Name: Chocolate Snowball Cookies with White Chocolate Center
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 0.5 teaspoon salt; 24 pieces white chocolate chunks or truffles; 1 cup powdered sugar, for rolling

These Chocolate Snowball Cookies with White Chocolate Center are the kind of magical dessert that turns a simple cookie moment into something unforgettable. With their dramatic crinkle tops dusted in snowy powdered sugar and a surprise creamy white chocolate center, they’re equal parts elegant and indulgent. Perfect for winter gatherings, cookie swaps, or just because you need something sweet and beautiful to bite into.

The contrast between the rich, fudgy chocolate cookie and the smooth, melty white chocolate middle makes every bite a delight. They look like they take hours to perfect, but the recipe is surprisingly simple—and totally worth making a double batch. These cookies offer everything: a stunning presentation, deep cocoa flavor, and that melt-in-your-mouth texture you’ll crave again and again.

What Kind of Cocoa Powder Should I Use?

Use unsweetened cocoa powder (preferably Dutch-processed for a deeper color and richer chocolate flavor). Avoid sweetened cocoa mixes as they throw off the sugar balance and won’t yield the same intense chocolate profile. The cocoa is key to achieving that deep brownie-like base that contrasts beautifully with the white chocolate center.

Ingredients for the Chocolate Snowball Cookies with White Chocolate Center

Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Delivers that deep, intense chocolate flavor and rich color. Go for high quality for best results.

All-Purpose Flour: The structure builder for these cookies, keeping them soft yet sturdy enough to hold the filling.

Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These give the cookies a slight rise and help develop that signature crinkle.

Salt: Just a pinch sharpens and balances the sweet and chocolatey notes.

Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps with the soft, brownie-like crumb.

Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar: A mix of both adds crisp edges (thanks to white sugar) and deep molasses notes (from the brown sugar).

Eggs: Help bind everything and contribute to a soft interior.

Vanilla Extract: Enhances and rounds out the chocolate flavor.

White Chocolate Chunks or Truffles: The creamy surprise inside each cookie. Use high-quality white chocolate for the best texture and flavor.

Powdered Sugar: For rolling and achieving that classic snowball look.

How To Make the Chocolate Snowball Cookies with White Chocolate Center

Step 1: Make the Dough Base

Cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract until fully combined.

Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a thick dough forms.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

Cover and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight). This makes it easier to roll and keeps the cookies from spreading too much.

Step 4: Form the Cookies

Scoop out 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of dough and flatten slightly in your palm. Add a piece of white chocolate or a truffle to the center, then wrap the dough around it and roll into a ball.

Step 5: Roll in Powdered Sugar

Generously coat each dough ball in powdered sugar until completely covered.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes until the tops are cracked and set. Let them cool slightly before serving.

How to Store and Serve Chocolate Snowball Cookies with White Chocolate Center

These cookies are best enjoyed fresh from the oven while the white chocolate center is still gooey. But they keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To refresh them, microwave for 10 seconds to re-soften the center.

Freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls (uncoated in sugar) and thaw before rolling in powdered sugar and baking. They make a great make-ahead treat for holidays or surprise guests.

What to Serve With Chocolate Snowball Cookies?

Hot Cocoa with Whipped Cream

The richness of the cookies pairs perfectly with a warm mug of cocoa.

Fresh Berries

Add a pop of brightness with strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries on the side.

Vanilla Ice Cream

A scoop of vanilla ice cream turns this cookie into a plated dessert.

Espresso or Coffee

The boldness of coffee enhances the chocolate flavor and adds balance.

Chai Tea Latte

A cozy pairing that brings spice and warmth.

Irish Cream Liqueur

Perfect for adult holiday parties.

Salted Pretzels

A salty counterpoint that keeps the sweetness in check.

Whipped Cream Topped Latte

Because cookies + frothy coffee = magic.

If you’re loving these Chocolate Snowball Cookies, you might also want to try these next:

Twix Cookie Cups for a layered caramel-chocolate bite.
Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe with a fruity creamy core.
Lemon Cheesecake Cookies Recipe for a bright citrus twist.
Peanut Butter Candy Corn Cookies for festive crunch.
Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies for that vintage flavor charm.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go for white chocolate chunks or filled truffles? Did you sneak in any peppermint bits or try a dark chocolate twist?

I love seeing how you make these cookies your own. Share your questions or results below—let’s help each other bake better.

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