If you’re a chocolate lover looking to impress at your next cookie exchange or just need a sweet treat to brighten your day, these Chocolate Snowball Cookies with White Chocolate Center are the answer. With their irresistible crinkled tops dusted in powdered sugar and a creamy surprise inside, they deliver both visual charm and decadent flavor.


Every bite is a delightful contrast—rich, chewy cocoa cookie on the outside with a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth white chocolate center. These cookies are holiday-ready but delicious enough to make all year long. Once you try them, they might just become a staple in your dessert rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Snowball Cookies with White Chocolate Center
These cookies are a flavor-packed dream for chocolate enthusiasts. The cocoa-rich dough is soft and fudgy, beautifully offset by the sweetness of white chocolate tucked inside. They’re also incredibly photogenic with their crackled powdered sugar tops—perfect for gifting or showing off on social media.
The recipe is simple enough for beginners and fast enough for weeknight baking. Best of all, they freeze beautifully, so you can make a big batch and enjoy them over time.
What Kind of Chocolate Should I Use for the Center?
The center of these cookies is best when made with high-quality white chocolate baking squares or chunks. You want the kind that melts smoothly and holds its shape slightly after baking—something creamy and rich without being too sweet. Avoid using white chocolate chips as they often contain stabilizers that prevent them from melting as nicely. A chopped white chocolate bar works perfectly here.
Ingredients for the Chocolate Snowball Cookies with White Chocolate Center
Every component of this recipe plays a key role in crafting these irresistibly soft and decadent cookies. Let’s look at what makes them so special:
- All-purpose flour: This gives structure to the cookie dough, making sure the cookies are soft but hold together well.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Brings deep chocolate flavor without extra sweetness. Use high-quality cocoa for the best results.
- Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise slightly and contributes to the crackled texture.
- Salt: Enhances and balances the sweetness and richness of the chocolate.
- Butter: Adds flavor and richness, ensuring the cookies are moist and tender.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies while helping achieve that classic cookie texture.
- Brown sugar: Provides a subtle molasses flavor and contributes to a soft, chewy texture.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients and provide structure.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the chocolate flavor.
- White chocolate chunks: The creamy center surprise that takes these cookies to the next level.
- Powdered sugar: For rolling the dough balls to create that signature snowball look.
How To Make the Chocolate Snowball Cookies with White Chocolate Center
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This takes about 2–3 minutes with an electric mixer.
Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until well incorporated.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, beating until a soft dough forms.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour. Chilling prevents spreading and makes shaping easier.
Step 5: Shape and Fill
Scoop out about a tablespoon of dough, flatten it slightly in your hand, place a chunk of white chocolate in the center, and wrap the dough around it. Roll into a ball.
Step 6: Coat with Powdered Sugar
Roll each dough ball in powdered sugar generously, coating all sides. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 7: Bake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes. The tops should be crackled, and the cookies set but still soft. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

How to Serve and Store Chocolate Snowball Cookies with White Chocolate Center
These cookies are ideal for serving at room temperature, where their soft centers and powdered sugar coating shine. They make a perfect addition to cookie trays during the holidays or special gatherings. You can also serve them slightly warmed for an extra melty center—just pop one in the microwave for 8–10 seconds.
This recipe yields about 24 cookies, making it great for feeding a small crowd or sharing with family and friends. Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer and thaw as needed.
What to Serve With Chocolate Snowball Cookies with White Chocolate Center?
Hot Chocolate
Pairing these cookies with a warm mug of hot chocolate enhances their chocolatey richness and adds cozy comfort to any occasion.
Vanilla Ice Cream
Create a dreamy dessert plate by serving a couple of cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The warm and cold contrast is incredible.
Espresso or Coffee
The slight bitterness of espresso or strong coffee balances the sweetness of the cookies perfectly—an ideal match for a late afternoon pick-me-up.
Fresh Berries
Serve with raspberries or strawberries for a pop of color and a bright, tangy counterpoint to the richness.
Whipped Cream
Add a small dollop of whipped cream on the side or use it as a dip for an indulgent touch.
Peppermint Tea
Especially around the holidays, peppermint tea brings a refreshing element that works beautifully with chocolate.
Chocolate Sauce
Drizzle a bit of chocolate or caramel sauce over the cookies when serving for extra flair and richness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chocolate chips instead of white chocolate chunks?
You can, but for the best creamy center, chunks or squares of white chocolate melt better and create that luscious filling effect. Chips are often formulated to hold their shape and won’t give the same gooey texture.
Why did my cookies spread too much?
This usually happens when the dough isn’t chilled long enough. Chilling solidifies the fat in the dough, helping the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
How do I keep the powdered sugar from melting into the cookie?
Make sure the dough is cold when rolling in powdered sugar, and give each cookie a generous coat. Double rolling (once before baking, once after) can also help.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes! Once baked and cooled, freeze the cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a zip-top bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Is it possible to make these gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure the mix contains xanthan gum or a binding agent for the right texture.
Save This Pin For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go extra with the filling or keep it classic? Did you try a peppermint twist?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other bake smarter.
For more delicious ideas, check out my Life With Livia Pinterest board.
Conclusion
Chocolate Snowball Cookies with White Chocolate Center are the ultimate crowd-pleasers—rich, chewy, filled with a creamy surprise, and dusted in snowy sweetness. They’re easy to make, fun to serve, and even better to share. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday platter or just treating yourself on a Tuesday, they’re bound to be a new favorite in your cookie rotation.
Chocolate Snowball Cookies with White Chocolate Center
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Get ready to fall in love with these Chocolate Snowball Cookies with White Chocolate Center — the perfect blend of soft cocoa-rich cookie and creamy white chocolate filling. Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert, holiday treat, or something new for your cookie jar, this easy recipe checks every box. These cookies are ideal for dessert lovers craving indulgent food ideas, fast and impressive baking, and anyone hunting for a sweet surprise in every bite. A real gem for your collection of easy recipe favorites and dessert inspiration!
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
0.5 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
0.75 cup granulated sugar
0.75 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
6 ounces white chocolate chunks
0.5 cup powdered sugar, for rolling
Instructions
1. Cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
2. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each, then stir in the vanilla extract.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients and beat until a dough forms.
5. Cover and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
6. Scoop 1 tablespoon of dough, flatten it slightly, and place a white chocolate chunk in the center. Wrap the dough around it and roll into a ball.
7. Roll each cookie dough ball in powdered sugar until fully coated.
8. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes.
9. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling.
10. Serve at room temperature or slightly warmed for a melty center.
Notes
Make sure the dough is chilled to prevent spreading.
Double coat in powdered sugar if you want a more pronounced “snowball” effect.
Use high-quality white chocolate for the best gooey center.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: chocolate cookies, holiday treats, easy recipe, dessert, baking, snowball cookies




