Oh, let me tell you about my classic chocolate snowball cookies recipe! These little gems are a holiday favorite in my house, and honestly, they might just be the best part of the season. When I bake these, the entire kitchen fills with a warm, buttery aroma that’s simply irresistible. The cookies are rich, melt-in-your-mouth delights, coated in a snowy blanket of powdered sugar that looks just like a winter wonderland. I remember making these with my grandma every Christmas, and now I love sharing them with my kids. Trust me, whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving something sweet, these cookies will steal the show. They’re not just delicious; they’re a memory wrapped in chocolate goodness!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy creaming.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: This adds sweetness and a lovely texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Use pure vanilla for the best flavor.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of our cookies, providing structure.
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder: I love using dark cocoa for a richer taste!
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts: Walnuts or pecans work beautifully for added crunch.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to enhance all those sweet flavors.
- 1 cup powdered sugar for coating: This is what gives the snowball effect—so pretty!
How to Prepare Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies Recipe
Alright, let’s get into the fun part—making these delicious classic chocolate snowball cookies! First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because you want your cookies to bake evenly, and starting with a hot oven helps achieve that. While that’s warming up, grab a mixing bowl and cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This will only take a few minutes, and trust me, the fluffier the mixture, the better your cookies will be!
Next, stir in the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, chopped nuts, and salt. Gradually mix this dry mixture into the butter mixture until just combined. Don’t overmix—just blend until everything is incorporated. Now, here’s where the fun begins: shape the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a lined baking sheet. You should get about 24 cookies. Bake them in your preheated oven for about 12 to 15 minutes. They’ll look set but still soft when you take them out.
Let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet, then roll those warm cookies in the remaining powdered sugar for that signature snowy finish. Wow, they’re going to look and taste amazing!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until fluffy.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, chopped nuts, and salt.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter mixture until just combined.
- Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes; they should be set but soft.
- Allow cookies to cool for a few minutes before rolling in powdered sugar.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for last-minute cravings!
- Rich, buttery flavor with a delightful cocoa kick.
- Festively coated in powdered sugar, making them a perfect holiday treat.
- Versatile—great for any occasion, from Christmas to casual gatherings.
- Just the right balance of soft and crumbly texture that melts in your mouth.
- Kids and adults alike will adore these charming little cookies!
- Make-ahead friendly—store them for a week or share as gifts!
Tips for Success
To ensure your classic chocolate snowball cookies turn out perfectly, here are a few of my best tips! First, always use high-quality unsalted butter and pure vanilla extract; they really make a difference in flavor! If you find the dough a bit sticky, don’t hesitate to chill it for about 30 minutes—it’ll be much easier to handle. When shaping the cookies, keep them uniform in size for even baking. Also, keep an eye on the baking time; every oven is different, so check them at the 12-minute mark. They should be set but still soft to the touch. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use in this classic chocolate snowball cookies recipe. On average, each cookie contains about 130 calories, with approximately 9g of fat, 2g of protein, and 13g of carbohydrates. You’ll also find around 8g of sugar and 50mg of sodium per cookie. If you’re watching your dietary intake, these sweet treats are best enjoyed in moderation, but trust me, they’re worth every delightful bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of nut? Absolutely! While walnuts and pecans are my go-to, you can use almonds or even skip the nuts entirely if you prefer a nut-free version.
What if my dough is too crumbly? If your dough seems too dry, add a teaspoon of milk to help bind it together. Just be careful not to add too much!
Can I freeze the dough? Yes! You can freeze the dough balls. Just shape them and place them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, no need to thaw—just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
How do I know when they’re done? They should be set but still soft in the center. They’ll firm up a bit as they cool, so don’t overbake!
Can I make these cookies gluten-free? Sure! Just substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, and you’ll still get that amazing taste and texture!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your classic chocolate snowball cookies is super simple! Just place them in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay fresh for about a week—if they last that long! If you want to enjoy them later, they freeze beautifully. Just wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and pop them in a freezer-safe bag. They can stay there for up to 2 months! When you’re ready to indulge, there’s no need to thaw them. Just let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes, then roll them in powdered sugar again for that fresh-from-the-oven look. Yum!
For more delicious cookie recipes, check out this guide on snowball cookies!
Print
Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies Recipe for Sweet Memories
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This recipe makes classic chocolate snowball cookies that are rich and buttery.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup powdered sugar for coating
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- In another bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, nuts, and salt.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter mixture.
- Shape the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until set.
- Let cool for a few minutes, then roll in powdered sugar.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- For a richer flavor, use dark cocoa powder.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes for easier handling.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: classic chocolate snowball cookies recipe
