8ozmaraschino cherries, drained and patted drycut large cherries in half
1.25cuppowdered sugar, for coatingfor rolling after baking
Instructions
Preparation Steps
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment.
Blot cherries very dry with paper towels. Halve any that are larger than a marble.
Cream softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy, 1–2 minutes.
Mix in vanilla, almond extract, and salt until smooth.
Add flour in two additions, mixing just until a soft dough forms.
Fold in chopped pecans. If dough feels sticky, chill 10 minutes.
Scoop about 1 tablespoon dough, flatten in your palm, wrap around a cherry, and roll into a ball.
Arrange balls 1 inch apart on prepared sheets.
Bake 12–14 minutes, until set and barely colored on the bottoms.
Cool 5 minutes, then roll warm cookies in powdered sugar. Cool completely and roll once more.
Notes
Variation: Swap pecans for finely chopped almonds and add a pinch of cinnamon to the coating sugar. Storage: Keep in an airtight tin at room temperature up to 5 days, or freeze up to 2 months; re-roll in powdered sugar before serving.This recipe is an original creation inspired by classic Cherry Snowball Cookies Made Easy flavors. All ingredient ratios and instructions are independently developed.