• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Homemade In The Kitchen

Small Batch Recipes and Recipes For Two

  • About
  • Recipes
  • Work With Me
  • Contact
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

December 16, 2013

Cherry Coconut Snowball Cookies

Jump to Recipe

Melt-in-your-mouth cherry coconut snowball cookies with a maraschino cherry surprise in the middle and coconut coating will soon be your new favorite Christmas cookie.


Cherry Coconut Snowball Cookies

How would you describe your best cookie? For me, it’s texture and flavor.

Flavor is pretty self explanatory. I have a lot of favorite ingredients – chocolate, peanut butter, caramel, lemon, marshmallows, cherries.

Unless there’s anise extract or the cookie was poorly executed, chances are the cookie ranks pretty high on my list.

That’s where texture comes into play. My two favorite textures are chewy (think small batch chocolate chip cookies) and melt-in-your-mouth (think shortbread).

Today I am focusing on melt-in-your-mouth goodness and am beyond excited to share these Cherry Coconut Snowball Cookies with you.

Seriously, these are probably the best cookies I’ve made all season for Christmas, and that’s saying a lot when I made triple peanut butter cookies last month.

How can something so delicate and small leave your taste buds wanting more?


Cherry Coconut Snowball Cookies

How To Make Cherry Coconut Snowball Cookies

First step to making cherry snowball cookies with almonds is to make the dough by beating together butter and sugar.

The original recipe called for quick oats, but I didn’t feel like it belonged so I substituted ground almonds instead.

Almonds and maraschino cherries complement each other so well. Have you ever smelled almond extract before? It smells like maraschino cherries.

How To Make Ground Almonds

Making ground almonds is easy! Since it’s a small amount, I like using a small food processor for grinding. I use mine all the time for making cookie crumbs, ground nuts, even a small amount of pesto.

If you’re using whole almonds, remove the skins (if necessary) then chop them up into pieces before grinding.

Making The Dough

As you’re mixing the dry ingredients into the wet, the dough will appear very crumbly at first. Don’t panic! You need to keep (gently) beating the dough until everything comes together.

Once your dough forms, divide them into tablespoon-sized balls. You should get 15 cookie balls.

Take each ball, flatten it to about 1/4 inch thick, then wrap it around a maraschino cherry. Seal the dough then place the ball onto an ungreased baking sheet.


Cherry Coconut Snowball Cookies

What are maraschino cherries?

Maraschino cherries are preserved sweetened cherries made from light colored sweet cherries. They can be a bit controversial, but I still love them.

I remember when I first started baking, I had no idea where to buy maraschino cherries. Usually they aren’t in the baking aisle.

If you can’t find them, check your store’s ice cream toppings section, usually where you find hot fudge sauce and sprinkles. I often find them there because they’re used for sundaes.

Making The Coconut Glaze

After baking and cooling (assuming you didn’t taste test them all), the cookies get a lovely bath in a basic sugar glaze then rolled in shredded coconut.

Usually snowball cookies are rolled in powdered sugar, hence the name snowballs, but coconut acts like the snow here.

It’s a little bit of a messy process, but I promise it’s worth every bite.

How long can you freeze snowball cookies?

Getting ahead on your Christmas cookie baking? Luckily cherry coconut cookie balls freeze well for up to 1 month! There are two ways you can freeze snowball cookies:

  1. Make the dough balls then freeze before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the bake time.
  2. Bake the cookies then freeze prior to glazing. When you’re ready to serve, let them thaw then continue glazing and rolling in coconut.

Mailing Christmas Cookies

Snowball cookies make a great homemade gift from the kitchen.

I mailed some to a friend recently, so they pass the “can these be mailed” test. I share my tips on mailing cookies in a different post.

You can also package them in a candy box and give them like a box of chocolate covered cherries. Or maybe a box of truffles makes a better analogy.

Either way, if you gave me a box of these cookies, you’d be my new best friend.

Equipment you may need (Amazon affiliate links):

 

More Snowball Cookie Recipes

Want to bake more cookie balls for Christmas? Here are more delicious snowball cookie recipes:

  • Lemon Snowball Cookies
  • Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
  • (Big) Rice Crispy Treat Snowballs

Continue to Content
Cherry Coconut Snowball Cookies

Cherry Coconut Snowball Cookies

Yield: 15 cookies
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Melt-in-your-mouth cherry almond snowball cookies with a maraschino cherry surprise in the middle and coconut coating will soon be your new favorite Christmas cookie.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup all purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup finely ground almonds
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (8 tablespoons or 4 ounces) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons milk or water
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract
  • 15 maraschino cherries, stems removed and patted dry

Glaze

  • 3/4 cup powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1-2 tablespoons milk
  • 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
  • 3/4 cup sweetened coconut flakes

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350F. Have two ungreased baking sheets ready.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, almonds, and salt.
  3. In a large mixing bowl on medium speed, beat together the butter and powdered sugar until light and creamy.
  4. Beat in the milk/water and almond extract.
  5. Turn the speed down to low then gradually beat in the flour mixture until a dough forms. It may look crumbly at first, but keep (gently) beating until it comes together.
  6. Scoop 1 tablespoon dough then flatten until thin. Wrap the dough around 1 cherry, sealing to form a ball. Place onto the baking sheet. Repeat with remaining dough and cherries.
  7. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until bottoms are golden brown (the tops will look pale). Let cool on the sheets for 2-3 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. For the glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sugar, 1 tablespoon milk, and almond extract. If the glaze is too thick for dipping, add more milk.
  9. In another bowl, add the coconut. Dip the top of each cookie into the glaze then the coconut. Let the glaze harden before serving. Store in an airtight container for up to one week.

Notes

Getting ahead on your Christmas cookie baking? Luckily snowball cookies can freeze well for up to 1 month! There are two ways you can freeze them:

  1. Make the dough balls then freeze before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the bake time.
  2. Bake the cookies then freeze prior to glazing. When you’re ready to serve, let them thaw then continue glazing and rolling in coconut.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

  • Small Food Processor
    Small Food Processor

Did you make this recipe?

Let me know what you think! Rate the recipe above, leave a comment below, and/or share a photo on Instagram using #HITKrecipesAll recipes are tested in a U.S. kitchen with U.S. ingredients at normal elevation using a conventional gas oven. Results may vary.

© Carla Cardello
Cuisine: American / Category: Cookies + Bars
Source: Adapted from Taste Of Home

Filed Under: Cookies + Bars Tagged With: almond extract, almonds, cherry, Christmas, coconut - shredded, winter

Did you make my recipe?

Please let me know by sharing a photo in my private Facebook group or uploading and tagging me on Instagram using #HITKrecipes (Note: If your Instagram account is private, I won't be able to see your photo)

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jen @ Juanita's Cocina says

    December 16, 2013 at 7:40 AM

    My favorite cookie, indeed! And I would know!

    Reply
  2. Jennie @themessybakerblog says

    December 16, 2013 at 10:41 AM

    I have no doubt that these cookies would leave me wanting a dozen more. I love the surprise filling. Pinned.

    Reply
  3. Renee says

    December 17, 2013 at 8:46 PM

    Gorgeous cookies Carla! And you know you had me at coconut and cherry. Oh such deliciousness.

    Reply
  4. Tracie says

    December 17, 2013 at 8:47 PM

    Could you use dried cherries instead? I detest maraschino cherries. The cookies sound delicious.

    Reply
    • Carla says

      December 17, 2013 at 10:05 PM

      Hmm I wouldn’t use dried. You can try fresh or frozen (thawed) cherries. You can also use candied cherries (but I personally don’t like candied cherries much).

      Reply
  5. Marti Richards says

    December 19, 2013 at 11:31 AM

    YUM! These sound perfect for me and the kiddos to make! Thank you for the recipe!

    Reply
  6. Dina says

    December 20, 2013 at 12:35 PM

    i made a cookie like this a few years ago. they were yummy. i like the addition of almond. would make it even better!

    Reply
  7. Mary says

    January 17, 2014 at 11:41 AM

    Made these with the kids (2 and 4). They loved putting the cherries inside the dough and rolling them into balls. They also had a blast drizzling on the glaze and sprinkling on the coconut. Of course they especially enjoyed eating them.

    Reply
  8. Melissa says

    May 31, 2014 at 7:37 AM

    I’ve made these twice now and everyone seems to love them! I find the longer they sit out the better they taste. I generally make them two days before an event. It seems that the dough soaks up the cherry flavour the longer they sit out. I will definitely be baking these again

    Reply
    • Carla Cardello says

      June 1, 2014 at 6:51 AM

      Oh great tip! My cookies didn’t last long enough to know ;) thanks for sharing.

      Reply
  9. Hockey Mom says

    December 24, 2014 at 1:32 PM

    Delicious. Will definitely make again. Will try orange juice instead of milk in the glaze.

    Reply
    • Carla says

      December 24, 2014 at 6:35 PM

      Oh I like your thinking with the orange juice :)

      Reply
  10. kathy says

    December 2, 2015 at 5:56 PM

    Can these be frozen?

    Reply
    • Carla says

      December 3, 2015 at 12:22 PM

      Honestly, I haven’t tried it. I know you can freeze snowball cookies in general, so I would guess yes.

      Reply
  11. Cecile says

    December 7, 2016 at 9:36 PM

    I’ve been making cookies similar to this since my sons were kids BUT I’ve never seen a recipe that includes coconut & cherries. AND I LOVE IT!! I can’t wait to make these. And wanted to tell you that your photography is simply stunning!! Kudos!! ; o )

    Reply
    • Carla says

      December 9, 2016 at 9:11 AM

      I love maraschino cherries, so I thought the hidden middle would be a nice surprise. And thank you so much! That means a lot.

      Reply
  12. Kim says

    December 12, 2016 at 12:39 PM

    Made these little bad boys and now I am addicted! This recipe is a keeper so will be making them every year. Thank you for this recipe

    Reply
    • Carla says

      December 13, 2016 at 12:52 PM

      Thanks for the feedback! Glad you loved them.

      Reply
  13. Laura says

    December 17, 2016 at 10:55 AM

    I made these a couple of years ago for a bake sale at work. Every one LOVED them! Now I’m told I “have to” make them every year. My husband hides them so my brother in law won’t eat them all.

    Reply
    • Carla says

      December 19, 2016 at 2:56 PM

      The best compliment! Thanks for sharing, Laura. Happy Holidays!

      Reply
  14. ccg says

    December 20, 2017 at 11:17 AM

    Do you think candied cherries will work, they’re in a little corn syrup, not dried, but not in a jar with cherry juice. Thanks.

    Reply
    • Carla says

      December 24, 2017 at 10:29 AM

      I haven’t used candied cherries, but I think they’d be ok!

      Reply
  15. Jill says

    December 18, 2018 at 1:26 PM

    I’m always looking for new Christmas cookies to try. These might be it! I agree that almonds are a much better idea than quick oats. Great switch!

    Reply
    • Carla says

      December 23, 2018 at 9:25 PM

      Let me know if you try them!

      Reply
  16. Mike Hultquist says

    December 18, 2018 at 3:12 PM

    These are so PERFECT! Making them again to bring to Grandma’s house for Christmas. Nice!

    Reply
    • Carla says

      December 23, 2018 at 9:25 PM

      Happy to hear it!

      Reply
  17. Mary Bostow says

    December 18, 2018 at 4:09 PM

    These are one of our absolute favorite cookies ever. I can never get enough cherry anything.

    Reply
    • Carla says

      December 23, 2018 at 9:24 PM

      Glad you enjoyed them!

      Reply
  18. arj says

    December 5, 2019 at 12:54 PM

    Do you think almond flour would work in place of ground almonds (I don’t have a food processor)? Thanks for answering the question about “Can they be mailed?” as these would be perfect to send to my mom. (I will probably use coconut milk or something non-dairy for the dough and glaze if I’m shipping though.) Can’t wait to try this recipe. I’m so impressed with all your unique cookie recipes!

    Reply
    • Carla says

      December 7, 2019 at 9:32 PM

      Thank you for your patience as I was traveling out of town! Yes, typically almond flour is ground almonds so it should be ok.

      Reply
  19. arj says

    December 8, 2019 at 10:24 AM

    Thank you!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Nice To Meet You!
I’m Carla, a 30-some childfree woman from Pittsburgh, PA learning how to adult alone. I'm sharing recipes for two and small batch recipes made from scratch because not everybody cooks for a crowd.

Learn more →
Subscribe
Disclosures and Disclaimers

Footer

Stay Updated

Subscribe to new recipes via email:

Other Sites By Carla

  • City Life Adventures
  • Carla Cardello

Latest Recipes

Small Lemon Cake with slice taken out

Small Lemon Cake Recipe

This Small Lemon Cake recipe is a 6 inch lemon cake for two from scratch then decorated with homemade lemon buttercream frosting. Yesterday I brought you my lemon buttercream frosting. Today ...

Read More

Blue bowl of Lemon Buttercream Frosting with lemon slices

Lemon Buttercream Frosting (Small Batch)

Need the best lemon frosting recipe for your small cake? This small batch Lemon Buttercream Frosting makes enough to frost a small cake or 6 cupcakes. Spring is finally in the air in ...

Read More

Baked Fish and Chips

Baked Fish And Chips

This Baked Fish And Chips recipe without beer is panko crusted cod and potato wedges made healthier by baking everything together as a sheet pan meal. Serve as a dinner for two for a fish fry at home ...

Read More

4 Inch Chocolate Cheesecake recipe

4 Inch Chocolate Cheesecake

Looking to bake cheesecake for two? This 4 Inch Chocolate Cheesecake recipe makes two mini chocolate cheesecakes in springform pans. Garnish with chocolate ganache and cherry pie filling. Last ...

Read More

4 Inch Cheesecake Recipe

4 Inch Cheesecake Recipe

Looking to bake cheesecake for two? This 4 Inch Cheesecake recipe makes two mini cheesecakes in springform pans. Garnish with cherry pie filling, strawberry sauce, and more! With Valentine's ...

Read More

Lasagna For Two

Lasagna For Two

Love lasagna but hate leftovers? Lasagna For Two baked in a loaf pan is a small baked pasta dish that makes only 4 slices. Made with a beef and ricotta cheese filling. Back in 2015, I posted my ...

Read More

Red Velvet Cupcakes (Small Batch)

Small Batch Red Velvet Cupcakes

Small Batch Red Velvet Cupcakes with cream cheese frosting are moist and delicious homemade cupcakes from scratch without a cake mix. Recipe makes 6 cupcakes. I’m backkkkk! Did you miss ...

Read More

6 Inch Gingerbread Cake

6 Inch Gingerbread Cake

This small 6 Inch Gingerbread Cake recipe made from scratch without cake mix is a moist and fluffy cake that tastes like Christmas in every bite. Despite being under a stay at home advisory in ...

Read More

Easy Mini Cheesecake Recipes

Easy Mini Cheesecake Recipes (Small Batch)

Dessert for two ideas for easy Mini Cheesecake Recipes made in a muffin pan. Small batch recipes make 6 mini cheesecakes. Once upon a time I used to be known as the Cheesecake Queen among my ...

Read More

Copyright © 2007–2021 · Chocolate Moosey LLC
All Rights Reserved. All images are registered with the United States Copyright Office.
Please do not use images without permission. To republish a recipe, please link back to the post.
Privacy Policy

Footer

Stay Updated

Subscribe to new recipes via email:

Other Sites By Carla

  • City Life Adventures
  • Carla Cardello

Latest Recipes

Small Lemon Cake with slice taken out

Small Lemon Cake Recipe

This Small Lemon Cake recipe is a 6 inch lemon cake for two from scratch then decorated with homemade lemon buttercream frosting. Yesterday I brought you my lemon buttercream frosting. Today ...

Read More

Blue bowl of Lemon Buttercream Frosting with lemon slices

Lemon Buttercream Frosting (Small Batch)

Need the best lemon frosting recipe for your small cake? This small batch Lemon Buttercream Frosting makes enough to frost a small cake or 6 cupcakes. Spring is finally in the air in ...

Read More

Baked Fish and Chips

Baked Fish And Chips

This Baked Fish And Chips recipe without beer is panko crusted cod and potato wedges made healthier by baking everything together as a sheet pan meal. Serve as a dinner for two for a fish fry at home ...

Read More

4 Inch Chocolate Cheesecake recipe

4 Inch Chocolate Cheesecake

Looking to bake cheesecake for two? This 4 Inch Chocolate Cheesecake recipe makes two mini chocolate cheesecakes in springform pans. Garnish with chocolate ganache and cherry pie filling. Last ...

Read More

4 Inch Cheesecake Recipe

4 Inch Cheesecake Recipe

Looking to bake cheesecake for two? This 4 Inch Cheesecake recipe makes two mini cheesecakes in springform pans. Garnish with cherry pie filling, strawberry sauce, and more! With Valentine's ...

Read More

Lasagna For Two

Lasagna For Two

Love lasagna but hate leftovers? Lasagna For Two baked in a loaf pan is a small baked pasta dish that makes only 4 slices. Made with a beef and ricotta cheese filling. Back in 2015, I posted my ...

Read More

Red Velvet Cupcakes (Small Batch)

Small Batch Red Velvet Cupcakes

Small Batch Red Velvet Cupcakes with cream cheese frosting are moist and delicious homemade cupcakes from scratch without a cake mix. Recipe makes 6 cupcakes. I’m backkkkk! Did you miss ...

Read More

6 Inch Gingerbread Cake

6 Inch Gingerbread Cake

This small 6 Inch Gingerbread Cake recipe made from scratch without cake mix is a moist and fluffy cake that tastes like Christmas in every bite. Despite being under a stay at home advisory in ...

Read More

Easy Mini Cheesecake Recipes

Easy Mini Cheesecake Recipes (Small Batch)

Dessert for two ideas for easy Mini Cheesecake Recipes made in a muffin pan. Small batch recipes make 6 mini cheesecakes. Once upon a time I used to be known as the Cheesecake Queen among my ...

Read More

Copyright © 2007–2021 · Chocolate Moosey LLC
All Rights Reserved. All images are registered with the United States Copyright Office.
Please do not use images without permission. To republish a recipe, please link back to the post.
Privacy Policy