As I stood in my warm kitchen, the smell of butter and sugar filled the air. I felt a wave of nostalgia, recalling the joyful moments I spent baking with my grandmother. She taught me that baking is not just about food; it is about creating lasting memories. One of our favorites was her special Soft Cherry Snowball Cookies with Almonds. These cookies brought smiles to our faces, and the sweet, nutty aroma wrapped around us like a warm hug. Each bite tasted like love, reminding me of my grandmother’s gentle hands and happy laughter.

Today, I want to share this cherished recipe with you. It’s more than just a dessert; it’s a piece of my heart. Let’s dive into the delicious world of Soft Cherry Snowball Cookies with Almonds and create our own sweet memories together.

why make this recipe

You might wonder why you should try making Soft Cherry Snowball Cookies with Almonds. Well, these cookies are soft, buttery, and packed with delightful flavors. They blend the sweetness of cherries and the crunch of almonds beautifully. When you take a bite, it feels like the best of both worlds. Not only do they taste amazing, but they are so easy to make, and you probably already have the ingredients at home!

Imagine serving these cookies during family gatherings or cozy afternoons with friends. They add a touch of joy to every occasion. You can serve them at holiday parties, birthday celebrations, or even just as a little treat for yourself. Everyone will appreciate the delightful taste and the beautiful look of these snowball cookies dusted in powdered sugar. They are versatile, delightful, and sure to please anyone who tries them.

Furthermore, making Soft Cherry Snowball Cookies with Almonds is a wonderful way to spend some quality time in the kitchen. You can involve your kids or friends in the baking process, creating laughter and fun memories along the way. As you swirl the dough and mix in the cherries, you not only create something delicious but also strengthen bonds. Baking, after all, is about sharing and caring. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s make these cookies together!

how to make Soft Cherry Snowball Cookies with Almonds

Ingredients:

2 cups All-purpose flour
1 tsp Almond extract
1/2 cup Granulated sugar
1 cup Powdered sugar
1/4 tsp Salt
1/2 cup Almonds, chopped
1 cup Butter, Unsalted
1/2 cup Candied/maraschino cherries, chopped

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until smooth.
Mix in the almond extract.
Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined.
Fold in the chopped almonds and cherries.
Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 12-15 minutes until lightly golden.
While still warm, roll the cookies in powdered sugar to coat.
Let cool completely on a wire rack before serving.

how to serve Soft Cherry Snowball Cookies with Almonds

Serving Soft Cherry Snowball Cookies with Almonds can be a delightful experience. Here are some friendly ideas to enhance your serving:

Presentation Matters: Place the cookies on a beautiful serving platter or a decorative plate. Arrange them in a circle or in rows. You may sprinkle additional powdered sugar on top for a lovely snowy effect. This will make them look appealing and festive.
Optimal Temperature: Serve these cookies at room temperature. They taste best when they feel soft and buttery. If you want a slight warmth, you can microwave a few cookies for about 5-10 seconds. This makes them even more inviting.
Perfect Pairings: Try serving these cookies with a warm cup of tea or coffee. The buttery almond flavor pairs beautifully with both. Additionally, these cookies make a great complement to a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a delightful contrast.
Occasion Ideas: These cookies fit perfectly for gatherings, holidays, or simply as a homemade treat for loved ones. They can bring a festive spirit to a holiday dinner or a cozy atmosphere during sunny picnics. Sharing them brings joy and warmth to any event.

how to store Soft Cherry Snowball Cookies with Almonds

Storing your Soft Cherry Snowball Cookies with Almonds requires a few simple steps to keep them fresh and delicious.

Containers: Use an airtight container to store these cookies. You can use plastic containers or a glass jar. Make sure to place parchment paper between layers if you stack them. This will prevent them from sticking together and losing shape.
Room Temperature: The cookies will stay fresh at room temperature for about 5 days. However, if you want to keep them longer, consider refrigerating them. In the fridge, they can last up to 2 weeks.
Freezing: You can also freeze these cookies if you want to save them for later. Place them in an airtight container or a freezer bag. They last well in the freezer for about 2 to 3 months. When you want to enjoy them again, simply thaw them at room temperature or microwave them briefly.
Keep Them Soft: To ensure that the cookies stay soft, you could add a slice of bread into the container. The moisture from the bread helps keep the cookies fresh and delightful.

Tips to Make Soft Cherry Snowball Cookies with Almonds

Butter Temperature: Always ensure your butter is at room temperature. This will help you cream it better with the sugar, resulting in a fluffier texture. So, take your butter out of the fridge about 30 minutes before starting.
Chop Right: When you chop your almonds and cherries, try to keep the pieces small and even. This ensures that every bite of the cookie has a nice balance of flavors. Using a food processor can help achieve this if you desire a finer chop.
Do Not Overmix: After you add the flour, mix until it just combines. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. So, combine gently and fold in the diced almonds and cherries without beating the dough too much.
Check Oven Temperature: Remember that every oven heats differently. Check your cookies at the 12-minute mark to prevent them from overbaking. You want them lightly golden and not too brown.
Sweeten to Taste: The cookie dusting with powdered sugar can be adjusted according to your taste. If you prefer them sweeter, feel free to add more powdered sugar when rolling them after baking.
Add a Hint of Spice: If you want to add a unique flavor twist, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough. These spices pair beautifully with the almond and cherry flavors.
Chill the Dough: If you find your dough is too soft to shape, chilling it for 30 minutes can help. This makes it easier to scoop and shape into balls for baking.
Experiment with Extracts: While almond extract is traditional, you can experiment with other extracts, like vanilla or even lemon, for a fresh twist. This slight change can make a world of difference in flavor.

Variation for Soft Cherry Snowball Cookies with Almonds

Chocolate Version: To make a chocolatey twist, you can substitute 1/4 cup of flour with cocoa powder. This will give your cookies a rich chocolate flavor, perfectly pairing with the cherries.
Fruity Version: Instead of using cherries, consider adding dried cranberries or diced strawberries. These fruity options lend a fresh, vibrant taste to the cookies, making them ideal for summertime gatherings.
Nutty Version: For a different crunch, feel free to replace almonds with pecans or walnuts. Each nut adds its unique flavor, while still complementing the soft sweetness of the cookies.
Minty Holiday Version: During the holidays, add some crushed peppermint candies or mint extract to your dough. This will give the cookies a festive spiced twist that can bring joy and cheer to any holiday celebration.
Low-Sugar Modification: If you want to cut back on sugar, try using a sugar substitute in the granulated mixture. There are excellent options available that can provide the sweetness without the calories.
Layered Delight: Create a cookie sandwich by spreading cream cheese frosting between two cookies. This adds a creamy, delicious layer, making each bite even more delightful and indulgent.

FAQs Of Soft Cherry Snowball Cookies with Almonds

How can I store Soft Cherry Snowball Cookies with Almonds?
Store your Soft Cherry Snowball Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks or freeze them for 2 to 3 months. Just remember to place parchment paper between layers to keep them from sticking.
Can I freeze Soft Cherry Snowball Cookies with Almonds?
Yes, you can freeze these cookies. Ensure they are completely cool before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you want to enjoy them again, just thaw them at room temperature or microwave them for a few seconds to soften.
What can I substitute for almond extract?
If you don’t have almond extract on hand, you can use vanilla extract instead. While it won’t have the same flavor, it will still provide a lovely sweetness. Alternatively, try using coconut extract for a fun tropical twist.
What happens if my batter is too sticky?
If your batter seems too sticky, don’t fret. Chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will help firm up the dough, making it easier to scoop and shape into balls.
What can I serve with Soft Cherry Snowball Cookies with Almonds?
These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of tea or coffee. They also go excellently with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, creating a sweet contrast to their texture.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make Soft Cherry Snowball Cookies with Almonds gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. This will provide the same texture without the gluten.

Creating memories while baking can bring joy and love into your home, and these Soft Cherry Snowball Cookies with Almonds are perfect for that!

Soft Cherry Snowball Cookies with Almonds

Author: imrane
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 24 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Delightful soft cookies with cherries and almonds, reminiscent of joyful baking memories.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups All-purpose flour
1 tsp Almond extract
1/2 cup Granulated sugar
1 cup Powdered sugar
1/4 tsp Salt
1/2 cup Almonds, chopped
1 cup Butter, Unsalted
1/2 cup Candied/maraschino cherries, chopped

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until smooth.
Mix in the almond extract.
Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined.
Fold in the chopped almonds and cherries.
Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 12-15 minutes until lightly golden.
While still warm, roll the cookies in powdered sugar to coat.
Let cool completely on a wire rack before serving.

Notes

Store cookies in an airtight container for freshness. For best results, serve at room temperature.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 150
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 50mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 17g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: cookies, cherry, almonds, dessert, holiday baking