Bite into one of these Chocolate Snowball Cookies with White Chocolate Center and prepare for a blissful surprise. These cookies look like your classic festive snowballs on the outside, dusted in powdered sugar, but inside hides a creamy, melty pocket of white chocolate that makes every bite feel indulgent. The contrast of rich cocoa and sweet white chocolate is a match made in dessert heaven.
Perfect for holiday trays, winter gatherings, or whenever you crave something extra cozy, these cookies are more than just cute. Their soft and crumbly texture paired with that creamy center will win over both chocolate lovers and cookie traditionalists alike. Once you make a batch, you’ll find they disappear faster than snow on a warm day.
Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Snowball Cookies with White Chocolate Center
These cookies offer a delightful twist on a nostalgic classic. While the traditional snowball is buttery and nutty, this version dials up the decadence by folding in rich cocoa and hiding a surprise inside. They’re fun to make, incredibly satisfying to eat, and look beautiful stacked high on a platter. You can even freeze the dough for later or bake them fresh when you’re short on time but need to impress.
What Kind of White Chocolate Should I Use?
Go for high-quality white chocolate baking discs or large chips that melt smoothly and stay soft after baking. Brands like Ghirardelli or Callebaut work wonderfully because they retain their creamy texture when the cookie is fully cooled. Avoid white chocolate chips labeled as “morsels” if possible, as they tend to resist melting and might not give you that luscious center.
Ingredients for the Chocolate Snowball Cookies with White Chocolate Center
The ingredients here are simple but thoughtfully chosen to enhance the cookie’s flavor and texture. Each plays a crucial role, from the rich cocoa powder to the snowy dusting of powdered sugar.
- Unsalted butter
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Salt
- White chocolate discs or chips
- Extra powdered sugar for rolling
These cookies don’t require eggs, which keeps them crumbly and melt-in-your-mouth, and the cocoa powder adds a deep richness that balances perfectly with the sweet white chocolate filling.

How To Make the Chocolate Snowball Cookies with White Chocolate Center
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Start by beating the unsalted butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy. This helps create a tender texture right from the start.
Step 2: Add Vanilla and Dry Ingredients
Mix in the vanilla extract, then slowly incorporate the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Stir until the dough begins to come together. It might feel crumbly but should hold its shape when pressed.
Step 3: Shape and Fill
Scoop about a tablespoon of dough, flatten slightly in your palm, and place a white chocolate disc in the center. Mold the dough around it and roll gently into a ball.
Step 4: Bake Until Set
Place the cookie balls on a lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes. They won’t spread much but will feel slightly firm on the outside when done.
Step 5: Roll in Powdered Sugar
Let them cool for a few minutes, then roll in powdered sugar while still slightly warm. Once fully cooled, roll again for that perfect snowy finish.
How to Serve and Store Chocolate Snowball Cookies with White Chocolate Center
These cookies are ideal for serving at room temperature, where the white chocolate center is soft but not gooey. They look stunning on a cookie platter dusted with extra powdered sugar or nestled into festive tins as edible gifts. This recipe yields about 24 cookies, perfect for sharing.
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies or unbaked dough balls for up to a month.
What to Serve With Chocolate Snowball Cookies?
Hot Cocoa with Whipped Cream
The rich cocoa in the cookies pairs beautifully with a steaming mug of hot chocolate topped with whipped cream or marshmallows.
Peppermint Tea
A refreshing and cozy contrast to the deep chocolate flavor, peppermint tea helps cleanse the palate between bites.
Eggnog Latte
For the holidays, nothing beats a creamy eggnog latte to highlight the festive spice against the sweet chocolate.
Fresh Berries
A handful of raspberries or sliced strawberries brings a touch of tartness and color to your cookie plate.
Vanilla Ice Cream
Serve a few cookies beside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an elevated dessert.
Mulled Wine
If you’re enjoying these during a winter gathering, mulled wine is a warm and spiced drink that complements the cookies’ richness.
Creamy Custard or Pudding
A spoonful of custard on the side turns your cookie snack into a plated dessert.
Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?
If you love these Chocolate Snowball Cookies with White Chocolate Center, here are a few other delightful treats to try:
- Peanut Butter Smores Sandwich Cookies with gooey filling and crisp edges.
- Lemon Truffles Recipe if you’re after bright citrusy sweetness.
- Classic French Butter Cookies for an elegant, simple bite.
- Baby Lemon Impossible Pies for a custardy surprise in every mini pie.
- Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars that are fun, colorful, and festive any time of year.
Save This Recipe 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 try dark chocolate in the center instead? Or maybe added crushed peppermint to the sugar coating?
I love seeing how these recipes evolve in your kitchens. Questions are welcome too—we’re all here to bake smarter together.
Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and cozy dessert ideas on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your next seasonal favorite.
Conclusion
Chocolate Snowball Cookies with White Chocolate Center are a beautiful upgrade to a holiday staple. With their rich cocoa shell and creamy surprise inside, they bring a perfect balance of elegance and comfort. Whether you’re gifting them, sharing at a gathering, or simply treating yourself, these cookies are sure to add a little magic to your baking season.

Chocolate Snowball Cookies with White Chocolate Center
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Chocolate Snowball Cookies with White Chocolate Center are festive holiday cookies made with rich cocoa and filled with creamy white chocolate. These cocoa snowball cookies are perfect for Christmas trays or edible gifts, offering a surprise bite in every snowy round. Great for make-ahead or freezing too.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
0.75 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
0.5 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
0.25 teaspoon salt
24 pieces white chocolate discs or large chips
0.5 cup extra powdered sugar for rolling
Instructions
1. Beat the unsalted butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Mix in the vanilla extract.
3. Add flour, cocoa powder, and salt; mix until dough forms. It may look crumbly but should hold together.
4. Scoop 1 tablespoon of dough, flatten it, place a white chocolate disc in the center, and wrap dough around it.
5. Roll into balls and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes.
7. Let cookies cool for a few minutes, then roll in powdered sugar.
8. Once fully cooled, roll again in powdered sugar for full coverage.
Notes
Use high-quality white chocolate discs for a creamy center that stays soft.
Avoid overbaking—the cookies should be firm but not crisp.
Rolling in sugar while warm helps it stick better and create that classic snowball look.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
