Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies

Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies are a delightful treat that brings a burst of rich chocolate flavor with every bite. These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy nights at home, or any occasion where you want to impress your friends and family. Their unique snowball shape, coated in powdered sugar, makes them visually appealing and irresistible. Plus, they offer the option to include nuts or mini chocolate chips for added texture and taste.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Dough
• How to Make Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
• Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
• Step 4: Fold in the Nuts and Chocolate Chips
• Step 5: Shape the Cookies
• Step 6: Bake
• Step 7: Roll in Sugar
• How to Serve Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies
• With a Hot Beverage
• As Dessert at Parties
• With Ice Cream
• For Breakfast Treats
• How to Perfect Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies
• Best Side Dishes for Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies
• Reheating Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How do I make Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies gluten-free?
• Can I use different nuts in Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies?
• What should I do if my cookies spread too much?
• How do I store leftover Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make – The straightforward steps make these cookies accessible even for beginner bakers.
• Deliciously Rich Flavor – The combination of cocoa powder and vanilla creates a deep, satisfying taste.
• Versatile Options – Customize your cookies by adding nuts or chocolate chips to suit your preferences.
• Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a holiday party or a casual get-together, these cookies fit right in.
• Make Ahead Friendly – Prepare the dough in advance and bake them fresh when needed.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies, gather all the necessary tools. Having everything ready will streamline your baking process and ensure success.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: These tools help achieve the light and fluffy texture needed for the cookie dough.
• Mixing bowls: Use separate bowls to keep dry and wet ingredients organized during preparation.
• Baking sheets: They provide a flat surface for even baking of your cookies.

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened – Try Kerrygold Butter for premium flavor and texture.
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for rolling) – Domino Confectioners’ Sugar is my go-to for smooth coatings.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour – King Arthur Flour delivers consistent, high-quality results.
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder – Ghirardelli Premium Cocoa Powder is perfect for rich chocolate notes.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)

How to Make Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use a stand mixer or hand mixer to beat the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined.

Step 4: Fold in the Nuts and Chocolate Chips

Stir in the finely chopped nuts and mini chocolate chips (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

Scoop out about a tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about an inch apart.

Step 6: Bake

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are set and the bottoms are lightly browned. Be careful not to overbake; these cookies should remain soft and tender inside.

Step 7: Roll in Sugar

Allow the cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. While still warm, roll each cookie in a generous amount of powdered sugar, ensuring they’re fully coated. Place the cookies on a wire rack to cool completely, then give them one more roll in powdered sugar for that classic snowball look.

How to Serve Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies

These delightful Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies are perfect for sharing during the holidays or at any gathering. Their rich chocolate flavor and snowy powdered sugar coating make them a festive treat that everyone will enjoy.

With a Hot Beverage

• Coffee: Pair these cookies with a warm cup of coffee for a cozy afternoon snack.
• Hot Cocoa: Enjoy the chocolatey goodness with a rich hot cocoa, enhancing the chocolate flavor.
• Tea: A light herbal tea can balance out the sweetness of the cookies.

As Dessert at Parties

• Cookie Platter: Arrange them on a decorative platter with other holiday cookies for a stunning dessert table.
• Gift Bags: Package these cookies in cute gift bags for friends and family during the holiday season.
• Buffet Style: Serve alongside other desserts at parties, allowing guests to pick their favorites.

With Ice Cream

• A La Mode: Serve alongside vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
• Sundae Topping: Crumble them over ice cream sundaes for added texture and flavor.

For Breakfast Treats

• With Milk: Enjoy these cookies as a sweet breakfast treat dipped in cold milk.
• Brunch Buffet: Add them to your brunch spread for guests who appreciate a sweet start to the day.

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How to Perfect Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies

To ensure your Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use room temperature butter: Softened butter helps create the ideal dough consistency and ensures even mixing.
• Measure flour correctly: Spoon and level the flour instead of scooping directly from the bag to avoid dense cookies.
• Chill the dough: If you find the dough too soft, chill it for about 30 minutes to make rolling easier.
• Rotate baking sheets: Halfway through baking, rotate your baking sheets to ensure even baking and browning.
• Adjust baking time: Keep an eye on your cookies; they should look set but still soft in the center when done.
• Double roll in powdered sugar: For extra sweetness and that classic snowball effect, roll them in powdered sugar both while warm and after cooling.

Best Side Dishes for Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies

Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies pair well with various side dishes that complement their sweet richness. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits provides a light contrast to the cookies’ richness.
2. Cheese Platter: Include assorted cheeses like brie or gouda which offer savory flavors that balance the sweetness of the cookies.
3. Chocolate Fondue: Create a fun dipping experience by serving mini marshmallows, pretzels, and fruit for dipping alongside the cookies.
4. Pecan Pie Bars: These nutty treats echo the flavors of pecans often used in snowball cookies, making them an excellent pairing.
5. Mini Cupcakes: Offer small cupcakes with different flavors like vanilla or red velvet to provide variety without overwhelming sweetness.
6. Coffee Cake: A slice of moist coffee cake can serve as an excellent companion, adding warmth and spice alongside your cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies, it’s easy to overlook some key details. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Overmixing the Dough: Mixing too much can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined for a tender texture.
• Using Cold Butter: Cold butter won’t cream well with sugar, affecting the lightness of your cookies. Always use softened butter for the best results.
• Skipping the Parchment Paper: Not lining your baking sheets can cause cookies to stick. Always use parchment or silicone mats for easy removal.
• Not Checking Oven Temperature: An oven that’s too hot or too cold can alter baking times. Use an oven thermometer for accuracy.
• Rolling Cookies Too Large: Making dough balls too big can result in uneven baking. Aim for about a tablespoon per cookie for uniformity.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies

• Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to an airtight container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds; be cautious not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Use a pan on low heat, covering with a lid for a minute or so until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies that might help you perfect your baking.

How do I make Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures equally.

Can I use different nuts in Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies?

Yes! You can substitute pecans or walnuts with almonds or hazelnuts based on your preference.

What should I do if my cookies spread too much?

Ensure your butter is softened but not melted, and chill the dough before baking.

How do I store leftover Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Final Thoughts

Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies are a delightful treat loved by many. Their rich chocolate flavor combined with the snowy powdered sugar coating makes them perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize these cookies by adding your favorite nuts or even swapping out chocolate chips. Enjoy making these classic treats!