If you’re searching for a delightful twist on a classic treat, this Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe is a total winner. Imagine tender, buttery cookies melting in your mouth, each one studded with mini chocolate chips and covered in a snowy blanket of powdered sugar. These cookies deliver a perfect balance between soft, chewy, and melt-in-your-mouth crumb, making them irresistible for any occasion or just a cozy afternoon snack with your favorite cup of tea or coffee. They are as fun to make as they are to eat, and I promise, once you bake them, they’ll become a beloved staple in your cookie rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with these cookies is a breeze because the ingredients are simple but thoughtfully chosen to create that rich, tender crumb and the perfect bite of sweetness. Every element plays a crucial role, from the buttery softness to the gentle hint of vanilla and the bursts of chocolate chips that make these cookies truly special.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides the rich, creamy base for tenderness and flavor.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: Gives a delicate sweetness and helps create the signature snowball texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the overall flavor profile.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the sturdy but soft structure holding everyone together.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor.
- 3/4 cup mini chocolate chips: Tiny pockets of melty chocolate magic throughout each cookie.
- Additional powdered sugar, for rolling: Creates the classic snowball appearance and adds irresistible sweetness.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Start by beating together the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step isn’t just about mixing; it’s where you get that beautiful airy texture that will give your cookies their tender bite. Once fluffy, stir in the vanilla extract, which will infuse the dough with a burst of warm, comforting notes.
Step 2: Incorporate the Flour and Salt
Gradually sift in the all-purpose flour along with the salt. Folding these dry ingredients gently into the butter mixture ensures the dough stays tender and doesn’t become tough. The salt quietly balances the sweetness, making every bite delightful without being overpowering.
Step 3: Add the Mini Chocolate Chips
Here’s where the magic really begins: fold in the mini chocolate chips evenly. Their small size means you get chocolate in nearly every bite, creating delightful pockets of sweetness that contrast beautifully with the crumbly texture of the cookie dough.
Step 4: Shape the Dough into Snowball Sizes
Using a tablespoon spoon, scoop portions of dough and roll them into smooth, 1-inch balls. The size is perfect for that cute snowball look once baked and coated. Place each ball on a parchment-lined baking sheet about an inch apart to give them enough room as they bake and spread slightly.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop your tray into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 9 to 11 minutes. Watch closely for the bottoms to turn a light golden shade — this means they’re perfectly baked. Don’t expect the tops to brown; these cookies look their best with pale, soft tops.
Step 6: Roll in Powdered Sugar
Once baked, let the cookies cool for about 5 minutes until they’re warm but manageable. Roll each cookie generously in powdered sugar for that first snowy dusting. After they’ve fully cooled, give them another roll to build up that charming double coating, creating the signature snowball look and extra sweetness that melts in your mouth.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are delicious on their own, a sprinkle of finely grated dark chocolate or a few extra mini chocolate chips on top before baking can add a decorative and taste-boosting touch. For a festive look, try dusting with a pinch of cinnamon mixed into the powdered sugar for a warm hint of spice.
Side Dishes
Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies pair wonderfully with hot beverages like rich hot chocolate, spiced chai tea, or a creamy latte. If you’re serving dessert, these cookies complement a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a simple bowl of fresh berries for a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation adds a fun flair: arrange cookies in a pyramid on a decorative plate and sprinkle with additional powdered sugar to resemble a snowy mountain. You might also package them in clear cellophane bags tied with colorful ribbons for gifting — instant holiday magic wrapped up in a cookie!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your baked Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh and soft for up to one week. Adding a slice of bread inside the container helps retain moisture and keeps the cookies wonderfully tender day after day.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully! Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be kept frozen for up to 3 months, perfect for holiday prep or surprise treats.
Reheating
To bring your frozen cookies back to life, let them thaw at room temperature. For that just-baked feel, warm them in a preheated 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes. This will soften them up and refresh that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
FAQs
Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of mini chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Regular chocolate chips will still give you that delightful chocolate burst, but the mini size ensures an even distribution and a lower chance of the cookies spreading too much during baking.
What is the best way to soften butter for this recipe?
Letting the butter sit at room temperature for about an hour usually does the trick so it becomes soft but not melted. If you’re in a hurry, microwave it on very low power in 5-second bursts, checking frequently to avoid melting.
Why do the tops of these cookies not brown?
These cookies are meant to stay light in color on top to capture that classic snowball look. The powdered sugar coating also helps keep the tops pale and beautiful while the bottoms turn lightly golden for just the right amount of baked flavor.
Can these cookies be made gluten-free?
With a thoughtful swap of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup, you can definitely make these cookies gluten-free. Just be sure your blend contains xanthan gum or a similar binder to keep the texture just right.
Is there a way to make these cookies less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of powdered sugar slightly in the dough or use a darker chocolate chip variety. Keep in mind that the powdered sugar coating adds a lot of sweetness, so it’s best to adjust the dough sugar in small increments to maintain the classic balance.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe is truly a heartwarming treat that anyone can whip up and enjoy. With its simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s the kind of recipe that turns any day into a cozy celebration. So, gather your butter and chocolate chips, and treat yourself and your loved ones to these charming, snowy delights that are as fun to share as they are to savor.
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
Delight in these irresistible Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies, featuring a tender, buttery base packed with mini chocolate chips and finished with a double dusting of powdered sugar for a festive, snowy appearance. Perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you crave a sweet, melt-in-your-mouth 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 using a mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and mix until fully combined.
- Make the Dough: Gradually add 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon of salt to the creamed butter mixture. Mix gently just until the dough comes together, being careful not to overmix.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Stir in 3/4 cup of mini chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough to ensure every cookie has plenty of chocolate.
- Shape the Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each portion into a 1-inch ball. Arrange the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the cookies for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. Note that the tops will remain pale and soft.
- Coat with Powdered Sugar: When the cookies come out of the oven, let them cool for 5 minutes. While still warm, roll each cookie in powdered sugar to begin the snowy coating. After the cookies have fully cooled, roll them again in powdered sugar for a second, thicker snowy layer.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened for easier creaming and better texture.
- Do not overbake; cookies should have lightly golden bottoms and pale tops.
- Rolling the cookies twice in powdered sugar creates the classic snowball look and enhances sweetness.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- For a festive touch, use colored sugar or add chopped nuts if desired.
