Double Chocolate Snowball Cookies are the perfect holiday treat for chocolate lovers. These rich, buttery cookies are packed with chocolate flavor and rolled in powdered sugar, giving them a delightful “snowball” appearance that’s perfect for festive occasions. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, a gift exchange, or just a cozy night in, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Plus, they’re easy to make and require just a few simple ingredients.
Ingredients for Double Chocolate Snowball Cookies
Scale for 1X, 2X, 3X Batches
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: The key to a rich, tender cookie.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the cookies.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds deep chocolate flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the chocolate taste.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough without making it overly sugary.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Complements the chocolate and adds depth of flavor.
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips, finely chopped: Adds bursts of melty chocolate in every bite.
- 1 cup powdered sugar, for rolling: Gives the cookies their classic snowball appearance.
Instructions: How to Make Double Chocolate Snowball Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 3–4 minutes. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 4: Stir in the Chocolate Chips
- Gently fold in the finely chopped semisweet chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
- Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place the balls about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.
Step 6: Bake
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes. The cookies will be slightly firm to the touch but not hard. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
Step 7: Roll in Powdered Sugar
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. While they are still warm, roll each cookie in powdered sugar to coat it completely. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, roll them in powdered sugar again for an extra snowy appearance.
Cook’s Notes & Tips
- Butter Softness: Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature but not melted. This helps achieve the perfect cookie texture.
- Chopped Chocolate: For a more intense chocolate experience, chop the chocolate chips finely, so you get small bursts of chocolate in every bite.
- Rolling in Powdered Sugar: Rolling the cookies twice in powdered sugar (once while warm and once when cooled) ensures a thick, even coating, giving them their signature snowball look.
- Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Variations of Double Chocolate Snowball Cookies
These cookies are delicious as they are, but here are a few variations you can try:
- Peppermint Chocolate Snowball Cookies: Add 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the dough for a festive minty twist.
- Almond Chocolate Snowball Cookies: Replace vanilla extract with almond extract for a nutty flavor. You can also add finely chopped almonds or hazelnuts to the dough.
- Espresso Chocolate Snowball Cookies: Add 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the dry ingredients for a coffee-flavored boost.
- White Chocolate Snowball Cookies: Substitute the semisweet chocolate chips with white chocolate chips for a sweeter, creamier cookie.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, if you use salted butter, you can reduce the added salt in the recipe by half or omit it altogether.
2. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. You can also bake the cookies and store them in an airtight container for up to a week or freeze them for longer storage.
3. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
To prevent spreading, ensure the dough is chilled before baking. If your kitchen is warm, you might want to refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before rolling it into balls.
4. Can I add nuts to the dough?
Yes, chopped nuts such as pecans, walnuts, or hazelnuts can be a delicious addition. Just fold in 1/2 to 1 cup of nuts along with the chocolate chips.
5. Are these cookies gluten-free?
To make them gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum or a similar binding agent.
6. What can I use instead of powdered sugar for rolling?
If you prefer less sweetness, you can roll the cookies in unsweetened cocoa powder for a double chocolate punch or a mixture of powdered sugar and cocoa powder.
7. Can I add more chocolate to the cookies?
Yes! If you’re a chocolate lover, you can add an additional 1/2 cup of chocolate chips or chunks to the dough.
A Must-Have Cookie for Chocolate Lovers
Double Chocolate Snowball Cookies are a delicious and festive addition to any holiday baking lineup. The combination of a rich, chocolatey cookie and a sweet, snowy coating makes them as beautiful as they are tasty. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, these cookies are sure to impress.
With easy-to-find ingredients and simple instructions, you can whip up a batch in no time. Plus, with the option to customize the flavor with different extracts or add-ins, this recipe is as versatile as it is delectable. So, grab your mixing bowls and get ready to bake a treat that’s sure to become a new favorite!
