Festive and Buttery Snowball Cookies with a Cherry Twist

Posted on October 1, 2025 ·

by Bellie

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When it comes to classic Christmas cookies recipes, Snowball Cookies are the undisputed stars of the season. Tender, buttery, nutty, and rolled in a blizzard of powdered sugar, they melt in your mouth and look as festive as freshly fallen snow. But this version adds something special: chopped maraschino cherries and toasted walnuts for a pop of color, crunch, and irresistible flavor.

Whether you’re building a Christmas dessert tray, gifting homemade treats, or simply baking with family, these Cherry Snowball Cookies add charm and cheer to every holiday occasion. They’re easy to make, freezable, and stunningly pretty—a staple in every serious collection of holiday recipes Christmas desserts.

Let’s dive into what makes this snowballs recipe so magical and how to make your own perfect batch at home.

Why These Snowball Cookies Are a Christmas Classic

Snowball cookies—also known as Russian Tea Cakes, Mexican Wedding Cookies, or simply butterballs—have been part of holiday traditions for generations. Their signature powdered sugar coating and round shape resemble tiny snowballs, making them a favorite for Christmas recipes and cookie exchanges alike.

What makes this version truly shine is the addition of maraschino cherries. They add a festive red hue and sweet flavor contrast to the buttery dough. Paired with toasted walnuts, the result is a soft, crumbly texture with delightful bites of crunch and fruit.

These cookies are:

Simple to prepare
Beautifully festive
Perfect for freezing and gifting
A delicious addition to any Christmas dessert tray

Looking for more creative cookies? Try our festive Oreo Spiders—perfect for spooky season or fun baking with kids!

Ingredients for Snowball Cookies with Cherries and Walnuts

To make about 36 cookies, gather the following ingredients:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus more for rolling
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup chopped toasted walnuts
3/4 cup chopped maraschino cherries, patted dry

Make sure the butter is at room temperature and that the cherries are well-drained and dried with paper towels. Excess moisture can affect the texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Cherry Snowball Cookies

These cookies are as easy as they are beautiful. Here’s how to make your snowball cookies:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, beat the butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar together until light and fluffy.
Add the vanilla extract and mix until smooth.
Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until the dough forms.
Fold in the chopped walnuts and maraschino cherries until evenly distributed.
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Place on the prepared baking sheets, spacing about 1 inch apart.
Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until set but not browned. The bottoms should be lightly golden.
Let cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
While still slightly warm, roll in powdered sugar. Once completely cooled, roll again for a thick snowy coating.

Now you’ve got a batch of beautiful, buttery cherry cookies ready to wow everyone at the table!

Snowballs Recipe Tips for the Perfect Texture and Flavor

While these cookies are relatively foolproof, a few extra tips ensure you’ll get flawless results every time:

Toast the walnuts before adding them. This brings out their nutty richness.
Dry the cherries thoroughly. Too much liquid can make your dough wet and sticky.
Double-roll in powdered sugar—once warm and again once cool—for that iconic snowy look.
Don’t overbake. These cookies should remain pale and soft, with just a touch of golden brown underneath.

In need of another cookie variation? Our Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins are great for transitioning from fall into the holiday baking season.

Holiday Baking Made Easy: Why Snowball Cookies Are a Must-Have

Snowball cookies are ideal for holiday baking because they:

Use simple pantry ingredients
Bake quickly (under 15 minutes!)
Hold up well in gift boxes and cookie tins
Look festive with minimal decorating

They’re also nutty and buttery without being overly sweet, making them a great balance on a Christmas dessert tray filled with richer items like fudge or truffles.

Need another no-fuss dessert? This Chocolate Peanut Butter Dump Cake is always a hit.

Cherry Cookies: A Sweet Surprise in Every Bite

Maraschino cherries aren’t just colorful—they add a lovely chewiness and a hint of tangy sweetness to each bite. This makes these cherry cookies more than just pretty—they’re layered with flavor, from nutty to fruity to buttery.

If you love fruity desserts, pair these cookies with a holiday-ready Cranberry Apple Crisp.

Snowball Cookies Variations You Can Try This Season

Want to mix things up? Try these fun variations of this classic snowballs recipe:

Chocolate Chip Snowballs: Replace cherries with mini chocolate chips.
Pecan Snowballs: Use toasted pecans instead of walnuts.
Almond Snowballs: Add 1/2 teaspoon almond extract and chopped almonds.
Spiced Snowballs: Mix in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm twist.

Or go big and serve these cookies as part of a Sweet Pizza dessert board with candies, fudge, and chocolate bark.

How to Store and Freeze Snowball Cookies Properly

One of the best things about snowball cookies? They store and freeze exceptionally well:

At room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
In the freezer: Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a bag or container for up to 2 months.
Re-coat in powdered sugar after thawing for a fresh finish.

Planning ahead for a party? These cookies are perfect make-ahead Christmas recipes.

These cookies are stunning on any holiday dessert table. Serve them:

Alongside Christmas cookie cake slices or truffles
On a platter with sprigs of rosemary and sugared cranberries
In clear bags tied with ribbon for gifting
At your next cookie swap or school bake sale

Need even more festive flair? Add in Pumpkin Cheese Balls for a sweet and savory twist.

Presentation takes your holiday baking to the next level. These cookies pair well with:

Hot cocoa or spiced cider
Other bite-sized sweets like fudge, toffee, or brittle
A festive dessert charcuterie board (aka sweet pizza)

Include these cookies with Pumpkin Cupcake Recipes and Witch Hat Cupcakes for a visually exciting dessert display.

While this snowballs recipe is simple, avoid these common issues:

Using cold butter—your dough won’t cream properly
Adding too much flour—measure correctly and don’t pack it
Skipping the cherry drying step—wet dough = spreading cookies
Overbaking—keep them light for the best melt-in-your-mouth texture

Mistakes are easy to fix—and once you get the hang of these, they’ll be your go-to every December.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Holiday Recipes & Christmas Cookies

Here’s what you’ll need:

Electric mixer
Mixing bowls
Cookie scoop or tablespoon
Parchment paper
Baking sheets
Cooling rack
Fine mesh strainer (for powdered sugar)

Make sure your tools are ready—holiday baking is always more fun when you’re prepared.

FAQ: Your Top Questions About Snowball Cookies Answered

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! These are excellent make-ahead cookies. Store or freeze until needed.

Do I have to use walnuts?
Nope! You can substitute almonds, pecans, or even go nut-free.

Can I skip the cherries?
Yes, but they add festive flair and flavor. You can replace them with dried cranberries or mini chocolate chips.

Why roll twice in powdered sugar?
Rolling while warm helps it stick; rolling again once cool gives a thick, snowy finish.

How do I keep them from crumbling?
Make sure your dough is moist enough and avoid overbaking.

Conclusion: The Perfect Finish to Your Christmas Recipes Collection

These Snowball Cookies with cherries and walnuts bring everything you want to your holiday baking: ease, beauty, flavor, and nostalgia. Whether you’re curating the perfect Christmas dessert tray, hosting a cookie exchange, or simply sharing a bite of cheer with loved ones, this snowballs recipe deserves a spot in your annual traditions.

Simple to make and stunning to serve, these Christmas cookies recipes never go out of style.

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