Chocolate Snowball cookies are classics this time of year; they are a must for holiday cookie trays. This version is a little different.
These snowball cookies are not made with nuts, but instead, they are made with cocoa powder for a crunch and fudgy tasting cookie!
Growing up, my mom always served 5 kinds of Christmas cookies. They were thumbprints (with the green and the red jellies), these very sweet strawberry shaped cookies made out of Jello mix, buckeye balls, baklava, and snowball cookies.
The Buckeyes were (and still are) my favorite Christmas treat, but snowballs were always a close second. Anything covered in lots of powdered sugar has to be good, right?
What Are Snowball Cookies?
Snowball cookies are round, butter cookies, similar in taste to a shortbread cookie. They are often filled with nuts like pecans or walnuts and are rolled in powdered sugar, hence, the name, snowball cookies,
The cookies are quite easy to make. They typically appear at Christmas time. In fact, I can honestly say I haven’t eaten snowball cookies during any other time of the year,
What You Need To Make Chocolate Snowball Cookies
Butter – I prefer to use unsalted butter for my baked goods. Make sure your butter has softened prior to mixing.
Powdered Sugar – This will be used IN the batter as well as for the outer coating of the cookies,
Vanilla Extract – Be sure to use real vanilla extract instead of imitation. The flavor is worth the extra money,
Cocoa Powder – I used a Dutch process. You could use dark cocoa powder if that is your desire.
Almond Flour – The almond flour will add flavor and create the perfect crumbly texture for your cookies.
Flour – You will need all-purpose flour for this recipe
Parchment Paper – This will prevent the cookies from sticking to your baking sheets. If you are a cookie baker, then it might be worth investing in silicone baking mats Your cookies won’t stick and cleaning up is a breeze!
How To Make Chocolate Snowball Cookies
- Preheat the oven to 325°F. Line your baking sheets and set them aside
- In a large bowl, beat together the butter, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Beat in the almond flour, then the all-purpose flour, followed by cocoa powder.
- Scoop up the dough, and roll them into 1 inch balls. I think a small cookie scoop works well here.. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch between them.
- Bake the cookies for 15 to 20 minutes, until they feel set on top.
- Place remaining powdered sugar in a shallow bowl.
- Remove the cookies from the oven, allow them to cool on the pan for a few minutes, and then transfer a few at a time to the powdered sugar. Completely coat the cookies in the sugar and set them on a baking rack.
- Repeat with cooled cookies.
How Do You Store Chocolate Snowball Cookies
Make sure your snowball cookies are completely cool. If they are even a tiny bit warm, the powdered sugar will melt and become sticky.
Place your cooled cookies in an airtight container and store on the counter for up to a week,
Can I Freeze Chocolate Snowball Cookies
Snowball cookies hold up nicely to freezing. Place the cookies between layers of parchment paper in an airtight container,
Cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months.
How To Make Chocolate Snowball Cookies With Walnuts
I know people are used to seeing these cookies with nuts. If you don’t want to indulge in a plain cookie, feel free to add chopped walnuts to the butter. Chopped pecans would taste wonderful as well.
What Are My Chocolate Snowball Cookies Falling Apart?
- Make sure you use real, softened butter
- Measure your flour carefully and exactly
- Do not over bake your cookies
- If your dough will not form into balls, adding a touch of water will help the cookie dough stick together.
Why Did My Snowball Cookies Flatten?
If your butter is too soft, it could lead to flatter cookies. The butter only needs to sit for up to 30 minutes. Your finger should make a slight indentation when the stick is pressed.
To ensure that your cookies keep their shape, make sure you powdered sugar and in the right amount.
Don’t set your oven to high, this will keep the cookies from “melting”.
More Holiday Cookies
Cherry Pistachio Snowball Cookies
Molasses Cookies With Mascarpone Frosting
Chocolate Snowball Cookies
Snowball cookies are classics this time of year; they are a must for holiday cookie trays. This version is a little different.
These snowball cookies are not made with nuts, but instead, they are made with cocoa powder for a crunch and fudgy tasting cookie!
Ingredients
- 1 cup softened unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- ½ cup almond flour
- 2 ¼ cups All-Purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside
- In a large bowl, beat together the butter, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Beat in the almond flour, then the all-purpose flour, followed by cocoa powder.
- Scoop up the dough, and roll them into 1 inch balls using a small cookie scoop.
- Place the balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch between them.
- Bake the cookies for 15 to 20 minutes, until they feel set on top.
- Place remaining powdered sugar in a shallow bowl.
- Remove the cookies from the oven, allow them to cool on the pan for a few minutes, and then transfer a few at a time to the powdered sugar. Completely coat the cookies in the sugar and set them on a baking rack.
- Repeat with cooled cookies.
- When the cookies are cool, roll them in the sugar again; they should be thoroughly coated.
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