Step-by-Step Instructions – Mixing & Preparing the Dough
Now that we have a clear understanding of each ingredient, it’s time to dive into creating the dough. The key to perfect Cherry Snowball Cookies lies in gentle mixing and proper handling of the butter, sugar, and flour. Here’s a detailed, foolproof method:
Step 1: Creaming the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, add the softened butter and powdered sugar. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed, cream them together for about 3–4 minutes until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale. This aeration step is crucial—it helps create a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture for your cookies.
Pro Tip: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature. Cold butter will not incorporate well, and melted butter will produce greasy cookies. If needed, microwave butter for 5–10 seconds in short bursts.
Step 2: Adding Vanilla Extract
Add vanilla extract to the creamed butter-sugar mixture. Beat for another 30 seconds to evenly distribute the flavor. The vanilla doesn’t just add taste—it enhances the aroma and balances the richness of the butter.
Step 3: Incorporating the Flour
Sift the all-purpose flour over the creamed mixture. Gently fold the flour into the butter-sugar mixture using a spatula or low-speed mixer. Avoid overmixing; you want the dough just combined to maintain the soft texture. Overmixing will develop gluten, which may make the cookies tough.
Step 4: Optional Add-Ins
At this stage, fold in your optional ingredients, such as finely chopped maraschino cherries, white chocolate chips, or chopped nuts. These add subtle flavor bursts and festive color, making your snowball cookies visually stunning and even more irresistible.
Step 5: Chilling the Dough
Once combined, cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to shape the cookies into perfect balls. It also prevents spreading during baking, ensuring your cookies maintain their iconic round shape.
Step 6: Preparing for Baking
While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, form the chilled dough into 1-inch balls. Place them evenly spaced on the baking sheet, leaving at least 2 inches between each cookie to allow for minimal spreading.
Pro Tip: If you want perfectly uniform snowballs, weigh each portion of dough to maintain consistent size and baking time.
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