Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies Recipe

The Best Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies Recipe for Winter Joy

Sinking your teeth into a classic chocolate snowball cookies delight that melts right in your mouth.

These delectable treats bring pure winter magic to your kitchen with minimal effort.

Powdery sugar coats each morsel like a gentle snowfall, creating an irresistible visual and flavor experience.

Soft, crumbly textures hint at the rich chocolate hidden within each delicate sphere.

Everyone at the table will marvel at how such simple ingredients can produce such an elegant dessert.

Simple pantry staples transform into something extraordinary with just a few careful mixing steps.

Trust me, these cookies will become your new favorite winter indulgence that sparks joy with every delightful bite.

Why Everyone Raves About Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies Recipe

  • Indulge in Chocolate Decadence: These snowball cookies pack an intense chocolate punch that satisfies serious cocoa cravings with rich, deep flavor that melts in your mouth.
  • Quick and Easy Baking Magic: Whip up these delightful treats in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making them perfect for spontaneous baking sessions or last-minute dessert needs.
  • Textural Wonderland: Experience a delightful contrast between the crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth cookie interior and the soft, powdery sugar coating that creates an irresistible sensory experience.
  • Winter Wonderland Treat: These snowy-white dusted cookies bring instant holiday cheer, looking like adorable miniature snowballs that sparkle and delight at any festive gathering or cozy winter afternoon.

What You’ll Use For Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies Recipe

Base Ingredients:
  • Butter, Powdered Sugar: Creamy base that provides rich, sweet flavor and tender texture. Softened butter works best for smooth mixing.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds deep, warm flavor and aromatic background to the cookies.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour, Cocoa Powder: Creates the chocolate cookie structure and deep chocolate color. Use unsweetened cocoa powder for rich chocolate taste.
Optional Add-Ins:
  • Chopped Nuts, Mini Chocolate Chips: Adds texture and extra chocolate flavor. Pecans or walnuts work great for nutty crunch. Optional but recommended for more complex taste.
Coating Ingredient:
  • Powdered Sugar: Creates the signature snowy white coating. Fresh, fine-textured powdered sugar gives the best smooth finish.

Steps To Make Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Crank up your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab two baking sheets and line them with parchment paper for a smooth baking experience.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, transform softened butter and powdered sugar into a fluffy, dreamy mixture. Use your mixer on medium speed, blending until the texture becomes light and airy. Splash in vanilla extract and sprinkle of salt, mixing until everything comes together in delicious harmony.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Grab a separate bowl and sift together:
  • Flour
  • Cocoa powder
Slowly introduce the dry ingredients to your creamy butter mixture, mixing on low speed. Watch as the dough begins to take shape. For an extra flavor boost, gently fold in:
  • Chopped nuts
  • Mini chocolate chips

Ensure these tasty morsels are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 4: Shape Your Cookies

Scoop out small portions of dough, about a tablespoon each. Roll these into perfect little balls. Arrange them on your prepared baking sheets, giving each cookie enough breathing room – about 2 inches apart.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheets into the preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes, keeping a watchful eye. You’re looking for cookies that are set but not browned, with firm bottoms that promise a melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Step 6: Create the Snowball Magic

Once out of the oven, let the cookies rest on the baking sheets for 5 minutes. While still warm, give them their first powdered sugar coating. After completely cooling, roll them in powdered sugar once more for that irresistible snowy finish that makes these cookies absolute showstoppers.

Tips For Making Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies Recipe

  • Measure Precisely: Use exact measurements for butter, sugar, and flour to ensure consistent texture and taste in your snowball cookies.
  • Soften Butter Smartly: Let butter sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to achieve the perfect creamy consistency without melting.
  • Control Chocolate Intensity: Adjust cocoa powder quantity to make cookies more or less chocolatey based on personal preference.
  • Chop Nuts Uniformly: Finely chop nuts to distribute evenly throughout the dough, preventing large chunks that might disrupt the cookie's delicate texture.
  • Cool Before Coating: Wait until cookies are slightly warm but not hot when rolling in powdered sugar for the best snow-like coverage.

Keep Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies Recipe Fresh

  • Refrigerate: Store cooled chocolate snowball cookies in an airtight container between sheets of parchment paper for up to 5 days. Keep them in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent crumbling.
  • Freeze: Wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. They'll stay delicious for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
  • Reheat: Warm cookies gently in a preheated oven at 300F for 35 minutes to restore their soft texture. Avoid microwaving, which can make them tough and dry.
  • Refresh Sugar Coating: Dust cookies with fresh powdered sugar after reheating to recreate their classic snowy appearance and add a sweet touch.

What To Serve With Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies Recipe

  • Pair with Creamy Coffee Delight: Brew a smooth cappuccino or latte with a rich espresso base to complement the chocolate's deep flavor and enhance the cookie's nutty undertones.
  • Match with Winter Warming Beverage: Sip on hot chocolate topped with marshmallows, creating a decadent experience that amplifies the chocolate snowball's sweet and cozy profile.
  • Create a Dessert Wine Harmony: Select a dessert wine like port or moscato, which adds a luxurious touch and balances the cookie's powdery texture with its sweet, complex notes.
  • Serve with Nutty Milk Alternative: Pour a glass of almond milk or hazelnut milk, providing a subtle nutty background that echoes the chocolate chip and nut elements in the cookies.

New Takes On Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies Recipe

  • Nutty Chocolate Delight: Replace chopped nuts with almond or hazelnut flour for a deeper, richer nutty flavor profile. Add extra ground nuts to the coating for enhanced texture and crunch.
  • Espresso Chocolate Snowballs: Incorporate 1-2 teaspoons of instant espresso powder into the dry ingredients for a sophisticated coffee undertone. Sprinkle cocoa powder alongside powdered sugar during the final coating for deeper color complexity.
  • Mint Chocolate Snowball Cookies: Mix in 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract with the vanilla extract. Add finely chopped dark chocolate mint chips to create refreshing winter-inspired flavor. Use green-tinted powdered sugar for festive presentation.
  • Orange Chocolate Version: Zest one orange into the dough and add 1 tablespoon of orange liqueur for bright citrus notes. Incorporate finely grated dark chocolate to complement the orange undertones, creating a sophisticated seasonal cookie.

Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies Recipe FAQs

  • Are chocolate snowball cookies difficult to make?

No, these cookies are surprisingly easy! Even beginner bakers can master this recipe with simple ingredients and straightforward steps. The process is quick and fun, requiring basic mixing and rolling techniques.

  • Why do these cookies have a powdered sugar coating?

The powdered sugar creates a beautiful “snow-like” appearance and adds a delightful sweet layer to the chocolate cookies. Rolling them while warm and then again when cool ensures a thick, even white coating that looks just like freshly fallen snow.

  • Can I make these cookies without nuts?

Absolutely! The chopped nuts are optional. If you have nut allergies or simply don’t enjoy them, you can skip the nuts entirely without affecting the cookie’s overall texture and taste. The mini chocolate chips will still provide extra flavor and richness.

  • How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

Look for firm bottoms and a set appearance. They shouldn’t brown significantly. The cookies will look slightly soft but will firm up as they cool. Baking for 10-12 minutes at 350F is the perfect time to achieve the right texture for these delicate chocolate snowballs.

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Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies Recipe

Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies Recipe


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4.5 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 42 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Sweet Mexican wedding cookies blend rich buttery flavor with powdered sugar coating in this classic chocolate snowball delight. Delicate chocolate-infused cookie spheres melt gracefully, promising pure winter comfort and nostalgic holiday charm.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (40 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened

Binding and Flavoring Ingredients:

  • ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar, plus extra for coating
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Optional Additions:

  • 1 cup (120 g) finely chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
  • ½ cup (90 g) mini chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350F (175C) and lining two baking surfaces with parchment paper for optimal cookie performance.
  2. In a spacious mixing vessel, whip softened butter and powdered sugar until achieving a fluffy, airy consistency with a pale, creamy texture.
  3. Introduce vanilla extract and salt to the butter mixture, blending thoroughly to create a harmonious flavor foundation.
  4. Carefully sift flour and cocoa powder together in a separate container, then gradually incorporate into the butter mixture using low-speed mixing until a cohesive dough emerges.
  5. Gently integrate chopped nuts and mini chocolate chips throughout the dough, ensuring even distribution of delectable morsels.
  6. Craft uniform dough spheres by carefully portioning and rolling small amounts into perfectly round shapes, positioning them with precise spacing on prepared baking surfaces.
  7. Transfer cookie-laden baking sheets to the preheated oven, allowing them to transform for 10-12 minutes until the edges set and maintain a delicate, tender structure.
  8. Remove cookies from the oven and let them rest momentarily on baking sheets, allowing initial cooling and slight firming.
  9. While cookies retain a gentle warmth, delicately enrobe each in a generous coating of powdered sugar, creating an initial snowy layer.
  10. Complete the cooling process, then revisit each cookie with a second luxurious dusting of powdered sugar, achieving a pristine, winter-inspired finish.

Notes

  • Enhance the chocolate flavor by using high-quality cocoa powder for a richer, more intense taste.
  • Ensure butter is softened at room temperature but not melted to achieve the perfect cookie texture.
  • Chill the dough for 30 minutes before shaping if the mixture feels too soft or sticky, helping cookies maintain their round shape.
  • For gluten-free options, substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend, keeping the same measurements.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 50 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Jenna Stewart

Jenna Stewart

Head Chef & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-Table Cooking; Seasonal Menu Development; Visual Plating Techniques; Flavor Layering and Simple Prep Hacks.

Education

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

  • Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern techniques, global cuisines, and flavor development, combined with real-world experience in restaurant operations, business management, and industry internships.

Jenna Stewart is the inventive spirit behind many of our standout dishes at Pro of Delicious Creations. A proud graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, she built her skills mastering both classic recipes and fresh, modern twists.

Now, Jenna celebrates the beauty of seasonal, local ingredients, often sourced from her garden and nearby markets, to create recipes that are bursting with flavor yet easy to follow. When she’s not experimenting in the kitchen, Jenna loves exploring nature on hikes and discovering new treasures at local co-ops.

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