Heavenly Chocolate Snowball Cookies Recipe for Sweet Joy

Dusted with powdery sugar, these delightful chocolate snowball cookies dance between rich cocoa flavor and delicate sweetness.

The classic holiday treat melts in your mouth with each tender bite.

Nutty pecans add a satisfying crunch that perfectly complements the chocolate’s deep notes.

These irresistible morsels bring warmth and joy to any festive gathering.

Rolled generously in confectioners’ sugar, each cookie looks like a miniature winter wonderland.

Simple ingredients transform into an elegant dessert that will charm everyone at the table.

You’ll savor every delectable moment of these magical, melt-in-your-mouth delights.

Sweet Holiday Chocolates: What Makes Them Irresistible

• Quick and Easy Delight: Whip up these sweet holiday chocolates with minimal prep and simple ingredients, perfect for busy bakers looking for a stress-free treat.
• Crowd-Pleasing Texture: Enjoy the melt-in-your-mouth softness and rich chocolate flavor that makes these cookies irresistible for both kids and adults at gatherings.
• Festive Versatility: Customize these cookies with nuts or chocolate chips, making them ideal for holiday parties, gift-giving, or cozy family dessert nights.
• Double Sugar Magic: Experience the unique two-stage powdered sugar coating that creates a beautiful, delicate finish and adds an extra layer of sweetness to each bite.

Ingredients for Sweet Holiday Chocolates

• Butter: A rich and creamy ingredient that provides a smooth texture and delightful flavor to the cookies.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm and aromatic essence.

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and helps bind the cookie dough together.
• Cocoa Powder: Gives the cookies a deep, rich chocolate flavor and dark color.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall taste of the cookies.

• Chopped Nuts, Chocolate Chips: Add extra texture and flavor to the cookies.
• Powdered Sugar (for Rolling): Creates a sweet, snowy coating that gives the cookies their signature holiday look.

Holiday Chocolates – How to Make Them at Home

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Oven

Heat the oven to 350°F.

Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cookie removal.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and powdered sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale.

Add vanilla extract and mix thoroughly to enhance the flavor.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Cocoa powder
• Salt

Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.

Step 4: Customize with Mix-ins

• Chopped nuts
• Chocolate chips
• Dried fruit

Distribute mix-ins evenly throughout the dough.

Step 5: Shape Cookie Balls

Using a tablespoon, scoop and roll the dough into uniform balls.

Place them on prepared baking sheets, spacing each cookie about 1 inch apart to allow room for spreading.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place baking sheets in the preheated oven.

Bake for 12-15 minutes until cookie edges are set and bottoms are lightly browned.

Avoid overbaking to maintain a soft texture.

Step 7: First Powdered Sugar Coating

Remove cookies from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes.

While still warm, gently roll each cookie in powdered sugar, creating a delicate first layer of sweetness.

Step 8: Final Sugar Dusting

Once cookies have completely cooled, roll them in powdered sugar a second time.

This creates a beautiful, snow-like finish and adds an extra layer of sweetness.

Chocolate-Making Tips for Holiday Treats

• Use parchment paper or silicone baking mats to ensure cookies don't stick and remove easily from the baking sheet.
• Adjust powdered sugar amount in the first and second rolling for a lighter or more intense sweet coating.
• Swap chopped nuts with dried cranberries, coconut flakes, or seeds for different flavor profiles and dietary needs.
• Experiment with different chocolate chip types like dark, milk, or white chocolate to create unique taste combinations.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, separating layers with parchment paper to maintain texture.

Holiday Chocolates: Exciting Recipe Variations

• Gluten-Free Holiday Chocolates: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Chocolate Delights: Swap butter with coconut oil and use dairy-free chocolate chips to create a plant-based treat.
• Nutty Alternative: Substitute chopped nuts with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower for a nut-free option with added crunch.
• Low-Sugar Version: Use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener to reduce overall sugar content while maintaining sweetness.

Fun Ways to Serve Holiday Chocolates

• Festive Gift Packaging: Wrap these delectable chocolates in clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons, perfect for holiday gifting to friends and family.
• Chocolate Lover's Platter: Arrange cookies on a rustic wooden board with additional chocolate pieces, nuts, and a small dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant dessert presentation.
• Warm Beverage Pairing: Serve alongside hot cocoa, espresso, or mulled wine to enhance the rich chocolate flavor and create a cozy winter treat.
• Dessert Table Star: Create a stunning holiday dessert display by mixing these cookies with other seasonal sweets, using varying heights and decorative elements to make them visually appealing.

How to Store Your Sweet Holiday Chocolates

• Keep cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container for maximum 3 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Store in sealed container away from direct sunlight and heat sources to maintain texture and flavor quality.
• Include small piece of bread in storage container to help maintain cookie softness and prevent them from becoming dry or crumbly.

FAQs

• What type of chocolate works best in this recipe?

Dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips provide the richest flavor and melt beautifully into the cookie dough, creating delicious chocolate pockets.

• Can I make these cookies without nuts?

Absolutely! You can skip the nuts entirely or substitute with other mix-ins like dried cranberries or additional chocolate chips for texture.

• How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking?

Chill the dough for 30 minutes before shaping and baking. This helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevents excessive spreading.

• Why do I need to roll the cookies in powdered sugar twice?

The first roll while cookies are warm creates a light coating, while the second roll when completely cool gives the cookies their signature snowy, festive appearance and extra sweetness.

Chocolate Snowball Cookies Recipe

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4.7 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Sweet Mexican wedding cookies become winter magic with chocolate snowball cookies, dusted in powdered sugar like freshly fallen snow. Buttery, nutty, and rich, these delicate treats invite you to savor a moment of pure holiday comfort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Primary Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for rolling

Optional Mix-ins:

• 1 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare baking sheets with parchment paper for even heat distribution.
2. Cream butter with powdered sugar until light and airy, then incorporate vanilla extract for enhanced flavor.
3. Sift together flour, cocoa powder, and salt to ensure smooth, lump-free consistency before gently blending into the butter mixture.
4. Carefully fold chopped nuts and chocolate chips into the dough, distributing ingredients evenly throughout.
5. Portion dough into uniform tablespoon-sized spheres, positioning them approximately one inch apart on prepared baking sheets.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes, watching for set edges and subtle golden-brown bottoms as indicators of perfect doneness.
7. Allow cookies to rest for 5 minutes post-baking, then delicately roll warm cookies in powdered sugar for initial coating.
8. Once cookies have completely cooled, perform a second powdered sugar coating to achieve a classic, festive finish.

Notes

• Maintain consistent dough size by using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop for uniform cookies that bake evenly.
• Avoid overmixing the dough to prevent tough cookies; mix just until ingredients are combined for a tender texture.
• Use high-quality cocoa powder and dark chocolate chips for a richer, more intense chocolate flavor that elevates the holiday treat.
• For gluten-free options, swap regular flour with almond or coconut flour, ensuring the same delightful texture and taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 151
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 58 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 31 mg