while they’re warm works just fine!
- Can I add nuts to the dough?
Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts make a great addition. Just mix in about half a cup of your favorite nuts to add a little crunch. - How should I store the cookies?
Store your Cherry Snowballs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, freeze them! They’ll keep in the freezer for up to two months—just make sure they’re fully cooled before you stash them away.
