Get ready for a holiday favorite that melts in your mouth—Chocolate Snowballs! These festive little treats combine buttery dough, chopped nuts, and melty chocolate chips, all wrapped in a dusting of powdered sugar that gives them their snow-kissed name. They’re delicate, flavorful, and perfect for gift trays, cookie swaps, or cozy winter evenings. Fun fact: snowball cookies are also known as Russian tea cakes or Mexican wedding cookies—this version adds a rich chocolate twist that takes them to the next level. If you’ve loved our Nutty Butterball Cookies, you’re going to adore this chocolatey spin. Let’s roll up some sweet snowy goodness!
What is Chocolate Snowballs?
Chocolate Snowballs are soft, nutty cookies filled with chocolate chips and rolled in powdered sugar for that frosty finish. Why “snowballs”? Just take one look—they’re round, white, and totally winter-ready! These cookies are perfect for festive occasions or when you just want a treat that looks as good as it tastes. And let’s be honest, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”—especially when that stomach is craving something chocolatey and sweet. Ready to roll?
Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Snowballs
Buttery, Chocolatey, Nutty Bliss
With a melt-in-your-mouth texture and bursts of chocolate in every bite, these cookies are the perfect balance of rich and sweet.
Simple Pantry Staples
You only need basic ingredients—flour, butter, sugar, eggs, chocolate chips, and nuts. These cookies come together in minutes and bake up beautifully.
Perfect for the Holidays (or Anytime!)
Their snowy look and poppable size make them a favorite on cookie trays and holiday gift boxes. If you enjoy our Pecan Crescent Cookies, think of these as their cozy cocoa cousins.
Dust off your mixer—it’s snowball season!
How to Make Chocolate Snowballs
Quick Overview
This recipe is a breeze! Mix, roll, bake, and coat in powdered sugar. You’ll have delicious cookies cooling on your counter in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups sifted flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup butter
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 1 egg
- 1 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts; I use walnuts)
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- Powdered sugar (for rolling)
Step-by-Step:
- Preheat Oven:
- Set oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Sift Dry Ingredients:
- In a bowl, sift together flour and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, blend butter, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Add Egg:
- Beat in the egg until fully incorporated.
- Combine All Ingredients:
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the butter mixture.
- Fold in chopped nuts and chocolate chips.
- Shape and Bake:
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on an ungreased baking sheet.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes or until set and lightly golden.
- Cool and Roll in Sugar:
- Let cookies cool slightly, then roll in powdered sugar while still warm.
- Roll again once fully cooled for a snowier finish.
What to Serve Chocolate Snowballs With
Serve these with hot cocoa, coffee, or mulled wine for a cozy winter treat. They’re also great with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or as a sweet companion to a cheese and fruit platter. Perfect for gift tins or paired with holiday fudge!
Top Tips for Perfecting Chocolate Snowballs
- Double Roll in Sugar: For that perfect snowy look, roll warm and again when cooled.
- Use Room Temp Butter: It creams better for smoother dough.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep them soft by pulling them out just as they set.
- Chop Nuts Finely: Smaller bits help the dough hold together better.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. These cookies freeze well too—just thaw and re-roll in powdered sugar if needed. No reheating necessary—just enjoy them as is!
FAQs
Can I use other nuts besides walnuts? Yes! Pecans, almonds, or even hazelnuts work great.
Can I skip the nuts? You can, but the nuts add great texture. If needed, substitute with shredded coconut or extra chocolate chips.
Can I make them ahead of time? Absolutely! Make the dough in advance and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to a month.
Conclusion
Chocolate Snowballs are a festive favorite you’ll find yourself making again and again. With their buttery texture, chocolate chips, and powdered sugar coating, they’re an irresistible treat for the holidays or any time of year. So grab your mixing bowl and let it snow—cookie style!
Ingredients
- 2 cups sifted flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup butter
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 1 egg
- 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- Powdered sugar, for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, sift together flour and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Beat in the egg until fully combined.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients. Fold in chopped nuts and chocolate chips.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on an ungreased baking sheet.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes or until set and just lightly golden on the bottom.
- Let cookies cool slightly, then roll in powdered sugar while still warm. Roll again once fully cooled for extra "snow."
Notes
Double-roll the cookies in powdered sugar—once while warm and again after cooling—for that perfect snowy look. Finely chopped nuts help with shaping and texture.