Double Chocolate Snowball Cookies Recipe

If you are looking to indulge in a truly decadent treat, these Double Chocolate Snowball Cookies are about to become your new favorite. Picture tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies packed with rich cocoa and bursts of mini chocolate chips, all enveloped in a delicate cloud of powdered sugar. These cookies bring together the cozy nostalgia of classic snowball cookies with an irresistible double chocolate twist that perfectly balances sweetness and deep chocolate flavor. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a special occasion, or simply because the craving hits, these Double Chocolate Snowball Cookies deliver comfort and joy in every delightful bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is the first sweet step toward cookie bliss. Each item plays a vital role, from providing structure and richness to adding that signature chocolate punch and that snowy finish.

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened: The base that gives your cookies a tender, buttery crumb and richness.
• ½ cup (57g) powdered sugar: Sweetens and helps create that soft, delicate texture inside.
• ¼ cup (20g) unsweetened cocoa powder: Packed with deep chocolate flavor; use Special Dark or your favorite for a bolder taste.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the chocolate and adds fragrant warmth.
• 2 cups (248g) all-purpose flour: Provides structure and prevents the cookies from spreading too much.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances chocolate flavor.
• ¾ cup mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts: Adds texture and extra bursts of chocolate or delightful crunch.
• Additional powdered sugar for rolling (about 1 to 1½ cups): Creates the iconic snowy coating and an extra touch of sweetness.

How to Make Double Chocolate Snowball Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s perfectly hot when your cookies go in. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Cream Butter, Sugar, Cocoa, and Vanilla

Using an electric mixer, beat together the softened butter, ½ cup powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract. Creaming these until fluffy incorporates air and develops that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture we love.

Step 3: Add Flour and Salt

Gradually mix in the flour and salt until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix; you want the dough tender, not tough. If the dough feels too sticky to handle, chill it for easier scooping.

Step 4: Stir in Chocolate Chips

Fold in the mini chocolate chips or nuts for delightful texture contrasts and chocolate bursts inside each cookie.

Step 5: Scoop and Bake

Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and space them evenly on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 7 to 10 minutes, just until the bottoms are lightly browned and tops lose their glossy look. This short baking time keeps the cookies soft instead of crunchy.

Step 6: Roll in Powdered Sugar

After letting the cookies cool enough to handle but still warm, roll each one generously in powdered sugar to create that signature snowy coating. For an extra festive touch, cool completely and roll again to double coat.

How to Serve Double Chocolate Snowball Cookies

Garnishes

These cookies are stunning on their own, but you can elevate them with a sprinkle of extra powdered sugar right before serving or a light dusting of cocoa powder for a richer look. Some crushed peppermint candies also add a festive crunch during holidays.

Side Dishes

Serve your Double Chocolate Snowball Cookies alongside a warm cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or a creamy glass of milk to balance the deep chocolate richness. For a special brunch, pair them with fresh berries or vanilla yogurt for a hint of freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack these snowy delights in a rustic basket lined with a linen cloth for a cozy vibe, or arrange them on a festive plate surrounded by pine branches and holly for holiday charm. Wrapping a few in cellophane tied with a bright ribbon makes for perfect edible gifts that everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Double Chocolate Snowball Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay buttery soft and flavorful for up to 5 days — perfect for snacking all week long.

Freezing

If you want to preserve these cookies longer, they freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months and thaw quickly at room temperature.

Reheating

Warm your cookies gently in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or in a low oven (around 300°F) for about 5 minutes. This will refresh their soft texture and revive the chocolate chips’ melty goodness.

FAQs

Can I use nuts instead of chocolate chips?

Absolutely! While mini chocolate chips add sweetness and extra chocolate bursts, chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts bring a lovely crunch and earthy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the cocoa.

Why do I need to chill the dough sometimes?

If your dough feels too soft or sticky to shape comfortably, chilling it for 30 minutes firms it up. This makes scooping and rolling easier and helps the cookies keep their shape while baking.

What type of cocoa powder works best?

Using a Special Dark cocoa powder intensifies the chocolate flavor beautifully, but a natural unsweetened cocoa powder also works well if that’s what you have on hand. Just expect a slightly lighter color and flavor.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, preferably one that contains xanthan gum for structure. The texture might vary slightly, but the cookies will still be delicious.

Why do I roll the cookies in powdered sugar twice?

Rolling while the cookies are warm helps the sugar stick well for a good initial coating. Re-rolling after cooling adds a fresh layer of sugary snow, boosting the visual appeal and sweetness with every bite.

Final Thoughts

The joy of sharing freshly baked Double Chocolate Snowball Cookies is truly one of life’s sweetest pleasures. Their rich chocolate flavor, tender crumb, and snowy sugar coating make them an irresistible treat that’s sure to brighten any day. So grab your mixing bowl and give this recipe a go—you just might find yourself baking these cookies again and again!

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