Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies

Introduction

When the holiday season approaches, there’s nothing quite like the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked cookies filling the house. Among my favorite holiday treats is the classic Chocolate Snowball Cookie. These little delights are not only easy to make, but they also melt in your mouth with every bite, offering a rich chocolatey taste that’s perfectly balanced with a light dusting of powdered sugar. I first made these cookies for a family gathering, and I can honestly say that they were a huge hit! My kids especially loved how they looked like little snowballs, and everyone couldn’t resist reaching for another. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday celebration or just want a sweet treat to enjoy with a cup of tea, these Chocolate Snowball Cookies will brighten any occasion. Let’s dive into how to make these irresistible cookies!

Ingredients

• 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

1. Preheat the oven
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Cream the butter and sugar
   In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and ½ cup powdered sugar using an electric mixer or a whisk until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the vanilla extract until combined.
3. Combine the dry ingredients
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of your cookies. If you’re adding nuts, fold them into the dough at this stage.
4. Shape the dough
   Roll the dough into 1-inch balls using your hands or a small cookie scoop. Place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet to ensure they have enough room to spread while baking.
5. Bake
   Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until they are set but not browned. Keep an eye on them toward the end of the baking time to avoid overcooking. Once done, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Roll in powdered sugar
   Once the cookies are completely cooled, roll them in additional powdered sugar until they are generously coated. The sugar will give them their signature snowy look.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 24 cookies
• Calories per serving: 120 kcal
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 20mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 13g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 20mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve

• As a holiday treat: These cookies are perfect for holiday cookie platters or to share at family gatherings.
• With a hot beverage: Pair them with a hot cup of cocoa, coffee, or tea for a cozy snack.
• For gifting: Package these cookies in a festive tin or box to give as a homemade gift during the holidays.
• As a sweet addition to any dessert table: These cookies can be served alongside other holiday desserts like pies or cakes.

Additional Tips

1. Use room temperature butter: This ensures the butter incorporates smoothly into the dough and helps create the light texture of the cookies.
2. Don’t overbake: To maintain a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture, make sure to remove the cookies from the oven as soon as they are set but not browned.
3. Chill the dough: If the dough is too soft and difficult to roll into balls, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes to firm it up before shaping.
4. Add extra flavor: For a different twist, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of peppermint extract to the dough for a festive spin.
5. Use a cookie scoop: A small cookie scoop helps ensure each cookie is the same size, making them uniform in shape and size, which helps them bake evenly.

Recipe Variations

• Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies: Add ½ cup of mini chocolate chips to the dough for extra chocolatey goodness.
• Peppermint Snowballs: Add a few crushed candy canes to the dough or sprinkle crushed candy canes on top of the powdered sugar for a holiday-inspired variation.
• Nut-Free Version: Simply omit the chopped nuts for a nut-free treat that’s just as delicious.
• Coconut Snowball Cookies: Replace the nuts with shredded coconut for a tropical twist on these cookies.
• Orange Chocolate Snowballs: Add a teaspoon of orange zest to the dough for a refreshing citrus flavor that complements the rich chocolate.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve these cookies at your next holiday party alongside other classic treats like gingerbread, sugar cookies, and snickerdoodles.
• Pair these snowball cookies with a rich, creamy dessert drink such as eggnog or a spiced latte for an extra indulgent treat.
• For a fun holiday tradition, enjoy them with your loved ones while watching holiday movies or decorating the Christmas tree.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: These cookies freeze beautifully. To freeze, arrange them on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag or airtight container and store for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours.
• Storage: Store your baked snowball cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you’re making them ahead of time for a holiday event, this is the best way to keep them fresh.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
   Yes, but you’ll want to reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid the cookies becoming too salty.
2. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
   While margarine can be used, it will slightly alter the texture and flavor. Butter is recommended for the best results.
3. Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
   Chilling is optional, but it can help firm up the dough if it’s too soft, making it easier to roll the cookies.
4. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
   Yes, you can make the dough up to 24 hours in advance. Just wrap it tightly and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
5. Can I make these cookies without nuts?
   Absolutely! You can skip the nuts entirely, or replace them with something else like dried fruit or coconut if you prefer.
6. What if I don’t have parchment paper?
   You can use a silicone baking mat or simply grease the baking sheet if you don’t have parchment paper.
7. How can I make the cookies even more festive?
   Try rolling the cookies in colored sugar or adding holiday sprinkles to the powdered sugar for a fun, colorful twist.
8. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
   If your dough spreads too much, try chilling it for 20 minutes before rolling and baking.
9. Can I use a different type of flour?
   You can use whole wheat flour for a heartier cookie, but be aware that it may slightly change the texture and flavor.
10. Can I add a glaze on top of the cookies?
    Yes! A simple powdered sugar glaze or chocolate drizzle would be a perfect addition to these cookies.

Conclusion
Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies are the perfect treat to brighten any holiday celebration. With their rich, chocolaty flavor and delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture, they’re sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re baking them to share at a party or just to indulge in a sweet moment at home, these cookies are a must-try for any chocolate lover. Their simplicity, combined with a bit of holiday magic in each bite, will make them a cherished recipe for years to come.