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Chocolate Snowball Cookies with Melted Chocolate Centers Recipe

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Delight in these decadent Chocolate Snowball Cookies featuring a soft, cocoa-infused dough encasing a melted chocolate center. Rolled in powdered sugar twice for that classic snowball effect, these cookies offer a perfect balance of rich chocolate flavor and a tender texture. Optional nuts or shredded coconut add a pleasant crunch or tropical twist, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

Cookie Dough

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for added crunch)

Coating

  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)

Centers

  • 24 chocolate chunks (about 1/2 inch, for the melted centers)

Optional Variation

  • Substitute chopped nuts with finely shredded coconut for a different twist

Instructions

  1. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed. Ensure butter is at room temperature for ease of mixing and smooth texture.
  2. Add Vanilla Extract: Mix in the vanilla extract thoroughly to ensure even distribution in the butter and sugar mixture, enhancing the flavor.
  3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined to avoid overworking the dough that could toughen the cookies.
  4. Fold in Nuts (Optional): If using, gently fold in finely chopped nuts or shredded coconut to evenly distribute within the dough. Toasting nuts beforehand can amplify their flavor.
  5. Shape the Dough: Scoop a tablespoon of dough, flatten slightly in your palm, place a chocolate chunk in the center, then fold the dough around the chunk and roll into a smooth ball. Repeat for all dough and chocolate chunks, ensuring consistent size—for even baking—using a cookie scoop if available.
  6. Roll in Powdered Sugar: Pour powdered sugar into a shallow bowl. Roll each dough ball thoroughly to coat in powdered sugar and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. For a thicker coating, roll again in powdered sugar immediately before baking.
  7. Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the dough balls for 15-20 minutes to firm up, which helps maintain shape during baking and limits spreading.
  8. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake cookies for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set but centers remain soft. Avoid overbaking as cookies continue to firm up during cooling.
  9. Cool and Roll Again: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then roll them again in powdered sugar while still warm to achieve the signature snowball appearance with a snowy finish.

Notes

  • Use room temperature butter for better creaming and smoother dough.
  • Substitute vanilla extract with vanilla bean paste for richer flavor.
  • Handle the dough gently to keep cookies tender rather than tough.
  • Optionally toast nuts lightly to enhance crunch and flavor.
  • Chilling dough balls before baking helps retain cookie shape and prevents spreading.
  • Rolling in powdered sugar twice creates a classic snowy finish on the cookies.
  • Do not overbake to maintain soft centers and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Find it online: https://bitezly.com/chocolate-snowball-cookies-with-melted-chocolate-centers-recipe/