Cherry-Walnut Bliss Balls
Indulge in the delightful fusion of flavors found in these Cherry-Walnut Bliss Balls. Each bite bursts with the sweet and tangy essence of maraschino cherries, harmoniously combined with the rich crunch of toasted walnuts. A hint of almond extract and vanilla rounds out the flavor profile, while a generous dusting of powdered sugar adds a charming finish. Perfect for sharing during the holidays or gifting to friends and family, these cookie balls are sure to delight anyone with a sweet tooth.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Maraschino cherries
1/4 cup (Coarsely chopped, drained, and patted dry)
Butter
1 cup (Softened)
Powdered sugar
1/2 cup (For batter)
Almond extract
1/2 teaspoon
Vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon
All-purpose flour
2 cups
Chopped walnuts
3/4 cup (Toasted)
Powdered sugar
As needed (For coating)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
2
Carefully drain the maraschino cherries on paper towels, pressing gently to remove excess moisture. Set the cherries aside.
3
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter using an electric mixer on medium speed for about 30 seconds until smooth.
4
Add the powdered sugar, almond extract, and vanilla to the butter, mixing until fully incorporated. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally.
5
Gradually mix in 1 ½ cups of the flour using your electric mixer. Stir in the remaining flour by hand using a wooden spoon or spatula, ensuring a well-combined dough.
6
Fold in the chopped toasted walnuts and the chopped cherries until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7
Scoop tablespoons of dough and shape them into 1-inch balls. Place the cookie balls 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden brown.
9
Remove from the oven and allow to cool on the cookie sheets for about 5 minutes. Carefully roll the warm cookie balls in powdered sugar to coat them.
10
Transfer the coated cookie balls to wire racks to cool completely. For an extra touch, roll the cooled cookies in additional powdered sugar before serving.
11
To store, layer the cookies in an airtight container separated by pieces of waxed paper. They can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Cherry-Walnut Bliss Balls?
Cherry-Walnut Bliss Balls are sweet, cookie-like treats featuring a blend of maraschino cherries, toasted walnuts, almond and vanilla extracts, and a powdered sugar coating.
How should I prepare the maraschino cherries?
The cherries should be coarsely chopped, drained thoroughly on paper towels, and patted dry to remove excess moisture before being added to the dough.
What is the required oven temperature for this recipe?
The oven should be preheated to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (163 degrees Celsius).
How long should I cream the butter?
You should cream the softened butter using an electric mixer on medium speed for about 30 seconds until it is smooth.
What extracts are included in the recipe?
The recipe calls for a half teaspoon of almond extract and a half teaspoon of vanilla extract.
How much flour is required?
The recipe requires a total of 2 cups of all-purpose flour.
Should I mix all the flour with an electric mixer?
No, you should mix in 1.5 cups of flour with the electric mixer and then stir in the remaining half cup by hand using a wooden spoon or spatula.
How are the walnuts and cherries incorporated?
The chopped toasted walnuts and chopped cherries are folded into the dough until they are evenly distributed.
What size should I shape the dough into?
Scoop tablespoons of dough and shape them into 1-inch balls.
How much space should be between cookies on the sheet?
Place the cookie balls approximately 2 inches apart on the cookie sheets.
Should I grease the cookie sheets?
No, the cookie balls should be placed on ungreased cookie sheets.
What is the total baking time?
The cookies should bake for 18 to 20 minutes.
How can I tell when the cookies are finished baking?
The cookies are done when the bottoms are lightly golden brown.
When should the first coat of powdered sugar be applied?
Allow the cookies to cool on the sheets for 5 minutes, then roll the warm balls in powdered sugar.
Is a second coat of powdered sugar necessary?
While not strictly necessary, rolling the completely cooled cookies in additional powdered sugar adds an extra touch and a better finish.
What is the best way to store these bliss balls?
Store them in an airtight container, layering them with pieces of waxed paper between each layer.
Can I freeze Cherry-Walnut Bliss Balls?
Yes, they can be frozen for up to 3 months in an airtight container.
How long do they last at room temperature?
The cookies can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Can I use a different type of nut?
While the recipe specifies walnuts, you could substitute them with pecans or almonds for a different flavor profile.
How should the cherries be chopped?
The cherries should be coarsely chopped to ensure distinct bits of fruit are visible in the dough.
Can I use fresh cherries instead?
This specific recipe is designed for maraschino cherries which provide a unique sweetness and texture; fresh cherries would significantly change the moisture content and flavor.
Is the almond extract a mandatory ingredient?
The almond extract is highly recommended as it complements the cherry flavor, though you can omit it if you have an allergy.
Why is it important to pat the cherries dry?
Patting them dry prevents excess cherry juice from thinning the dough or changing its color too much.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
The recipe consists of 8 main ingredients.
Can the recipe be easily doubled?
Yes, you can double all ingredient amounts to make a larger batch for parties or gifting.
What kitchen equipment is needed?
You will need an electric mixer, mixing bowls, paper towels, cookie sheets, a wooden spoon or spatula, and wire cooling racks.
Are these suitable for holiday gifting?
Yes, they are described as perfect for sharing during the holidays or gifting to friends and family.
Can the dough be prepared in advance?
While not explicitly mentioned, cookie dough of this type can typically be refrigerated for a few hours before shaping.
How do you thaw the frozen cookies?
Simply leave the cookies at room temperature until they are fully thawed before serving.
Why use powdered sugar in the dough instead of granulated sugar?
Powdered sugar helps create a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture that is characteristic of bliss balls and shortbread-style cookies.