If you are looking for a delightful treat that combines a classic favorite with an unexpected twist, the Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. These cookies bring together the buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture of traditional snowball cookies with the rich, sweet bursts of mini chocolate chips, making every bite a joyful celebration of flavor and comfort. Whether for a holiday party or an everyday snack, these cookies are guaranteed to bring smiles and a little bit of magic to your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together effortlessly to create something truly special. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the cookie’s tender crumb, rich taste, and that signature snowy appearance.
- Unsalted butter: Provides the rich, creamy base and tender texture essential for snowball cookies.
- Powdered sugar: Lightens the dough and gives that delicate sweetness both inside and out when used for rolling.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warm, aromatic depth that complements the chocolate chips beautifully.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation that gives the cookies structure without making them tough.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness for a well-rounded bite.
- Mini chocolate chips: Tiny bursts of melty chocolate throughout that surprise and delight with every mouthful.
- Additional powdered sugar: Used for rolling the cookies to achieve that classic “snowball” finish and extra sweetness.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Start by beating the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and smooth. This step is vital because it builds the airiness in your dough that results in those soft snowball cookies we all love. Then, stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the dough with its comforting aroma.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
Next, gradually mix the all-purpose flour and salt into the butter mixture. You want to be gentle here, just enough to bring the dough together without overmixing, which keeps the cookies tender and crumbly rather than dense.
Step 3: Add Chocolate Chips
Fold in the mini chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the dough. These little bites of chocolate add a delightful contrast to the buttery base and create a fun surprise in every cookie.
Step 4: Shape the Dough
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into a smooth 1-inch ball. Laying them evenly spaced on a parchment-lined baking sheet is important to give them room to bake perfectly without sticking together.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies at 375°F (190°C) for 9 to 11 minutes. You’ll want to watch for the bottoms of the cookies to turn a gentle golden hue, even though the tops remain pale. This visual cue tells you they’re ready to come out of the oven for that soft, tender bite.
Step 6: The Signature Snowball Finish
After baking, allow the cookies to cool for about 5 minutes so they’re warm but not too hot. Carefully roll each cookie in powdered sugar, making sure to coat them thoroughly for that authentic “snowball” look. Once they’re completely cool, roll them again for a second dusting — this double coating is what makes these cookies so irresistibly beautiful and tasty.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are gorgeous on their own, you can elevate their presentation with a light dusting of cocoa powder mixed with powdered sugar for a subtle chocolatey snow effect. A sprinkle of edible glitter can also add a festive, magical touch if you’re serving them at a party.
Side Dishes
Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies pair wonderfully with classic comfort beverages. Serve them alongside a warm cup of spiced chai, rich hot chocolate, or even a glass of cold milk for a nostalgic and cozy experience. Fresh fruit slices like oranges or strawberries can add a refreshing contrast as well.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the snowball cookies in a clear jar tied with a festive ribbon for gifting, or arrange them on a platter with sprigs of fresh rosemary or mint for a lovely seasonal touch. You can also sandwich a dollop of whipped cream or marshmallow fluff between two cookies for an indulgent twist that’s sure to impress!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They maintain their softness and flavor beautifully for up to a week. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these cookies later, freezing is a perfect option. Place the dough balls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, pop them directly in the oven without thawing. Alternatively, you can freeze baked cookies in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To revive the fresh-baked warmth, heat leftover cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This will refresh their texture and melt the chocolate chips slightly—like they’ve just come out of the oven again!
FAQs
Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of mini chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Regular-sized chocolate chips work perfectly, but mini chips distribute more evenly throughout the dough, giving you a more consistent chocolate experience in every bite, which is why they’re preferred for this recipe.
What can I substitute for powdered sugar in the dough?
Powdered sugar is crucial for the texture and the delicate sweetness of these cookies. However, superfine sugar can be a substitute, though the cookies might be slightly less tender. For the rolling coating, powdered sugar is best to keep that classic snowball appearance.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and avoid overmixing the dough. Chilling the dough before baking can also help maintain the cookie shape if you notice spreading is an issue.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This particular Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe calls for all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends designed for baking to make a delicious alternative.
Can I add nuts to the cookies?
Yes! Chopped pecans or walnuts add a lovely crunch and another layer of flavor that complements the buttery dough and chocolate chips. Just fold them in during the chocolate chip addition step.
Final Thoughts
The Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe is one of those timeless treats that never fail to brighten up any day with their tender, buttery texture and pockets of melty chocolate. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just because, these cookies offer pure joy with every bite. I encourage you to try making them soon—you might just find your new favorite cookie tradition!
Print
Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic snowball cookie, featuring mini chocolate chips folded into a buttery, tender dough. Rolled in powdered sugar twice for a snowy, festive appearance, they offer a perfect balance of sweetness and rich chocolate flavor, ideal for holiday gatherings or any cozy treat time.
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 the mixture is light and fluffy. Then add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and mix well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add in 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt, mixing just until the dough comes together and no streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cookies tender.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Stir in 3/4 cup of mini chocolate chips evenly through the dough to distribute the chocolate bits.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into 1-inch balls. Place these balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart to allow for slight spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies at 375°F (190°C) for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. The tops should remain pale and will not brown significantly.
- Cool and Roll in Powdered Sugar: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. While still warm, roll each cookie in powdered sugar to coat them evenly. Once completely cooled, roll them again for a second ‘snowy’ coating to complete the traditional look and sweetness.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming and better texture.
- Do not over-bake; cookies should be lightly golden on the bottom but pale on top to keep their delicate texture.
- Double rolling in powdered sugar creates the classic snowball cookie appearance and enhances sweetness.
- Mini chocolate chips work best for even distribution without overpowering the delicate dough.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to maintain freshness.
