Description
Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies are tender, cocoa-infused delights coated in powdered sugar, perfect for any festive occasion or simple indulgence. These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treats combine rich chocolate flavor with optional crunchy nuts and mini chocolate chips for added texture and taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for rolling)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Optional Ingredients
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, then add vanilla extract and mix until combined to build a smooth base for the dough.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually incorporate this dry mixture into the butter mixture until just combined to form the cookie dough without overworking it.
- Add Optional Mix-ins: Fold in the finely chopped nuts and mini chocolate chips if using, distributing them evenly throughout the dough for added texture and flavor.
- Form Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, rolling each into a ball, then place them onto the prepared baking sheets spaced slightly apart to allow for slight spreading during baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes or until edges are set but the centers remain soft, ensuring a tender bite.
- Coat with Powdered Sugar: Once slightly cooled, gently roll the cookies in additional powdered sugar to give them their signature snowball appearance and an extra touch of sweetness.
Notes
- For nuts, pecans or walnuts work best for crunch and flavor, but feel free to omit for a nut-free option.
- Mini chocolate chips add extra bursts of chocolate but can be left out if preferred.
- Ensure the butter is softened, not melted, for the best creaming results.
- Allow cookies to cool slightly before rolling in powdered sugar to avoid melting the sugar coating.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
