Almond Cherry Snowballs

If you’re looking for a delightful holiday treat that fills your kitchen with warmth and cheer, you’ve come to the right place! These Almond Cherry Snowballs are a family favorite in my house, and they always remind me of cozy Christmas mornings. With their fluffy texture and vibrant pops of candied cherries, these cookies bring a sense of nostalgia and joy that’s hard to resist.

Perfect for busy weeknights or festive gatherings, these cookies are not only easy to whip up but also a hit with kids and adults alike. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll understand why this recipe holds a special place in our hearts!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can have these cookies ready in no time!
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves the bright colors and sweet flavors of these Almond Cherry Snowballs.
• Make-ahead convenience: Bake them in advance for your holiday parties or enjoy them fresh from the oven.
• Festive flair: The combination of red and green cherries makes these cookies perfect for any celebration.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for these Almond Cherry Snowballs is super easy! You likely have most of these items in your pantry already. Let’s take a look at what you need:

For the Cookies

• 1 cup butter (softened)
• 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 2 teaspoons almond extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 cup chopped red candied cherries
• 1/2 cup chopped green candied cherries
• 1/4 cup sanding sugar

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, allowing you to get creative based on what you have on hand or your personal tastes. Here are some fun ideas to switch it up:

• Change the nuts: Swap in chopped almonds or pistachios for a different flavor twist.
• Add chocolate: Mix in mini chocolate chips for an extra touch of sweetness.
• Go tropical: Use dried pineapple or coconut flakes instead of candied cherries for a summery version.
• Try different extracts: If almond isn’t your favorite, vanilla or even coconut extract can add a lovely flavor.

How to Make Almond Cherry Snowballs

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 320 degrees F. This step ensures that your cookies bake evenly and get that lovely golden color we all love. It’s essential to line your baking sheet with parchment paper too; this prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier!

Step 2: Cream the Butter

In a mixing bowl, add the softened butter and beat it until light and creamy—about three minutes should do the trick. This process incorporates air into the butter, making your cookies fluffy.

Step 3: Combine with Sweetened Condensed Milk

Now it’s time to pour in the sweetened condensed milk. Beat it together with the butter for about two minutes until everything is well blended. This adds sweetness and richness to our cookie dough!

Step 4: Flavor with Almond Extract

Next up is the almond extract! Beat this into your mixture until it’s fully incorporated. The almond flavor is what makes these snowballs truly special, giving them that nostalgic taste.

Step 5: Add Dry Ingredients

Scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure everything is mixed well. Now, add in the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Beat until fully combined; this forms the base of our cookie dough.

Step 6: Fold in Candied Cherries

Gently fold in those vibrant chopped candied cherries! Just mix lightly so they’re evenly distributed throughout without breaking apart too much.

Step 7: Scoop onto Baking Sheet

Using a cookie scoop (about two tablespoons), portion out mounds of dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Remember to leave at least two inches between each mound; they will spread while baking!

Step 8: Sprinkle Sanding Sugar

Before popping them into the oven, sprinkle sanding sugar over each dough mound. This adds a delightful crunch and sparkle that makes them feel extra festive!

Step 9: Bake!

Bake those delicious snowballs for about 12 minutes until they’re lightly golden around the edges. The aroma will fill your home with holiday cheer!

Step 10: Cool & Enjoy!

Once baked, let them cool on the pan for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set perfectly while still being warm enough to enjoy right away!

And there you have it! A simple yet delightful recipe for Almond Cherry Snowballs that will surely become a cherished tradition in your home too!

Pro Tips for Making Almond Cherry Snowballs

Baking can be a delightful experience, and with these simple tips, you’ll ensure your Almond Cherry Snowballs turn out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature butter: This helps the butter cream more easily with the sugar, leading to lighter and fluffier cookies.
• Measure your flour properly: Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off to avoid dense cookies caused by using too much flour.
• Chill the dough if needed: If your kitchen is warm, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes can help prevent spreading during baking.
• Don’t skip the sanding sugar: This adds a lovely crunch and beautiful sparkle on top of your cookies, making them visually appealing and adding texture.
• Store properly: To keep your snowballs fresh longer, store them in an airtight container at room temperature, separating layers with parchment paper.

How to Serve Almond Cherry Snowballs

Presenting your Almond Cherry Snowballs can transform them from just a treat into a festive centerpiece. Here are some ideas on how to serve them beautifully!

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch and enhances the holiday spirit.
• Fresh mint leaves: A few sprigs of mint not only look beautiful but also add a refreshing aroma that complements the sweetness of the cookies.

Side Dishes

• Hot cocoa: Rich and creamy hot cocoa pairs wonderfully with these cookies, creating a cozy treat perfect for winter gatherings.
• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a delightful contrast to the chewy textures of the snowballs and balances their sweetness.
• Fruit salad: A light fruit salad with seasonal fruits refreshes the palate and brings a burst of color to your dessert table.
• Spiced tea: A warm cup of spiced tea adds warmth and comfort alongside your cookies, enhancing their festive flavors.

With these serving suggestions, your Almond Cherry Snowballs will be sure to impress friends and family alike during this joyful season!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Almond Cherry Snowballs are perfect for meal prep! Whether you’re baking for the holidays or just for a cozy treat, these cookies can be made ahead of time and stored for later enjoyment.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
• If you have a lot of cookies, consider layering them between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• To freeze, place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container, where they can be stored for up to three months.

Reheating

• To reheat frozen cookies, remove them from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
• You can also warm them in an oven preheated to 300 degrees F for about 5-7 minutes or until heated through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions regarding Almond Cherry Snowballs that might help you out!

Can I substitute the almond extract in Almond Cherry Snowballs?

Yes! If you prefer a different flavor, you can use vanilla extract instead of almond extract. This will give your cookies a delightful twist.

How long do Almond Cherry Snowballs last?

When stored properly, Almond Cherry Snowballs can last up to one week at room temperature. They also freeze well for up to three months!

Can I use other types of cherries in Almond Cherry Snowballs?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different varieties of candied cherries, such as dark cherries or even mixed fruit blends, to create your own unique flavor profile.

Are Almond Cherry Snowballs suitable for gifting?

Yes! These lovely cookies make an excellent gift during the holidays. Package them nicely in decorative tins or boxes for a delightful present!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these delightful Almond Cherry Snowballs. They encapsulate the warmth and spirit of holiday baking, bringing a touch of nostalgia and sweetness into your home. Enjoy each bite and share them with loved ones; they are sure to bring smiles all around. Happy baking!