Fluffy Chocolate Snowball Cookies Recipe That Melts Hearts

Sweet moments of joy burst forth with these delightful chocolate snowball cookies that melt in your mouth.

Winter gatherings sparkle with these delectable treats nestled on festive plates.

Powdered sugar coats each soft, crumbly cookie like a gentle snowfall.

Chocolate lovers relish the rich, nutty flavor packed into every bite.

The recipe brings warmth and comfort to chilly afternoons.

Sharing these cookies creates memories that linger long after the last crumb disappears.

These irresistible morsels will become your new favorite holiday tradition.

Why Snowball Cookies Are a Holiday Staple

• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Prepare a delightful treat in under an hour, ideal for last-minute gatherings, holiday parties, or spontaneous sweet cravings.
• Versatile Dessert Delight: Customize these cookies by adding nuts or keeping them classic, suitable for family celebrations, potlucks, or cozy winter evenings.
• Festive Winter Charm: Create a magical dessert that looks like adorable snowballs, bringing a touch of seasonal joy and whimsy to your dessert table.

What You Need for Chocolate Snowball Cookies

• Butter: A creamy base that adds rich flavor.
• Powdered Sugar: Soft sweetener for tender cookies.
• Vanilla Extract: Warm aroma that enhances chocolate taste.

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure to the cookies.
• Cocoa Powder: Deep chocolate flavor and dark color.
• Salt: Balances and brightens the sweet taste.

• Chopped Nuts: Crunchy texture for extra dimension.

• Powdered Sugar: Snowy white finish for festive look.

How to Bake Rich Chocolate Snowballs

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Get your oven ready by heating it to 350°F.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Whip Up the Base

Grab a large mixing bowl and cream together softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.

Splash in vanilla extract for an extra burst of flavor.

Step 3: Blend Dry Ingredients

Carefully sift flour, cocoa powder, and salt into the buttery mixture.

Stir gently until the dough becomes smooth and completely combined.

The rich chocolate color will start to emerge.

Step 4: Optional Nutty Twist

• Pecans
• Walnuts
• Almonds

Mix the nuts evenly throughout the dough.

Step 5: Shape the Delights

Roll the dough into perfect bite-sized balls, each about 1 inch in diameter.

Arrange them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a small space between each cookie.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven.

Bake for 12-15 minutes until the edges look set and slightly firm.

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes after removing from the oven.

Step 7: Create the Snowy Coating

While the cookies are still warm, gently roll them in powdered sugar for the first layer of “snow”.

Once completely cooled, give them a second roll in powdered sugar to create that magical, frost-covered look.

Tips for Buttery, Powdery Cookie Bites

• Adjust the flour amount slightly to achieve your desired cookie consistency – a bit less for softer cookies, a bit more for firmer ones.
• Toast chopped nuts before adding to the dough to enhance their flavor and maintain a satisfying crunch.
• Ensure butter is softened but not melted, and mix ingredients gently to avoid overworking the dough, which can cause cookies to crack.
• Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, separating layers with parchment paper to maintain their delicate powdered sugar coating.

How to Keep Snowball Cookies Fresh

• Store cookies in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap, place in freezer bags, and freeze for up to 3 months for longer preservation.
• Remove cookies from freezer and let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to restore soft texture.
• Dust with additional powdered sugar after reheating to maintain their classic snowball appearance and sweet coating.

Sweet Pairings for Chocolate Snowballs

• Pair Decadent Hot Chocolate: Brew a rich, velvety hot chocolate with dark chocolate shavings to complement the cookies' intense cocoa flavor and create a luxurious winter dessert experience.
• Enhance Espresso Companion: Serve a shot of bold espresso or smooth cappuccino alongside these cookies, allowing the coffee's robust notes to balance the sweet, powdery texture.
• Match Creamy Vanilla Latte: Whip up a silky vanilla latte that echoes the cookies' subtle sweetness and provides a warm, comforting contrast to the cool, snowy coating.
• Elevate Dessert Wine Pairing: Select a light port or sweet sherry with hints of caramel and dried fruit to harmonize with the chocolate's depth and the cookies' delicate crunch.

Creative Cookie Variations to Try

• Gluten-Free Chocolate Snowball Cookies: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend to create a celiac-friendly version that maintains the same rich chocolate flavor.
• Vegan Chocolate Snowball Cookies: Swap butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine, and use a plant-based powdered sugar to create a dairy-free alternative that delivers the same delightful texture.
• Nut-Free Chocolate Snowball Cookies: Eliminate nuts completely and substitute with sunflower seeds or extra chocolate chips for added crunch and flavor variation.
• Low-Sugar Chocolate Snowball Cookies: Use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener and reduce overall sugar content while maintaining the classic cookie's delicious chocolatey essence.

FAQs

• Are chocolate snowball cookies hard to make?

No, they’re super easy! Even beginner bakers can master this recipe with simple ingredients and basic mixing techniques.

• Can I make these cookies without nuts?

Absolutely! The recipe works perfectly fine without nuts. Just skip the nut-folding step, and your cookies will still be delicious.

• How do I prevent the cookies from cracking?

Keep your butter at room temperature and mix the dough gently. Avoid overmixing, which can make the cookies dry and prone to cracking.

• Why do I coat the cookies in powdered sugar twice?

The first coating happens while the cookies are warm, which helps the sugar stick better. The second coating when they’re cool creates that classic snowy, powdery look and adds extra sweetness.

Chocolate Snowball Cookies Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Delightful Mexican wedding cookies bring holiday magic through rich chocolate snowball cookies dusted with powdered sugar. Crisp pecans and buttery texture create an irresistible winter treat you’ll savor with each delicate, melt-in-your-mouth bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder

Binding and Flavor Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for rolling)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Optional Ingredient:

• 1 cup finely chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a pristine workspace and gather all necessary ingredients for these decadent chocolate confections.
2. Utilize an electric mixer to thoroughly blend softened butter with powdered sugar until the mixture achieves a velvety, cloud-like consistency.
3. Incorporate vanilla extract, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the creamy base.
4. Carefully sift cocoa powder, flour, and salt directly into the butter mixture, gently folding until a uniform chocolate dough emerges.
5. If desired, delicately introduce chopped nuts, distributing them with a light touch to maintain the dough’s delicate texture.
6. Craft uniform spheres approximately one inch in diameter, placing them methodically on a parchment-lined baking sheet with gentle spacing.
7. Position the cookie sheet in a preheated oven, allowing the delicate morsels to transform for 12-15 minutes until subtle edges become firm.
8. Remove from oven and permit cookies to rest momentarily, cooling slightly but remaining warm to the touch.
9. While still gently heated, gracefully enrobe each cookie in a cloud of powdered sugar, creating an initial snowy layer.
10. After complete cooling, perform a second delicate dusting of powdered sugar, ensuring a luxurious, frost-like finish that mimics fresh winter snowfall.

Notes

• Swap butter with plant-based alternatives for a vegan version of these delightful cookies, ensuring everyone can enjoy the sweet treat.
• Experiment with different nut varieties like almonds or pecans to add unique texture and flavor dimensions to the classic recipe.
• Control cookie size by using a small cookie scoop for consistent, perfectly round snowball cookies that bake evenly.
• Store cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to maintain their delicate powdered sugar coating and prevent sticking.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 160
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg