Looking for a delightful and easy holiday treat to share with your loved ones? Try making these mouthwatering Molly’s Chocolate Snowballs that are perfect for Christmas. This recipe combines the comforting flavors of a chocolate chip cookie with the festive appeal of snowball cookies, creating a deliciously sweet and crunchy treat that will have everyone asking for more.
Why You’ll Love This Molly’s Chocolate Snowballs
– Festive Twist: A unique blend of chocolate chip cookie and traditional snowball cookie.
– Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: These cookies have a soft center and a crisp, powdered sugar coating.
– Family Tradition: Passed down through generations, this recipe is a nostalgic favorite during the holiday season.
– Easy to Bake: Simple ingredients and straightforward instructions make these cookies a joy to make.
Ingredient Notes
– All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and texture to the cookies.
– Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the dough.
– Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cookies and helps with texture.
– Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
– Egg: Acts as a binding agent in the dough.
– Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Delivers bursts of chocolatey goodness in every bite.
– Confectioners’ Sugar: Coats the cookies with a sweet, snowy finish.
How to Make Molly’s Chocolate Snowballs
Step 1: Preparing the Dough
– Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and sift together the flour and salt in a medium bowl.
– In a separate large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
– Beat in the egg until well combined.
– Gradually stir in the flour mixture and fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips.
Step 2: Shaping and Baking
– Roll the dough into small balls, about an inch in size, and place them on an ungreased cookie sheet.
– Bake the cookies for 15-20 minutes until they are lightly golden. Allow them to cool slightly.
Step 3: Coating with Sugar
– Roll the warm cookies in confectioners’ sugar until they are fully coated.
– Let the cookies cool completely before serving.
Storage Options
To store Molly’s Chocolate Snowballs, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies in a sealed freezer-safe container for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw the cookies at room temperature or warm them in the oven for a few minutes to revive their texture.
Variations and Substitutions
– White Chocolate Chips: Swap the semi-sweet chocolate chips for white chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
– Nutty Addition: Add chopped nuts like pecans or almonds for extra crunch and flavor.
– Orange Zest: Add orange zest to the dough for a citrusy twist.
– Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour to make a gluten-free version of these cookies.
What to Serve With Molly’s Chocolate Snowballs
– Hot Cocoa: Enjoy these sweet treats with a warm cup of hot cocoa for a cozy winter pairing.
– Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve the cookies alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for a simple yet indulgent dessert.
– Peppermint Tea: Pair these cookies with a cup of refreshing peppermint tea for a soothing post-dinner treat.
– Fruit Compote: Accompany the cookies with a side of fruit compote for a balance of flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
– Can I Freeze the Dough?: Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough for up to three months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before baking.
– Can I Use Milk Chocolate Chips Instead?: You can definitely use milk chocolate chips for a sweeter flavor in the cookies.
– Can I Skip Rolling the Cookies in Confectioners’ Sugar?: While the sugar coating adds a delightful texture, you can omit it if desired.
– Can I Make These Cookies in Advance?: Yes, these cookies can be made ahead of time and stored for later enjoyment.
By following this recipe, you can expect to create a batch of indulgent cookies that are both visually appealing and irresistibly delicious. The combination of soft, chocolate-studded centers and the powdery sweetness of the sugar coating will delight your taste buds with each bite. These cookies are perfect for sharing with family and friends during the holiday season or any time you crave a sweet treat.
Molly's Chocolate Snowballs
Ingredients
All-Purpose Flour
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup butter room temperature
- 1/2 cup cane sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg
Additions
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Sift the flour and salt in a bowl.
- In a large bowl, mix butter, cane sugar, and vanilla.
- Beat in the egg until well combined.
- Stir in the flour mixture and chocolate chips.
- Form dough into small balls and place on a cookie sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, then let them cool slightly.
- Roll the cookies in confectioners' sugar for a snowy effect.