Snowball Surprises

 

Snowball Surprises

Submitted by Kathy Lingle, Southern Illinois Electric Cooperative
Servings 3 dozen

Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 3/4 cup powdered sugar divided
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup pecan halves finely chopped
  • Hershey’s Kisses, maraschino cherries and gumdrops

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 F.
  • Lightly grease cookie sheets or line with parchment paper.
  • Beat butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar in large bowl until well blended. Add vanilla and beat until blended.
  • Gradually add flour and salt, beating after each addition. Stir in pecans.
  • Shape dough into tablespoon-sized balls.
  • Press one chocolate, cherry or gumdrop into each ball, working dough around to cover.
  • Place balls 1-1/2 inches apart on prepared cookie sheets.
  • Refrigerate 30 minutes, or until dough is firm.
  • Bake for 13-15 minutes, or until edges are lightly browned.
  • Cool on wire rack and sprinkle remaining 1/4 cup powdered sugar over warm cookies.

Notes

If using maraschino cherries, freeze them first. Remove the cherries from the jar and pat them dry. Arrange on a tray so they don’t stick together, and freeze for about 30 minutes, or until the cherries are firm. This makes it easier to insert in the cookie dough.