Chocolate Snowball Cookies are a timeless treat, combining the light, buttery texture of a shortbread-style cookie with rich cocoa flavor and a dusting of powdered sugar. This guide provides everything you need to prepare these delightful cookies, ensuring your batch is perfectly tender, sweet, and chocolatey.
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Key Components
- Butter Base: These cookies rely on softened, unsalted butter for a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Butter is creamed with powdered sugar to give a light, airy start to the dough.
- Chocolate Flavor: Unsweetened cocoa powder provides a rich chocolate note, creating a balance of sweetness and depth. Mini chocolate chips are optional but add bursts of sweetness in every bite.
- Nutty Texture (Optional): Finely chopped pecans or walnuts enhance both flavor and texture, offering a subtle crunch within each soft, tender cookie.
- Signature Powdered Sugar Coating: A generous roll in powdered sugar gives these cookies their classic “snowball” appearance and adds a sweet, melt-in-your-mouth finish.
Preparation Process
Powdered Sugar Coating: After baking, allow the cookies to cool for around 5 minutes on the sheet. While still warm, roll each cookie in powdered sugar. This not only enhances appearance but creates a delightful sweetness on the exterior. Once fully cooled, give them a second roll in powdered sugar for a finished, snowy look.
Preheating and Setup: Begin by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cookie removal and even baking.
Creaming the Ingredients: Use softened butter and powdered sugar to create a smooth, fluffy base. Cream these together until they reach a light consistency. Then, add a dash of vanilla extract for flavor depth.
Incorporating the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt. These are added gradually to the butter mixture, creating a cohesive dough. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tougher cookies.
Adding Texture and Flavor (Optional): Fold in finely chopped nuts for added texture, and mini chocolate chips if you prefer extra sweetness. These additions are entirely optional, allowing you to customize based on preference.
Shaping and Baking: Shape tablespoon-sized dough portions into balls. Place them about an inch apart on the baking sheet to ensure even baking. Bake for 12-15 minutes; aim for a soft center with a lightly browned base for the best texture.
Tips for Success
Watch the Baking Time: Snowball cookies should stay soft and tender. Check the bottoms for light browning, and avoid overbaking to retain their delicate texture.
Use Room Temperature Butter: Softened butter helps create the right consistency, ensuring the dough is easy to mix and the cookies remain tender.
Avoid Overmixing: Stir the dough just until combined after adding the flour to avoid activating too much gluten, which can make cookies tough.
Storage
Once fully cooled, store your chocolate snowball cookies in an airtight container. They’ll remain fresh for up to a week and can be frozen for longer storage. Re-roll in powdered sugar after thawing if you want to refresh their classic “snowball” appearance.
Serving Ideas
These cookies make a perfect holiday treat, but their chocolatey flavor is enjoyable year-round. Pair them with a cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or milk for a delightful snack.
This overview helps guide you through making these chocolate snowball cookies without needing precise steps or a traditional recipe layout.
Perfect Pairings with Chocolate Snowball Cookies
Chocolate snowball cookies are best enjoyed alongside drinks that highlight their rich, buttery texture and enhance the chocolate flavor. Whether you’re serving them for a holiday gathering, a cozy night in, or as an everyday treat, the right beverage can elevate the entire experience. For a classic pairing, a warm cup of coffee or a robust espresso makes an excellent choice.
The natural bitterness of coffee helps balance the cookie’s sweetness and complements the cocoa notes, creating a satisfying contrast with each bite. For espresso lovers, the strong, concentrated coffee flavor adds an intense, warming layer to the experience, especially enjoyable when sipping slowly alongside the soft, crumbly cookie.
For those who enjoy a more traditional, comforting combination, a glass of cold milk is a simple yet perfect companion. Milk’s mild flavor and smooth texture pair wonderfully with the powdered sugar coating, allowing the richness of the butter and chocolate to shine through without overpowering the palate. Alternatively, for an indulgent treat, consider pairing these cookies with a creamy hot chocolate.
The warmth and richness of the hot chocolate not only enhance the cocoa in the cookies but also provide a cohesive chocolate experience. Topping the hot chocolate with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon adds a bit of flair and enhances the cozy, festive feel, especially during colder months.
If you’re presenting these cookies at a holiday party or special gathering, seasonal beverages can create a memorable experience for guests. Try pairing the cookies with a warm, spiced mulled wine, which combines red wine, cinnamon, cloves, and citrus for a festive drink that complements the cookie’s sweetness while adding a warming, aromatic quality.
The spices in mulled wine enhance the rich chocolate flavor and contrast beautifully with the powdered sugar coating. Similarly, spiced cider—served warm with a hint of cinnamon and cloves—offers a non-alcoholic option that’s equally festive. The slight tartness of the apple cider cuts through the buttery cookie, while the spices provide a cozy undertone, making this pairing perfect for holiday gatherings.
For a more sophisticated pairing, consider serving chocolate snowball cookies with dessert wines or liqueurs. A rich, dark port or a nutty amaretto pairs beautifully with the chocolate and adds a luxurious touch to any dessert table. Port wine, known for its rich, fruity sweetness, complements the powdered sugar coating while adding depth to the chocolate.
Amaretto’s almond notes echo the optional nuts in the cookie recipe, creating a harmonious pairing. These options work well for an after-dinner treat or as part of a dessert spread, adding a touch of elegance that’s sure to impress guests. For an adventurous twist, try serving the cookies with a hint of peppermint liqueur in a warm drink—this pairing adds a festive, wintry feel, perfect for celebrating the season.
Making It a Family Activity
Preparing snowball cookies can be a fun activity for families, especially during holiday seasons. Kids can help shape the dough into balls and roll them in powdered sugar, allowing them to be a part of the baking experience.
Creating these cookies together can become a cherished tradition, adding a touch of nostalgia and warmth to the holiday season. Plus, these cookies are simple to make, requiring just a few ingredients and steps, making them an accessible recipe for bakers of all ages and skill levels.
Make Some Sweet Memories
Chocolate snowball cookies bring a delightful mix of rich, buttery texture and cocoa flavor, dusted in powdered sugar for a classic finish. These cookies, with their simple ingredients and nostalgic appeal, offer endless pairing options, from a cozy cup of coffee to festive mulled wine. Whether enjoyed with family as a holiday tradition or served at gatherings, chocolate snowball cookies are a versatile, crowd-pleasing treat. Their universal charm and ease of preparation make them an ideal choice for any occasion, bringing warmth, sweetness, and a touch of elegance to every bite.
Essential Tools for the Best Results
Here are some tools to make baking easier and more enjoyable:
- KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer: Cream butter and sugar effortlessly for the perfect dough consistency.
- Nonstick Baking Sheets: Ensure even baking with these reliable, high-quality pans.
- Silicone Baking Mats: A reusable alternative to parchment paper that prevents sticking.
Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened – Try Kerrygold Butter for premium flavor and texture.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for rolling) – Domino Confectioners’ Sugar is my go-to for smooth coatings.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour – King Arthur Flour delivers consistent, high-quality results.
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder – Ghirardelli Premium Cocoa Powder is perfect for rich chocolate notes.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
-
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- PREHEAT THE OVEN: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- CREAM THE BUTTER AND SUGAR: In a large mixing bowl, use a stand or hand mixer to beat the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. Mix in the vanilla extract until well combined.
- MIX THE DRY INGREDIENTS: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt until evenly distributed.
- COMBINE WET AND DRY: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
- ADD MIX-INS: Stir in the chopped nuts and mini chocolate chips, if using, until evenly incorporated into the dough.
- SHAPE THE COOKIES: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a smooth ball between your palms. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- BAKE: Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are set and the bottoms are just beginning to brown. The cookies should remain soft inside. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
- ROLL IN POWDERED SUGAR: While still warm, roll each cookie in powdered sugar to coat. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, roll them in powdered sugar again for a thick, snowy finish.
Notes
For best results, use high-quality butter and cocoa powder. These cookies can be made without nuts or chocolate chips if preferred. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Dust with additional powdered sugar before serving if needed.
Nutrition Information
Yield
30Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 216Total Fat 14gSaturated Fat 5gUnsaturated Fat 9gCholesterol 18mgSodium 38mgCarbohydrates 20gFiber 2gSugar 7gProtein 3g
Could you use mini smarties inside?
Hello Vicky! Yes, you can absolutely use mini Smarties inside the Chocolate Snowball Cookies. It sounds like fun to add a pop of color and extra crunch! Just make sure to fold them into the dough gently to avoid crushing them. Enjoy baking!
Hi – these look great! Can they be baked and frozen for a month or so? Thanks!
Hi Shelly,
Great question! Yes, you can bake and freeze Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies for about a month. Once they’ve cooled completely, place them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. If you’re rolling them in powdered sugar, do a light initial coating before freezing and a fresh dusting after thawing to refresh their look.
Enjoy baking! 😊
Hello, wondering if you can make the dough and keep in fridge for 24 hours before baking?
Hi Katie! Yes, you can absolutely make the dough ahead and chill it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. When you’re ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes to soften slightly, so it’s easier to scoop and shape into balls. Let me know how it turns out for you! 😊