Description
Buttery, tender, and coated in a snowy layer of powdered sugar, these Classic Chocolate Snowball Cookies are a melt-in-your-mouth holiday favorite with a rich cocoa twist. Also known as Mexican wedding cookies or Russian tea cakes, this version brings a deep chocolate flavor and crunchy walnuts into every bite. Whether you’re baking for a cookie exchange or just cozying up with a treat, these cookies are simple, nostalgic, and absolutely delicious.
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Ingredients
For the Cookies:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1¾ cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
¼ tsp salt
¾ cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans
½ cup mini chocolate chips (optional, for extra chocolate flavor)
For Rolling:
1 cup powdered sugar (for coating)
Instructions
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and ½ cup powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy.
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Mix in vanilla extract.
Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients
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In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
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Gradually add dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix just until combined.
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Fold in chopped nuts and chocolate chips if using.
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Chill dough for 15–20 minutes if it feels too soft to roll.
Step 3: Shape the Cookies
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Scoop and roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on prepared baking sheet about 1 inch apart.
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These cookies won’t spread much, so no need to flatten them.
Step 4: Bake
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Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cookies are set but not browned.
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Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Step 5: Coat with Powdered Sugar
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While cookies are still slightly warm, roll them gently in powdered sugar.
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Once fully cooled, roll again for a thick, snowy coating.
Notes
Use Soft Butter – It blends easily and gives the cookies their tender texture.
Don’t Overbake – They should be just set—overbaking can dry them out.
Double Dust – Rolling twice in powdered sugar ensures a beautiful, snowy finish.
Add Espresso – A pinch of espresso powder enhances the chocolate flavor.
Chill if Needed – Slightly chilled dough is easier to roll into uniform balls.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Cuisine: American