Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe

These Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are a magical blend of buttery, melt-in-your-mouth tradition and gooey chocolate chips tucked inside each bite. Imagine the tender crumb of a classic snowball cookie, balanced by little bursts of chocolate in every snowy, sugar-dusted mound. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a special celebration, or just because, these cookies disappear quickly and leave everyone smiling. Trust me, they bring that warm, cozy energy to your kitchen—and once you try one, it’s hard to stop!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Baking Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies is refreshingly simple, but every ingredient matters in creating that irresistible melt-in-your-mouth texture and classic flavor. Here’s how each one works its magic in this recipe.

• Unsalted butter (1 ½ cups, softened): The foundation of that rich, tender crumb—make sure it’s fully softened for the creamiest dough.
• Powdered sugar (¾ cup): This lends delicacy and sweetness, and keeps the cookies oh-so-soft instead of gritty.
• Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon): A splash of vanilla rounds out the flavors, creating that homemade bakery aroma everyone loves.
• Salt (¾ teaspoon): Don’t skip it! Salt balances the sweetness and draws out the butter’s flavor.
• All-purpose flour (3 cups): The sturdy-but-tender structure for the cookie, holding everything together without heaviness.
• Mini chocolate chips (2 cups): Tiny chips ensure every bite is packed with gooey chocolate, the perfect surprise inside each snowball.
• Additional powdered sugar (for dusting): The finishing touch that gives these cookies their classic snowy appearance—don’t be shy!

How to Make Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Cookie Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 375F (190C) and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. This simple step keeps your cookies from sticking and helps them bake evenly. Parchment paper also makes cleanup a breeze (you’ll thank yourself later!).

Step 2: Cream the Butter

Place the softened butter in your stand mixer bowl or in a large mixing bowl if you’re using a hand mixer. Beat it until it’s creamy and smooth—this is key to making your snowball cookies beautiful and tender. Give the butter at least a couple of minutes to really fluff up.

Step 3: Mix in Sugar, Vanilla, and Salt

Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt right into the butter. Start mixing on low (so you don’t get a face full of sugar!), then increase the speed. Keep going until everything comes together in a silky, creamy mixture. This blend sets the base flavor of your Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies.

Step 4: Add the Flour Gradually

With the mixer on low, add the flour bit by bit. Mixing gradually ensures no lumps and allows the dough to come together smoothly. Scrape down the bowl a couple of times to get every last bit mixed in. The dough will get thicker at this stage—that’s exactly what you want.

Step 5: Stir in the Mini Chocolate Chips

Now it’s time for those delightful mini chocolate chips! Use a spatula or keep your mixer on its lowest speed to fold them in evenly, making sure every cookie gets plenty of chocolate. The dough will be stiff but stick with it—your arms will get a gentle workout.

Step 6: Scoop and Roll the Dough

Using about 1 tablespoon of dough per cookie, scoop and roll each into a smooth, even ball using your hands. Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them at least 1 inch apart. Rolling helps the cookies bake up perfectly round, giving you that classic snowball look.

Step 7: Bake!

Slide the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes. Watch for the bottom edges to turn just slightly golden—that’s your cue they’re done. You don’t want to overbake these; they should stay pale for the most tender center.

Step 8: Sugar Dust While Warm

As soon as the cookies come out of the oven and while they’re still warm, generously dust them with powdered sugar. This snow-kissed finish is the signature of Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies, and it melts into a delicate, sweet coating that’s pure magic.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a rack. Once fully cooled, dust with a second layer of powdered sugar if you want extra drama. Then, dive in and taste the joy!

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

Garnishes

For a festive touch, pile the finished cookies onto a platter and sift an extra shower of powdered sugar over the top just before serving. If you’d like, add a sprinkle of cocoa powder or even a few chocolate curls for a rich, elegant twist—perfect for holidays or gifting.

Side Dishes

Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies pair beautifully with a mug of hot coffee, steamy cocoa, or a tall glass of chilled milk. For a dessert platter, team them with fresh berries, whipped cream, or tiny scoops of ice cream for a playful cookies-and-cream combo.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your cookies in colorful paper cups or mini muffin liners for a party tray. Stack them into a pyramid, dust with “snow,” and tuck in a sprig of mint for a whimsical winter scene. For gifting, layer the cookies in a tin with parchment between the layers—they travel well and look stunning!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies at their freshest by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to five days—though around here, they rarely last that long!

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully. Once completely cooled, place them in airtight containers or freezer-safe bags, using parchment or wax paper to separate the layers. They’ll keep well for up to three months. You can freeze the dough balls before baking, too—just bake straight from the freezer and add an extra minute or two to the baking time.

Reheating

If you prefer your cookies slightly warm, pop them in a 300F (150C) oven for a few minutes or microwave for 5–10 seconds. Dust with a fresh layer of powdered sugar before serving to revive that snowy look!

FAQs

Can I make Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies with regular chocolate chips instead of mini?

Mini chocolate chips are best because they disperse evenly and keep the cookies delicate, but you can chop regular chips or chocolate bars finely if that’s what you have on hand.

Do these cookies need to chill before baking?

Great news—no chilling needed! The dough is sturdy enough to hold its shape right away, so you can scoop, roll, and bake all in one go.

Can I add nuts to the dough?

Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts add a lovely crunch and an extra layer of flavor. Just keep them finely chopped so they blend well with the soft dough and chocolate chips.

Why are my cookies spreading too much?

If your cookies come out flat, the dough might have been too warm, or the butter too soft or even melted. For best results, make sure your butter is just softened and not melty. If your kitchen is very warm, a short chill in the fridge after shaping the dough balls helps, too.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour. Check your flour’s package for substitution tips, and you’ll still get wonderful Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies everyone can enjoy.

Final Thoughts

If you love uncomplicated cookies that deliver maximum joy, you have to try Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies. Each bite is a little wintery wonderland packed with rich chocolate and that classic, buttery crumb—just perfect for sharing with friends and family. Give these a whirl and watch them become a new favorite around your table!

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