Name: Cherry Snowball Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar; 1 tablespoon cold water; 2 teaspoons almond extract or vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup quick cooking oats; 1/2 teaspoon fine grain sea salt or table salt; 24 maraschino cherries, well drained and patted dry; 2 cups confectioners’ sugar; 1/3 cup whole milk; 2 cups unsweet flaked coconut, finely chopped

Delicate, nostalgic, and absolutely irresistible, Cherry Snowball Cookies are a dreamy treat that combines buttery shortbread, sweet maraschino cherries, and a flurry of coconut. Each bite offers a surprise cherry center wrapped in a tender, oat-flecked cookie, all finished with a snowy glaze and coconut coating. They look as lovely on a festive dessert tray as they taste, and their crowd-pleasing charm means you might want to bake a double batch. If you’re hunting for a cookie that will delight all ages with gorgeous looks and unique flavor, these Cherry Snowball Cookies will win hearts every time.

Cherry Snowball Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for Cherry Snowball Cookies couldn’t be easier, and each plays a unique role—the butter and sugar make a rich, crumbly base, oats add texture, and the bright cherries steal the show. The glaze and coconut finish gives them their signature snowy look and just the right amount of sweetness.

Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): The foundation of a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie—always start with good quality, fully softened butter for best results.
Confectioners’ Sugar (1/2 cup + 2 cups for glaze): Adds subtle sweetness to the dough, and forms the creamy, luscious glaze for that classic finish.
Cold Water (1 tablespoon): Helps bring the dough together without overmixing, ensuring a delicate texture.
Almond or Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons): Choose your favorite—almond lends a nostalgic bakery note, while vanilla feels classic and comforting.
All-Purpose Flour (2 cups): Gives these cookies structure but keeps them light—measure carefully for a tender crumb.
Quick Cooking Oats (1 cup): Offers a subtle bite and homey flavor; finely milled works best for the perfect snowball appearance.
Fine Grain Sea Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Just enough to balance the sweetness and highlight all the flavors.
Maraschino Cherries (24, well drained and patted dry): The magical, juicy centers—dry thoroughly so the dough seals and bakes up golden, not soggy.
Whole Milk (1/3 cup, for glaze): Just enough to thin the powdered sugar into a smooth, dippable glaze.
Unsweetened Flaked Coconut (2 cups, finely chopped): The crowning glory—chop it finely for the best snowball effect and a tidy finish.

How to Make Cherry Snowball Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining baking sheets with parchment. Cream the butter, confectioners’ sugar, cold water, and your choice of almond or vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, quick oats, and salt—then gradually beat the dry ingredients into the creamed butter mixture. Be patient here; the dough will start looking crumbly, but as you keep mixing, it’ll transform into a scoopable, cohesive dough that’s easy to handle.

Step 2: Wrap the Cherries

Using a small cookie scoop or a slightly heaping tablespoon, portion out the dough. Take each portion in your hand, flatten it slightly, and wrap it around a pat-dried maraschino cherry. Roll it gently into a ball, ensuring the cherry is fully encased. Place each ball onto your prepared baking sheet, allowing about 2 inches of space between them for even baking.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Bake the Cherry Snowball Cookies for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden but the tops remain pale and soft. This preserves their melt-in-your-mouth texture. Once baked, let the cookies cool on the tray for 5 minutes before moving them carefully to wire racks. This short time helps the cookies firm up as they set.

Step 4: Glaze and Coat

To make the signature snowy glaze, whisk together the remaining confectioners’ sugar with whole milk until smooth and dippable—start with 1/4 cup of milk and add more if needed. One by one, dip the tops of each cooled cookie into the glaze, letting excess drip off. Next, roll the glazed parts in a bowl of finely chopped coconut, then set the finished cookies back on wire racks or parchment to dry and set. You’ll be amazed at how they transform into little snow-covered gems.

Step 5: Let Them Set

Give the cookies a bit of time to sit at room temperature so the glaze firms up and the coconut becomes securely attached. If you can resist the aroma, let them rest for at least 30 minutes before stacking or serving. The wait is worth it—the texture and taste are just divine once everything is set and settled.

How to Serve Cherry Snowball Cookies

Garnishes

To really play up the festive, wintry look of your Cherry Snowball Cookies, try sprinkling a little extra coconut on your serving platter or dusting the cookies with an additional touch of confectioners’ sugar right before serving. If you want extra sparkle, a few extra cherry halves placed alongside make the color pop beautifully.

Side Dishes

These cookies are wonderful all on their own, but they pair especially well with a cup of hot tea, creamy lattes, or even mulled wine during the holidays. For a pretty dessert platter, serve them next to lemon bars, chocolate crinkle cookies, or buttery shortbread—each bite offers a delightful contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a magical dessert centerpiece, pile Cherry Snowball Cookies in a pyramid on a tiered cake stand or arrange them in neat concentric circles on a vintage tray. For gifting, nestle them snugly in decorative paper candy cups inside a festive tin. They also make adorable, edible place cards at a tea party—just add a handwritten tag!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep Cherry Snowball Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you’d like extra longevity, store them in the refrigerator for up to a week—just allow them to come to room temperature before serving so the flavors and texture can shine.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully! Once fully set, layer them with parchment in an airtight container and freeze for up to two months. For best results, freeze them before glazing and rolling in coconut, then thaw, glaze, and coat when ready to serve.

Reheating

Though Cherry Snowball Cookies don’t need reheating (they’re meant to be enjoyed at room temperature), you can revive their aroma by setting them out of the fridge or freezer an hour before you plan to serve. This softens the coconut and brings back the cookie’s lovely melt-away texture.

FAQs

Can I use glacé cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Absolutely! Glacé (candied) cherries work well in this recipe, and they can be found in the baking aisle around the holidays. Just make sure to drain any excess syrup and pat them dry, just as you would maraschino cherries.

What if my dough feels too soft or sticky?

If your dough is a little tricky to handle, pop it in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before shaping. Chilling firms up the butter and makes the dough so much easier to wrap around the cherries.

Can I make Cherry Snowball Cookies with sweetened coconut?

Yes! Sweetened flaked coconut works just as well as unsweetened, and brings an extra dose of sweetness. Be sure to chop the shreds finely for the neatest, prettiest coating.

Why is there no egg in this recipe?

That’s by design! The shortbread-style dough relies on butter for richness and structure rather than eggs, which gives Cherry Snowball Cookies their signature tender, crumbly bite.

Do I need a mixer, or can I make these by hand?

A hand or stand mixer will make things faster, but you can absolutely cream the butter and sugar the old-fashioned way with a sturdy spoon. Just make sure everything is thoroughly combined for an even texture in the finished cookies.

Final Thoughts

If you love a cookie recipe that’s as charming as it is tasty, Cherry Snowball Cookies are destined for your baking list. Their sweet surprise inside and snowy coconut coat make them pure joy to share. Give them a try—you might just find yourself making them year after year!

Cherry Snowball Cookies Recipe