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When you’re in the mood for a decadent, melt-in-your-mouth treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, Chocolate Snowball Cookies are the answer. These irresistible little bites combine the rich flavor of cocoa with buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookie dough, resulting in a treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Coated in powdered sugar, they look like little snowballs, which makes them ideal for holiday baking, but really, they’re a delightful treat year-round.

These cookies are quick and easy to make, with no chilling required, which means you can satisfy your chocolate cravings in no time. The addition of mini chocolate chips gives them an extra bit of gooey goodness, while the powdered sugar coating adds a touch of sweetness and a snow-white finish. Whether you’re preparing them for a festive gathering or just indulging in a sweet snack, Chocolate Snowball Cookies are guaranteed to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy to Make

With minimal ingredients and no chilling required, these cookies come together in a flash, making them perfect for last-minute baking.

2. Buttery and Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture

The combination of butter, powdered sugar, and cocoa powder creates a soft, delicate texture that practically melts in your mouth with every bite.

3. Chocolate Lovers’ Dream

If you’re a fan of chocolate, these cookies are for you! The cocoa powder in the dough and mini chocolate chips inside give a rich, satisfying chocolate flavor.

4. Perfect for Holiday Baking

The snowball-like appearance of these cookies makes them a fun addition to any holiday cookie platter or as a gift. They’re festive and delicious!

5. Simple Ingredients

With only a few pantry staples needed to make these cookies, you won’t have to run out for specialty ingredients, making them easy to whip up whenever a sweet craving hits.

Ingredients

Salted butter
Powdered sugar
Vanilla extract
Cocoa powder
All-purpose flour
Sea salt
Mini chocolate chips
Powdered sugar (for coating)

Variations

Add Nuts: For a bit of crunch, try adding chopped nuts like pecans, walnuts, or hazelnuts to the dough.
Mint Chocolate Snowballs: Add a ½ teaspoon of mint extract for a fresh minty twist that pairs beautifully with the chocolate flavor.
White Chocolate Snowballs: Swap out the mini chocolate chips for white chocolate chips for a different take on the classic.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the cookies from sticking.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the salted butter and powdered sugar using an electric mixer or a whisk. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Add Vanilla and Cocoa

Add the vanilla extract and cocoa powder to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix until combined and the dough takes on a rich, chocolatey color.

Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients

Sift in the all-purpose flour and sea salt, then mix until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix the dough. Stir in the mini chocolate chips until evenly distributed.

Step 5: Shape the Dough

Scoop about a tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball between your palms. Place the cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 6: Bake

Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until they are set and slightly cracked on top. They should feel firm to the touch but still soft in the center. Don’t overbake them for a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 7: Coat with Powdered Sugar

Once the cookies have cooled for about 5 minutes, roll them in powdered sugar to coat them completely. Be generous with the sugar coating for that classic snowball effect!

Step 8: Serve

Allow the cookies to cool completely before serving. Enjoy them with a hot drink or as a sweet treat anytime!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your butter is at room temperature to make the creaming process easier and to ensure a smooth, uniform dough.
Don’t Overbake: These cookies are meant to be soft and delicate. Take them out of the oven as soon as they start to firm up at the edges to preserve their melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Roll in Powdered Sugar Twice: For an extra thick, snowy coating, roll the cookies in powdered sugar while they’re still warm, then again once they’ve cooled.
Chill the Dough: If you prefer, you can chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help the cookies hold their shape. It’s optional, but it can make handling the dough easier.

How to Serve

Chocolate Snowball Cookies are perfect for serving during the holidays, at parties, or as a sweet gift for friends and family. They pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. If you’re feeling extra festive, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or top them with a drizzle of melted chocolate for an even more indulgent treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They’ll remain soft and delicious, and the powdered sugar coating will stay intact.

Freezing

You can freeze the dough before baking. Once you’ve shaped the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet and freeze them for 1-2 hours. Then, transfer the frozen cookie dough balls into a freezer-safe bag or container and store them for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, just place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for an extra 2-3 minutes.

Reheating

Reheat the cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften them up again, or enjoy them at room temperature.

FAQs

1. Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter?

Yes, but if you do, make sure to add a pinch of salt to the dough to balance the sweetness.

2. How do I know when the cookies are done?

The cookies should be slightly cracked on top and set around the edges. They will continue to firm up as they cool.

3. Can I add more chocolate chips?

Absolutely! You can increase the amount of chocolate chips or use regular-sized chips for a more chocolate-packed cookie.

4. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it’s a one-to-one swap for best results.

5. Can I add a different flavor extract?

Yes! You can use almond extract, hazelnut extract, or any flavor that complements chocolate. Just be sure to adjust the amount according to your taste.

6. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, these cookies store well for up to a week and freeze beautifully, so they’re perfect for preparing ahead of time.

7. Can I freeze the baked cookies?

Yes, you can freeze the cookies after they’ve been baked and coated in powdered sugar. Just layer them with parchment paper in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months.

8. Can I use regular-sized chocolate chips?

Yes, you can use regular-sized chips, but mini chocolate chips work better for even distribution throughout the cookie.

9. Can I make these cookies without cocoa powder?

You can omit the cocoa powder for a vanilla version of these cookies, or substitute it with a flavored powder like matcha or chai for a fun twist.

10. Do I need to chill the dough?

Chilling the dough is optional. If you prefer, you can chill the dough for about 30 minutes to help the cookies hold their shape, but it’s not necessary.

Conclusion

Chocolate Snowball Cookies are an indulgent, easy-to-make treat that will quickly become a favorite. Their rich cocoa flavor, melt-in-your-mouth texture, and sweet powdered sugar coating make them a perfect addition to any cookie tray, holiday gathering, or even as a simple treat to enjoy with a warm drink. They’re a simple, no-fuss recipe that yields big flavor, making them a must-try for any chocolate lover!