There’s something whimsical about these Cherry Snowball Shortbread Cookies. Maybe it’s the delicate powdered sugar that mimics a fresh snowfall. Maybe it’s the ruby-red maraschino cherry that glows like Rudolph’s nose. Or maybe it’s how they melt in your mouth like soft snowflakes on Christmas morning.
Whatever it is, these cookies are pure holiday charm — simple, elegant, and festive, with a nostalgic taste that brings comfort and joy. Perfectly buttery shortbread dough wraps around a single juicy cherry, all dusted in a flurry of powdered sugar. One bite and you’re hooked.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Cookies
A Classic with a Cherry Twist
Shortbread is a Christmas classic. But when you press a glossy maraschino cherry into the center and dust it in powdered sugar? You’ve just taken it from traditional to magical. These cookies have all the richness and tenderness you expect from shortbread, with a pop of fruity sweetness in every bite.
The Perfect Cookie for Gifting or Gatherings
They look like they came from a high-end bakery, but they’re so easy to make at home. These cookies hold their shape beautifully, making them ideal for cookie boxes, trays, and potluck platters. Plus, they’re so photogenic, they’ll be the star of your Instagram feed. #NoFilterNeeded
Ingredients You’ll Need (And Why They Matter)
Here’s what makes these cookies shine:
| Ingredient | Amount | Why It’s Important |
|---|---|---|
| Unsalted Butter | 1 cup (softened) | Base of the shortbread. Must be soft but not melted. |
| Powdered Sugar | ½ cup | For a delicate sweetness and melt-in-your-mouth texture. |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 tsp | Adds warmth and depth to the flavor. |
| All-Purpose Flour | 2 cups | Gives the cookies structure. |
| Salt | ¼ tsp | Balances the sweetness. |
| Maraschino Cherries | 20–24 whole cherries | Bright and juicy center – the wow factor. |
| Extra Powdered Sugar | For dusting | Gives them that snowy, festive finish. |
Tools & Prep Tips for Best Results
Kitchen Tools Checklist
- Electric hand or stand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Rubber spatula
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Baking sheet
- Small cookie scoop or tablespoon
- Cooling rack
- Fine-mesh sieve (for dusting)
Cherry Prep Tips You Can’t Skip
Drain the cherries, then pat them dry—thoroughly. If any juice remains, it can bleed into the cookie dough or make the cherry slide off during baking. Lay them on paper towels and roll them gently until they’re dry to the touch. Trust me, this one extra step makes a huge difference.
Let’s Talk Butter: The Soul of Shortbread
Butter is what makes shortbread… shortbread. It gives these cookies their rich flavor and signature crumbly texture. Use high-quality unsalted butter, and make sure it’s softened to room temperature. Not melted. Not cold. Softened.
Want to know a little baking hack? If your butter is still a bit too firm, cut it into chunks and microwave it for just 8 seconds. That’s usually the sweet spot to soften it without melting.
The Perfect Shortbread Dough – Creamy, Soft, and Easy to Shape
Start by creaming the butter and powdered sugar together until fluffy and pale. This step takes about 2–3 minutes, and it’s crucial to incorporate air into the dough.
Then add the vanilla and beat again.
Now sift in your flour and salt, mixing on low speed until a soft, smooth dough forms. Don’t overmix. You’re looking for a texture that holds together but still feels tender when you pinch it.
If your dough is too sticky, a quick 10-minute chill will firm it up nicely.
The Chilling Step: Why It’s Not Optional
Yes, it’s tempting to skip chilling — especially when your kitchen smells like vanilla and you just want to bake already. But this 20-30 minute chill ensures that your cookies don’t spread in the oven. It also helps you shape smoother, more compact balls without the dough sticking to your hands.
Wrap the dough in plastic or parchment and pop it in the fridge. Now’s a great time to line your baking sheets and preheat your oven.
Rolling & Shaping: Getting That Snowball Look
Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of dough per cookie and roll it into a smooth ball with your hands. Keep them roughly the same size so they bake evenly.
Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them an inch apart.
Then, using the back of a spoon or your thumb, press a small well into the center of each dough ball. This is where the cherry will nestle in and become the crown jewel.
Maraschino Cherries: Juicy Jewels on Snowy Mountains
Now comes the fun part: placing the cherries.
Take your thoroughly dried maraschino cherries and press one into each dough well, gently but firmly. The cherry should sit snugly, almost like it’s been tucked in for a winter nap.
The vibrant red against the pale dough is a show-stopper. And once the cookies are dusted with sugar after baking, they look like little snow-covered treasures.
The Baking Process: Low and Slow Wins the Race
Set your oven to 325°F (165°C). That’s a bit lower than most cookie recipes, but it’s intentional. These cookies are meant to stay pale and tender—not browned and crispy.
Bake them for 12–15 minutes, just until the bottoms are barely golden. Don’t overbake! The tops should remain soft and snowy white.
When they come out, they’ll be delicate. Let them cool on the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Snowy Finish: How to Dust Like a Pro
Once the cookies are cool but still a little warm, it’s time to make it snow. Use a fine-mesh sieve to dust generous clouds of powdered sugar over the tops.
This not only adds sweetness but gives that snowy, festive vibe that makes these cookies stand out.
Want an extra snowy look like in the photo? Go over them twice — once while warm, and again just before serving.
Troubleshooting: Avoiding Common Cookie Mistakes
Even though this recipe is super beginner-friendly, a few small missteps can lead to cookies that don’t quite look or taste like those dreamy cherry-topped snowballs in the photo. But don’t worry—we’ve got solutions for every hiccup.
Cookies Spreading Too Much?
If your cookies end up flat and spread out, the dough was probably too warm. Make sure you:
- Chill the dough for at least 20–30 minutes.
- Don’t handle the dough too much with warm hands.
- Avoid placing dough on a hot baking sheet—cool it between batches.
Cherries Sliding Off?
This usually happens if the cherries aren’t completely dry. Pat them down with paper towels until they’re dry to the touch. Press them deep into the dough to secure them before baking.
Powdered Sugar Not Sticking?
If the cookies are completely cooled before dusting, the sugar might not adhere well. Dust them while still slightly warm for the best snowy effect.
Cookies Cracking or Crumbling?
This can happen if the dough is too dry or overmixed. Mix only until combined, and don’t pack your flour when measuring. Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid adding too much.
Storage Tips to Keep Your Cookies Fresh and Pretty
These cookies are just as delicious the next day—maybe even better after the flavors meld.
Here’s how to store them properly:
- Room Temp: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Fridge: Not necessary unless your kitchen is very warm. But if you do, allow cookies to come to room temperature before serving.
- Freezer: Freeze undecorated cookies (no sugar dusting) in a single layer, then store in a zip-top bag or container for up to 2 months. Dust with sugar after thawing.
Pro tip: Add a slice of bread to your cookie container. It keeps them soft and fresh longer.
Print
Cherry Snowball Shortbread Cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: ~55 minutes
- Category: Dessert • Holiday Cookies • Christmas Baking
Description
🍒❄️ Soft, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread cookies crowned with sweet maraschino cherries and finished with a snowy dusting of powdered sugar. A festive bite that brings holiday magic to any dessert table! ✨🍪
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
Topping:
20–24 whole maraschino cherries, well-drained and patted dry
Extra powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
Prepare the cherries.
Drain the maraschino cherries and pat them completely dry to prevent slipping or melting during baking. 🍒 (⏱️ 5 minutes)Make the shortbread dough.
Beat the softened butter and powdered sugar until creamy. Add vanilla, then mix in the flour and salt on low speed until a soft dough forms. 🧈 (⏱️ 5 minutes)Chill the dough.
Wrap the dough and refrigerate to firm it for easier shaping. ❄️ (⏱️ 20–30 minutes)Shape the cookies.
Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Roll dough into 1-inch balls, place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and press a small well into each using your thumb. 🍪 (⏱️ 10 minutes)Add the cherry.
Press one whole maraschino cherry deep into the center of each cookie. 🍒 (⏱️ 3 minutes)Bake.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, keeping the cookies pale and soft. The bottoms may turn lightly golden—avoid browning to maintain the snowy look. ❄️ (⏱️ 15 minutes)Cool and dust.
Cool cookies on the sheet for 10 minutes, then dust generously with powdered sugar for the perfect snowy finish. ✨ (⏱️ 10 minutes)
Notes
Make sure the cherries are very dry; excess moisture can cause the cookies to spread.
Keep the cookies pale for the classic shortbread texture and snowy appearance.
Chilling the dough is essential for maintaining shape while baking.
These cookies store well in an airtight container and taste even better the next day.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 20–24 cookies
- Calories: ~140 kcal per cookie
Make-Ahead and Freezing Instructions
Want to get a head start on your holiday baking? These cookies are perfect for prepping ahead of time.
Make-Ahead Dough:
- Prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance.
- Wrap tightly in plastic and refrigerate.
- Let it sit out for 10 minutes before shaping if it’s too firm.
Freezing the Dough Balls:
- Roll the dough into balls and freeze on a tray.
- Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag.
- When ready to bake, thaw slightly, make the cherry wells, add cherries, and bake as usual.
Post-Bake Freezing:
- Freeze fully baked cookies without powdered sugar.
- Thaw at room temp, then dust before serving.
This way, you always have fresh, festive cookies on hand when guests drop by—or when the craving hits.
You may also like :
Cherry Blossom Cookies: A Nostalgic Treat with a Modern Twist
Snowy Coconut Cherry Balls Recipe – A Festive No-Bake Holiday Delight!
Creative Variations to Try Next Time
These cookies are beautiful in their classic form, but if you’re feeling a little adventurous, here are a few fun twists:
🍫 Chocolate Cherry Snowballs
- Add mini chocolate chips to the dough.
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the top instead of powdered sugar.
🌰 Nutty Snowballs
- Mix in finely chopped pecans or almonds for added texture.
🍊 Citrus Burst
- Add orange or lemon zest to the dough for a bright, refreshing contrast to the cherry.
🍓 Jam Center Swap
- Try using a small dollop of raspberry or strawberry jam instead of cherries for a fruity jam-thumbprint vibe.
🥥 Coconut Dusting
- Mix powdered sugar with a bit of finely shredded coconut before dusting for a snowier texture.
Serving Ideas for That Christmas Wow Factor
Presentation is everything—especially during the holidays. Here’s how to make your cookies look just as stunning as they taste:
- Holiday Platter: Arrange the cookies in a pyramid on a vintage holiday plate. Dust with more sugar before serving.
- Gift Boxes: Place cookies in parchment-lined tins or treat boxes tied with festive ribbon. Include a handwritten tag.
- Cookie Charcuterie Board: Pair them with other Christmas cookies, hot cocoa spoons, candy canes, and chocolate bark for a dreamy dessert board.
- Santa’s Plate: These make a picture-perfect treat for Santa. Don’t forget the glass of milk!
Why These Cookies Are Perfect for Kids and Adults Alike
Kids love how cute and sweet these cookies are—plus, they’ll have fun helping you press the cherries into the dough. Adults, on the other hand, can’t resist the buttery shortbread texture and subtle fruitiness.
They’re not overly sugary or messy, so they work well for all ages at:
- Classroom parties
- Cookie exchanges
- Family gatherings
- Holiday movie nights
Honestly, they might become a new family tradition. You’ve been warned 😉
Conclusion: A Cookie That Tastes Like Christmas
If you’re looking for that one cookie that screams “Christmas” the second you bite into it—this is the one. These Cherry Snowball Shortbread Cookies are soft, tender, buttery, and topped with a glistening cherry that makes them feel extra special. They’re easy enough to make on a snowy afternoon, yet fancy enough to serve at your fanciest holiday party.
Plus, they look just like the ones in those dreamy Pinterest photos—except you actually made them. From scratch.
So go ahead, pour some hot cocoa, turn on the holiday music, and get baking. Your kitchen’s about to smell like sweet vanilla and joy.
Similar recipes :
Christmas Cherry Balls: A Magical Holiday Treat That Looks as Sweet as It Tastes
Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars: A Festive Delight That’ll Steal the Dessert Table
Pineapple Upside Sugar Cookies – A Tropical Twist on a Classic Treat!
FAQs – Your Cherry Shortbread Questions Answered
1. Can I use other types of cherries instead of maraschino?
Maraschino cherries work best because they’re sweet and hold their shape. But you can try dried cherries or Amarena cherries for a different twist. Just make sure they’re dry before baking.
2. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute with a good-quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Shortbread is forgiving, so the texture should still be soft and buttery.
3. How do I keep the sugar from melting off?
Make sure the cookies are only slightly warm when dusting. If too hot, the sugar melts; if too cool, it won’t stick. You can always re-dust before serving.
4. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Just be sure to chill the dough in two batches to keep it manageable. And rotate baking sheets for even baking.
5. Do I need to refrigerate leftovers?
Not at all. Store them at room temperature in an airtight container for 4–5 days. Just keep them in a cool place away from heat and moisture.
