Introduction:
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
These Double Chocolate Snowball Cookies are a chocolate lover’s dream come true! Taking the classic snowball cookie to a decadent new level, this recipe infuses rich cocoa powder into buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies and adds a generous helping of chocolate chips for an extra layer of chocolatey goodness. Imagine biting into a delicate, crumbly cookie intensely flavored with dark chocolate, studded with even more chocolate chips, and then generously coated in a snowy blanket of powdered sugar. These cookies are not only incredibly delicious but also surprisingly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and no chilling time, making them perfect for holiday baking, cookie exchanges, or a delightful chocolate treat any time of year.
What makes these snowball cookies so special? It’s the intense double dose of chocolate flavor and the beautifully delicate, almost sandy texture that melts in your mouth. They are a sophisticated twist on a classic cookie, naturally festive with their snowy coating, and are guaranteed to impress any chocolate enthusiast.
Get ready to bake up a batch of these effortlessly elegant Double Chocolate Snowball Cookies – a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s both simple to make and wonderfully rich in chocolate flavor!
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:
To create these irresistible Double Chocolate Snowball Cookies, you’ll need a handful of pantry staples, with cocoa powder and chocolate chips taking center stage to deliver that double chocolate punch. These components combine to create a cookie that is both intensely flavorful and wonderfully delicate. Having everything measured and ready will make the baking process smooth and quick.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature – Softened butter is crucial for creaming properly and creating a tender cookie.
- ½ cup granulated sugar – Granulated sugar adds sweetness and structure to the cookies.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile and adds a touch of warmth.
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour – All-purpose flour provides the structure for the cookies. Measure accurately for best results.
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder – Unsweetened cocoa powder provides the base for the rich chocolate flavor in these cookies.
- ½ teaspoon salt – Salt balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors of the other ingredients, especially the chocolate.
- 1 cup chocolate chips or chunks (semi-sweet, dark, or milk chocolate) – Chocolate chips add an extra layer of chocolate flavor and melty pockets of chocolate throughout the cookies. Choose your favorite type of chocolate chips.
For Coating:
- Powdered sugar, for coating (about 2-3 cups) – Powdered sugar is essential for the signature “snowball” look and adds a touch of sweetness and melt-in-your-mouth texture to the outside of the cookies.
HOW TO MAKE “Double Chocolate Snowball Cookies”:
Making Double Chocolate Snowball Cookies is wonderfully simple and satisfying! The recipe is broken down into easy steps, from creaming the butter and sugar to incorporating the dry ingredients and chocolate chips, shaping the cookies, baking to a delicate finish, and finally, generously coating them in powdered sugar. Each stage is designed for ease and maximum flavor payoff.
The process begins with creaming together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a light and tender cookie texture.
Next, vanilla extract is added to enhance the flavor profile.
Then, the dry ingredients (flour, cocoa powder, and salt) are gradually incorporated, creating a rich, chocolatey cookie dough.
Chocolate chips or chunks are then stirred into the dough, adding that extra layer of chocolate indulgence.
The dough is then rolled into small balls and baked in the oven until just lightly set – these cookies don’t brown much, ensuring they remain tender and don’t become dry. Baking time is relatively short, ensuring the cookies remain delicate.
Finally, while still slightly warm, the baked cookies are generously rolled in powdered sugar twice – first while warm, and again once cooled, creating the signature snowy coating and ensuring a beautiful, sweet finish. Let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions to guide you through this effortless and chocolatey recipe.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Parchment paper or silicone mats prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar.
In a large bowl, using an electric mixer (hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment), cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process should take about 2-3 minutes. Creaming butter and sugar incorporates air, creating a light and tender cookie texture.
Step 3: Add Vanilla Extract.
Add the vanilla extract to the bowl with the butter and sugar mixture.
Beat with the mixer on low speed until just combined. Mix until just incorporated, avoid overmixing at this stage.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients.
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Whisking ensures the cocoa powder and salt are evenly distributed in the flour.
Step 5: Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients.
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients in the large bowl, about ½ cup at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition until just combined. Mix until just incorporated after each addition, avoid overmixing.
Mix until just combined until the flour and cocoa are fully incorporated, and a soft, chocolatey dough forms. Be careful not to overmix1 the dough, which can result in tougher cookies.
Step 6: Stir in Chocolate Chips.
Stir in the chocolate chips or chunks into the cookie dough using a spatula or wooden spoon until evenly distributed. Distribute chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough.
Step 7: Shape Cookies.
Roll the cookie dough into 1-inch balls. The dough will be soft. Rolling into uniform size ensures even baking.
Place the cookie dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Space cookies to allow for slight spreading during baking.
Step 8: Bake the Cookies.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are set but still pale and not browned. The bottoms should be just very lightly golden. The tops should remain pale and the cookies will be set when they don’t look wet or glossy in the center. Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven. Keep an eye on them towards the end to prevent overbrowning. Cookies are done when set and very lightly golden on the bottom. The tops will remain pale.
Step 9: First Powdered Sugar Coating (While Warm).
Remove the baking sheets from the oven. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 2-3 minutes to firm up slightly for easier handling.
While the cookies are still warm, gently roll each cookie in powdered sugar, coating them generously. Coat cookies generously while warm, the sugar will adhere better to warm cookies.
Place the coated cookies on a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 10: Second Powdered Sugar Coating (Once Cooled).
Once the cookies are completely cooled, roll them in powdered sugar again for a second, generous coating. Double coating ensures a thick, snowy powdered sugar layer, characteristic of snowball cookies.
Step 11: Serve.
Serve the Double Chocolate Snowball Cookies and enjoy! These cookies are perfect with coffee, tea, milk, or hot chocolate. They are best enjoyed once fully cooled and double coated in powdered sugar.
USEFUL TIPS:
To make your Double Chocolate Snowball Cookies truly perfect and deliciously chocolatey, consider these helpful tips. These suggestions can enhance both the flavor and the overall experience of preparing and enjoying these delightful cookies. Let’s explore some valuable insights to refine your recipe.
Ensure your butter is properly softened to room temperature before creaming. Softened butter creams more easily and creates a light and airy cookie texture. Butter should be soft enough to easily indent with a finger, but not melted or greasy.
Don’t overmix the cookie dough, especially after adding the flour and cocoa powder. Overmixing can develop gluten, resulting in tougher cookies. Mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated and the dough comes together.
For a richer chocolate flavor, use Dutch-processed cocoa powder. Dutch-processed cocoa powder is less acidic and has a smoother, more intense chocolate flavor. It also produces a darker color.
For a more intense vanilla flavor, use vanilla bean paste or extract in place of vanilla extract. Vanilla bean paste or extract provides a richer and more complex vanilla flavor that complements the chocolate beautifully. You can also add a pinch of vanilla bean powder.
Use high-quality chocolate chips or chunks for the best chocolate taste. The quality of the chocolate chips will significantly impact the overall chocolate flavor of the cookies. Consider using dark chocolate, semi-sweet, or a mix for depth of flavor.
For a festive touch, you can use different colored powdered sugar for the second coating. Try using a light dusting of regular powdered sugar for the first coat and then a second coat using colored powdered sugar (like pink or green for holidays). You can also use flavored powdered sugar for the second coat (like vanilla bean or peppermint).
Make sure to generously coat the cookies in powdered sugar twice, once while warm and again when cooled. The first coating melts slightly and creates a base for the second, thicker snowy coating. Double coating is essential for the classic snowball cookie look and taste.
Store the baked and powdered sugar-coated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. Storing them at room temperature helps maintain their crumbly texture. Avoid refrigerating them as it can dry them out slightly.
DETAILS:
Prep Time: 20 minutes
The preparation time for Double Chocolate Snowball Cookies is approximately 20 minutes. This includes the time needed to cream the butter and sugar, measure out all ingredients, and make the dough. Efficient prep work makes the baking process smoother and quicker.
Bake Time: 10-12 minutes
The baking time for these cookies is between 10 to 12 minutes. This short baking time ensures the cookies are baked through but remain tender and pale, without becoming overly browned or dry. Quick baking time makes this a relatively fast cookie recipe.
Total Time: 30-32 minutes (excluding cooling and coating time)
The total time from start to finish for Double Chocolate Snowball Cookies, excluding cooling and powdered sugar coating time, is approximately 30 to 32 minutes. This includes both the prep time and the bake time, making it a reasonably quick cookie recipe option.
Yield: About 36 cookies
This recipe yields approximately 36 cookies, depending on the size you roll them. It is ideal for a standard cookie yield, perfect for sharing or gifting. The yield can be easily adjusted by making smaller or larger cookie balls, or by doubling or halving the recipe.
Category: Dessert, Cookie
This recipe is categorized as a dessert, specifically a cookie recipe. Snowball cookies are classic cookies enjoyed as sweet treats, especially popular during holidays and for cookie exchanges. Cookies are a versatile and beloved dessert category.
Method: Baking
The primary cooking method used in this recipe is baking. Baking in the oven at a moderate temperature (350°F/175°C) allows the cookies to bake evenly, develop a slightly golden brown bottom, and achieve the desired tender and crumbly texture. Baking is essential for achieving the signature texture and flavor of snowball cookies.
Cuisine: American
The cuisine of these cookies is best described as American. Snowball cookies (also known as Russian Tea Cakes, Mexican Wedding Cookies, Butterballs) are a classic American cookie, enjoyed across various cultures and regions, particularly popular during holiday baking seasons. They are a staple in American cookie assortments.
Diet: Vegetarian
The diet classification for this recipe is vegetarian. It does not contain any meat, poultry, or fish products, making it suitable for individuals following a vegetarian diet. It can be modified to be dairy-free or vegan by using vegan butter and chocolate substitutes and ensuring no dairy is present in other ingredients if needed.
NOTES:
Serving Suggestions: Double Chocolate Snowball Cookies are perfect served as a delightful dessert alongside coffee, tea, milk, or hot chocolate. They are a wonderful addition to holiday cookie platters and cookie exchanges, showcasing their festive snowy appearance. Serve them as a sweet treat at parties, gatherings, or potlucks. They are also lovely packaged as homemade gifts for chocolate lovers. Arrange them on a pretty platter or in a decorative cookie jar for an attractive presentation.
Make it Ahead: The cookie dough for Double Chocolate Snowball Cookies can be made ahead of time. Prepare the cookie dough up to step 6 in the instructions, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Let the dough soften slightly at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before rolling and baking. Baked cookies can also be made ahead and stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Powdered sugar coating is best done shortly before serving or within a day of baking to maintain the snowy appearance.
Storage Instructions: Store baked and powdered sugar-coated Double Chocolate Snowball Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. Store at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. Storing them at room temperature helps maintain their crumbly texture. Avoid refrigerating them as it can dry them out slightly and potentially make the powdered sugar coating slightly damp over time.
Chocolate Chip Variations: Customize your Double Chocolate Snowball Cookies with different types of chocolate chips or chunks!
* Dark Chocolate Chips: Use dark chocolate chips or chunks for a more intense and less sweet chocolate flavor.
* Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: A classic choice providing a balanced sweetness and chocolate flavor.
* Milk Chocolate Chips: Use milk chocolate chips for a sweeter and creamier chocolate flavor.
* White Chocolate Chips: Add white chocolate chips for a contrasting flavor and visual element.
* Mint Chocolate Chips: For a mint chocolate version, use mint chocolate chips or add a few drops of peppermint extract to the dough along with the vanilla.
* Espresso Chocolate Chips: For a mocha flavor, use espresso chocolate chips or add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the dry ingredients along with the cocoa powder.
* Chocolate Chunks: Use roughly chopped chocolate bars instead of chocolate chips for larger pockets of melted chocolate and a more rustic look.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter instead of unsalted butter for Double Chocolate Snowball Cookies if that’s what you have on hand. If using salted butter, reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe to ¼ teaspoon (instead of ½ teaspoon) to avoid the cookies becoming too salty. Salted butter will still work well in this recipe, just adjust the added salt for balanced flavor.
Can I make these cookies without chocolate chips?
Yes, you can absolutely make these snowball cookies without chocolate chips. Simply omit the chocolate chips or chunks from the recipe ingredients. The cookies will still be delicious, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth with a rich chocolate flavor from the cocoa powder, even without the added chocolate chips. If you omit chocolate chips, consider adding a little extra vanilla extract or another flavoring like almond extract (just a ¼ teaspoon) to enhance the flavor slightly.
Why are my snowball cookies spreading too much?
If your snowball cookies are spreading too much during baking, it could be due to a few reasons:
* Butter was too soft or melted: Ensure butter is softened to room temperature, not melted or greasy. If butter is too warm, the cookies may spread excessively. If your kitchen is warm, chill the dough for 15-20 minutes before rolling and baking.
* Oven temperature too low: Ensure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature (350°F/175°C). If the oven is too cool, the cookies may spread before setting. Use an oven thermometer to verify your oven temperature accuracy.
* Overmixing the dough: Overmixing, especially after adding flour and cocoa powder, can develop gluten and contribute to spreading. Mix just until ingredients are combined.
* Baking sheets not cool: Make sure your baking sheets are cool before placing cookie dough balls on them. Baking sheets that are still warm from previous batches can cause the cookies to spread more. Use multiple baking sheets and rotate them as they cool, or allow baking sheets to cool completely between batches.
How do I get the perfect powdered sugar coating on snowball cookies?
To achieve the perfect snowy powdered sugar coating on snowball cookies:
* Coat cookies twice: Roll the cookies in powdered sugar generously while they are still slightly warm (after baking and a brief cooling on the baking sheet). This first coating will melt slightly and create a sticky base. Once the cookies are completely cooled, roll them in powdered sugar again for a second, thick coating. Double coating is key to the signature snowball look.
* Use enough powdered sugar: Use a generous amount of powdered sugar for coating. Place powdered sugar in a shallow bowl or plate and ensure there is enough to fully coat each cookie.
* Roll gently but thoroughly: Gently roll each cookie in the powdered sugar, ensuring all sides are fully covered.
* Re-coat if needed before serving: If the powdered sugar coating becomes less visible over time, you can re-coat the cookies with powdered sugar again just before serving to refresh their snowy appearance.
Can I add nuts to these double chocolate snowball cookies?
While this recipe focuses on a double chocolate flavor profile, you can add nuts if you wish to combine chocolate and nuts in your snowball cookies! Good nut additions for double chocolate snowball cookies include:
* Pecans or Walnuts (finely chopped): Add ½ to 1 cup of finely chopped pecans or walnuts to the cookie dough along with the chocolate chips for a nutty chocolate snowball variation. Toasted nuts are especially flavorful.
* Almonds (finely chopped or slivered, toasted): Add finely chopped or slivered almonds for a different nutty flavor. Toasted almonds complement chocolate beautifully.
* Hazelnuts (toasted and skinned, finely chopped): Toasted hazelnuts offer a rich and nutty flavor that pairs well with chocolate, especially dark chocolate.
* Macadamia Nuts (finely chopped): Macadamia nuts add a buttery and rich flavor that can complement the chocolate, though their flavor is more subtle.
Choose finely chopped nuts to maintain the delicate texture of the snowball cookies and ensure they distribute evenly throughout the dough.
STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:
To store leftover Double Chocolate Snowball Cookies and maintain their quality, follow these guidelines:
Cool Completely: Ensure the cookies are completely cooled to room temperature after baking and double-coating in powdered sugar before storing. Storing warm cookies can trap moisture in the container, making the powdered sugar coating melt or become sticky and affecting the cookie texture.
Airtight Container: Place the cooled Double Chocolate Snowball Cookies in a single layer or in layers separated by parchment paper in an airtight container. A well-sealed container is crucial to prevent the cookies from drying out, absorbing odors, and maintaining their powdered sugar coating. Use a container with a tight-fitting lid.
Room Temperature Storage (Recommended): For best texture and powdered sugar coating preservation, store the airtight container of Double Chocolate Snowball Cookies at room temperature. Room temperature storage is ideal for maintaining their crumbly texture and snowy appearance.
Storage Duration (Room Temperature): Double Chocolate Snowball Cookies can be safely stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 to 4 days. For best quality and powdered sugar coating appearance, consume within the first 2-3 days. Cookies are generally best enjoyed sooner rather than later for optimal freshness and texture.
Refrigeration (Not Recommended): Refrigeration is not recommended for storing these snowball cookies. Refrigeration can dry out the cookies slightly and may cause the powdered sugar coating to become damp or dissolve over time due to condensation. Room temperature storage is preferable for maintaining their texture and appearance.
Freezing (Not Recommended for Best Texture): Freezing is generally not recommended for powdered sugar-coated snowball cookies as the texture can change upon thawing and the powdered sugar coating may become less appealing. If you choose to freeze baked cookies, freeze them before coating in powdered sugar. Allow baked cookies to cool completely, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 1-2 months. Thaw completely at room temperature and then roll in powdered sugar before serving. Be aware that the texture may not be exactly the same as freshly baked and coated cookies. Freshly baked and room-temperature stored cookies will always have the best texture and powdered sugar coating.
RELATED RECIPES
If you enjoyed these decadent Double Chocolate Snowball Cookies, you will surely love these other classic and chocolatey cookie recipes:
Classic Snowball Cookies (Russian Tea Cakes/Mexican Wedding Cookies): The traditional version of snowball cookies, typically made with butter, flour, sugar, and nuts, and double-coated in powdered sugar. Offers a classic comparison point and a simpler base recipe.
Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies (Chocolate Chip Butterballs): Snowball cookies with chocolate chips added, but without cocoa powder in the dough, for a simpler chocolate chip snowball variation. A less intensely chocolatey snowball option.
Chocolate Crinkle Cookies (Fudgy and Crackled): Soft and fudgy chocolate cookies that are rolled in powdered sugar before baking, creating a crackled snowy appearance and intensely chocolatey flavor. A fudgy and intensely chocolatey cookie with a snowy coating.
Double Chocolate Chip Cookies (Chewy and Loaded): Classic chewy chocolate chip cookies with both cocoa powder in the dough and chocolate chips, for those who prefer a chewier cookie texture. A chewy and loaded double chocolate cookie alternative.
Chocolate Peppermint Cookies (Festive Holiday Cookies): Chocolate cookies flavored with peppermint extract, often dipped in chocolate and sprinkled with crushed peppermint candies, for a festive holiday chocolate cookie. Offers a festive and holiday-themed chocolate cookie with peppermint flavor.
CONCLUSION
Double Chocolate Snowball Cookies are a recipe that truly celebrates the indulgence of chocolate in a beautifully simple and elegant cookie. From the intensely chocolatey dough and extra chocolate chips to the delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture and generous snowy coating of powdered sugar, every element of these cookies is designed to deliver maximum chocolate bliss with minimal fuss. They are the perfect embodiment of a sophisticated chocolate cookie that is both easy to make and irresistibly enjoyable to eat.
This recipe beautifully balances simplicity of preparation with deeply rewarding chocolate flavor and texture, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels. The readily available ingredients and clear, step-by-step instructions mean that anyone can confidently create these delightful Double Chocolate Snowball Cookies at home. Whether you are a seasoned baker looking for a reliable and crowd-pleasing chocolate cookie recipe or a beginner baker wanting to create a festive chocolate treat without complicated techniques, you can achieve snowball cookie perfection with this recipe.
So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to indulge in the buttery, chocolatey, and utterly delightful goodness of these Double Chocolate Snowball Cookies masterpiece. Enjoy the easy and satisfying baking process and the immense pleasure of sharing these truly delicious and festive cookies with your family and friends. This is one recipe that is destined to become a cherished staple in your cookie repertoire, a beloved classic that you’ll return to again and again for its simple perfection, melt-in-your-mouth texture, intense chocolate flavor, and undeniable ability to bring smiles to faces around your table. You’ll be declaring Double Chocolate Snowball Cookies your new favorite way to enjoy a double dose of chocolate in a perfectly snowy and elegant cookie!
