Chocolate (Star Cookie) Filled Snowballs
These chocolate-filled snowballs are tender, nutty cookies coated in powdered sugar, perfect for holiday treats or special occasions, offering rich chocolate and nutty flavors with a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat butter, sugar, and vanilla until light and fluffy.
- Add sifted flour and chopped nuts; blend well.
- Chill the dough.
- Remove foil from chocolate kisses.
- Shape dough around each kiss, using about 1 tablespoon of dough per ball.
- Ensure the dough completely covers the kisses.
- Place the formed cookies on an ungreased cookie sheet.
- Bake in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 12 minutes or until set but not browned.
- Cool the cookies slightly.
- Remove carefully and place on wire racks to cool completely.
- While still warm, sprinkle the tops with confectioners sugar.
- Cool completely.
- Store in a tightly covered container.
- Before serving, roll in sugar again if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of margarine. You can also substitute chopped pecans or walnuts with almonds or hazelnuts if desired. Chilling the dough is essential to prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking. If you don't have chocolate kisses, any chocolate candy can work as a filling, but make sure it's not too large.
Serving Suggestions
These chocolate-filled snowballs make a delightful treat for any occasion, especially during the holidays. Serve them with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa for a cozy pairing. They also pair beautifully with Christmas Eve Salad, adding a sweet contrast to savory dishes. For an elegant touch, dust with extra confectioners sugar before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If the cookies are not rolled in confectioners sugar, you can freeze them for up to three months. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chocolate (Star Cookie) Filled Snowballs contains roughly 115 calories, with 1g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 5g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to three days. You can also shape the cookies and freeze them before baking. Just bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What if I don't have chocolate kisses?
If you don’t have chocolate kisses, you can use chocolate chips or any small chocolate candy as a substitute. Just ensure that the candy can hold its shape while baking. If using larger pieces, adjust the dough amount accordingly to ensure it fully covers the chocolate.
Can these snowballs be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make these cookies gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for proper texture. Always check the labels of your other ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free as well.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).