If you’re looking for a rich, melt-in-your-mouth cookie that’s perfect for the holidays, Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies are exactly what you need! These buttery, chocolatey cookies are rolled in powdered sugar, giving them a snowy appearance that’s both festive and irresistible. The combination of rich chocolate flavor and the soft, crumbly texture makes them a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a holiday cookie exchange, a family gathering, or just to indulge, these cookies are sure to become a new favorite.
What makes these snowball cookies so special is their simplicity and perfect balance of flavors. The rich, fudgy chocolate centers are complemented by the buttery dough, and the powdered sugar coating adds just the right amount of sweetness. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make with just a few simple ingredients, so they come together quickly, leaving you with plenty of time to enjoy them.
I first made Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies during a holiday baking marathon, and they quickly became a crowd favorite. The combination of chocolate and powdered sugar is always a hit, and these cookies are a perfect addition to any holiday dessert table. Since then, they’ve become a must-bake every year!
Why These Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies Will Be Your New Favorite
- Rich and fudgy: The chocolate flavor is deep and indulgent, making these cookies a perfect treat for chocolate lovers.
- Melt-in-your-mouth texture: The cookies have a soft, crumbly texture that practically melts in your mouth, making them the perfect bite-sized treat.
- Easy to make: With only a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, these cookies come together in no time.
- Holiday-ready: The snowy coating of powdered sugar makes these cookies a festive addition to any holiday dessert spread.
- Customizable: While the classic version is perfect as is, you can add mix-ins like chopped nuts or chocolate chips for a little extra crunch and flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for dough)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for coating)
How to Make Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy. You can use an electric mixer or beat by hand until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla and cocoa: Stir in the vanilla extract and cocoa powder until fully combined, ensuring the cocoa is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Add the flour and salt: Gradually add the flour and salt to the butter mixture, stirring until just combined. The dough will be thick and slightly crumbly, but that’s perfectly fine.
- Shape the cookies: Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls, placing them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. You should be able to make about 20-24 cookies, depending on the size.
- Bake the cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are slightly firm and the cookies have a soft, fudgy center. The cookies should not spread much during baking.
- Coat with powdered sugar: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. While they’re still warm (but not too hot), roll the cookies in powdered sugar to coat them evenly. Allow them to cool fully before serving.
- Serve and enjoy: Your Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies are ready to enjoy! They’re perfect with a cup of tea or as part of your holiday cookie collection.
Tips
- Use room temperature butter: Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature before creaming it with the sugar to ensure a smooth, evenly mixed dough.
- Don’t overmix the dough: When adding the flour, mix until just combined to keep the cookies light and crumbly.
- Adjust the powdered sugar coating: If you prefer a thicker coating of powdered sugar, feel free to roll the cookies a second time once they’ve fully cooled.
Substitutions and Variations
- Add chocolate chips: For an extra chocolatey bite, fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips or mini chocolate chips into the dough before shaping.
- Nuts: Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the dough for a crunchy contrast to the soft texture of the cookies.
- Make them gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour to make these cookies gluten-free.
Make a Healthier Version
- Reduce the sugar: Use less powdered sugar in the dough or coating to reduce the sweetness.
- Use coconut oil: Replace the butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free alternative, though the texture may vary slightly.
- Try a whole wheat version: Swap half or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly healthier option.
Closing
And there you have it! Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies are the perfect combination of rich chocolate, buttery dough, and a sweet, snowy powdered sugar coating. They’re quick, easy, and guaranteed to be a hit with anyone who tries them. Whether you’re making them for a holiday gathering, a cookie exchange, or just to enjoy with your loved ones, these cookies are the perfect indulgent treat. Don’t forget to let us know how your snowball cookies turn out, and check out more of our delicious holiday recipes for even more festive inspiration
Relevant Categories of this Recipe
Cookies
Holiday Treats
Christmas Recipes
Baking
Tags
Chocolate Snowball Cookies, Holiday Cookies, Classic Cookies, Chocolate Cookies, Easy Cookie Recipes, No-Bake Cookies, Festive Cookies
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the cookies a day ahead and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 1 week. - Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While butter is recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can use margarine as a substitute if necessary. Keep in mind that the texture may change slightly. - Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, you can freeze the dough before baking. Simply roll the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to a plastic bag or airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, just place them on a baking sheet and bake directly from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. - Can I use a different coating instead of powdered sugar?
Yes! You can roll the cookies in granulated sugar, cocoa powder, or a mixture of both for a different look and flavor. - How do I know when the cookies are done?
The cookies are done when the edges are slightly firm but the centers are still soft. They will firm up as they cool. - Can I add other mix-ins to the dough?
Yes, you can add chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even dried fruit like cranberries or cherries for a fun twist. - How do I store leftover cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They can also be refrigerated or frozen for longer storage. - Can I use dark chocolate cocoa powder?
Yes! Dark chocolate cocoa powder will give these cookies a deeper, richer chocolate flavor. You can substitute it 1:1 with regular cocoa powder. - Can I use this recipe to make bars instead of cookies?
Yes! You can press the dough into a greased baking pan and bake it as a bar. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until set. - Can I use dairy-free chocolate?
Yes! If you’re making these cookies dairy-free, feel free to use dairy-free chocolate chips or a non-dairy butter substitute. - Can I make these cookies without the powdered sugar coating?
Yes, you can skip the powdered sugar coating if you prefer, though it does add a festive touch and sweetness to the cookies. - Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.
Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies
4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcal0
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
1 cup 1 unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup 1/2 powdered sugar (for dough)
1 tsp 1 vanilla extract
1/4 cup 1/4 unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 cups 1 1/2 all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp 1/4 salt
1/2 cup 1/2 powdered sugar (for coating)
Directions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy. You can use an electric mixer or beat by hand until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla and cocoa: Stir in the vanilla extract and cocoa powder until fully combined, ensuring the cocoa is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Add the flour and salt: Gradually add the flour and salt to the butter mixture, stirring until just combined. The dough will be thick and slightly crumbly, but that’s perfectly fine.
- Shape the cookies: Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls, placing them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. You should be able to make about 20-24 cookies, depending on the size.
- Bake the cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are slightly firm and the cookies have a soft, fudgy center. The cookies should not spread much during baking.
- Coat with powdered sugar: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. While they’re still warm (but not too hot), roll the cookies in powdered sugar to coat them evenly. Allow them to cool fully before serving.
- Serve and enjoy: Your Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies are ready to enjoy! They’re perfect with a cup of tea or as part of your holiday cookie collection.
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