Pin it
Soft chocolatey cookies coated in powdered sugar make for a perfect treat during the holidays or any time you crave something sweet and comforting. These cookies have a snowy powdered sugar exterior that contrasts beautifully with the rich chocolate inside. They are especially delightful when shared with friends and family over warm drinks.
I first baked these cookies during a holiday gathering, and now they are always requested at family events because everyone loves their delicate crumb and chocolatey richness.
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter: Two sticks at room temperature to ensure creaminess in the batter
- Powdered sugar: Half a cup for sweetness and part of the coating
- Vanilla extract: One teaspoon for a warm, aromatic touch
- Regular flour: One and three quarter cups which provides structure all-purpose works well
- Cocoa powder: Quarter cup that gives the cookies their chocolate flavor, choose Dutch-processed for milder taste or natural for stronger cocoa notes
- Salt: Half a teaspoon to balance the sweetness and enhance flavor
- Walnuts or pecans: One cup finely chopped optional but adds great crunch and depth
- Mini chocolate chips: Half a cup optional for extra bursts of melty chocolate
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Set the Oven and Prep Baking Sheets:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line your baking trays with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Whip Butter and Sugar:
- Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the room-temperature butter with half a cup of powdered sugar until the mixture becomes light and airy. This step ensures your cookies will be soft and tender. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt until evenly combined. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture, blending gently to form a soft dough. Avoid overmixing to keep the texture delicate.
- Add Nuts and Chocolate Chips:
- If you like a bit of texture and extra chocolate, fold in the chopped nuts and mini chocolate chips carefully without breaking up the dough.
- Shape Dough Balls:
- Scoop the dough in tablespoons and roll each into a ball. Place them about one inch apart on the prepared baking trays. This spacing allows the cookies to spread slightly without touching each other.
- Bake the Cookies:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes. Look for the edges to firm up and the bottoms to become lightly golden but keep the centers soft. Overbaking will dry them out.
- First Powdered Sugar Coating:
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool for about five minutes. While still warm, gently roll each cookie in powdered sugar for an initial snowy coat.
- Second Powdered Sugar Coating:
- Once the cookies have cooled completely on a wire rack, roll them in powdered sugar again to create a perfect finish that looks like fresh snow.
Pin it
Storage Tips
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the cooled cookies in a sealed container or bag for up to three months. When ready to eat, let them thaw at room temperature or warm gently in a low oven.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap regular flour for gluten-free flour blends if needed, just check measurements for adjustment. Use dairy-free butter for a vegan twist and substitute powdered sugar coatings with coconut sugar dust for slight variation. Walnuts can be replaced with almonds or omitted altogether for nut-free cookies.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies pair wonderfully with hot chocolate, coffee, or a glass of cold milk. They also make elegant gifts when wrapped in decorative paper or placed in holiday tins. Try serving alongside whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
Pin it
Cultural and Historical Context
Chocolate cookies have long been a holiday favorite in American households. Coating in powdered sugar adds a festive look reminiscent of snowfall and celebrates the cozy winter season. These treats bridge everyday comfort and special occasion sweetness in many family traditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of cocoa powder works best for these cookies?
A natural unsweetened cocoa powder provides a rich chocolate flavor that complements the buttery cookie base.
- → Can I substitute nuts in this cookie dough?
Yes, you can use either walnuts or pecans, or leave them out entirely depending on your preference or allergies.
- → How do I keep the cookies soft on the inside?
Avoid overbaking by removing them when edges are firm and bottoms are lightly golden; the centers will remain tender.
- → Is it necessary to coat the cookies twice in powdered sugar?
Double coating creates a fuller, snowy texture and sweeter finish, enhancing both appearance and taste.
- → What is the best way to shape the dough for even baking?
Use a tablespoon to form dough balls and space them about an inch apart on parchment-lined trays to bake evenly.
- → Can mini chocolate chips be added to the dough?
Yes, adding mini chocolate chips gives extra chocolate notes and a delightful texture contrast.