Chocolate Snowball Cookies (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ For the cookies

01 - 1 cup (230 g) unsalted butter, softened
02 - 1/2 cup (60 g) powdered sugar
03 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
04 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
05 - 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
06 - 1/4 cup (25 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
07 - 3/4 cup (90 g) finely chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

→ For the coating

08 - 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Add the vanilla extract and salt, mixing to combine. Gradually mix in the flour, cocoa powder, and chopped nuts (if using) until the dough comes together.
03 - Scoop out 1-tablespoon portions of dough and roll into balls. Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
04 - Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are set but not browned. Let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes.
05 - While the cookies are still slightly warm, roll them in powdered sugar until fully coated. Place them on a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, roll them in powdered sugar again for a snowy finish.

# Notes:

01 - Add a teaspoon of instant coffee granules to the dough for a mocha twist.
02 - For extra sweetness, drizzle the cooled cookies with melted white chocolate.
03 - Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.