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Chocolate Cherry Snowball Cookies

Chocolate Cherry Snowball Cookies - featured image

Chocolate Cherry Snowball Cookies are a festive twist on the classic snowball cookie, featuring a buttery cocoa dough studded with chewy dried cherries and mini chocolate chips, all rolled in snowy powdered sugar. These easy, crowd-pleasing cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie swaps, or gifting.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar, plus more for rolling
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup (25g) unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-process preferred)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup (100g) dried cherries, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup (90g) mini chocolate chips (semisweet or dark)
  • Additional powdered sugar (about 1/2 cup/60g) for rolling

Instructions

  1. Finely chop the dried cherries. If they are extra firm, soak in warm water for 10 minutes, then drain and blot dry.
  2. Measure out all ingredients before starting.
  3. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar until fluffy and pale, about 3 minutes.
  4. Add vanilla extract and mix until combined.
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
  6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
  7. Fold in the chopped dried cherries and mini chocolate chips with a spatula. If dough is crumbly, gently squeeze together with hands.
  8. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion dough into 1-inch balls (about 24 cookies). Roll between palms for a smooth shape.
  9. Place dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing about 1 inch apart.
  10. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes, until set but not browned. Centers will be soft.
  11. Let cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
  12. While still slightly warm, roll cookies in powdered sugar. For extra snowy look, roll again once fully cooled.
  13. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 2 months.

Notes

For best results, use room temperature butter and avoid overmixing the dough. Double roll cookies in powdered sugar for the classic snowball look. Dough can be chilled before baking to prevent spreading. For gluten-free or dairy-free adaptations, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend or vegan butter and dairy-free chocolate chips. Store cookies in an airtight container; they taste even better the next day.

Nutrition

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