Name: Chocolate Snowball Cookies with White Chocolate Center
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 20 white chocolate chunks or squares; 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)

If you’re anything like me, you probably have a soft spot for a cookie that combines texture, flavor, and surprise all in one bite. That’s exactly what these Chocolate Snowball Cookies with White Chocolate Center deliver. Each bite is rich and fudgy with a perfectly sweet, creamy center that melts in your mouth. The powdered sugar coating cracks beautifully in the oven, giving them that signature snowball look that makes them irresistible on a dessert table or cookie tray.

I first made these during a holiday baking frenzy, and they instantly became the star of the show. Now, they’re my go-to for any time I want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether it’s for a festive gathering, a cozy movie night, or just a midweek treat, these cookies strike the perfect balance between indulgent and playful. They look like little snow-dusted treasures—and taste even better.

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Snowball Cookies with White Chocolate Center

These cookies bring together the best of both worlds: rich chocolatey dough and a creamy white chocolate surprise inside. They’re soft and fudgy on the inside, with a beautifully crackled sugar-dusted outside. The white chocolate center stays creamy even after baking, giving you a gooey contrast to the cookie’s dense texture. Plus, they look like you spent hours on them—no one has to know how easy they really are to make.

What Kind of Chocolate Should I Use for the Center?

For the best gooey results, use high-quality white chocolate squares or chunks rather than chips. Chips tend to hold their shape and don’t melt as smoothly in the center. I personally love using white chocolate baking bars chopped into small cubes—they melt evenly and give you that creamy bite every time.

Options for Substitutions

White Chocolate Center: If you’re not a fan of white chocolate, swap it out for milk chocolate, caramel cubes, or even peanut butter chips for a different twist.
Powdered Sugar: You can use a mix of powdered sugar and cocoa powder for a light chocolate-dusted effect instead of a full white coating.
Flour Options: While all-purpose flour works best, you can use a gluten-free flour blend if needed—just make sure it’s one-to-one for baking.
Butter Alternatives: Want dairy-free? Use plant-based butter sticks (not spreadable kinds).
Sweetener Swap: Coconut sugar or brown sugar works in place of white sugar, though it will slightly change the flavor profile to a more caramel-like taste.

Ingredients for this Chocolate Snowball Cookies with White Chocolate Center

All-purpose flour – Provides the structure and body to the cookies, giving them their chewy, dense bite.
Unsweetened cocoa powder – Adds deep, rich chocolate flavor to the cookie dough.
Baking powder – Helps the cookies puff up slightly for that soft, tender texture.
Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor of the chocolate.
Unsalted butter – Adds moisture and richness; make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
Granulated sugar – Sweetens the dough and creates a balanced contrast to the white chocolate center.
Brown sugar – Adds moisture and a slight caramel note that deepens the flavor profile.
Eggs – Bind the ingredients together and add structure to the dough.
Vanilla extract – Adds warmth and rounds out the chocolate flavor.
White chocolate chunks or squares – The surprise creamy center that melts inside the cookie.
Powdered sugar – For rolling the cookies before baking, giving them their signature crinkle and snowball appearance.

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with both sugars until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for a soft and tender cookie base. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.

Step 2: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. The dough should be thick and slightly sticky. If it feels too sticky to handle, chill it for 30 minutes before shaping.

Step 3: Shape and Stuff

Scoop about a tablespoon of dough and flatten it slightly in your palm. Place a white chocolate chunk in the center and wrap the dough around it to fully encase it. Roll it into a ball and set aside. Repeat with remaining dough.

Step 4: Roll in Powdered Sugar

Once all the cookies are shaped and stuffed, roll each one generously in powdered sugar. This coating will crack and split during baking, giving the cookies their signature snowball look.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes. The cookies should be just set on the edges but still soft in the center. Don’t overbake—this helps preserve the gooey white chocolate inside.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Serve warm for the ultimate melted center or store once completely cooled. Enjoy watching the surprise on everyone’s face when they discover that creamy white center!

How Long to Prepare the Chocolate Snowball Cookies with White Chocolate Center

Preparation Time: The dough itself takes about 15–20 minutes to mix and shape, especially if you’re stuffing each cookie with a chunk of white chocolate. If the dough feels sticky, budget another 30 minutes for chilling.

Baking Time: Each batch needs 10–12 minutes in the oven. Depending on the size of your oven and number of cookie sheets, you might need 2–3 rounds of baking. Cooling takes an additional 10 minutes.

Tips for Perfect Chocolate Snowball Cookies with White Chocolate Center

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This ensures the dough mixes evenly and becomes smooth.
Don’t Overmix the Dough: Stop once everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
Chill the Dough if Needed: If the dough is too soft, chilling helps it firm up and makes shaping much easier.
Generously Coat in Powdered Sugar: This creates the dramatic snowball effect. Don’t be shy—go for full coverage.
Bake Until Just Set: You want them soft in the center. Overbaking will harden the cookies and diminish the gooey center.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Using White Chocolate Chips: Chips are designed to hold shape and won’t melt as nicely as a chunk or square of baking chocolate.
Skipping the Powdered Sugar Coating: This isn’t just for looks—it helps with the crinkle effect during baking.
Overbaking: These cookies are meant to be soft and gooey. A dry cookie usually means it stayed in the oven too long.
Not Sealing the Dough Around the Chocolate: Any openings might let the chocolate leak out during baking.
Baking on a Hot Tray: Always start with a cool tray to prevent the dough from melting too fast and flattening.

What to Serve With Chocolate Snowball Cookies with White Chocolate Center?

1. Hot Chocolate

A warm cup of cocoa pairs beautifully with these cookies for a cozy dessert experience.

2. Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Serve the cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on the side for a delightful contrast of temperatures.

3. Fresh Berries

The tartness of raspberries or strawberries cuts through the richness of the chocolate and balances the sweetness.

4. Coffee or Espresso

The deep flavor of coffee complements the fudgy chocolate, making it a great pairing for an afternoon treat.

5. Whipped Cream Topped with Cocoa

A dollop of whipped cream dusted with cocoa powder makes an elegant and simple addition to a cookie plate.

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: Store completely cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Layer parchment paper between them to prevent sticking.

Refrigerator: Not necessary, but if your kitchen is warm, keeping them chilled can help them stay firm longer.

Freezer: These cookies freeze very well. Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. Store for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for 10 seconds to revive the melty center.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Cookie)

Calories: 160 kcal
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 60mg
Total Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of white chocolate works best?

Use baking bars or high-quality white chocolate squares instead of chips for a better melt.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough up to 48 hours in advance. Keep it wrapped and chilled in the fridge.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Absolutely. Shape the cookies (with chocolate inside), freeze them on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen—just add 2–3 minutes to the baking time.

How do I get the crackled powdered sugar look?

Roll the cookies very generously in powdered sugar right before baking. Don’t skimp!

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Sure! You can mix in finely chopped pecans or hazelnuts into the dough. Just make sure they’re chopped small enough to not affect the texture.

Conclusion

Chocolate Snowball Cookies with White Chocolate Center are the ultimate treat when you’re craving something festive, indulgent, and easy to make. With their rich chocolate flavor, gooey white chocolate center, and that iconic crinkle-dusted exterior, they’re guaranteed to wow at any occasion. Plus, they store and freeze beautifully—so you can always have a batch ready for when the craving strikes. These are cookies worth baking on repeat.