Imagine biting into a soft, chocolatey cookie only to be met with a creamy white chocolate center that melts in your mouth. These Chocolate Snowball Cookies with White Chocolate Center are the ultimate winter indulgence, perfect for cozy evenings, festive gatherings, or simply spoiling yourself with something decadently sweet. The contrast between the rich cocoa shell and the silky white core creates a texture and flavor explosion that makes these cookies unforgettable.
These treats aren’t just about the wow factor—they’re surprisingly simple to make and store beautifully, making them ideal for holiday baking or gifting. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just fill your kitchen with the nostalgic aroma of baking chocolate, this recipe will deliver. Let’s dig into the tools and steps that make it all come together seamlessly.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into mixing and rolling, gathering your tools makes the process faster and stress-free. Here are the essentials:
- Mixing Bowls: Use separate bowls for wet and dry ingredients to help you combine everything evenly.
 - Electric Mixer or Stand Mixer: Crucial for creaming the butter and sugar to the perfect fluffy texture. This step creates the base structure for the cookies.
 - Cookie Scoop: Ensures each cookie is uniform in size, which helps them bake evenly.
 - Baking Sheet: A sturdy, non-stick sheet or one lined with parchment paper gives the cookies the ideal texture and prevents burning.
 - Cooling Rack: Allows air to circulate around the cookies, preventing soggy bottoms.
 - Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy matters in baking, and these ensure each ingredient plays its part.
 - Spatula: Handy for scraping down the sides of the bowl and ensuring nothing is wasted.
 
  

Ingredients for the Chocolate Snowball Cookies with White Chocolate Center
Every ingredient in these cookies plays a specific role in building flavor, texture, and that signature melt-in-your-mouth moment.
- Unsalted Butter: Softened butter creates a rich, tender base. Unsalted lets you control the salt level.
 - Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a light, slightly crisp texture around the edges.
 - Brown Sugar: Brings in moisture and a subtle molasses depth that enhances the chocolate.
 - Vanilla Extract: A flavor booster that rounds out the richness of the cocoa.
 - Egg: Acts as a binder and adds structure to the dough.
 - All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the cookie; gives them their classic chewy-yet-soft bite.
 - Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Delivers deep chocolate flavor and that rich dark color.
 - Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough and keeps them from becoming too dense.
 - Salt: Balances the sweetness and elevates the overall flavor profile.
 - White Chocolate Chunks or Discs: The surprise inside! Choose high-quality white chocolate that melts smoothly.
 - Powdered Sugar: Used to coat the cookies for that snowy, festive finish.
 
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 unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step helps incorporate air into the dough for a softer cookie.
Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients
Mix in the vanilla extract and egg until fully combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure everything is incorporated evenly.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, mixing just until a dough forms.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This makes it easier to handle and enhances the flavor.
Step 5: Stuff with White Chocolate
Using a cookie scoop, portion out the dough. Flatten slightly, place a chunk of white chocolate in the center, and wrap the dough around it to seal completely.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 9–11 minutes. They should be set on the edges but soft in the middle.
Step 7: Add the Snowball Touch
Once slightly cooled but still warm, roll each cookie in powdered sugar to create the snowy finish. For an extra snowy look, roll a second time after they’ve completely cooled.
How to Serve and Store Chocolate Snowball Cookies with White Chocolate Center
These cookies are best enjoyed slightly warm when the white chocolate center is still soft and gooey. Serve them with a cup of hot cocoa, coffee, or even a chilled glass of milk for a comforting treat that feels like a warm hug.
For serving at events or parties, stack them high on a festive plate or platter, and dust with a little extra powdered sugar for a fresh snowfall look. They also make fantastic edible gifts—just pack them in a cookie tin with parchment between layers.
To store, place the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the cookies (or even the dough) for up to 2 months. Just reheat slightly in the microwave or oven to bring back that fresh-baked softness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use milk or dark chocolate instead of white chocolate in the center?
Yes, absolutely! While white chocolate provides a creamy contrast, you can easily substitute with milk or dark chocolate if you prefer a richer flavor profile.
Do I have to chill the dough?
Chilling helps firm up the dough, making it easier to roll and stuff without sticking to your hands. It also enhances the flavor, so it’s highly recommended.
How do I stop the cookies from spreading too much?
Chilled dough is key here. Also, make sure your butter isn’t too soft when you start mixing. Overly soft butter can lead to flat cookies.
Can I double this recipe for a party?
Definitely! These cookies are great for holiday trays or gift boxes, so feel free to double the ingredients. Just make sure to chill the dough in separate batches.
What if I don’t have a cookie scoop?
No problem! You can use a tablespoon to portion the dough. Just try to keep the sizes uniform for even baking.
Should the cookies be soft in the middle after baking?
Yes! They will firm up as they cool. If they seem a little underbaked when you pull them out, that’s exactly when they’re perfect.
Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?
If you love these Chocolate Snowball Cookies with White Chocolate Center, you’ll probably enjoy these other favorites from Life With Olivia:
- Whipped Shortbread Cookies with their delicate melt-in-your-mouth texture.
 - Brownie Mix Cookies for an ultra-fudgy, chewy experience.
 - Tiramisu Cupcakes when you’re craving cookies but dream in espresso and cream.
 - Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes if you’re a swirl fan and love creamy centers.
 - Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake for a fruity, creamy alternative to cookies.
 
And for even more sweet inspiration, check out my daily dessert drops on Pinterest at Life With Olivia.
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 stick with white chocolate or experiment with a different filling? Did you roll them once or twice in powdered sugar?
I love hearing how others make these cookies their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

		Chocolate Snowball Cookies with White Chocolate Center
- Total Time: 56 minutes
 - Yield: 20 cookies
 
Description
These Chocolate Snowball Cookies with White Chocolate Center are a dreamy holiday treat featuring a rich cocoa cookie dusted in powdered sugar with a creamy, molten white chocolate surprise inside. Soft in the middle, slightly crisp on the edges, and irresistibly festive—perfect for cozy baking or gifting!
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 large egg
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
20 pieces white chocolate chunks or discs
1/2 cup powdered sugar, for rolling
Instructions
1. In a large mixing bowl, beat together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add vanilla extract and egg; mix until fully combined. Scrape down the sides.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture until a dough forms.
4. Cover and chill the dough for at least 30 minutes.
5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. Scoop dough using a cookie scoop or tablespoon. Flatten slightly and place a white chocolate chunk in the center. Seal dough around the chocolate.
7. Place on baking sheet and bake for 9–11 minutes until edges are set and centers are soft.
8. Let cool slightly, then roll cookies in powdered sugar while warm. Once completely cooled, roll again for a snowier effect.
Notes
For best results, use high-quality white chocolate that melts smoothly when baked.
Rolling the cookies twice in powdered sugar gives that perfect snowball look.
Don’t skip the chilling time—it keeps the cookies from spreading and improves flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
 - Cook Time: 11 minutes
 - Category: Dessert
 - Method: Baking
 - Cuisine: American
 
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
 - Calories: 190
 - Sugar: 14g
 - Sodium: 75mg
 - Fat: 10g
 - Saturated Fat: 6g
 - Unsaturated Fat: 3g
 - Trans Fat: 0g
 - Carbohydrates: 23g
 - Fiber: 1g
 - Protein: 2g
 - Cholesterol: 25mg
 
Keywords: chocolate cookies, white chocolate center, snowball cookies, holiday treats

					
