Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies

Introduction

One of the best parts of the holiday season is the chance to bake and share sweet treats with friends and family. These Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies have quickly become one of my family’s favorites. With a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture, a rich chocolate flavor, and the perfect dusting of powdered sugar, these cookies are the ultimate holiday indulgence. The best part? They’re incredibly easy to make and require just a handful of simple ingredients, making them the perfect addition to any holiday cookie platter. Every time I bake them, they vanish almost instantly! Their simple beauty and delicious taste never fail to impress.

What I love most about these cookies is their versatility—they’re the perfect balance of chocolatey richness and sweetness. They’re also wonderfully soft, with a texture that’s just a little crumbly, yet melt-in-your-mouth tender. The powdered sugar coating gives them a snowy, festive look, and they look so pretty on a holiday table or as a sweet gift for friends and neighbors. If you’re looking for a holiday cookie that’s simple to make yet delightful to eat, these Chocolate Snowball Cookies will definitely brighten your celebrations!

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar, plus extra for rolling
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 cup finely chopped nuts (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar:
   In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and ½ cup of powdered sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step will take around 3-5 minutes, depending on the speed of your mixer. Add in the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. This will ensure that the dry ingredients are well incorporated and there are no lumps in the cocoa powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. If you are using chopped nuts, fold them in at this stage.
4. Shape the Dough:
   Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Be sure to pack the dough lightly, as overpacking can make the cookies dense.
5. Bake:
   Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. The cookies should be set but not browned. They will continue to firm up as they cool. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Roll in Powdered Sugar:
   Once the cookies are completely cooled, roll them in additional powdered sugar until they are well coated. This adds sweetness and gives them their signature snowball look. Don’t be shy with the powdered sugar—you’ll want them to be fully coated.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Servings: 24 cookies
• Calories per serving: 120 kcal
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 35mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 20mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve

• Holiday Cookie Tray: Serve these cookies on a holiday cookie tray alongside other seasonal favorites like gingerbread cookies, sugar cookies, or biscotti.
• Gift Giving: Package them in a festive tin or box and gift them to friends, family, or coworkers. They’re an easy but thoughtful homemade gift.
• Afternoon Treat: Enjoy them with a cup of hot cocoa, tea, or coffee as an afternoon treat. The chocolatey richness pairs perfectly with a warm drink.
• Post-Dinner Delight: Serve them after a holiday meal or during a cozy family gathering. These cookies will be the perfect bite-sized dessert.
• For a Cookie Swap: Bring these cookies to a holiday cookie swap—they’re simple to make, yet everyone loves the classic chocolate flavor and powdered sugar coating.

Additional Tips

1. Use Softened Butter: Make sure your butter is softened before mixing. It should be soft to the touch but not melted, which helps create a light, fluffy texture in the cookies.
2. Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too soft to handle or is too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before rolling into balls.
3. Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies while they bake—they should be set and slightly firm to the touch but not browned. Overbaking will make them dry.
4. Use Quality Cocoa Powder: The flavor of the cocoa powder will shine through in these cookies, so use a high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder for the best flavor.
5. Customize the Nuts: If you’re adding nuts, you can use finely chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds. Toasting the nuts lightly before adding them to the dough will enhance their flavor.

Recipe Variations

1. Add Peppermint: For a festive twist, add ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract to the dough for a minty holiday flavor that pairs wonderfully with chocolate.
2. Use Different Nuts: Try using different nuts, such as crushed hazelnuts or macadamia nuts, to give your cookies a new flavor profile.
3. Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies: For an extra chocolatey treat, add ½ cup of mini chocolate chips to the dough before baking.
4. Gluten-Free Option: Replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.
5. Use White Chocolate: If you prefer white chocolate, you can use white chocolate chips instead of regular chocolate chips or as a drizzle on top of the cookies for a festive look.

Serving Suggestions

• With Hot Drinks: Pair these cookies with a hot mug of spiced apple cider, tea, or your favorite coffee. The warmth of the drink complements the cool, sugary coating on the cookies.
• For Parties: Serve them at your next holiday party—they’re easy to make in large batches and are perfect for sharing.
• As a Christmas Breakfast: For a fun twist, serve these cookies as part of a special Christmas morning breakfast spread alongside fruit and pastries.
• With Fruit: Serve these cookies with some fresh berries or a fruit salad to add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cookies.
• As a Midnight Snack: Keep a few of these cookies for yourself as a sweet midnight snack after a long day of holiday festivities!

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: These cookies freeze well. Once cooled, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag, layering with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 2 months.
• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you prefer, you can also store them in the fridge, though they will last longer at room temperature.
• Before Freezing: If you plan to freeze the cookies, it’s best to freeze them unglazed. Glaze them after thawing to keep the sugar from becoming sticky.
• For Extra Freshness: To keep the cookies extra soft, store them with a slice of bread in the container. The bread will help absorb excess moisture and keep the cookies soft.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
   While margarine can be substituted, butter provides a richer flavor and texture, which is ideal for these cookies.
2. How do I store leftover dough?
   If you have leftover dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking.
3. Can I make these cookies in advance?
   Yes, these cookies can be made ahead of time. You can freeze them after baking or store them in an airtight container for up to a week.
4. What’s the best way to roll the cookies in powdered sugar?
   Once the cookies are completely cooled, roll them gently in powdered sugar to ensure they’re fully coated and look like little snowballs.
5. Can I add more cocoa powder for a richer flavor?
   Yes, you can add up to 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder for a more intense chocolate flavor, but be careful not to overdo it, as it can make the dough dry.
6. Can I use a stand mixer to make the dough?
   Yes, a stand mixer works perfectly for creaming the butter and sugar and mixing in the dry ingredients.
7. What is the best way to serve these cookies at a party?
   Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter and pair them with a variety of other holiday treats for a beautiful and sweet dessert spread.
8. Can I make a larger batch?
   Yes, simply double or triple the recipe to make more cookies for larger gatherings.
9. Are these cookies suitable for gifting?
   Absolutely! These cookies are perfect for gifting, especially in a festive tin or box.
10. Can I add flavored extracts like hazelnut or almond?
    Yes, flavored extracts can be added for a unique twist. Just be sure to adjust the amount depending on the strength of the extract.

Conclusion

These Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies are a wonderful, easy-to-make holiday treat that will quickly become a family favorite. Their rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture combined with the festive look makes them perfect for any holiday gathering. Whether you’re baking them for a party, gifting them to friends, or just enjoying them with your loved ones, these cookies are sure to brighten your holiday season. Give them a try this year and watch them become a staple in your holiday baking tradition!

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