If you adore cookies that feel like a sweet, snowy hug, this Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe is going to become your new favorite. These delicate, buttery cookies are packed with mini chocolate chips and coated in a generous dusting of powdered sugar that melts in your mouth. They strike the perfect balance between tender crumb and rich chocolate bursts, making every bite feel like a special winter treat any time of the year. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or just because, these cookies offer that nostalgic charm you’ll want to share over and over.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe lies in its simple, straightforward ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in creating the cookie’s tender texture, buttery flavor, and iconic snowy finish. From the creamy butter that gives richness to the mini chocolate chips adding sweet surprises, here’s everything you’ll want on hand.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides a creamy base that keeps cookies tender and flaky.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens and helps achieve that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds depth and warmth to the cookie’s flavor.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The structure behind every snowball, keeping them soft but sturdy.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- 3/4 cup mini chocolate chips: Little pockets of chocolate joy scattered throughout the dough.
- Additional powdered sugar, for rolling: The signature snowy powder coat that makes these cookies irresistible.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Start by creaming together the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This process traps air, helping the cookies achieve that delicate texture you love. Once ready, blend in the vanilla extract to infuse every bite with comforting warmth.
Step 2: Mix in Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the butter mixture. Mix gently just until dough forms—overmixing can lead to tougher cookies, and we want these snowballs soft and tender. You’ll notice the dough coming together nicely as a soft, pliable mass.
Step 3: Stir in Chocolate Chips
Next, fold in the mini chocolate chips evenly. These tiny chocolate bursts are what make these cookies extra special, contrasting beautifully with the powdery coating once baked. Be sure to distribute them well so every bite has those delightful pockets of sweetness.
Step 4: Shape the Dough into Balls
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into 1-inch balls. Placing them about 1 inch apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet ensures they bake evenly without sticking together. This step lays the groundwork for those perfect, uniform chocolate chip snowballs.
Step 5: Bake Until Tender
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 9 to 11 minutes. The bottoms will develop a light golden color, but the tops stay pale—that’s how you know they are just right. Resist the urge to overbake; the cookies should be soft when you take them out to lock in their classic melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 6: Coat and Cool
Allow the cookies to cool on the tray for about 5 minutes, then gently roll the warm cookies in additional powdered sugar. This initial coating starts the iconic snowball look. Once completely cooled, roll them again in powdered sugar for that irresistible snowy blanket complete with a sweet, powdery touch.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While the cookies themselves are a visual treat, you can add a little festive flair by sprinkling crushed peppermint or edible glitter on top of the powdered sugar for holiday gatherings. A light dusting of cocoa powder mixed into the powdered sugar also gives a subtle chocolate twist and pretty brown contrast.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of steaming hot cocoa, coffee, or even a cold glass of milk. Their buttery richness and chocolate chips offer the perfect contrast to creamy, cold dairy or the warmth of a beverage, making snack time feel comforting and indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
Present these cookies on a festive platter with greenery sprigs or holiday ornaments for special occasions. You can also stack them in a mason jar tied with a ribbon for an adorable gift idea. For a playful twist, serve them alongside small bowls of chocolate sauce or caramel for dipping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and soft for up to a week, retaining that signature snowy coating and sweet, tender bite with just a quick refresh in powdered sugar if needed.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies either before or after baking. For unbaked dough balls, freeze them on a tray first, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Baked cookies freeze beautifully too—just thaw at room temperature and recoat with powdered sugar for that fresh look.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy your frozen or day-old cookies warm, heat them gently in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes. This brings back that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture without drying them out. A quick roll in powdered sugar after warming will restore the snowy finish perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of mini ones?
Absolutely! Regular-sized chocolate chips work well, though mini chips distribute more evenly for that perfect bite every time. Either way, the cookie will be delicious and chocolate-packed.
Why do the tops of the cookies not brown?
These cookies are meant to stay pale on top. The buttery base and powdered sugar coating help create a tender crumb that doesn’t brown much, giving them that classic snowball appearance and texture.
Can I substitute butter with margarine or shortening?
Butter is best for flavor and texture here. Margarine or shortening may work but can alter the taste and crumb. If you must substitute, choose a high-quality butter substitute and expect slight differences.
How do I prevent the cookies from cracking when baking?
Mix your dough just enough to combine ingredients and avoid overworking it. Also, don’t roll the dough balls too tightly; loosely rolled dough will expand smoothly without cracks.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. To make a gluten-free version, substitute with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend and adjust moisture as needed.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about the way these Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe turn a handful of simple ingredients into tender, chocolate-studded treats with a snowy sugar kiss. Easy to make and impossible to resist, these cookies will quickly become a staple for celebrations or everyday indulgence. Grab your mixing bowl, and let the joy of baking these classic snowball cookies fill your kitchen with warmth and sweetness.
Print
Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in these delightful Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies, a perfect blend of buttery richness and sweet mini chocolate chips. Rolled in powdered sugar, these cookies boast a snowy, festive appearance with a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s perfect for any occasion or holiday treat.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup mini chocolate chips
For Rolling
- Additional powdered sugar, for rolling
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup of unsalted butter and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and mix until fully combined, creating a smooth base for the dough.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt to the creamed mixture. Gently mix just until the dough comes together, ensuring not to overwork the dough to keep cookies tender.
- Incorporate Chocolate Chips: Stir 3/4 cup of mini chocolate chips evenly into the dough to distribute the chocolate throughout each cookie.
- Form Dough Balls: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into 1-inch balls. Arrange the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart to allow proper baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the bottoms of the cookies are lightly golden. Note that the tops will remain pale and not brown.
- Cool and Coat: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then roll the warm cookies in powdered sugar. Once they have completely cooled, roll them again to achieve a second, generous snowy coating.
Notes
- For best results, use softened butter at room temperature to ensure smooth creaming.
- Do not overmix the dough once the flour is added to keep the cookies tender.
- Mini chocolate chips are preferred for even distribution and bite-sized chocolate bursts.
- Rolling the cookies twice in powdered sugar creates the classic snowball appearance and adds extra sweetness.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- These cookies freeze well; freeze baked cookies in a single layer then transfer to a sealed container.
