Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies

Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies are a delightful treat that brings joy to any occasion. These soft, buttery cookies, dusted in powdered sugar, are perfect for holiday gatherings or just a cozy afternoon snack. With their rich chocolate flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture, they stand out as a favorite among cookie lovers. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas or simply indulging in a sweet craving, these cookies will impress everyone at the table.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

PIN THIS!PIN THIS!

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Cookie Dough
• How to Make Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
• Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
• Step 4: Fold in the Nuts and Chocolate Chips
• Step 5: Shape the Cookies
• Step 6: Bake
• Step 7: Roll in Sugar
• How to Serve Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies
• With a Glass of Milk
• On a Dessert Platter
• As Party Favors
• With Coffee or Tea
• As Toppings on Ice Cream
• In Holiday Gift Baskets
• How to Perfect Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies
• Best Side Dishes for Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies
• Reheating Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I use different nuts in Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies?
• How do I make gluten-free Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies?
• What is the best way to store Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies?
• Can I add more chocolate flavor?
• How long do these cookies last?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of cocoa powder and butter creates a rich taste that chocolate lovers crave.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, even novice bakers can achieve delicious results.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: These cookies are great for holiday parties, gift-giving, or just enjoying at home with family.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can customize them by adding nuts or mini chocolate chips based on your preferences.
• Fun to Decorate: The final rolling in powdered sugar gives them a festive look that makes them extra special.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies, gather the necessary tools and equipment to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugar effortless, resulting in a light and fluffy texture.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for separating dry and wet ingredients to ensure proper mixing.
• Baking sheets: Provide even heat distribution while baking, leading to perfectly cooked cookies.

Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough

• 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)

How to Make Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use a stand mixer or hand mixer to beat the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined.

Step 4: Fold in the Nuts and Chocolate Chips

Stir in the finely chopped nuts and mini chocolate chips (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

Scoop out about a tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about an inch apart.

Step 6: Bake

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are set and the bottoms are lightly browned. Be careful not to overbake; these cookies should remain soft and tender inside.

Step 7: Roll in Sugar

Allow the cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. While still warm, roll each cookie in a generous amount of powdered sugar, ensuring they’re fully coated. Place the cookies on a wire rack to cool completely, then give them one more roll in powdered sugar for that classic snowball look.

How to Serve Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies

Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Their rich chocolate flavor and snowy appearance make them perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy evenings at home.

With a Glass of Milk

• Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk for a classic combination that enhances their chocolatey goodness.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a beautiful dessert platter alongside other treats like brownies and mini cupcakes for an inviting display.

As Party Favors

• Pack individual cookies into clear bags tied with festive ribbons to create charming party favors for guests to take home.

With Coffee or Tea

• Serve the cookies with your favorite coffee or tea. The bitterness of coffee complements the sweetness of the cookies perfectly.

As Toppings on Ice Cream

• Crumble some of the cookies over vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert that adds texture and flavor.

In Holiday Gift Baskets

• Include these cookies in homemade gift baskets filled with other baked goods and treats for a thoughtful gift during the holiday season.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

PIN THIS!

How to Perfect Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies

To ensure your Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Chill the Dough: For better shaping, chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before rolling into balls. This helps them keep their shape while baking.

• Use Quality Ingredients: Always opt for high-quality butter and cocoa powder, as they significantly enhance the flavor of your cookies.

• Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on your cookies while baking. Remove them from the oven once the edges are set but the centers are still soft for that tender texture.

• Uniform Size: Roll each cookie into uniform sizes to ensure even baking. Use a tablespoon measure for consistency.

• Double Coating in Sugar: For an extra snowy look, roll the cookies in powdered sugar twice—once when warm and again after they’ve completely cooled.

• Experiment with Fillings: Try adding different nuts or chocolate chips to customize your cookies according to your taste preferences.

Best Side Dishes for Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies

If you’re looking to complement your Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies, consider these delicious side dishes. They add variety and balance to your dessert spread.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad – A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits provides a light contrast to the rich flavors of the cookies.
2. Cheese Platter – A selection of cheeses can create an interesting pairing, particularly soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese.
3. Whipped Cream – Serve whipped cream on the side as a delightful dip or topping to enhance each bite of cookie.
4. Chocolate Fondue – Create an interactive dessert experience by offering melted chocolate fondue alongside fresh fruits and marshmallows.
5. Pecan Pie Bars – These bars offer a nutty sweetness that pairs perfectly with the chocolate snowballs while providing textural contrast.
6. Spiced Nuts – A bowl of spiced nuts adds crunch and savory elements that beautifully balance out any sweet dish.
7. Coffee Cake – A slice of moist coffee cake works well as an afternoon treat alongside these rich cookies.
8. Ice Cream Sundae Bar – Set up a sundae bar where guests can top their ice cream with crumbled snowball cookies, creating fun combinations!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies can be simple, but a few common mistakes can ruin your baking experience. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Ignoring the Butter Temperature: Using cold butter can lead to dense cookies. Always ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for the best texture.
• Overmixing the Dough: Mixing too much after adding dry ingredients can toughen your cookies. Mix just until combined for a tender bite.
• Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Baking is a science; improper measurements can affect the outcome. Use dry measuring cups for flour and cocoa powder.
• Skipping the Cooling Step: Rolling cookies in powdered sugar while they’re too hot can cause it to melt away. Let them cool slightly first for a perfect finish.
• Overbaking: Baking longer than necessary results in hard cookies. Keep an eye on them; they should remain soft in the center after baking.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

PIN THIS!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies

• Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to an airtight container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 300°F (150°C) and heat for about 5-10 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up.
• Stovetop: Place on a skillet over low heat for about 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re curious about making Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies, here are some common questions and answers.

Can I use different nuts in Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies?

Absolutely! You can substitute pecans or walnuts with almonds or hazelnuts, depending on your preference.

How do I make gluten-free Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies?

Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour. This will give you similar results without gluten.

What is the best way to store Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness.

Can I add more chocolate flavor?

Yes! You can add chocolate chips or chunks into the dough for an extra indulgent treat.

How long do these cookies last?

When stored properly, Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies last up to a week in the refrigerator or three months in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies are not only delightful but also versatile. You can customize them with various nuts or even add your favorite spices. Their rich chocolate flavor combined with a snowy powdered sugar coating makes them perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the wonderful taste!