Decadent Chocolate Snowball Cookies: Easy Recipe for a Crowd-Pleasing Treat

Photo byHillbilly Recipes

There’s something magical about Chocolate Snowball Cookies. Whether you’re making them for a festive holiday gathering or just as a treat for yourself, these cookies bring a sense of warmth and nostalgia with every bite. Their rich, buttery texture combined with the perfect balance of chocolate and pecans makes them irresistible to anyone with a sweet tooth.

These cookies are known for their delightful dusting of powdered sugar, resembling snowballs, which adds a whimsical and wintry touch. But the true charm lies in their simple preparation, making them an easy yet delicious recipe you can whip up in no time.

The Story Behind the Sweetness

Chocolate Snowball Cookies have become a popular staple for dessert tables, especially around the holidays. Their light, melt-in-your-mouth texture, contrasted with the richness of chocolate and the crunch of pecans, makes them a favorite in many households. This recipe is a twist on the classic snowball cookie, which traditionally features a more buttery, nutty flavor. Adding chocolate elevates the cookie into a decadent treat, perfect for those who love a little sweetness in their lives.

Recipe: Chocolate Snowball Cookies

Ingredients:

• 2 squares (1 ounce each) bittersweet or semisweet chocolate
• 1 tablespoon half-and-half or cream
• 6 ounces (12 tablespoons) butter, room temperature
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
• Sifted powdered sugar or decorative sugar for coating

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Melt the chocolate in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly to avoid burning. Once melted, stir in the half-and-half or cream, and set the mixture aside to cool.
3. Cream together the butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This will ensure your cookies have the perfect texture.
4. Beat in the vanilla extract and the cooled chocolate mixture, blending it well with the butter and sugar.
5. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until the dough forms. Stir in the finely chopped pecans to give the dough a nutty texture.
6. Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on ungreased baking sheets. The dough should be firm enough to hold its shape.
7. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the cookies are set but not browned. The cookies should have a slightly crisp exterior while remaining soft inside.
8. Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, roll each cookie gently in sifted powdered sugar to give them their signature snowball appearance.

Tip: If you’re feeling creative, roll the dough balls in decorative sugar before baking for a bit of added sparkle!

The Perfect Finishing Touch

Chocolate Snowball Cookies are more than just a treat; they’re a moment of joy wrapped in sugar and chocolate. Serve them at holiday parties, family gatherings, or just as an after-dinner indulgence. These cookies not only taste amazing but also bring a sense of warmth and cheer to any occasion.

The crisp texture of the outside combined with the rich chocolate interior and the crunch of pecans makes them truly one-of-a-kind. Whether you roll them in powdered sugar or opt for a more decorative coating, they’re bound to bring smiles to anyone who tries them.

Chocolate Snowball Cookies: A Sweet, Festive Delight

Chocolate Snowball Cookies are a beloved treat, especially around the holidays. Their delightful shape and powdered sugar coating resemble little snowballs, making them a perfect winter dessert. These cookies not only bring a rich, buttery texture but also have a decadent chocolate flavor that melts in your mouth, paired with a subtle crunch from the added nuts like pecans or walnuts.

Why Everyone Loves Chocolate Snowball Cookies These cookies are a holiday classic, blending the perfect amount of sweetness with the robustness of chocolate. Rolled in powdered sugar, they have a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. What's great about them is their simplicity—they come together quickly, making them an ideal dessert for holiday gatherings or a cozy night at home. Whether you use semisweet chocolate or add a touch of cream, they offer just enough indulgence without overwhelming sweetness.

The Recipe: Chocolate Snowball Cookies

Ingredients:

• 2 squares (1 ounce each) bittersweet or semisweet chocolate
• 1 tablespoon half-and-half or cream
• 6 ounces (12 tablespoons) butter, room temperature
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
• Sifted powdered sugar for rolling

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Melt the chocolate over low heat, stirring in the cream until smooth, and then set it aside to cool.
3. In a separate bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in vanilla and the cooled chocolate.
4. Gradually blend in the flour and salt until well combined, then stir in the finely chopped pecans.
5. Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on an ungreased baking sheet.
6. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, until the cookies are set but not browned.
7. Let the cookies cool completely before gently rolling them in sifted powdered sugar for that iconic snowball finish.

Tip: If you’re feeling creative, you can roll the dough balls in decorative sugar for a festive sparkle before baking!

Perfect for Any Occasion These cookies are especially popular during the winter holidays, but their delicious simplicity makes them perfect for any time of year. The combination of chocolate, nuts, and a light powdered sugar dusting gives them a sweet, yet refined taste that everyone loves. Whether you serve them at a holiday party or just as a treat with a cup of coffee, they are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

For more inspiration, you can explore similar versions on websites like The Recipe Critic and On Sutton Place, which provide variations like adding walnuts or even espresso powder for a deeper flavor​(The Recipe Critic)​(My Heavenly Recipes)​(On Sutton Place).