Soft, buttery cookies with a hidden cherry surprise
These cherry snowball cookies are the perfect solution when you need a sweet treat that’s both easy and impressive. With just 5 ingredients and 30 minutes of hands-on time, you’ll have melt-in-your-mouth cookies with a hidden cherry surprise.
Ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute dessert needs, these cookies combine a buttery base with a swirl of tart cherry jam for a burst of flavor. The dough is easy to shape, and the chilling time ensures perfect texture.
Pair them with a glass of cold milk or a cup of green tea for a balanced snack that feels indulgent but requires minimal effort. Save this pin for those moments when you want a quick, crowd-pleasing dessert without the fuss.
The secret to their magic? A spoonful of cherry jam folded into the dough, creating a hidden surprise that makes each bite exciting. They’re soft, slightly crisp on the edges, and perfect for any occasion.
Why This Recipe Works
⏰ Quick & Easy
Ready in 30 minutes with just 5 ingredients. No special equipment needed!
💰 Budget-Friendly
Uses common pantry staples like flour, butter, and powdered sugar.
👥 Crowd-Pleasing
The hidden cherry surprise makes them a hit with both kids and adults.
🌟 Perfect Texture
Soft, melt-in-your-mouth centers with lightly golden edges.
Cherry Snowball Cookies
Perfect for busy weeknights
🛒 Ingredients
- - 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- - 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- - 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- - 1/2 cup cherry jam or preserves
👨🍳 Instructions
Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract and mix well. Gradually add flour and mix until combined.
💡 Use a stand mixer or handheld mixer for best results.
Chill Dough: Cover and refrigerate dough for 15 minutes to make rolling easier.
💡 Chilling prevents the dough from melting during baking.
Shape Cookies: Roll dough into 1-inch balls. Flatten each ball slightly and add a small dollop of cherry jam to the center. Gently roll to enclose the jam completely.
💡 Work quickly to prevent the dough from becoming too soft.
Bake: Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden.
💡 Do not overbake – they should be soft in the center.
Cool & Serve: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Serve with a glass of milk or tea.
💡 For extra flavor, sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving.
Nutrition (per serving):
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Butter
Provides richness and a tender texture. Use unsalted for better flavor control.
Substitute: Margarine (unsalted) or coconut oil (for a dairy-free option).
Powdered Sugar
Creates the signature sweet, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Substitute: Granulated sugar (reduce by 1/4 cup and add 2-3 tablespoons milk to adjust consistency).
Cherry Jam
Adds a burst of tart flavor and visual appeal. Use any fruit jam for variation.
Substitute: Raspberry, blueberry, or apricot preserves.
Flour
Structural base that balances the buttery richness.
Substitute: All-purpose flour is ideal. Avoid cake flour for better texture.
Pro Tips for Perfect Cherry Snowball Cookies
✨ Chilling Tips
Chill dough for 15 minutes to make rolling easier and prevent spreading.
🍵 Pairing Suggestions
Serve with cold milk, green tea, or coffee for a balanced snack.
🔄 Make-Ahead Tip
Prepare dough balls up to 24 hours in advance and freeze on a baking sheet before baking.
❄️ Storage Tip
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Variations & Customizations
Fruit Twist
Use different fruit jams like raspberry, blueberry, or apricot for seasonal variations.
Chocolate Dipped
Dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate for an extra indulgent treat.
Nuts & Spices
Add chopped walnuts or a pinch of cinnamon to the dough for extra flavor.
Glazed Version
Brush cooled cookies with a simple glaze of powdered sugar and milk for a glossy finish.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Cold milk – the classic pairing that enhances the cookies’ sweetness.
- Green tea – the earthy notes balance the tart cherry filling.
- Vanilla ice cream – creates a delightful cookie sandwich.
🍷 Drink Pairings:
Pair with a glass of sparkling water with a squeeze of lime for a refreshing contrast.
Make-Ahead Instructions & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
Prepare dough balls and freeze on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to an airtight container for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to the baking time.
Refrigerator Storage
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Freezer Storage
Freeze baked cookies in a single layer for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating Instructions
Cookies are best served fresh, but you can briefly reheat in a 300°F oven for 2-3 minutes to restore crispness.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: My cookies are too dry. What went wrong?
A: Overmixing the dough or overbaking can cause dryness. Mix just until combined and bake until lightly golden.
Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
Q: How do I prevent the jam from leaking out?
A: Work quickly when adding the jam, and ensure the dough fully encases the filling before baking.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Absolutely! Just ensure you chill the dough properly and bake in batches for even results.
Final Thoughts
These cherry snowball cookies are a game-changer for busy weeknights when you need something quick but impressive. With just 5 ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a plate of melt-in-your-mouth cookies that everyone will love.
Whether you’re serving them with a glass of milk or enjoying them as a mid-afternoon treat, the hidden cherry surprise makes each bite exciting. Don’t forget to experiment with different fruit fillings or add a touch of chocolate for extra indulgence.
