why make this recipe
Chocolate Snowball Cookies are perfect for the holidays or any special occasion. Their rich chocolate flavor combined with the soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture makes them irresistible. These cookies are also fun to make with family and friends, as they require simple ingredients and steps. You can even personalize them with nuts or different extracts for variety. Dusting them with powdered sugar gives them a beautiful finish, making them a delightful treat for your holiday dessert table.
how to make Chocolate Snowball Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract (for peppermint variation)
- 1/2 cup mocha coffee powder (for mocha variation)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Mix in the vanilla extract and salt.
- Gradually add in the cocoa powder and flour, mixing until just combined.
- If desired, fold in chopped nuts or variation extracts (peppermint or mocha).
- Roll the dough into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until set but still soft.
- Allow to cool for a few minutes before rolling in powdered sugar.
- Let cool completely and dust with more powdered sugar before serving.
- Enjoy your festive cookies!
how to serve Chocolate Snowball Cookies
Serve Chocolate Snowball Cookies on a platter dusted with powdered sugar for an elegant look. They pair well with a hot cup of cocoa, coffee, or tea. You can also stack them in a decorative jar or box for a lovely gift.
how to store Chocolate Snowball Cookies
Store Chocolate Snowball Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. You can also keep them in the refrigerator for shorter freshness. If you want to save them for longer, place them in the freezer, and they will last for up to three months. Be sure to separate layers of cookies with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
tips to make Chocolate Snowball Cookies
- Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
- Do not overmix the dough; mix until just combined for softer cookies.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg.
- If you prefer a crunchier texture, increase the baking time by a minute or two.
variation (if any)
You can easily change up the flavors by incorporating different extracts. For a refreshing twist, add peppermint extract. If you enjoy coffee, mixing in mocha coffee powder will give your cookies a delightful mocha flavor. Chopped nuts add a nice crunch and can also be included if desired.
FAQs
1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, but you might want to reduce the added salt slightly to balance the flavor.
2. How can I tell if the cookies are done?
The cookies should be set but still soft in the center. They will firm up as they cool.
3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 3 days or freeze it before baking. Just thaw it in the fridge before rolling into balls and baking.
Chocolate Snowball Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and festive chocolate cookies that are soft, melt-in-your-mouth treats perfect for any special occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract (for peppermint variation)
- 1/2 cup mocha coffee powder (for mocha variation)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Mix in the vanilla extract and salt.
- Gradually add in the cocoa powder and flour, mixing until just combined.
- If desired, fold in chopped nuts or variation extracts (peppermint or mocha).
- Roll the dough into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until set but still soft.
- Allow to cool for a few minutes before rolling in powdered sugar.
- Let cool completely and dust with more powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg. You can refrigerate the dough for up to 3 days or freeze it before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 cookies
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: chocolate cookies, holiday cookies, festive desserts