Welcome, cookie lovers! As the holiday season approaches, there’s nothing quite as cozy as baking up a batch of Festive Chocolate Snowball Cookies! These melt-in-your-mouth treats, sometimes known as chocolate “Mexican wedding cookies” or “Russian tea cakes,” are a delightful twist on classic snowball cookies. Rolled in powdered sugar to resemble fresh snow, they’re both beautiful and delicious. Let’s dive in and make some chocolate magic happen in the kitchen!
Introduction
The holiday season calls for sweet treats that bring a bit of joy and warmth to our homes, and these Festive Chocolate Snowball Cookies do just that! Originating as a variation of traditional snowball cookies, this recipe adds a rich, chocolatey flavor to the classic recipe we all know and love. These cookies are incredibly easy to make and perfect for sharing with friends, family, and coworkers. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe for Chocolate Snowball Cookies will leave everyone asking for more.
Ingredients for Festive Chocolate Snowball Cookies
To make the best Chocolate Snowball Cookies, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for rolling)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup finely chopped nuts (optional, try pecans or walnuts)
Ingredient Substitutions:
- Gluten-Free Flour: For gluten-free baking, replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
- Nut-Free Option: Simply omit the nuts for a nut-free version.
How to Make Festive Chocolate Snowball Cookies – Step by Step
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2: Mix the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key to making the cookies tender and melt-in-your-mouth.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix until well incorporated.
3: Add Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the flour, cocoa powder, and salt to the butter mixture.
- Mix until the dough is smooth and the dry ingredients are fully combined.
4: Fold in Nuts (Optional)
- If using nuts, fold them into the dough until evenly distributed. This adds a nice crunch and complements the chocolate flavor.
5: Shape the Cookies
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Space them about 1 inch apart to ensure even baking.
6: Bake the Cookies
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are set. The tops of the cookies may crack slightly, which is normal and adds a charming, rustic look.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes.
7: Add the “Snow” Coating
- While the cookies are still warm, roll each one in powdered sugar to create the first layer of the snowy coating.
- Once completely cooled, roll the cookies in powdered sugar again for a festive, snowy finish.
Helpful Tips for Festive Chocolate Snowball Cookies
Here are some Chocolate Snowball Cookie Tips to help make this recipe even better:
- Use Softened Butter: Make sure the butter is soft but not melted. This helps achieve a creamy dough.
- Roll Twice in Powdered Sugar: For the best snowy effect, roll the cookies once when warm and again after they cool.
- Get Creative with Add-Ins: Try adding a dash of peppermint extract for a holiday twist!
Cooking Tips for the Best Chocolate Snowball Cookies
To ensure your Chocolate Snowball Cookies come out perfectly every time, here are some Best Chocolate Cookie Hacks:
- Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too soft to handle, chilling it for 10 minutes can make it easier to roll into balls.
- Use a Cookie Scoop: A small cookie scoop can help you portion out evenly sized cookies, which bake more consistently.
Serving Suggestions for Festive Chocolate Snowball Cookies
These Chocolate Snowball Cookies are best enjoyed with a cup of coffee, hot cocoa, or spiced tea. Serve them on a festive plate with a sprinkle of extra powdered sugar or alongside other holiday cookies for a beautiful dessert spread. Their bite-sized form makes them perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or even as gifts in decorative bags or tins!
Nutritional Information
These cookies offer a balance of flavor and moderate portions, making them a delicious holiday treat! This recipe is adaptable to various dietary preferences and provides a wonderful way to satisfy a chocolate craving without overindulging.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 90 kcal
- Total Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 1g
Note: Values are approximate and can vary depending on specific ingredients used.
Storage and Leftovers for Chocolate Snowball Cookies
To store your Chocolate Snowball Cookies, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, place the cookies in the refrigerator or freezer. When freezing, store them in a sealed container with parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking. Simply thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Chocolate Snowball Cookies
1. Can I make these cookies without cocoa powder? Yes! You can simply omit the cocoa powder for a traditional snowball cookie without chocolate.
2. Can I make Chocolate Snowball Cookies gluten-free? Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix.
3. Why do my cookies crack on top? A slight crack on top is normal and adds to the rustic charm of snowball cookies!
4. How do I keep the powdered sugar from absorbing? Rolling the cookies twice in powdered sugar, once while warm and again when cooled, helps create a stable, snowy coating.
Related Recipes for Chocolate Cookie Lovers
If you enjoyed these Chocolate Snowball Cookies, you may also like these related recipes on Optimal Recipes:
Conclusion
There you have it, the ultimate recipe for Festive Chocolate Snowball Cookies! These delightful treats are sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering, and they’re so easy to make. We’d love to hear how your cookies turned out—share your feedback or any variations you tried. Let’s spread the holiday cheer, one cookie at a time!
Happy baking!
Print
Chocolate Snowball Cookies – Festive Holiday Treats
Description
Welcome, cookie lovers! As the holiday season approaches, there’s nothing quite as cozy as baking up a batch of Festive Chocolate Snowball Cookies! These melt-in-your-mouth treats, sometimes known as chocolate “Mexican wedding cookies” or “Russian tea cakes,” are a delightful twist on classic snowball cookies. Rolled in powdered sugar to resemble fresh snow, they’re both beautiful and delicious. Let’s dive in and make some chocolate magic happen in the kitchen!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for rolling)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup finely chopped nuts (optional, try pecans or walnuts)
Ingredient Substitutions:
- Gluten-Free Flour: For gluten-free baking, replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
- Nut-Free Option: Simply omit the nuts for a nut-free version.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key to making the cookies tender and melt-in-your-mouth.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix until well incorporated.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the flour, cocoa powder, and salt to the butter mixture.
- Mix until the dough is smooth and the dry ingredients are fully combined.
Step 4: Fold in Nuts (Optional)
- If using nuts, fold them into the dough until evenly distributed. This adds a nice crunch and complements the chocolate flavor.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Space them about 1 inch apart to ensure even baking.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are set. The tops of the cookies may crack slightly, which is normal and adds a charming, rustic look.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes.
Step 7: Add the “Snow” Coating
- While the cookies are still warm, roll each one in powdered sugar to create the first layer of the snowy coating.
- Once completely cooled, roll the cookies in powdered sugar again for a festive, snowy finish.
Equipment
Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
Buy Now →Notes
- Use Softened Butter: Make sure the butter is soft but not melted. This helps achieve a creamy dough.
- Roll Twice in Powdered Sugar: For the best snowy effect, roll the cookies once when warm and again after they cool.
- Get Creative with Add-Ins: Try adding a dash of peppermint extract for a holiday twist!
