Espresso Snowball Cookies Recipe

Quick & Dreamy: Espresso Snowball Cookies Recipe For Coffee Lovers

Nestled in the cozy world of holiday baking, these delightful espresso snowball cookies pack a delicious punch of rich caffeine flavor.

Crumbly textures mingle with intense coffee notes that dance across your palate.

Every bite brings a magical winter moment straight to your kitchen.

Small powdered sugar-dusted spheres hide a surprising espresso intensity that will charm cookie enthusiasts.

Warm spices and ground coffee create a sophisticated twist on classic snowball treats.

Butter and ground espresso beans merge into a delectable blend that feels both comforting and luxurious.

When you share these treats, friends will marvel at your culinary creativity and ask for the secret recipe.

Espresso Snowball Cookies Ingredients

Main Ingredients:
  • Butter: Creamy base for cookie texture.
  • Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create fluffy texture.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Gives structure to the cookies.
  • Cocoa Powder: Adds rich chocolate flavor.
  • Salt: Enhances overall taste.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds classic sweet aroma.
  • Espresso Powder: Provides deep coffee intensity.
  • Chocolate Chips or Chopped Chocolate: Adds extra chocolate bursts.
Coating:
  • Powdered Sugar: Creates signature snowy appearance.

Baking Espresso Snowball Cookies with Rich Coffee Flavor

Step 1: Whip Creamy Base

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and blend softened butter with powdered sugar using an electric mixer. Whip until the mixture becomes fluffy and light, creating a smooth, creamy foundation for your delightful cookies.

Step 2: Infuse Aromatic Flavors

Introduce vanilla extract and espresso powder into the creamy mixture. Stir thoroughly to distribute the rich coffee essence evenly throughout the dough, ensuring each bite delivers an intense flavor profile.

Step 3: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder
  • Fine salt

Gently whisk the ingredients to eliminate any potential lumps and create a uniform dry mixture.

Step 4: Marry Wet and Dry Components

Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the butter mixture. Mix carefully, avoiding overmixing, until the dough comes together smoothly and no flour streaks remain visible.

Step 5: Sprinkle Chocolate Surprise

Fold in chocolate chips or chopped chocolate chunks, distributing them evenly throughout the dough for delightful bursts of chocolatey goodness.

Step 6: Shape Delicate Morsels

Using your hands, roll the dough into small, uniform balls approximately 1 inch in diameter. Arrange these delicate spheres on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving slight spacing between each cookie.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the baking sheet inside and bake for 12-15 minutes. The cookies should appear set but remain slightly soft to the touch.

Step 8: Create Snowy Coating

Allow cookies to cool slightly. While still warm, gently roll each cookie in powdered sugar, creating a light, snowy exterior. Once completely cooled, repeat the powdered sugar coating for an extra frosty finish.

  • Brew Coffee Perfectly: Use fresh, high-quality espresso powder for the most intense coffee flavor in your cookies.
  • Chill Dough Wisely: Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before shaping to prevent spreading and maintain cookie shape.
  • Handle with Care: Let cookies cool slightly before first sugar coating to help the powdered sugar stick better and create a smooth finish.
  • Prevent Crumbling: Roll cookies gently in powdered sugar to avoid breaking the delicate cookie while ensuring an even, snowy coating.
  • Store Smartly: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their delicate texture and rich flavor.

Save Espresso Snowball Cookies and Reheat Without Losing Flavor

  • Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days, layering between parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep them cool and dry.
  • Wrap cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
  • Warm cookies on a microwave-safe plate for 10-15 seconds at 50% power. Check carefully to avoid overcooking and maintain soft texture.
  • Preheat oven to 275°F. Place cookies on baking sheet and warm for 3-5 minutes to restore crispness and revive powdered sugar coating.

Espresso Snowball Cookies Snack Matches

Savor Coffee Companions: Bold Espresso Drink Pairings

  • Brew Intense Espresso: Match these cookies with a sharp, concentrated single-origin espresso shot that amplifies the coffee undertones in the cookie.
  • Craft Creamy Latte: Pair with a smooth vanilla latte whose milky sweetness balances the cookie's rich, deep espresso notes and provides a complementary texture.
  • Enhance Dessert Moment: Serve alongside dark chocolate liqueur or amaretto for an elevated adult treat that deepens the cookie's complex coffee flavor profile.
  • Indulge Mocha Experience: Complement with a cold brew mocha that echoes the chocolate and coffee elements, creating a harmonious dessert pairing.
  • Gluten-Free Edition: Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the rich espresso flavor.
  • Vegan Snowball Swap: Use coconut oil instead of butter, plant-based chocolate chips, and replace powdered sugar with a vegan alternative like organic cane sugar.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Substitute powdered sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while keeping the classic snowball cookie texture.
  • Nutty Espresso Crunch: Add chopped toasted almonds or pecans to the dough for extra texture and a complementary nutty flavor that enhances the coffee notes.

FAQs

  • What gives these cookies their intense coffee flavor?

The espresso powder is the secret ingredient, concentrated coffee that infuses a rich, deep coffee taste throughout the entire cookie without adding extra liquid.

  • Are these cookies suitable for coffee lovers?

Absolutely! The espresso powder provides a bold coffee flavor that enhances the chocolate notes, making these cookies perfect for anyone who enjoys a strong coffee taste in their desserts.

  • Can I use instant coffee instead of espresso powder?

While you can substitute, espresso powder has a more concentrated and robust flavor. Instant coffee might provide a milder coffee taste and could affect the overall texture of the cookies.

  • How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking?

Chill the dough for 30 minutes before shaping and baking. This helps the butter firm up, preventing excessive spreading and maintaining the classic snowball cookie shape.

Espresso Snowball Cookies That Perk Up the Holiday Table

  • Capture Coffee Bliss: Indulge in a delightful twist on classic snowball cookies with an intense espresso kick that transforms ordinary treats into extraordinary moments.
  • Whip Up Effortlessly: Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, these cookies require simple ingredients and minimal prep, making them a stress-free baking adventure.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Chocolate chips and coffee flavor create an irresistible combination that appeals to both kids and adults, guaranteeing smiles at family gatherings or potlucks.
  • Festive Winter Treat: Beautifully coated in powdery white sugar, these cookies look like delicate snowballs, making them a stunning addition to holiday dessert tables or winter celebrations.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Espresso Snowball Cookies Recipe

Espresso Snowball Cookies Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Delightful Espresso Snowball Cookies bring Italian coffee culture into classic holiday baking with rich, buttery texture and deep mocha notes. Powdered sugar coating adds elegant winter charm, making these compact treats perfect for coffee enthusiasts and cookie lovers seeking sophisticated seasonal indulgence.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips or finely chopped dark chocolate

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder

Finishing Ingredients:

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Powdered sugar (for rolling)

Instructions

  1. Whip softened butter and powdered sugar in a spacious mixing vessel until the mixture achieves a cloud-like, aerated consistency.
  2. Incorporate vanilla essence and finely ground espresso powder, blending thoroughly to distribute coffee nuances evenly.
  3. Sift together flour, dark cocoa powder, and a delicate pinch of salt in a separate container, ensuring no lumps remain.
  4. Gently introduce dry ingredients into the butter mixture, stirring with minimal manipulation to preserve the dough’s tender texture.
  5. Delicately fold chopped chocolate or miniature chocolate morsels throughout the dough, creating pockets of rich, molten potential.
  6. Using palms, craft uniform spheres approximately one inch in diameter, positioning them with gentle precision onto a parchment-lined baking surface.
  7. Heat the oven to 350°F, allowing precise temperature equilibration before nestling the cookie orbs inside for 12-15 minutes, watching for subtle firmness without excessive browning.
  8. Allow cookies momentary respite from oven’s heat, then luxuriously enrobe each in a cascade of powdered sugar, creating a pristine, snow-kissed exterior.
  9. Once completely cooled, execute a second dusting of powdered sugar, enhancing the wintery aesthetic and sealing in the cookies’ delicate essence.

Notes

  • Adjust espresso powder intensity to match your coffee preference, from subtle hints to bold, robust flavors.
  • Experiment with different chocolate types like dark, milk, or white chocolate chips for unique taste variations.
  • Chill the dough for 30 minutes before shaping to prevent spreading and maintain perfect round cookie shape.
  • Create gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend for dietary needs.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 120
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 50mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
Marcus Hale

Marcus Hale

Founder & Recipe Storyteller

Expertise

  • Demystifying knife work, sauce emulsification, and pastry basics.
  • Curating seasonal guides that adapt global recipes to local, in-season produce.
  • Crafting blog posts, videos, and social media tips.

Education

Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Hands-on global cuisine training emphasizes sustainable cooking and recipe development under accredited chefs.

Marcus grew up surrounded by maple trees, farm stands, and the smell of Sunday stew simmering on the stove. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from the HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he knew he didn’t want to work in fancy kitchens, he wanted to cook for real people.

At Whip Up Cook Up, Marcus is the guy turning memories into meals. His recipes are fast, full of flavor, and built for home cooks who want big taste without the drama.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star