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Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

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Delicate, buttery, and packed with melty chocolate chips, these Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are the bite-sized treats you didn’t know you needed. Rolled in powdered sugar and boasting that signature crumbly texture, they melt in your mouth like winter magic. Whether you’re making a festive holiday spread or simply craving a sweet, no-fuss cookie, these snowballs deliver.

What makes these stand out is the contrast of rich chocolate with the tender, shortbread-style dough. There are no eggs or leaveners involved, keeping the texture dense and soft. They’re perfect for gifting, stacking in cookie tins, or serving alongside a warm mug of cocoa.


Can I Use Any Chocolate Chips in These Snowball Cookies?

Yes! Semi-sweet chocolate chips are the go-to for their balanced sweetness, but feel free to experiment. Mini chocolate chips incorporate more evenly and make smaller bites easier. White chocolate chips or dark chocolate chunks also work if you’re looking to change things up.


Ingredients for the Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus more for rolling)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies (1)

How To Make the Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.

Step 2: Add the Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the flour and salt to the creamed mixture. Stir until the dough starts to come together.

Step 3: Fold in the Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes. This helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll into balls.

Step 5: Shape and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop and roll dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 1 inch apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly golden.

Step 6: Roll in Powdered Sugar

Allow cookies to cool slightly, then roll them in powdered sugar while still warm. For an extra snowy finish, roll them again once fully cooled.


How to Serve and Store Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

These cookies are charmingly versatile. Serve them with hot cocoa, coffee, or as a dainty dessert after dinner. They’re also a crowd-pleaser for cookie swaps or holiday trays.

To store, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If stacking, use parchment between layers to prevent sticking. You can also freeze them in a sealed container for up to 2 months—just re-roll in powdered sugar after thawing.


Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely. The dough can be prepared and chilled up to 2 days in advance.

Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, shape the dough into balls and freeze them on a tray before transferring to a container. Bake straight from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to the baking time.

Why are my cookies spreading?

Snowball cookies should hold their shape. If yours are spreading, your butter may have been too soft or warm. Chill the dough longer to help.

Can I add nuts?

Definitely. Finely chopped pecans or walnuts add great texture and flavor. Add up to 1/2 cup to the dough.

Are these gluten-free?

Not by default, but you can substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for best results.


If these Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies warmed your heart, you might also love these other comforting treats:


Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this cookie recipe to your Pinterest holiday baking board so you never lose it.

And if you make them, drop a comment below. Did you go with mini chips or chunks? Add nuts? I’d love to hear your take. These cookies are as much about creativity as they are tradition.

Follow more of my daily kitchen adventures and seasonal sweets on Pinterest @NinaDishes.


Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies (2)
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Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies


  • Author: Nina Klatten
  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookies
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are buttery, crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth treats filled with mini chocolate chips and coated in snowy powdered sugar. Perfect for holidays or cozy weekends, they’re easy to make and impossible to resist.


Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

0.5 cup powdered sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

0.5 teaspoon salt

1 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips


Instructions

1. Cream the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla and mix until smooth.

2. Gradually mix in flour and salt until a soft dough forms.

3. Fold in the mini chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough.

4. Chill dough for 30 minutes to firm up.

5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on parchment-lined baking sheet.

6. Bake for 10–12 minutes until bottoms are golden.

7. While warm, roll cookies in powdered sugar. Let cool, then roll again for a snowy finish.

Notes

Chill the dough to prevent spreading.

Roll twice in powdered sugar for best appearance.

Use mini chips for better dough distribution.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Cookies
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 140
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 50mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 14g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: snowball cookies, chocolate chip, holiday cookies

Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies (3)

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