Holiday Cherry Almond Snowball Cookies Recipe

Description

These Cherry Almond Snowball Cookies are a festive twist on the classic snowball. With a tender, buttery crumb, a delicate almond aroma, and a pop of cherry preserves in the center, they finish perfectly when rolled in powdered sugar for that signature snowy appearance. They’re simple to make, hold up well for gifting, and are a lovely addition to any holiday cookie platter.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus more for rolling)
• 1 tsp almond extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup finely ground almonds (or almond flour)
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup cherry preserves

Substitutions

• Dairy-free: Use a reliable plant-based butter substitute measured 1:1.
• Nut-free: Replace ground almonds with additional all-purpose flour and add a little extra almond flavoring to mimic the taste.

Instructions

1. Preheat: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This helps create a tender cookie.
3. Add flavor: Stir in the almond extract until evenly distributed.
4. Combine dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground almonds, and salt.
5. Make the dough: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter mixture until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing.
6. Fill and shape: Scoop about a tablespoon of dough and flatten it slightly. Spoon a small amount of cherry preserves into the center, then gently wrap the dough around the filling and roll into a sealed ball.
7. Bake: Place the filled dough balls on the prepared sheet about 1 inch apart. Bake 12–15 minutes, until set and beginning to turn a light golden color at the edges.
8. Finish: Let the cookies cool a few minutes, then roll them in powdered sugar. After they are completely cool, roll them in powdered sugar again for a bright, snowy finish.

Notes & Tips

• Quality counts: Use good butter and a true almond extract for the best flavor.
• Preserves: Choose thick, fruity cherry preserves rather than a runny jam to keep the filling contained while baking.
• Shape consistently: Use a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop for uniform cookies that bake evenly.
• Chill if needed: If the dough is very soft, chill 10–15 minutes to prevent spreading and to make shaping easier.
• Double roll: Rolling once when warm and again when fully cool creates that classic snowball look and helps the sugar cling.
• Bake evenly: Place sheets on the middle rack and rotate once if your oven has hot spots.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve these cookies with hot cocoa, coffee, or a spiced holiday latte.
• Add them to a mixed cookie tray alongside gingerbread, spritz, or shortbread for variety.
• Arrange on a festive platter and dust with extra powdered sugar right before serving for a pretty presentation.

Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate)

Calories: 110 kcal • Fat: 7 g • Carbs: 11 g • Protein: 1 g • Fiber: 1 g • Sugar: 4 g • Sodium: 30 mg

Storage & Leftovers

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
• Freezing: Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Refresh sugar coating: If the powdered sugar dulls after storage, roll cookies gently in a bit more powdered sugar once they are at room temperature.

FAQs

1. Can I make these without almonds? Yes. Replace the ground almonds with additional all-purpose flour and add a touch more almond extract to preserve some flavor.
2. Can I use other fruit preserves? Absolutely. Raspberry or strawberry preserves work well if you prefer a different fruit note.
3. How do I prevent cracking? Avoid over-drying the dough and handle it gently when sealing the preserves inside.
4. Can the dough be prepared ahead? Yes. You can make the dough and refrigerate it for up to two days. Bring it to room temperature before shaping and filling.

Related Recipes

• Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Roll Cake — Decadent dessert for special occasions (title only)
• Pineapple Juice Bundt Cake — An easy tropical-flavored bundt cake (title only)

Conclusion

Cherry Almond Snowball Cookies are an easy, elegant addition to holiday baking. Their tender texture, almond aroma, and fruity cherry center make them popular with both adults and kids. Give this recipe a try for a lovely homemade treat to share with friends and family—they’re sure to disappear quickly. Happy baking!