If you’re looking for a delightful twist on a classic treat, the Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. These cookies perfectly blend the buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture of traditional snowball cookies with the rich, joyful bursts of mini chocolate chips in every bite. Dusting each cookie in powdered sugar gives them a magical snow-kissed look, making them irresistible for any occasion or just a cozy afternoon snack. The balance of sweetness, texture, and that luscious chocolate kick will have you reaching for seconds before you know it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with the Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe is delightfully simple thanks to a handful of classic ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building the cookie’s tender crumb, sweet flavor, and iconic “snowy” finish.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and a tender texture, essential for that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: Adds sweetness and contributes to the delicate crumb while ensuring the dough stays light.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warm, aromatic depth that enhances every other ingredient.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of the dough, offering structure and the classic cookie chewiness.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies the flavors.
- 3/4 cup mini chocolate chips: The star addition, scattering little pockets of melty chocolate throughout the cookie.
- Additional powdered sugar, for rolling: Creates that beautiful snowball look and adds an extra layer of sweetness.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Start by beating the softened unsalted butter with powdered sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is vital because it incorporates air, giving your cookies that delicate, tender texture everyone loves. Once creamy, add the vanilla extract for that subtle sweetness and warmth that makes these cookies feel homemade and comforting.
Step 2: Mix in the Dry Ingredients
Gradually sift in the all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt, gently folding the mixture until it just comes together into a dough. The key here is to avoid overmixing since you want to maintain a tender crumb rather than a dense bite. The flour provides the body your cookies need, while the salt enhances all those buttery, sweet, and chocolatey notes.
Step 3: Add the Mini Chocolate Chips
Stir the mini chocolate chips evenly into the dough, distributing those delicious morsels so that almost every bite surprises you with a bit of melty chocolate. These tiny chips are perfect because they melt just right without overpowering, complementing the cookie’s soft texture and richness.
Step 4: Form the Snowballs
Grab tablespoon-sized portions of dough and gently roll them into 1-inch balls. Space them about an inch apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Keeping them small and uniform ensures even baking and creates the perfect bite-sized snowballs.
Step 5: Bake Until Lightly Golden
Bake your cookies in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for about 9 to 11 minutes. The trick is to watch for lightly golden bottoms while the tops remain pale. This indicates the cookies are perfectly baked—soft and crumbly, just waiting to be dusted with snow.
Step 6: The Signature Snowy Coating
After letting the cookies cool for 5 minutes, roll them in powdered sugar while still warm to create the first delicate layer. Once completely cooled, give them another generous roll for that second snowy coating. This double dusting is what gives these treats their iconic “snowball” appearance and a dreamy sweetness.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, sprinkle a little cinnamon or cocoa powder over the powdered sugar for subtle flavor enhancements. Alternatively, a tiny drizzle of melted chocolate enhances the chocolate chip theme beautifully without overwhelming the delicate cookie base.
Side Dishes
Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are perfect companions to a warm mug of spiced tea, hot chocolate, or a classic glass of cold milk. The creamy beverages complement the cookie’s richness beautifully and create a cozy vibe that’s hard to beat.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your snowball cookies in a festive tin or tiered cookie tray for holidays and special occasions. You can also sandwich them with a thin layer of marshmallow fluff or chocolate ganache for an indulgent twist. Wrapping a stack in parchment with a twine and a sprig of fresh mint turns them into charming gifts everyone will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay perfectly soft and tasty for up to a week, making it easy to enjoy them anytime with minimal effort.
Freezing
If you want to save time, the unbaked dough balls freeze beautifully. Place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, just adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time, so you can enjoy fresh cookies whenever the craving strikes.
Reheating
Warm leftover cookies gently in a microwave for about 10 seconds to revive that freshly baked warmth and softness. Avoid overheating since that can dry them out, but a little heat can make those chocolate chips melt perfectly, just like fresh from the oven.
FAQs
Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of mini ones?
Absolutely! Regular chocolate chips will work fine, though mini chips melt more evenly and distribute better throughout the dough. If using regular size, just expect slightly bigger chocolate pockets in each bite.
Why do these cookies need two coatings of powdered sugar?
The first coating adheres while the cookies are warm, creating a sticky base, and the second coating after cooling gives the cookies their signature snowy and bright white appearance that makes them so appealing.
Can I substitute butter with margarine or oil?
For best results, stick with unsalted butter because it provides the rich flavor and texture these cookies are known for. Margarine or oil will change the texture and flavor, potentially making the cookies less tender or flavorful.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
When stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies keep their moisture and texture for up to one week. Beyond that, they might start to dry out or lose their freshness.
Can I add nuts to the dough?
Yes! Chopped pecans or walnuts add a wonderful crunch and complement the chocolate chips nicely, giving your snowball cookies an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly wonderful about the Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe that makes baking and sharing them a heartwarming experience. Their tender crumb, chocolatey goodness, and snowy finish are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether it’s for a holiday party, a thoughtful gift, or a simply sweet everyday treat. Trust me, once you try them, these cookies will quickly become a beloved favorite in your recipe rotation!
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
Delight in these classic Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies, featuring a buttery soft dough studded with mini chocolate chips and finished with a generous coating of powdered sugar for a festive, snowy appearance. Perfectly tender with a subtle vanilla aroma, these cookies are baked to a light golden bottom and double-coated in sweetness for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
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 the cookies
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 and aromatic base for the dough.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Gradually add in 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt to the creamed mixture. Stir carefully and mix just until the dough comes together, ensuring not to overwork it to keep the cookies tender.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Stir in 3/4 cup of mini chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough, distributing the chocolate for each bite.
- Form Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into 1-inch balls. Place them about 1 inch apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet to allow even baking.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the cookies for 9 to 11 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly golden. The tops will remain pale, indicating the soft texture inside.
- Cool and Coat: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. While still warm, roll each cookie in powdered sugar to coat thoroughly. Once fully cooled, roll them again for a second snowy powdered sugar coating for a beautiful and sweet finish.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming and better dough texture.
- Do not overmix flour to keep cookies tender and crumbly.
- Baking time may vary depending on your oven, so watch for lightly golden bottoms.
- Mini chocolate chips are preferred as they distribute more evenly in the small cookies.
- Double rolling in powdered sugar creates the classic ‘snowball’ appearance and adds sweetness.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
