If you’re on the hunt for a wonderfully rich, melt-in-your-mouth cookie with just the right touch of chocolate and nuts, you’ve got to try this Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies Recipe. These little delights offer a perfect balance of buttery softness, cocoa-infused warmth, and a snowy frosting of powdered sugar that feels like a cozy hug in each bite. Whether it’s a festive occasion or a simple sweet craving, these cookies bring instant joy and nostalgic comfort, making them a beloved treat that’s just as fun to make as they are to devour.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies Recipe is delightfully straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in building the cookie’s splendid flavor and texture. From the creamy butter that creates a tender crumb to the cocoa powder that deepens the taste, every element is essential for that perfect bite.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: The foundation for rich, tender cookies with a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- ½ cup powdered sugar (plus more for rolling): Adds sweetness and helps create the signature snowy coating.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the cookie’s flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure without weighing down the cookies.
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Brings a lovely chocolate depth without overpowering the other flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and sharpens flavor.
- ¾ cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans: Adds a satisfying crunch and a nutty dimension to the cookies.
How to Make Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace and Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This simple setup ensures your cookies bake evenly and slide off easily once done.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, use a mixer or sturdy spoon to cream the softened butter together with ½ cup powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key, as the creamed butter incorporates air that helps create a tender texture.
Step 3: Add Vanilla Extract
Mix in the vanilla extract to infuse your dough with those unmistakable sweet and fragrant notes that elevate every bite.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. This uniform blend will distribute the chocolate and seasoning evenly throughout the dough, ensuring each cookie has the perfect richness and balance.
Step 5: Form the Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredients to your butter mixture, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, or the cookies might become tough. Then fold in the finely chopped nuts, which offer delightful texture and flavor contrast.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into a ball. Place them about one inch apart on your prepared baking sheet, giving them enough room to spread slightly without touching.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 12 to 14 minutes, or until they are set but still soft to the touch. The cookies will firm up as they cool, so be careful not to overbake for that classic tender crumb.
Step 8: Add the Snowy Finish
Right after removing the cookies from the oven, let them cool for about five minutes. While they’re still warm, roll each in powdered sugar to create that beautiful “snowball” coating. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, then roll them once more for an extra powdered sugar dusting that’s as festive as it is delicious.
How to Serve Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To make these cookies even more visually enticing, consider sprinkling a few finely chopped nuts or additional cocoa powder on top just before serving. It adds a charming rustic touch while hinting at the flavors inside.
Side Dishes
Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies pair wonderfully with a creamy cup of hot cocoa, a latte, or even a chilled glass of milk. They’re the perfect companion for cozy evenings or lively celebrations, adding a sweet finish that everyone will love.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, arrange the cookies in a clear glass jar with a festive ribbon tied around it. You can also place them on a decorative platter alongside seasonal fruits like fresh berries or citrus slices for a colorful and inviting spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. This keeps them fresh and maintains that soft, crumbly texture without drying out.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these cookies later, you can freeze them for up to three months. Make sure they’re well-wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe container. When ready, just thaw at room temperature, then re-roll in powdered sugar if needed for that perfect finish.
Reheating
While these cookies are best enjoyed fresh or at room temperature, you can gently warm them in a microwave for about 10 seconds if you want that freshly baked feel. Just be careful not to overheat, as the butter can soften too much and cause a mess.
FAQs
Can I make these cookies nut-free?
Absolutely! If you prefer or need a nut-free version, simply leave out the chopped walnuts or pecans. The cookies will still be deliciously buttery and chocolaty without the nuts.
What type of cocoa powder should I use?
For this recipe, unsweetened cocoa powder works best to give that classic chocolate flavor without adding extra sweetness. Natural or Dutch-processed cocoa powder can both be used; just note Dutch-processed has a slightly smoother taste.
Can I substitute powdered sugar with granulated sugar?
Powdered sugar is essential here for both the sweetness and the smooth texture in the dough and the snowy coating. Granulated sugar won’t provide the same melt-in-your-mouth softness or that classic “snowball” finish.
How do I store the cookies to keep the powdered sugar coating intact?
Store the cookies in a single layer in an airtight container, using parchment paper between layers if stacking. Keep them in a cool, dry place to prevent the powdered sugar from dissolving or becoming sticky.
Can I use pecans instead of walnuts?
Yes! Pecans make a delicious nutty alternative and complement the chocolate beautifully. Feel free to choose whichever nut you prefer or have on hand.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly joyful about the Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies Recipe that beckons you to share it with friends and family. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can bake up these tender, chocolatey treats any time you crave a little comfort and sweetness. I truly hope you enjoy making and savoring these delightful cookies as much as I do—they’re nothing short of a holiday hug in cookie form!
Print
Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 29 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies are a delightful twist on the traditional buttery snowball, infused with rich cocoa and chopped nuts for a festive treat. These soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or any time you crave a chocolatey, nutty dessert dusted in powdered sugar for a snowy finish.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar (plus more for rolling)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and ½ cup powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which will contribute to a tender texture. Then mix in the vanilla extract to add depth of flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt to evenly distribute the cocoa and seasoning.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. Be sure not to overmix to keep the cookies tender.
- Fold in Nuts: Gently fold in the finely chopped walnuts or pecans to distribute the crunchy nuts throughout the dough.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into a ball. Place the balls about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow for slight spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes, or until they are set but not overbaked. The centers should be firm yet tender.
- First Sugar Roll: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the sheet for 5 minutes. While still warm, gently roll each cookie in powdered sugar to start the snowy coating.
- Cool Completely and Second Sugar Roll: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, roll them again in powdered sugar for a beautiful, snowball-like finish.
Notes
- These cookies can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days without losing their freshness.
- For a nut-free version, simply omit the nuts or substitute with chopped almonds or hazelnuts based on your preference.
