Cherry almond snowball cookies are a delightful holiday treat. They have a soft, buttery texture. The mix of sweet cherries and aromatic almonds is a treat for your taste buds.
These cookies are perfect for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or any special occasion. They offer a unique twist on the classic snowball cookie.
Key Takeaways
- Cherry almond snowball cookies feature a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture
- The cookies are filled with candied cherries and almonds for a delightful flavor combination
- These festive cookies are perfect for the holiday season, Valentine’s Day, and other special occasions
- The recipe is easy to follow and uses simple, common ingredients
- Powdered sugar coating adds a beautiful and traditional finishing touch
Introduction to These Festive Holiday Cookies
Cherry almond snowball cookies are a special twist on the classic snowball cookie. They have a soft texture and a crunchy almond bite. The cherry flavor adds a taste of cherry chip cake in cookie form.
What Makes These Cookies Special
These cookies are a great choice for holiday baking. They are gluten-free, making them perfect for those with dietary needs. The mix of cherry and almond flavors makes them stand out from the usual snowball cookie.
Origin and Tradition
Snowball cookies are a winter holiday favorite. The cherry almond version honors the classic while adding a new twist. They have roots in Mexican wedding cookies and Russian tea cakes, but the cherry and almond make them unique.
Perfect Occasions to Serve
Cherry almond snowball cookies are ideal for festive events. They’re great for Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and Valentine’s Day. Their beauty and taste make them perfect with coffee or hot chocolate, or as a thoughtful gift.
Essential Ingredients for Cherry Almond Snowball Cookies
To make the perfect cherry almond snowball cookies, you need the right mix of ingredients. Start with 3/4 cup of softened unsalted butter. This gives the cookies a creamy texture. Then, add 1/4 cup of granulated sugar for sweetness that balances the nuttiness.
For a fragrant touch, add 1 teaspoon of almond extract. It brings a warm, aromatic flavor to the cookies. The dry ingredients are 1 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt. They help the cookies have a tender yet firm texture.
The real stars are the candied cherries and blanched slivered almonds. They add color and a nice crunch. You’ll need 1 cup of chopped almonds and 1/2 cup of finely chopped candied or maraschino cherries.
After baking, the cookies get a thick coat of powdered sugar. This makes them look like snowballs, perfect for the holiday season.
Some recipes use sweetened condensed milk instead of sugar. This makes the cookies even richer and more indulgent. Whether you use sweetened condensed milk or not, the mix of butter, nuts, and fruit makes these cookies a must-have for the holidays.
Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed
To bake these tasty Cherry Almond Snowball Cookies, you’ll need some basic kitchen tools. Whether you’re an experienced baker or new to cookie making, the right tools are key. They help you get the perfect texture and look.
Must-Have Baking Items
- Mixing bowls: You’ll need sturdy mixing bowls for the dry and wet ingredients.
- Electric mixer: An electric mixer, handheld or stand, makes creaming butter and sugar easy.
- Baking sheets: Quality baking sheets or cookie sheets ensure even baking and prevent spreading.
- Parchment paper: Parchment paper on the baking sheets prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
- Cookie scoop: A cookie scoop, preferably #20 size, helps portion dough evenly and keeps shapes consistent.
Optional but Helpful Tools
While the above items are crucial, some optional tools can make things easier:
- Food processor: A food processor can quickly chop nuts and cherries, saving time and effort.
- Silicone baking mats: These mats ensure even heat and prevent cookies from sticking to the sheets.
- Stand mixer: If you have space and budget, a stand mixer makes mixing easier, freeing your hands for other tasks.
With these baking equipment and utensils, you’re ready to make these Cherry Almond Snowball Cookies. You’ll get delicious, perfectly shaped cookies.
Understanding Sweetened Condensed Milk in Cookie Making
Sweetened condensed milk is a key ingredient in many cookie recipes. It’s made by removing water from milk and adding sugar. This results in a thick, sweet, shelf-stable product.
In cookies, it adds sweetness, moisture, and helps create a tender cookie texture.
It’s important not to confuse sweetened condensed milk with evaporated milk. Evaporated milk is unsweetened and has a different consistency. Sweetened condensed milk has sugar added, making it unique for baking and cookie-making.
| Sweetened Condensed Milk | Evaporated Milk |
|---|---|
| Made by removing water from milk and adding sugar | Made by removing water from milk without adding sugar |
| Thick, sweet, and shelf-stable | Thicker than regular milk but not as thick as sweetened condensed milk |
| Adds sweetness, moisture, and tender texture to cookies | Does not contribute sweetness or as much moisture to baked goods |
When baking with sweetened condensed milk, the cookie dough becomes richer and more indulgent. It also gets a soft, chewy texture. This makes it perfect for holiday treats like Cherry Almond Snowball Cookies.
“Sweetened condensed milk adds a unique depth of flavor and creamy texture to cookies that you can’t achieve with regular milk or other dairy products.”
Tips for Working with Candied Cherries
When baking Cherry Almond Snowball Cookies, the candied cherries are key. To get perfect cookies, follow these tips for working with candied and maraschino cherries.
Choosing the Right Cherries
Choose bright, plump candied cherries or maraschino cherries for the best taste. Mixing red and green cherries adds a festive look. Don’t use fresh cherries, as they can make the cookies too wet.
Proper Chopping Techniques
- Use a sharp knife or a food processor to finely chop the cherries.
- To prevent the cherries from sticking together, lightly dust them with a bit of all-purpose flour before chopping.
- Ensure the cherry pieces are evenly sized to ensure even distribution throughout the cookie dough.
Storage Tips
Store unused candied cherries in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Or, refrigerate them to keep them fresh longer. This keeps the cherries’ texture and flavor, making your cookies stay delicious.
“The key to perfectly baked Cherry Almond Snowball Cookies is in the preparation and handling of the candied cherries. Follow these tips, and you’ll be on your way to creating a delightful holiday treat.”
Step-by-Step Mixing Instructions
Making the perfect Cherry Almond Snowball Cookies begins with the right mixing. Start by creaming the butter until it’s smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Then, add the almond extract for a nutty aroma.
Slowly add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined. This careful mixing gives the cookies a tender, melt-in-your-mouth feel. Finally, add the chopped almonds and incorporating cherries for a delightful mix of flavors and textures.
- Cream the butter and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
- Add the almond extract and mix until well combined.
- Gradually mix in the flour and salt until just combined.
- Gently fold in the chopped almonds and maraschino cherries.
- Use a cookie scoop or spoon to portion the dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing the cookies about 2 inches apart.
- No need to shape the dough; it will form perfect snowballs during baking.
By following these simple steps, you’ll make a batch of Cherry Almond Snowball Cookies. They’re sure to impress your family and friends. The mix of creamy butter, crunchy almonds, and sweet cherries is irresistible.
Baking Techniques for Perfect Snowballs
To get the light, fluffy texture of snowball cookies, you need to bake them just right. Follow these tips to make your cherry almond snowball cookies perfect.
Temperature Guidelines
First, preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). This temperature helps the cookies bake evenly without getting too dark. It’s important to keep the oven temperature steady for a soft cookie.
Timing and Visual Cues
- Bake the cookies for about 15 minutes. They should puff up and have lightly browned bottoms.
- Don’t overbake. This can make the cookies dry and crumbly instead of soft.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes. This helps them keep their shape and prevents the sugar from melting.
For the best look, roll the cookies in powdered sugar twice. Once when they’re warm, and again when they’re cool. This double coating gives them a beautiful snowball look and a sweet contrast.
By using these baking tips, you’ll get perfect snowball cookies every time. They’ll have a tender crumb and a sweet powdered sugar coating that will impress your holiday guests.
Sugar Coating Methods and Tips
To get the classic look of Cherry Almond Snowball Cookies, focus on the sugar coating. There are a few ways to make your cookies sparkle and dusted perfectly.
Rolling warm cookies in powdered sugar right after baking is a traditional method. This makes the sugar stick to the cookie. After they cool, roll them again in powdered sugar for a smooth finish.
- Sift the sugar before coating to avoid lumps and unevenness.
- Adding a bit of ground cinnamon or cocoa powder to the sugar can add flavor.
Using sanding sugar gives a sparkling effect. Roll the dough balls in sanding sugar before baking. The sugar will melt and create a crunchy, shiny texture.
Choose your sugar rolling techniques wisely. Working with warm cookies ensures the sugar sticks well, giving the cookies their signature look.
| Sugar Coating Method | Timing | Technique | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Powdered Sugar | Warm cookies, then again when cooled | Roll cookies in sifted powdered sugar | Smooth, even coating |
| Sanding Sugar | Unbaked cookie dough | Roll dough balls in coarse sanding sugar | Sparkling, crunchy texture |
| Powdered Sugar with Flavor | Warm cookies | Mix powdered sugar with cinnamon or cocoa | Flavored, colored coating |
Mastering powdered sugar coating, sanding sugar, and sugar rolling techniques will make your Cherry Almond Snowball Cookies a hit at any holiday gathering.
Storage and Freshness Guidelines
Keeping your cherry almond snowball cookies fresh is key. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Enjoy them best within 2 days, but they stay fresh up to 5 days with the right storage.
Proper Container Selection
To keep them fresh longer, layer the cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper. This stops them from sticking and keeps the sugar coating perfect. Don’t store them with other baked goods to keep their special taste and texture.
Shelf Life Information
- Room temperature storage: Up to 5 days in an airtight container
- Freezer storage: Up to 3 months in a resealable freezer bag
Proper cookie storage and keeping them fresh is key. This way, your guests can enjoy the cherry almond snowball cookies for days.
“Keeping baked goods fresh is essential for creating a truly memorable holiday experience. With the right storage techniques, these cookies will retain their mouthwatering flavor and texture long after the first batch is gone.”
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
The classic cherry almond snowball cookies are a joy during the holidays. But, you can try many cookie variations, nut substitutions, and flavor alternatives to suit your taste. Get creative and make these festive treats your own.
For those with nut allergies or who prefer no nuts, you can swap almonds with pecans or walnuts. Pecan snowball cookies or walnut snowball cookies are tasty and pretty.
Want a different taste? Try using vanilla or cherry extract instead of almond. For chocolate lovers, add cocoa powder to the dough for a rich chocolate snowball cookie.
While candied cherries are traditional, dried cranberries or chopped apricots can also add festive flavor. Cranberry snowball cookies or apricot snowball cookies are a hit.
For special diets, these cookies can be made gluten-free or vegan. Just use gluten-free flour or plant-based butter and vegan cherries.
| Variation | Ingredient Substitution |
|---|---|
| Pecan Snowball Cookies | Replace almonds with pecans |
| Walnut Snowball Cookies | Replace almonds with walnuts |
| Cherry-Flavored Snowball Cookies | Use cherry extract instead of almond extract |
| Chocolate Snowball Cookies | Add cocoa powder to the dough |
| Cranberry Snowball Cookies | Use dried cranberries instead of candied cherries |
| Apricot Snowball Cookies | Use chopped dried apricots instead of candied cherries |
| Gluten-Free Snowball Cookies | Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend |
| Vegan Snowball Cookies | Use plant-based butter and vegan-friendly cherries |
There’s no limit to the unique snowball cookies you can make. Let your creativity run wild with cookie variations, nut substitutions, and flavor alternatives. Find your favorite!
Conclusion
Cherry almond snowball cookies are a wonderful addition to holiday baking. They have a buttery texture, crunchy almond, and sweet cherry taste. This makes them stand out from other holiday cookies.
These cherry almond treats are perfect for both seasoned bakers and newcomers. They quickly become a favorite at family gatherings.
These snowball cookies come in many flavors, like chocolate, peppermint, and gingerbread. Using top-notch ingredients like softened butter and white chocolate makes them taste amazing. They’re sure to impress everyone.
When you’re making holiday cookies, don’t forget to include these cherry almond snowball cookies. They look great with powdered sugar and chocolate drizzle. They’re a hit on any holiday dessert table.
Enjoy the taste of the season and make memories with these special cookies. They’re a treasured part of holiday baking.
FAQ
What makes cherry almond snowball cookies special?
Cherry almond snowball cookies are a twist on the classic snowball cookie. They have a soft texture and a crunchy almond bite. The cherry flavor adds a sweet and fruity twist, making them taste like cherry chip cake in cookie form.
What are the key ingredients in these cookies?
The main ingredients are unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and almond extract. You’ll also need all-purpose flour, salt, and chopped almonds. Candied or maraschino cherries are also key. Some recipes use sweetened condensed milk instead of sugar.
What essential tools are needed to make these cookies?
You’ll need mixing bowls, an electric mixer, and baking sheets. Parchment paper and a cookie scoop are also important. A food processor helps with chopping nuts and cherries. A stand mixer makes mixing easier.
How does sweetened condensed milk contribute to the cookie texture?
Sweetened condensed milk adds sweetness and moisture. It helps make the cookies tender and soft.
How should the cherries be prepared for the best results?
Choose bright, plump cherries for the best taste. Chop them finely with a knife or food processor. Dust them with flour to prevent sticking.
What is the best way to achieve the classic snowball appearance?
Roll the cookies in powdered sugar while they’re warm. Then, roll them again when they cool. You can also use coarse sanding sugar for a sparkly look.
How should these cookies be stored for maximum freshness?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’re best eaten within 2 days. But they’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days. For longer storage, use parchment paper between layers.
What are some variations and substitutions for these cookies?
Try using pecans or walnuts instead of almonds. You can also use vanilla or cherry extract instead of almond. For a chocolate version, add cocoa powder. Swap candied cherries for dried cranberries or apricots. Make them gluten-free or vegan by using the right substitutes.