If you’ve ever dreamed of a cookie that melts in your mouth with just the right balance of rich chocolate and delicate sweetness, the Double Chocolate Snowball Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need to bake up. These little bites of heaven combine the classic buttery crumb of snowball cookies with a decadent double chocolate twist that will have you reaching for more before you even finish one. Perfectly coated in powdered sugar, they look like tiny snowballs ready to bring joy to any gathering or cozy night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Whipping up these delicious Double Chocolate Snowball Cookies requires just a handful of simple ingredients that come together effortlessly. Each element plays a crucial role, whether it’s the velvety butter for tenderness, cocoa powder for that deep chocolate flavor, or powdered sugar to add the signature snowy finish.
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour, sifted: This creates the base of your cookies, giving them structure and that tender crumb.
- ¾ cup mini chocolate chips or finely chopped chocolate: These little pockets of chocolate enhance the cookie’s double chocolate richness and add delightful bursts of gooeyness.
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder: This gives the cookies their beautiful chocolate color and intense chocolate flavor without sweetness.
- ¼ tsp salt: Just enough to balance the sweetness and deepen the chocolate notes.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: The heart of the cookie’s tender and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- ½ cup powdered sugar, sifted: Added to the dough, it subtly sweetens and lightens the texture.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Boosts all the flavors and adds a warm, aromatic note.
- ½ cup powdered sugar: For the final snowball coating, it transforms these cookies into adorable snowy delights.
How to Make Double Chocolate Snowball Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
Start by sifting together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt into a bowl. Sifting not only ensures there are no lumps but also helps combine everything evenly, which is essential for that perfect crumbly texture.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a separate large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with ½ cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This step introduces air into the mixture, making your cookies tender and airy rather than dense.
Step 3: Add Vanilla Extract
Mix in the vanilla extract to your creamed butter and sugar. This is where the flavors start to build, giving your cookies a lovely aromatic base.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gently fold the sifted flour mixture into the butter mixture. Be careful not to overmix — just enough to combine, so your cookies stay tender.
Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Now, sprinkle in the mini chocolate chips or finely chopped chocolate and fold them gently into the dough. This is the moment your cookies transform into irresistible double chocolate treats.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them apart to allow for slight spreading.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake your cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 12 to 14 minutes. They should be firm but still soft when you touch them. Once out of the oven, allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet before handling.
Step 8: Coat with Powdered Sugar
After the cookies have cooled, generously roll them in powdered sugar until completely covered—this final touch gives you those iconic snowy spheres that are irresistible to the eye and the taste buds.
How to Serve Double Chocolate Snowball Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While the powdered sugar coating is charming on its own, you can drizzle a bit of melted white chocolate over the cookies for an elegant look or sprinkle some finely chopped nuts for an added crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft interior.
Side Dishes
These cookies make an excellent companion to a warm cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or a velvety glass of milk. For a festive spread, serve alongside whipped cream or fresh berries to balance the rich chocolate flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the cookies in a clear glass jar or on a tiered holiday platter to showcase their snowy beauty. You could also wrap a few in decorative parchment with a ribbon, turning them into perfect gifts that scream homemade love and chocolate goodness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Double Chocolate Snowball Cookies keep wonderfully fresh for up to a week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Make sure they are completely cooled before storing to maintain their delicate texture.
Freezing
If you want to plan ahead, freeze the shaped dough balls on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready, bake straight from the freezer—adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. Once baked and cooled, you can freeze the finished cookies, separated by parchment, for up to three months.
Reheating
To bring your Double Chocolate Snowball Cookies back to life, warm them gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This revives their just-baked warmth without drying them out, giving you that fresh-from-the-oven experience again.
FAQs
Can I use dark chocolate instead of mini chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate chunks or finely chopped bars work beautifully, giving you a richer, more intense chocolate flavor that’s perfect for chocolate lovers.
Why are my snowball cookies crumbly?
Snowball cookies are meant to have a tender and crumbly texture, but if they fall apart too easily, it might mean there isn’t enough butter binding the dough or they were overbaked. Try adjusting the butter amount slightly or keep an eye on the baking time next round.
Can I substitute coconut oil for butter?
Butter is key for the richness and classic flavor of these cookies, but if needed, coconut oil can be used. Just be aware that it may slightly alter the taste and texture, making the cookies a bit more crumbly and less rich.
What’s the best way to get an even powdered sugar coating?
Rolling the cookies in powdered sugar while they are still slightly warm helps the sugar stick better. Alternatively, you can sift powdered sugar over them with a fine mesh sieve for a delicate coating.
Is this recipe suitable for making gluten-free cookies?
You can adapt this recipe using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, but ensure it contains xanthan gum or another binder to mimic the texture. Baking times may vary slightly, so keep an eye on the cookies as they bake.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Double Chocolate Snowball Cookies Recipe enough for anyone who loves a cookie that’s both comforting and a little indulgent. Whether you’re sharing with friends, gifting during the holidays, or just treating yourself, these cookies bring warmth and smiles with each bite. So grab your mixing bowl, let the wonderful chocolate aroma fill your kitchen, and enjoy every snowy, chocolatey moment!
Print
Double Chocolate Snowball Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Double Chocolate Snowball Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic snowball cookie, featuring a rich cocoa flavor combined with sweet mini chocolate chips. These melt-in-your-mouth cookies are dusted with powdered sugar for a festive, snowy finish. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy treat anytime!
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- ¾ cup mini chocolate chips or finely chopped chocolate
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Coating
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for rolling after baking)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it is at the right temperature for baking the cookies evenly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, salt, and stir in the mini chocolate chips to incorporate them evenly.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with ½ cup powdered sugar and vanilla extract until light and fluffy—this creates the base for tender cookies.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture. Mix with a spatula or low speed on a mixer until just combined, forming a dough.
- Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on an ungreased baking sheet to allow room for spreading.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes. The cookies should be set but not baked until crisp—this keeps them tender inside.
- Coat Cookies: Remove cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. While still warm, gently roll each cookie in the remaining powdered sugar to create the classic snowball coating.
- Cool Completely: Transfer the coated cookies to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely before serving to ensure the powdered sugar coating sets and cookies firm up.
Notes
- For an extra festive look, you can dust the cookies with powdered sugar twice, once while warm and once after they cool completely.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Mini chocolate chips hold up better in cookies, but finely chopped chocolate can be used if preferred.
- Ensure butter is softened—not melted—for proper creaming with sugar.
