Melt-in-Your-Mouth Cherry Coconut Snowball Cookies: A Festive Holiday Delight

Get ready to discover your new favorite holiday cookie! These Cherry Coconut Snowball Cookies are designed to melt in your mouth, offering a delightful surprise of a juicy maraschino cherry nestled within a delicate, almond-infused cookie, all finished with a festive coconut coating. If you’re searching for that perfect addition to your Christmas cookie platter, a charming homemade gift, or simply a treat that embodies the spirit of the season, look no further.

What defines the “best” cookie for you? For many, it boils down to two crucial elements: texture and flavor. Flavor is often subjective yet universally appealing when done right. Chocolate, peanut butter, caramel, lemon, and especially cherries – these are some of the ingredients that instantly elevate a cookie to a high rank on most lists. Unless a cookie is poorly executed or features an unpopular flavor like anise, it typically wins hearts.

But it’s the texture that truly sets a great cookie apart. My personal favorites fall into two categories: delightfully chewy (think classic small-batch chocolate chip cookies) and exquisitely melt-in-your-mouth (like a perfectly crafted shortbread). Today, we’re diving deep into that luscious, melt-in-your-mouth goodness with these spectacular Cherry Coconut Snowball Cookies. I’m genuinely thrilled to share this recipe because, honestly, these are some of the finest cookies I’ve baked all holiday season – and that’s saying something, considering I whipped up delicious triple peanut butter cookies just last month! How can such delicate, small cookies leave such a lasting impression, leaving your taste buds yearning for more?

Crafting Your Cherry Coconut Snowball Cookies: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating these delightful cherry snowball cookies with an almond twist begins with the foundation: a rich, tender dough. The first crucial step involves creaming together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, contributing to the ultimate melt-in-your-mouth texture.

For this recipe, I made a key substitution that I believe truly elevates the flavor profile. While the original inspiration suggested quick oats, I felt they didn’t quite belong in the delicate texture I envisioned. Instead, I opted for finely ground almonds. This not only enhances the cookie’s crumb but also introduces a subtle, nutty depth that perfectly complements the sweetness of the maraschino cherries. The pairing of almonds and maraschino cherries is a classic for a reason; have you ever noticed how almond extract often carries a similar aromatic note to cherries? It’s a match made in culinary heaven!

The Magic of Ground Almonds: Texture and Flavor

Using finely ground almonds in this recipe is a game-changer. It provides a tender crumb and a nuanced flavor that flour alone cannot achieve. Luckily, making ground almonds (often referred to as almond flour or almond meal, depending on coarseness) at home is incredibly simple. For the small amount needed here, a small food processor is your best friend. I frequently use mine for tasks like making cookie crumbs, grinding various nuts, or even whipping up a small batch of pesto. It’s a versatile tool that truly pays for itself.

If you’re starting with whole almonds, a quick blanch and peel can remove the skins for a finer, lighter almond meal, though leaving the skins on will provide a slightly coarser texture and rustic look, which can also be charming. Regardless, roughly chop your almonds before grinding to ensure a more uniform texture and to prevent over-processing them into almond butter.

Perfecting the Cookie Dough

As you gradually incorporate the dry ingredients (flour, ground almonds, and salt) into the wet mixture (creamed butter and sugar, milk, and almond extract), don’t be alarmed if the dough initially appears very crumbly. This is perfectly normal! The key is patience. Continue gently beating the dough on low speed. The warmth from the butter and the friction from mixing will eventually cause the ingredients to come together, forming a cohesive, pliable dough. Resist the urge to add more liquid, as this can make your cookies tough.

Once your dough reaches the perfect consistency, it’s time to shape your snowballs. Divide the dough into tablespoon-sized portions. You should yield approximately 15 cookie balls from this recipe, each a perfect bite-sized treat. Take each portion, gently flatten it into a disc about 1/4 inch thick, creating a cradle for our special surprise. Then, carefully wrap this dough disc around a prepared maraschino cherry, ensuring the dough completely seals the cherry inside. Roll it gently between your palms to form a smooth, perfect ball. Place these beautiful, cherry-filled dough balls onto an ungreased baking sheet, leaving a little space between each for even baking.

All About Maraschino Cherries: The Sweet Surprise

Maraschino cherries are the delightful secret at the heart of these snowball cookies. These vibrant, preserved, and sweetened cherries, typically made from light-colored sweet cherries, are instantly recognizable by their bright red hue and unique flavor. While they can sometimes be a topic of culinary debate, their nostalgic charm and burst of juicy sweetness are undeniable, making them a beloved ingredient for many, myself included.

If you’re new to baking with maraschino cherries, finding them might initially seem like a quest. They often aren’t located in the main baking aisle with other dried fruits or extracts. Your best bet is to check your grocery store’s ice cream toppings section. This is where you’ll usually find hot fudge sauce, sprinkles, and other sundae fixings. Because maraschino cherries are a classic garnish for ice cream sundaes and cocktails, they’re often stocked right alongside these items. Don’t forget to pat your cherries thoroughly dry before wrapping them in dough; excess moisture can affect the cookie’s texture.

The Irresistible Coconut Glaze and Coating

Once your cookies have baked to golden perfection on the bottom and cooled completely – assuming you’ve managed to resist taste-testing them all straight from the oven! – they are ready for their festive finish. This involves a luxurious “bath” in a simple yet flavorful sugar glaze, followed by a generous roll in shredded coconut.

Traditionally, snowball cookies earn their name by being rolled in powdered sugar, creating a delicate, snow-like appearance. However, for these Cherry Coconut Snowball Cookies, we’re taking a slightly different, equally enchanting approach. The shredded coconut here not only mimics the look of fresh snow but also adds a fantastic textural contrast and an extra layer of tropical-sweet flavor that beautifully complements the cherry and almond. It’s a little bit of a messy process, dipping and rolling each cookie, but I promise you, the delightful texture and incredible flavor of every single bite make it absolutely worth the sticky fingers!

Advance Preparation: Freezing Snowball Cookies

Planning ahead for your holiday baking is a smart move, and thankfully, these cherry coconut cookie balls are excellent candidates for freezing! They can be frozen for up to one month without compromising their deliciousness. This flexibility allows you to spread out your baking tasks during the busy Christmas season. There are two primary ways you can freeze your snowball cookies:

Freeze the Dough Balls (Unbaked): Prepare the cookie dough and wrap the maraschino cherries as directed, forming the unbaked cookie balls. Place them on a baking sheet and flash freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight, freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. When you’re ready to bake, you can bake them directly from frozen, though you may need to add a few extra minutes (typically 2-4 minutes) to the specified bake time.
Freeze Baked Cookies (Before Glazing): Bake the cookies according to the recipe instructions and let them cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, place them in an airtight, freezer-safe container, again using parchment paper between layers. When you’re ready to serve, simply remove them from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature. Once thawed, you can proceed with the glazing and rolling in coconut steps, as if they were freshly baked. This method allows for maximum freshness of the glaze and coconut coating upon serving.

Properly wrapping and storing your cookies in the freezer is key to preventing freezer burn and maintaining their flavor and texture. Ensure containers are tightly sealed and remove as much air as possible from bags.

Thoughtful Gifting: Mailing Christmas Cookies

Cherry Coconut Snowball Cookies make for truly wonderful homemade gifts from your kitchen. Their sturdy nature, thanks to the enclosed cherry and dense dough, makes them quite suitable for mailing to friends and family who might not be able to celebrate with you in person. I’ve successfully mailed these to a friend recently, so they definitely pass the “can these be mailed” test!

When sending cookies through the mail, a few general tips can ensure they arrive in perfect condition: package them in airtight containers, cushion them well with crinkled parchment paper or tissue, and choose a sturdy shipping box. For more detailed advice on protecting your baked goods in transit, I often share my tips on mailing cookies in other posts.

Beyond mailing, these cookies also present beautifully as a local gift. Imagine them nestled in a charming candy box, reminiscent of a box of gourmet chocolate-covered cherries – or perhaps, given their delicate texture and rich flavor, a box of artisanal truffles offers an even better analogy. Either way, presenting someone with a box of these exquisite cookies is a surefire way to win their heart and, dare I say, become their new best friend!

Essential Equipment for Your Baking Adventure (Amazon affiliate links):

Discover More Snowball Cookie Recipes

Are you inspired to bake more delightful cookie balls for your Christmas celebrations? Expand your holiday baking repertoire with these equally delicious snowball cookie recipes:

Zesty Lemon Snowball Cookies

Classic Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

Fun (Big) Rice Crispy Treat Snowballs

Cherry Coconut Snowball Cookies

Yield:
15 cookies

Prep Time:
30 minutes

Cook Time:
10 minutes

Total Time:
40 minutes

Melt-in-your-mouth cherry almond snowball cookies with a maraschino cherry surprise in the middle and coconut coating will soon be your new favorite Christmas cookie.

Ingredients

1 cup all purpose flour
1/4 cup finely ground almonds
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (8 tablespoons or 4 ounces) unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup powdered sugar, sifted
1 1/2 teaspoons milk or water
1 teaspoon almond extract
15 maraschino cherries, stems removed and patted dry

Glaze

3/4 cup powdered sugar, sifted
1-2 tablespoons milk
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
3/4 cup sweetened coconut flakes

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350F. Have two ungreased baking sheets ready.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, almonds, and salt.
In a large mixing bowl on medium speed, beat together the butter and powdered sugar until light and creamy.
Beat in the milk/water and almond extract.
Turn the speed down to low then gradually beat in the flour mixture until a dough forms. It may look crumbly at first, but keep (gently) beating until it comes together.
Scoop 1 tablespoon dough then flatten until thin. Wrap the dough around 1 cherry, sealing to form a ball. Place onto the baking sheet. Repeat with remaining dough and cherries.
Bake for 8-10 minutes or until bottoms are golden brown (the tops will look pale). Let cool on the sheets for 2-3 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sugar, 1 tablespoon milk, and almond extract. If the glaze is too thick for dipping, add more milk.
In another bowl, add the coconut. Dip the top of each cookie into the glaze then the coconut. Let the glaze harden before serving. Store in an airtight container for up to one week.

Notes

Getting ahead on your Christmas cookie baking? Luckily snowball cookies can freeze well for up to 1 month! There are two ways you can freeze them:

Make the dough balls then freeze before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the bake time.
Bake the cookies then freeze prior to glazing. When you’re ready to serve, let them thaw then continue glazing and rolling in coconut.

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Source: Adapted from Taste Of Home

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