Festive and Buttery Almond Cherry Snowballs

Name: Festive and Buttery Almond Cherry Snowballs You’ll Crave
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup butter, softened; 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk; 2 teaspoons almond extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 3 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 cup chopped red candied cherries; 1/2 cup chopped green candied cherries; 1/4 cup sanding sugar

Posted on August 22, 2025 · [Elisa]

Desserts

A Simple Tool I Use Every Week

Make Weekly Meals Simple

Plan your meals, organize recipes, and simplify grocery shopping with this easy-to-use Google Sheets meal planner.

Get My Meal Planner

Never miss a recipe again! Subscribe to my newsletter.

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re looking for a holiday cookie that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, this Almond Cherry Snowballs recipe is the one to bake this season. With their soft, buttery centers and sweet candied cherry bits, these cookies not only taste fantastic, but they also look stunning on any dessert table. Their festive red and green colors make them perfect for Christmas, but don’t let that stop you from enjoying them year-round. What sets these cookies apart is their melt-in-your-mouth texture, boosted by almond extract and the richness of sweetened condensed milk. This isn’t just another snowball cookie—these are festive, flavorful, and absolutely irresistible.

These Almond Cherry Snowballs are incredibly simple to prepare, which makes them a favorite for busy bakers during the holidays. While some cookies require chilling, rolling, and frosting, these are a one-bowl wonder. After mixing the dough and shaping it into little mounds, you simply sprinkle sanding sugar on top and bake. The result? Soft-centered, slightly crisp-topped cookies that deliver both texture and flavor in every bite.

Whether you’re hosting a cookie exchange, preparing a dessert platter for a party, or planning a thoughtful edible gift, these snowballs fit every occasion. Plus, they’re fun to make with kids or family, especially with the bright cherry bits adding a pop of color to the dough. Let’s walk through why you need these in your baking lineup and how you can master them perfectly the first time.

Why Almond Cherry Snowballs Are a Must-Bake Treat

There are many reasons these cookies deserve a spot on your holiday baking list. First and foremost, they’re stunning. The red and green candied cherries create a festive, jewel-toned effect that instantly brings cheer to any cookie platter. But the beauty of this recipe doesn’t end with looks. These cookies are buttery, soft, and enhanced with the perfect touch of almond flavoring, which sets them apart from traditional sugar or butter cookies.

Another reason to love this Almond Cherry Snowballs recipe is how beginner-friendly it is. With no complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients, it’s perfect for novice bakers. The dough comes together quickly in one bowl, and the cookies bake up evenly every time. There’s no need to chill the dough, no waiting, and no frosting required—just bake and enjoy.

Additionally, these cookies stay fresh for several days, making them ideal for holiday prep. You can easily bake them in advance, store them in an airtight container, and have a sweet treat ready whenever you need it. They also freeze beautifully, which means you can make a batch ahead of time and save yourself stress during busy weeks.

If you love cookies that are festive, flavorful, and fuss-free, these Almond Cherry Snowballs will quickly become your go-to recipe.

Who Will Love This Almond Cherry Snowballs Recipe?

This recipe is perfect for just about everyone. Cookie lovers, of course, will appreciate the soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and the sweet almond and cherry flavor combo. Holiday bakers will love how festive they look without needing any decoration or icing. If you’re someone who enjoys a nostalgic, classic cookie with a twist, these are for you.

Kids especially enjoy these cookies—not only because of their candy-like appearance but also because they’re fun to help make. From mixing in the cherries to sprinkling on the sanding sugar, there are plenty of kid-friendly steps. At the same time, more advanced bakers will appreciate the high reward-to-effort ratio. They look and taste like a bakery treat, yet the process is as simple as it gets.

They also make thoughtful gifts. Packed in a holiday tin or wrapped in a clear cellophane bag tied with ribbon, these cookies look impressive and are always well-received. Bring them to cookie swaps, bake sales, or as a host gift for holiday gatherings. In every scenario, these almond cherry snowballs shine.

Ingredients You Need for Almond Cherry Snowballs

You’ll be amazed at how just a few basic ingredients can result in something so delicious and festive. Here’s everything you’ll need:

1 cup butter, softened
½ cup sweetened condensed milk
2 teaspoons almond extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
½ cup chopped red candied cherries
½ cup chopped green candied cherries
¼ cup sanding sugar

The butter is the base of the dough and gives these cookies their rich, tender texture. Sweetened condensed milk adds sweetness and helps bind the dough without eggs. Almond extract provides a strong but pleasant flavor that complements the candied cherries beautifully. The flour and baking powder bring structure and rise, while the sanding sugar adds sparkle and a delicate crunch on top.

Choosing high-quality butter and fresh almond extract can make a noticeable difference in the final flavor. Also, be sure your baking powder is still active—expired leavening agents can result in flat or dense cookies.

How to Make Almond Cherry Snowballs Step-by-Step

Start by preheating your oven to 320°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and to allow for easy cleanup. In a large mixing bowl, add the softened butter and beat it until it’s light and creamy, about three minutes. This step is important because it incorporates air into the dough and helps create that soft texture.

Next, add in the sweetened condensed milk and beat again for about two minutes, making sure everything is fully combined. Then, add the almond extract and mix again until it’s incorporated evenly throughout the batter.

Now, scrape down the sides of the bowl and beat once more for an additional minute or two. This ensures that all the ingredients are fully mixed and the dough is smooth.

Add the flour and baking powder and mix until just combined. Don’t overbeat at this stage; you want the dough to come together without becoming tough. Then fold in the chopped red and green candied cherries. You can beat lightly to mix, but avoid overmixing, as the cherries may break down too much.

Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop or a spoon, portion the dough into evenly sized mounds. Place them onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving at least two inches of space between each mound. Sprinkle the tops of the dough mounds generously with sanding sugar.

Bake in your preheated oven for 12 minutes. The cookies will be lightly golden on the bottom and set on the top but won’t brown significantly. Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the pan for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Working with Candied Cherries

Candied cherries can be sticky, so use a lightly greased knife or scissors to chop them. Be sure to pat them dry with a paper towel if they are overly syrupy to prevent adding extra moisture to your dough. Chopping the cherries into small, even pieces ensures they distribute well throughout the cookies without overpowering the almond flavor.

Also, don’t substitute fresh cherries in this recipe. Fresh fruit introduces too much moisture, which could alter the cookie’s texture and make it soggy. Stick with the candied version for best results.

Kitchen Tools Needed for This Recipe

You likely already have all the tools you need, which makes this recipe even more accessible. Here’s what you’ll need:

Mixing bowl
Electric hand or stand mixer
Measuring cups and spoons
Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Wire cooling rack
Cookie scoop (2-tablespoon size)
Small knife or scissors for chopping cherries

Having a cookie scoop helps ensure consistent size and even baking. A stand mixer can make the mixing process even easier, but a hand mixer works perfectly as well.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Snowball Cookies

Even though these are simple to make, there are a few pitfalls to avoid. Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies, so be sure to mix just until combined after adding the flour. Not spacing the cookies enough on the baking sheet can also result in them spreading into each other, which affects their shape.

Another mistake is baking them too long. These cookies don’t need to brown like chocolate chip cookies. Overbaking can dry them out and ruin their soft texture. Lastly, avoid using margarine or butter substitutes—real butter is essential to getting the right flavor and consistency.

Secrets to Soft and Flavorful Almond Cherry Snowballs

The secret to these cookies’ melt-in-your-mouth texture is the combination of softened butter and sweetened condensed milk. Make sure your butter is soft but not melted, and beat it well to incorporate air. Use real almond extract for that signature flavor—it’s worth it.

Adding the cherries last ensures they don’t get broken down too much, and sprinkling sanding sugar on top gives that holiday sparkle. Letting the cookies rest on the pan after baking helps them set without overcooking.

Serving Suggestions and Holiday Presentation Ideas

These cookies look especially festive when served on a holiday platter surrounded by other colorful treats. Pair them with chocolate-dipped cookies, sugar cookies, or shortbread for a stunning spread. You can also package them in clear bags tied with ribbon or place them in decorative tins as gifts.

For extra presentation points, dust the tops lightly with powdered sugar before serving. Just be sure to do this after they’ve cooled completely. They’re also a wonderful addition to cookie swaps or dessert tables for seasonal parties.

How to Store Almond Cherry Snowballs for Freshness

Once completely cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days. To maintain their soft texture, you can place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Avoid storing them in the fridge, as it can dry them out. If you need them to last longer, freezing is your best option.

Freezing and Make-Ahead Tips for Busy Bakers

These Almond Cherry Snowballs freeze wonderfully. To freeze, place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag once frozen. Label and store for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

You can also freeze the unbaked dough mounds. Scoop them out, freeze on a tray, then bag and store. When ready to bake, place them directly on a baking sheet, sprinkle with sugar, and bake—just add 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

Almond Cherry Snowballs Variations and Substitutions

Want to mix things up? Try these ideas:

Use chopped almonds or pecans for extra crunch
Add a drizzle of white chocolate on top
Substitute peppermint extract for almond for a seasonal twist
Use only red cherries for a Valentine’s Day variation
Swap sanding sugar for powdered sugar for a classic look

Each version offers a slightly different flavor or presentation, making this recipe even more versatile.

Perfect Pairings (No Alcohol)

These cookies pair wonderfully with warm drinks. Try serving them with hot chocolate, chai latte, herbal tea, or a classic cup of coffee. For kids, a glass of milk or warm apple cider makes a cozy, comforting match.

They’re also great served alongside other cookies like these butter pecan cookies or cranberry white chocolate cookies for a beautiful cookie tray.

Almond Cherry Snowballs FAQs

Can I use unsalted butter?
Yes, but you may want to add a pinch of salt to the dough for balance.

Are these cookies too sweet?
They’re perfectly sweet, but the almond extract and cherries balance the richness.

Can I use maraschino cherries instead?
It’s not recommended. Maraschino cherries are too wet and may affect the dough’s consistency.

Do I have to use sanding sugar?
No, but it gives a festive sparkle and slight crunch. You can also use granulated or powdered sugar.

These Almond Cherry Snowballs are the perfect combination of festive beauty and buttery flavor. They’re soft, flavorful, and packed with holiday charm, all while being incredibly easy to make. Whether you bake them for a party, a gift, or just to treat yourself, you’ll fall in love with how they look and taste.

If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to share it with your friends and family! Subscribe to our blog for more irresistible holiday recipes, baking tips, and festive ideas delivered right to your inbox.

Save