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Chocolate Cherry Snowball Cookies

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Decadent chocolate snowball cookies with a chewy cherry center, dusted in powdered sugar for a festive, melt-in-your-mouth holiday treat. Easy to make and perfect for gifting or sharing at gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup (90 g) powdered sugar, plus more for rolling
  • 1 1/2 cups (180 g) all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) almond flour
  • 1/3 cup (30 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup (85 g) finely chopped dark chocolate or mini chocolate chips
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional)
  • 3/4 cup (110 g) dried tart cherries, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar (for rolling)

Instructions

  1. Measure out all ingredients. Soften the butter to room temperature for about 30 minutes. Chop cherries and chocolate if needed.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, beat unsalted butter and powdered sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes).
  3. Beat in vanilla extract and almond extract (if using) until combined. Scrape down the bowl.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, almond flour, cocoa powder, chopped dark chocolate, and kosher salt.
  5. Add the dry mixture to the butter mixture in batches, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Gently fold in chopped dried cherries until evenly distributed.
  7. Scoop about 1.5 tbsp dough and roll into balls. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Optionally, tuck a cherry piece in the center.
  8. Chill the shaped dough balls in the fridge for 15-20 minutes.
  9. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake cookies for 12-14 minutes, until set but not browned.
  10. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
  11. While still warm, roll each cookie in powdered sugar. For extra snowy effect, roll a second time after completely cool.
  12. Dust with extra powdered sugar if desired. Store once fully cool.

Notes

Chill dough before baking to prevent spreading and ensure tender cookies. Double roll in powdered sugar for a festive look. For gluten-free, use a 1:1 blend. Swap cherries for cranberries or raisins if needed. Do not overbake; cookies firm up as they cool. Store in airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: chocolate cherry cookies, snowball cookies, holiday cookies, Christmas cookies, easy cookie recipe, powdered sugar cookies, festive dessert, nutty cookies, gluten-free option, gifting cookies

Find it online: https://jodierecipes.com/chocolate-cherry-snowball-cookies-recipe-easy-holiday-treats/