Name: Irresistibly Light Almond Cherry Snowballs for Holiday Cheer
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Butter (Softened to room temperature); 1 cup Sweetened Condensed Milk; 1 teaspoon Almond Extract (Can substitute with vanilla extract); 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (Accurate measurement important); 1 teaspoon Baking Powder (Leavening agent); 1 cup Red and Green Candied Cherries (Chopped); 1/4 cup Sanding Sugar (For topping)

As the holiday season approaches, my kitchen transforms into a festive wonderland filled with the longing for cherished traditions. This year, I discovered the delightful Almond Cherry Snowballs-such a simple yet alluring treat that transports you right back to cozy family gatherings. With a light and fluffy texture, each bite bursts with the vibrant flavors of sweet red and green candied cherries, painting a festive picture even before they reach the oven.

While preparing these beauties, I found that their charm lies not only in irresistible flavor but also in their minimal effort. There's something wonderfully satisfying about crafting holiday treats that evoke nostalgia, all while embracing a straightforward recipe. With just a handful of ingredients and quick steps, Almond Cherry Snowballs beautifully encapsulate the spirit of holiday baking. So, if you're in search of a delightful way to add joy to your festivities, gather your ingredients and join me in whipping up these charming cookies that everyone will love!

Why are Almond Cherry Snowballs a must-bake?

Irresistible nostalgia: Each bite of these cookies transports you back to cherished holiday gatherings, filling your heart with warmth.
Effortlessly simple: The easy steps make holiday baking a breeze, allowing you to enjoy time with loved ones.
Vibrant festivity: With their colorful candied cherries, these cookies are as pleasing to the eye as they are delicious.
Delightful flavor fusion: The almond extract beautifully complements the sweetness of the cherries, creating a balanced treat loved by all.
Gift-worthy presentation: Package these snowballs in decorative boxes, making them perfect gifts for friends and family this season.
Time-saving treat: Ready in just 12 minutes of baking, they're a scrumptious addition to any holiday cookie platter.

Almond Cherry Snowballs Ingredients

• Here's everything you need for your delicious cookies!

For the Dough

Butter - Softened, it provides richness and structure to the cookies. Make sure to use room temperature butter for that light, creamy texture.
Sweetened Condensed Milk - Adding moisture and sweetness, it's essential for the soft consistency of these Almond Cherry Snowballs.
Almond Extract - This enhances the flavor profile nicely; feel free to substitute with vanilla extract if you're looking for a twist.
All-Purpose Flour - This forms the cookie base, so accurate measurement is important for the best results.
Baking Powder - This leavening agent ensures that your cookies rise perfectly during baking.

For the Festive Touch

Red and Green Candied Cherries - These provide sweetness and a pop of festive color; you can swap them out for other dried fruits, but with varying textures.
Sanding Sugar - Use this for a delightful crunchy topping; if you're out, confectioner's sugar works as a substitute.

How to Make Almond Cherry Snowballs

Preheat Oven: Begin by setting your oven to 320°F (160°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy removal later.
Cream Butter: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until it's light and creamy, which should take about 3 minutes. This will give your cookies that delightful texture!
Add Condensed Milk: Mix in the sweetened condensed milk, beating further for about 2 minutes until well incorporated. This adds a luscious quality to your dough.
Incorporate Flavor: Pour in the almond extract and continue beating until everything is well combined, ensuring that lovely almond aroma shines through.
Mix Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and baking powder, blending just until the mixture comes together. Be gentle to keep that fluffiness!
Fold in Cherries: Carefully mix in the chopped red and green candied cherries until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough, adding pops of color and sweetness.
Scoop Dough: Using a cookie scoop, portion out the dough onto your prepared baking sheet, keeping them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Sugar Dusting: Sprinkle the tops of your cookie mounds generously with sanding sugar for that delightful crunch once baked.
Bake: Pop the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 12 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden on the edges.
Cool: Once baked, take them out and let them cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Optional: Drizzle with a simple glaze for an extra festive touch.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Almond Cherry Snowballs Variations

Feel free to play around with these ideas to make the recipe uniquely yours!

Vanilla Bliss: Substitute almond extract with vanilla extract for a sweet, floral flavor. It'll still evoke holiday cheer with a different twist!
Single Color Cherries: Choose either red or green candied cherries to enhance flavor and color based on your personal preference. This makes for a beautifully coordinated cookie platter.
Nutty Crunch: Add finely chopped almonds or walnuts to the dough for an extra layer of texture and flavor. Just a handful can elevate the overall taste!
Coconut Twirl: Mix in shredded coconut for a tropical touch. This delightful addition contrasts beautifully with the chewy cherries, creating a whole new cookie experience.
Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice that complements the sweetness of the cherries and richness of the almond.
Chocolate Drizzle: After cooling, drizzle some melted chocolate over the cookies for a decadent touch. This luscious addition brings together flavors of chocolate and cherries beautifully!
Gluten-Free Delights: Swap all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version. They will remain soft, tender, and festive.
Reduced Sugar Treats: Substitute sweetened condensed milk with unsweetened evaporated milk and adjust sugar levels to suit your taste. This option is perfect for those watching their sugar intake.

Expert Tips for Almond Cherry Snowballs

Room Temperature Butter: Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for a light, creamy dough-microwaving can lead to a greasy texture.
Measure Accurately: Use the spoon-and-level method for measuring flour to avoid dense cookies; too much flour can weigh them down.
Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking, as oven temperatures can vary. Remove them from the oven when they are lightly golden.
Uniform Dough Scoops: For even baking, use a cookie scoop to portion dough; this ensures all cookies are the same size and bake consistently.
Creative Variations: Try substituting almond extract with vanilla or adding nuts for added crunch, but always keep the balance of flavors in mind.

How to Store and Freeze Almond Cherry Snowballs

Room Temperature: Store your Almond Cherry Snowballs in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping them fresh and delightful for holiday snacking.

Fridge: If you prefer, you can keep them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, but be sure to place them in a sealed container to prevent drying out.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Ensure each cookie is wrapped individually to maintain freshness.

Reheating: When ready to enjoy again, thaw them at room temperature or warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes to regain their softness.

What to Serve with Almond Cherry Snowballs?

Delight your guests with a festive spread that perfectly complements these charming holiday treats.

Creamy Hot Chocolate: A rich, velvety drink that enhances the sweetness of the cookies while providing a warm and cozy pairing. Perfect for chilly nights!
Eggnog: This classic holiday beverage, with its nutmeg and cinnamon notes, adds a creamy contrast to the light, airy texture of the Almond Cherry Snowballs.
Gingerbread Men: The spiced flavor of these traditional cookies pairs beautifully with the fruity sweetness of the snowballs, creating a whimsical holiday cookie platter.
Festive Fruit Salad: A fresh mix of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing burst, balancing the sweetness of the cookies while brightening up your holiday table.
Miniaturized Cheese Board: A selection of soft cheeses and nuts can add an unexpected savory touch that elevates the entire cookie experience.
Homemade Peppermint Bark: This minty chocolate treat adds a festive flair and a delightful crunch that contrasts nicely with the soft texture of the snowballs.
Mulled Wine: The warm spices and fruity notes in this traditional beverage create a cozy atmosphere that complements the nostalgic flavors of the cookies.
Powdered Sugar Dusted Cookies: Additional sweet treats, lightly dusted with sugar, can provide variety and charm on your holiday dessert table.
Festive Sparkling Water: For a refreshing option without calories, try flavored sparkling water garnished with festive fruit. It's a great palate cleanser after indulging in sweets!

Make Ahead Options

These Almond Cherry Snowballs are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing everything as directed and refrigerating it in an airtight container. This helps maintain the cookie's delightful texture and flavors while ensuring they stay fresh. If you prefer to make the cookies even earlier, you can scoop and shape the cookie mounds, then refrigerate them on the baking sheet covered with plastic wrap, ready to bake straight from the fridge. When you're ready to bake, just sprinkle with sanding sugar and pop them in the oven for about 12 minutes to achieve the same light and fluffy results, perfect for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings!

Almond Cherry Snowballs Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right candied cherries for my Almond Cherry Snowballs?
Absolutely! Look for candied cherries that are glossy and vibrant in color, with no dark spots. This indicates freshness and ensures they will add the perfect pop to your cookies. Red and green cherries are traditionally used for a festive look, but feel free to experiment with different varieties if you wish.

What is the best way to store Almond Cherry Snowballs?
To keep your Almond Cherry Snowballs fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you'd like to preserve them longer, they can be refrigerated for up to 5 days in a sealed container.

Can I freeze Almond Cherry Snowballs?
Absolutely! To freeze them, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them into an airtight container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes.

What should I do if my cookies spread too much while baking?
If your Almond Cherry Snowballs spread too much, it could be due to using melted butter instead of softened butter. Make sure to beat your butter until light and creamy. Additionally, if the dough is overly warm, chilling it for about 30 minutes before baking can help maintain their shape.

Are Almond Cherry Snowballs safe for people with nut allergies?
These cookies contain almond extract, which may not be suitable for those with nut allergies. If you're looking for a nut-free option, you can easily swap the almond extract for vanilla extract, maintaining that lovely flavor in your cookies while keeping them safe for all your guests.

How long do these cookies stay fresh?
You can expect your Almond Cherry Snowballs to stay delightful for about 3 days at room temperature. For optimal taste and texture, it's ideal to enjoy them fresh! However, if stored properly in an airtight container in the fridge, they can be kept for up to 5 days.