Name: Chocolate Snowballs
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 2 cups All-purpose flour (Sifted before measuring); 1/2 tsp Salt; 3/4 cup Unsalted butter (Room temperature); 1/2 cup Granulated sugar; 2 tsp Vanilla extract; 1 large Egg (Room temperature); 1 cup Chopped nuts (Pecans or walnuts, finely or coarsely chopped); 1 cup Chocolate chips (Semi-sweet or milk chocolate); 1 to 2 cups Powdered sugar (For rolling, sifted if lumpy)

Jump to Recipe

Creamy, chocolatey, and dusted like fresh winter snow, Chocolate Snowballs are the kind of cookie that melts doubts and wins hearts with every bite. This easy recipe delivers soft centers studded with chopped nuts and pockets of melty chocolate chips, finishing with a generous coating of powdered sugar for that classic snowy look. Fun fact: snowball cookies have been a holiday favorite in many cultures for decades — some families even make them year-round because they’re just that comforting. If you want a simple, crowd-pleasing dessert that takes hardly any time and tastes like a hug, try this version. For another take on these treats and more photos, check out this Chocolate Snowballs recipe page. Simple, quick, and family-friendly, these cookies are perfect for cookie swaps, after-school snacks, or an easy weekend baking session.

What is Chocolate Snowballs?

What’s in a name? Why call these little delights Chocolate Snowballs — is it the fluffy powdered sugar, the round shape, or a secret winter magic? Ask any baker and you’ll get a smile and maybe a story about sneaking extra cookies straight out of the oven. Could the name be because they look like tiny snowdrifts or because they disappear just as fast? There’s a playful truth here: “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Whether you’re baking for loved ones or hosting a cozy tea, these cookies have personality and nostalgia baked right in. Give them a try and see which nickname your family invents.

Why You’ll Love This

First, the star of the show is texture: a tender, buttery cookie center with crunchy chopped nuts and pockets of gooey chocolate that create a delightful contrast in every bite. Second, making these at home is cost-effective — pantry staples like flour, butter, sugar, and chips go a long way compared to store-bought gourmet cookies. Third, the powdered sugar coating and optional extra roll when cooled add visual drama and extra sweetness that makes them feel special without extra work. If you enjoyed our classic butter cookies or Russian tea cakes on the blog, this Chocolate Snowballs recipe is a natural next stop to expand your cookie repertoire and wow friends with minimal fuss. Ready to bake?

How to Make

Quick Overview

This recipe is straightforward, quick to prepare, and incredibly satisfying: you’ll enjoy a rich, buttery dough studded with nuts and chocolate chips that bakes into soft, snowy cookies. The standout is the double-roll in powdered sugar that gives each cookie a perfect frosted finish. Total active prep time is about 15–20 minutes and baking time is roughly 15–20 minutes per batch.

Ingredients

2 cups sifted all-purpose flour, sifted before measuring
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup butter, room temperature, unsalted
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 large egg, room temperature
1 cup chopped nuts, pecans or walnuts, chopped finely or coarsely to preference
1 cup chocolate chips, semi-sweet or milk chocolate, use more if you love extra chocolate
Powdered sugar, for rolling, about 1 to 2 cups, sifted if lumpy

Directions

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2: In a medium bowl, sift together flour and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: In a large bowl, cream together butter, sugar, and vanilla until smooth using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed. Scrape the bowl as needed.

Step 4: Beat in the egg until fully combined and the mixture is fluffy.

Step 5: Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, adding a little at a time until just incorporated. Do not overmix; you want a tender dough.

Step 6: Fold in chopped nuts and chocolate chips evenly with a spatula so the mix is well-distributed.

Step 7: Roll dough into 1-inch balls using your hands or a cookie scoop and place on an ungreased baking sheet about 1 to 2 inches apart.

Step 8: Bake for 15–20 minutes or until set and just lightly golden on the bottom. The tops should still look pale.

Step 9: Let cookies cool slightly on the baking sheet for 3–5 minutes, then roll in powdered sugar while still warm. Place on a wire rack to cool completely, then roll again once fully cooled for extra snow-like coverage.

Chocolate Snowballs

What to Serve With

Pair Chocolate Snowballs with a variety of beverages and small treats to create a lovely spread. Consider serving with hot cocoa or a spiced latte for a cozy pairing, or offer a chilled glass of milk for kids and nostalgic comfort. For a brunch or dessert board, include sliced fruit like pears or oranges to cut the sweetness, and a small bowl of salted caramel sauce for dipping if you want an indulgent twist. These cookies also complement a simple green salad with vinaigrette if you’re serving them after a light meal.

Top Tips for Perfecting

Ingredient substitutions: Swap pecans or walnuts based on preference, or use a 50/50 mix for complexity. For a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter and ensure chocolate chips are dairy-free.
Timing adjustments: Don’t overbake; remove when bottoms are just golden. They firm up as they cool.
Flavor enhancements: Add 1/4 tsp cinnamon or a pinch of espresso powder to deepen the chocolate flavor. A teaspoon of orange zest brightens the cookie beautifully.
Common mistakes to avoid: Don’t skip sifting the flour if your flour is lumpy — it helps texture. Avoid overmixing after adding flour to prevent dense cookies.
Cooling tips: Roll in powdered sugar while warm for an initial coat so the sugar adheres, then roll again after full cooling for the classic “snowball” look.

Storing and Reheating Tips

To keep cookies fresh, store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature; if you like them warm, reheat a few at a time in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–7 minutes or microwave gently for 10–15 seconds. If powdered sugar looks faded after reheating, sift a little fresh powdered sugar on top.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes. Chill the dough tightly wrapped in plastic for up to 48 hours before baking. You can also freeze unbaked dough balls on a tray then transfer to a bag for up to 3 months; bake from frozen, adding a minute or two to baking time.

Can I skip the nuts?
Absolutely. Omit them for a nut-free cookie or replace with toasted coconut flakes for a different texture. If you need nut-free for guests, ensure chocolate chips are processed in a nut-free facility.

How do I keep the cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your butter is at room temperature but not overly soft. Chill rolled balls in the fridge for 10–15 minutes before baking if your kitchen is warm.

Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet?
Yes. Dark chocolate adds a richer, less sweet flavor. Choose chips or chop a dark chocolate bar into chunks for pockets of melt.

Why did my cookies come out crumbly?
Crumbly cookies often mean not enough fat or overbaking. Ensure butter measurement is accurate and don’t overmix after adding flour. Check oven temperature with an oven thermometer to avoid overbaking.

Conclusion

These Chocolate Snowballs are an easy, heartwarming cookie that’s perfect for bakers of all levels. With a buttery base, crunchy nuts, melty chocolate, and a snowy powdered sugar finish, they’re both simple to make and impressive to serve. Try them for a holiday table, a casual dessert, or a thoughtful gift — they travel well and vanish fast. For another delicious variation to explore, see this inspired take on the classic Double Chocolate Snowball Cookies – Crazy for Crust.