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Chocolate-Dipped Maraschino Cherry Snowball Cookies

Chocolate-Dipped Maraschino Cherry Snowball Cookies - featured image

Buttery, crumbly snowball cookies with a sweet maraschino cherry center, dipped in rich chocolate for a festive and irresistible Christmas treat. Easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for gifting or holiday platters.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar
  • 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup (60g) finely chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
  • 24 maraschino cherries, drained and patted dry
  • 1 cup (170g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil or shortening
  • Sprinkles, crushed nuts, or shredded coconut (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Drain maraschino cherries and pat them dry with paper towels. Set aside.
  2. In a mixing bowl, cream together butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes).
  3. Add flour, salt, and vanilla extract. Mix on low speed until dough comes together.
  4. Fold in chopped nuts if using.
  5. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough, flatten into a disc, place a cherry in the center, and wrap dough around it to form a ball. Repeat for all cherries.
  6. Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced 2 inches apart.
  7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 18-20 minutes, until tops are set and edges are barely golden.
  8. Cool cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.
  9. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring until smooth, or melt using a double boiler.
  10. Dip cooled cookies halfway into melted chocolate. Let excess drip off, then place on parchment. Add sprinkles, nuts, or coconut if desired.
  11. Let chocolate harden at room temperature, or chill cookies in the fridge for 10 minutes.
  12. Serve or store in an airtight container.

Notes

Dry cherries thoroughly to prevent dough from slipping. Chill dough if sticky. Use high-quality chocolate for best results. Cookies can be made gluten-free or vegan with substitutions. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days, or freeze before dipping in chocolate for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: Christmas cookies, snowball cookies, maraschino cherry, chocolate dipped, holiday baking, easy cookies, festive treats