Imagine biting into a cloud-like cookie that melts in your mouth, dusted with a pristine layer of powdered sugar that resembles freshly fallen snow. These Cherry Walnut Snowball Cookies are not just a dessert—they're a winter wonderland experience that will transport you to a cozy kitchen filled with warmth and sweet memories. Perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, these delightful treats combine the rich crunch of walnuts with the tangy burst of dried cherries in a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookie that's guaranteed to become your new favorite seasonal indulgence.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup dried cherries, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Additional powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar together until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer on medium speed. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt to ensure even distribution.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped walnuts and dried cherries using a spatula, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to make it easier to handle.
- Using your hands, roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about
- 5 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain pale.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
- While still warm, gently roll each cookie in additional powdered sugar, coating them completely.
- Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and let them cool completely.
- Once cooled, roll the cookies in powdered sugar a second time for a thick, snow-like coating.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Tips
- Ensure your butter is truly softened but not melted for the perfect cookie texture.
- Chill the dough before forming balls to prevent spreading during baking.
- Use a light touch when rolling cookies in powdered sugar to maintain their delicate shape.
- For a more intense flavor, lightly toast the walnuts before chopping and adding to the dough.
- Make sure to roll cookies in powdered sugar while they're still warm for the first coating, then again when completely cool for that classic "snowball" look.
- Store cookies in a single layer to prevent them from sticking together and maintain their beautiful powdered sugar coating.
- For best results, use high-quality vanilla extract and fresh ingredients.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 137kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: mg
