Sweet Holiday Chocolates

Category: Treats That Make Everything Better

Chocolate-filled snowball cookies made with butter and nuts, dusted twice in powdered sugar for a festive finish. Great for gifts or baking fun.
Clare Recipes
Created By Lily Chen
Updated on Mon, 14 Apr 2025 16:56:58 GMT
A plate of powdered sugar-coated cookies, with one cracked open to reveal a soft center. Save
A plate of powdered sugar-coated cookies, with one cracked open to reveal a soft center. | lilicooks.com

My kitchen always fills with this amazing buttery cocoa smell whenever I whip up these Chocolate Snowball Cookies. I absolutely adore their melt-away texture and that sweet powdery coating. They're basically tiny bites of happiness that get smiles from everyone who tries them.

Why They're So Wonderful

The magic behind these treats comes from how everything works together. The cocoa gives that deep chocolate taste I always want, while butter creates an amazing softness. When you toss in some crunchy nuts if you want and finish with that white dusting of sugar, you'll end up with something that feels completely special.

Your Ingredients

  • Butter: Room temperature, one full cup for that dreamy softness.
  • Powdered Sugar: Just half a cup makes them perfectly sweet.
  • Vanilla Extract: A teaspoon to pull all flavors together.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Two cups forms your perfect base.
  • Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Half a cup for that chocolate punch.
  • Salt: A quarter teaspoon to brighten everything up.
  • Nuts (optional): Half a cup, finely chopped for nice crunch.
  • Mini Chocolate Chips: Quarter cup for hidden chocolate bursts.

Creating Your Snowballs

Mix butter with sugar first:
Beat until they're light and creamy, then add your vanilla splash.
Combine your dry stuff:
Stir flour, salt and cocoa together, then slowly mix into your butter combo. Add chips or nuts now if you're using them.
Form and bake them:
Make small balls, put them in your hot oven and watch until they're just set.
Now for the fun:
Cool slightly then cover in powdered sugar. Once totally cool, roll them again for that extra snowy look.

Smart Cookie Tricks

Getting your butter just right makes all the difference. Don't mix your dough too much or they won't be soft. Watch them carefully while baking and don't forget to roll them in sugar while they're warm - it sticks way better that way.

Storage Smarts

They'll stay yummy for a week if you keep them in something airtight. You can even make them early and freeze them, just wait to do the final sugar coating until after they thaw. A quick roll in fresh sugar will make them look brand new.

Great Drink Partners

These cookies taste amazing with a cup of coffee or some thick hot chocolate. Something about their buttery chocolate and sugar coating just makes warm drinks taste better. They go really well with spicy holiday drinks too.

Fun With Kids

Kids love making these cookies with you. My children can't get enough of rolling the dough into balls and going wild with the powdered sugar part. It gets super messy but honestly, those laughs and memories are totally worth cleaning up after.

A tray of chocolate crinkle cookies dusted with powdered sugar, with one cookie partially bitten. Save
A tray of chocolate crinkle cookies dusted with powdered sugar, with one cookie partially bitten. | lilicooks.com

Special Little Treasures

These Chocolate Snowballs have earned a top spot in my favorite things to bake. I make them for quiet afternoons at home or when friends come over, and they always bring a little happiness. There's something about rich chocolate under a sweet powdery coating that just makes everything feel a bit more cozy.

Final Thoughts

Snowball cookies blend chocolatey goodness with a powdered sugar coating. These soft delights take little effort to bake and are ideal for sharing with loved ones on festive occasions.

Recipe FAQs

→ Why do they need two coats of powdered sugar?
The warm cookies grab onto the first layer, and the second coat after they cool gives them that frosty look.
→ Can I skip the nuts and chocolate chips?
Sure, those extras aren’t required. Nuts add texture, but the cookies turn out great either way!
→ When should I take the cookies out of the oven?
Look for edges that are firm and faintly browned bottoms. The centers should stay soft for the best texture—don’t overdo it!
→ Is it okay to make these ahead of time?
Definitely! Keep them sealed in a container, and they’ll stay fresh for a week thanks to the sugar coating.
→ Why is unsalted butter recommended?
It helps you control the exact saltiness of the dough. Using salted butter? Cut back on added salt.

Sweet Chocolate Treats

Soft chocolatey cookies coated in powdered sugar for a snowy look. They’re great to make during the holidays or enjoy year-round.

Preparation Time
30 min
Cooking Time
15 min
Overall Time
45 min
Created By: Lily Chen

Category: Sweet Stuff

Skill Level: Moderate

Cuisine Type: American

Output: 24 Serves (24 cookies)

Dietary Options: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 2 sticks (1 cup) of unsalted butter, at room temperature.
02 Half a cup of powdered sugar, plus some extra for coating.
03 1 tsp of vanilla extract.
04 1 and 3/4 cups of regular flour.
05 1/4 cup of plain cocoa powder.
06 ½ teaspoon of salt.
07 1 cup of finely chopped walnuts or pecans (optional).
08 Half a cup of mini chocolate chips (optional).

Steps

Step 01

Set your oven to 350°F and use parchment paper to line your baking pans.

Step 02

Whip together the butter and powdered sugar until airy, then stir in the vanilla.

Step 03

Stir together your flour, cocoa, and salt. Gradually add this to the butter mix.

Step 04

Gently fold in the nuts and chocolate chips if you're adding them.

Step 05

Shape the dough into balls (about a tablespoon each) and space them an inch apart on the tray.

Step 06

Pop them in the oven for 12-15 minutes, just until the edges firm up and bottoms look golden.

Step 07

Let the cookies cool down for 5 minutes, then roll them in powdered sugar while they’re still warm.

Step 08

Let the cookies cool completely and coat them in powdered sugar again for a perfect finish.

Tips

  1. Using high-quality butter really makes a difference.
  2. To keep the centers soft, avoid overbaking.
  3. Double sugar rolling gives a perfect outer texture.

Required Tools

  • Use a hand or stand mixer.
  • You'll need baking trays.
  • Grab some parchment paper.
  • A cooling rack is handy.

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Contains butter (dairy).
  • Includes wheat flour.
  • Optional pecans or walnuts might cause nut allergies.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 120
  • Fats: 8 g
  • Carbohydrates: 14 g
  • Proteins: 2 g