Welcome to the ultimate holiday treat recipe – Cherry Almond Snowball Cookies! If you’re looking for a festive and delicious way to add some holiday magic to your baking, these cookies are exactly what you need. Perfectly sweet, buttery, and filled with cherry preserves, these snowball cookies are a holiday classic you’ll want to make every year. Get ready to bake up some Christmas joy with these delightful cherry-filled almond treats!
Introduction
These Cherry Almond Snowball Cookies are a twist on the traditional holiday snowball cookie. Known for their melt-in-your-mouth texture and “snowy” appearance, snowball cookies are a favorite holiday treat around the world. This version brings in a wonderful mix of almond and cherry flavors, making each bite a satisfying combination of nuttiness and sweetness. They’re easy to make and a joy to eat, making them the perfect addition to any holiday cookie platter.
Ingredients for Cherry Almond Snowball Cookies
Here’s what you need to make these irresistible Cherry Almond Snowball Cookies. Simple, yet flavorful ingredients come together to create these delightful holiday treats.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup finely ground almonds (or almond flour for a smoother texture)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup cherry preserves (try using a quality preserve for the best taste)
- Extra powdered sugar for rolling (for that snowy look!)
Ingredient Substitutions:
- Dairy-Free: Substitute butter with a dairy-free alternative.
- Nut-Free: Use all-purpose flour in place of ground almonds and add a dash of almond flavoring.
How to Make Cherry Almond Snowball Cookies – Step by Step
Follow these steps to make the perfect Cherry Almond Snowball Cookies. They’re simple to make, even for beginners, and are a wonderful activity for a holiday baking day!
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This step is key for a soft cookie texture.
- Add Almond Extract: Mix in the almond extract, adding a hint of that classic almond flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, finely ground almonds, and salt.
- Form the Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, blending until a soft dough forms.
- Shape the Cookies: Scoop a tablespoon of dough and flatten it slightly in your hand. Place a small spoonful of cherry preserves in the center. Carefully fold the dough around the preserves to form a sealed ball.
- Bake: Arrange the dough balls on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are set and slightly golden.
- Roll in Powdered Sugar: Allow cookies to cool for a few minutes, then roll them in powdered sugar. Once completely cool, roll them in powdered sugar again for an extra-snowy finish.
Helpful Tips for Cherry Almond Snowball Cookies
Enhance the flavor and appearance of your Cherry Almond Snowball Cookies with these helpful tips!
- Use Quality Ingredients: Quality butter and almond extract make a huge difference in flavor.
- Choose Good Preserves: High-quality cherry preserves have a richer, fruitier taste that will elevate your cookies.
- Double Rolling: Roll the cookies in powdered sugar once they’re slightly cooled, and again when completely cooled, for the ultimate snowy look.
Cooking Tips for the Best Cherry Almond Snowball Cookies
Making these cookies truly melt-in-your-mouth requires a few simple techniques. Here are some Cherry Almond Snowball Cookie hacks to make them perfect every time.
- Use a Cookie Scoop: For evenly sized cookies, use a cookie scoop to portion the dough.
- Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too soft, chill it for 10-15 minutes. This prevents spreading and ensures a well-shaped cookie.
- Bake on the Middle Rack: Baking on the middle oven rack helps your cookies bake evenly.
Serving Suggestions for Cherry Almond Snowball Cookies
These Cherry Almond Snowball Cookies are delicious on their own, but here are a few ideas to make them part of a complete holiday dessert spread.
- Serve with Hot Cocoa or Coffee: The perfect pairing for these cookies is a warm beverage, like hot cocoa or a holiday-spiced coffee.
- Add to a Cookie Tray: Place these cookies on a holiday cookie tray with other varieties, like gingerbread cookies or sugar cookies.
- Decorative Plating: Dust with extra powdered sugar and serve on a festive plate for a beautiful holiday display.
Nutritional Information
These Cherry Almond Snowball Cookies offer a sweet holiday indulgence. They’re buttery and nutty, with a touch of fruitiness from the cherry preserves.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 110 kcal
Fat: 7g
Carbohydrates: 11g
Protein: 1g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 30mg
Storage and Leftovers for Cherry Almond Snowball Cookies
To keep these Cherry Almond Snowball Cookies fresh, follow these storage tips:
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container for up to three months.
- Reheating: Let cookies thaw at room temperature and roll them in powdered sugar again if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Cherry Almond Snowball Cookies
- Can I make these cookies without almonds?
Yes, substitute ground almonds with an equal amount of flour and add extra almond extract for flavor. - Can I use different fruit preserves?
Absolutely! Strawberry or raspberry preserves are delicious alternatives to cherry. - How can I prevent the cookies from cracking?
Ensure the dough isn’t too dry, and be gentle when shaping around the cherry preserves. - Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the dough up to two days in advance and refrigerate. Let it come to room temperature before shaping.
Related Recipes for Cherry Almond Snowball Cookie Lovers
If you love these Cherry Almond Snowball Cookies, you might also enjoy these recipes:
-
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Roll Cake – Decadent Dessert Recipe
-
Pineapple Juice Bundt Cake Recipe | Easy Tropical Dessert
Conclusion
These Cherry Almond Snowball Cookies are a must-have for your holiday baking list! Not only are they easy to make, but they’re also a joy to share with friends and family. Try this recipe and see how quickly they disappear! Let us know in the comments how yours turned out or if you added any personal touches. Enjoy, and happy baking!
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Cherry Almond Snowball Cookies – Easy Holiday Recipe
Description
Welcome to the ultimate holiday treat recipe – Cherry Almond Snowball Cookies! If you’re looking for a festive and delicious way to add some holiday magic to your baking, these cookies are exactly what you need. Perfectly sweet, buttery, and filled with cherry preserves, these snowball cookies are a holiday classic you’ll want to make every year. Get ready to bake up some Christmas joy with these delightful cherry-filled almond treats!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup finely ground almonds (or almond flour for a smoother texture)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup cherry preserves (try using a quality preserve for the best taste)
- Extra powdered sugar for rolling (for that snowy look!)
Ingredient Substitutions:
- Dairy-Free: Substitute butter with a dairy-free alternative.
- Nut-Free: Use all-purpose flour in place of ground almonds and add a dash of almond flavoring.
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This step is key for a soft cookie texture.
- Add Almond Extract: Mix in the almond extract, adding a hint of that classic almond flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, finely ground almonds, and salt.
- Form the Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, blending until a soft dough forms.
- Shape the Cookies: Scoop a tablespoon of dough and flatten it slightly in your hand. Place a small spoonful of cherry preserves in the center. Carefully fold the dough around the preserves to form a sealed ball.
- Bake: Arrange the dough balls on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are set and slightly golden.
- Roll in Powdered Sugar: Allow cookies to cool for a few minutes, then roll them in powdered sugar. Once completely cool, roll them in powdered sugar again for an extra-snowy finish.
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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- Use Quality Ingredients: Quality butter and almond extract make a huge difference in flavor.
- Choose Good Preserves: High-quality cherry preserves have a richer, fruitier taste that will elevate your cookies.
- Double Rolling: Roll the cookies in powdered sugar once they’re slightly cooled, and again when completely cooled, for the ultimate snowy look.
