Description
Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies are delicate, buttery treats dusted with powdered sugar, featuring a rich cocoa flavor and optional crunchy nuts. Perfect for holiday gatherings or any time you crave a melt-in-your-mouth cookie with a chocolate twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar, plus extra for rolling
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup finely chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to warm up while preparing the dough.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and ½ cup powdered sugar together until light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for your cookies.
- Add vanilla extract: Mix in the vanilla extract thoroughly to enhance the flavor complexity of the dough.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt to ensure an even distribution and no lumps.
- Mix dry into wet: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the creamed butter mixture, stirring delicately to form a soft dough without overworking it.
- Incorporate nuts: Fold in the finely chopped nuts if using, dispersing them evenly throughout the dough for added texture and flavor.
- Shape cookies: Take small portions of dough and roll them into 1-inch balls, placing them spaced about 2 inches apart on an ungreased baking sheet.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are firm but the centers are not browned.
- Cool slightly and roll: While still warm, gently roll each cookie in powdered sugar to coat thoroughly, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Final sugar coat: Once cooled, roll the cookies in powdered sugar again for a signature snowy appearance and extra sweetness.
Notes
- Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help the cookies hold their shape better.
- If you prefer, substitute nuts with chocolate chips or omit them for a nut-free version.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Use a fine mesh sieve to dust powdered sugar evenly over the cookies.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
