It’s no secret, I love cookies. And that’s an understatement. If I could, I would run away with them, get married and have little cookie babies. That way I would never run out. Yeah, I know, that’s a little weird.

This is the perfect season for me (other than the unbearable cold and snow). It’s cookie season! So, I’m ditching Meal Monday’s for the rest of the month. Instead, I’m sharing my favorite cookies recipes. Today, it is Hot Chocolate Snowballs.

This is a new recipe for me, I found it in the Penzey’s Spice catalog that I receive (but never order from). They always have new recipes, and I usually find 2-4 that I save. This one I had to make right away. They sounded so good. And they taste even better. Hot chocolate, cream cheese and sugar. Sounds like heaven to me.

Hot Chocolate Snowballs

2/3 cup butter, softened
3 oz cream cheese, softened (I used non-fat)
2/3 cup hot chocolate mix (the recipe calls for Penzey‘s, but I just used what I had in the house)
1/3 cup powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup finely chopped pecans (I didn’t use these, not a fan)
1/2 cup extra powdered sugar for rolling
~ optional: cinnamon sugar mix for rolling ~

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, cream cheese, hot chocolate , powdered sugar and vanilla. In a separate bowl sift together the flour and salt. Gradually add to the creamed mixture and mix until well blended. Stir in the pecans, if using. Cover and chill for 1 hour.

Preheat over to 350º. Roll dough into 1-inch balls. Place 1 inch apart on ungreased baking sheets (I often line my cookie sheets with tin foil for easy clean up). Back at 350º for 15-18 minutes or until firm. Let cool for 1-2 inutes. roll warm cokies in the powdered sugar (or cinnamon sugar, or a combination of both). Place on wire rack to cool.