Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

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Soft, buttery, and studded with mini chocolate chips, these Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are like little bites of winter magic. Rolled generously in powdered sugar, they melt in your mouth with every bite, leaving behind a rich and chocolatey finish. Perfect for cookie trays, gifting, or cozying up with a warm drink, these cookies combine tradition and indulgence in the most delightful way.

Unlike your typical cookie, snowballs have a shortbread-like texture that crumbles and melts rather than chews. When you fold in chocolate chips and roll them in snowy layers of sugar, you get a holiday treat that feels both nostalgic and indulgent. Whether you’re baking them for a special gathering or keeping them all to yourself, this recipe delivers every single time.

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Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookie Recipe

• Easy to Make: With a simple ingredient list and no eggs required, these cookies are as fuss-free as they are delicious.
• Perfect for Holidays: They look festive and hold up beautifully in gift boxes or on dessert tables.
• Freezer-Friendly: You can freeze the dough or baked cookies, making them a convenient make-ahead option.
• Kid-Approved: The chocolate chip twist on the classic makes them a hit with all ages.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the dough, it’s helpful to set up your baking station with the right tools. Here are the essentials:

• Mixing Bowls: One for the dough and a smaller one for the powdered sugar coating. A sturdy bowl makes creaming butter easier.
• Electric Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: Essential for creaming the butter and sugar together to achieve a fluffy base.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy matters in baking, especially with the flour and butter ratios.
• Cookie Scoop or Spoon: To shape uniform balls for even baking.
• Baking Sheet with Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and ensures an even bake.
• Cooling Rack: Helps the cookies set properly without over-baking from residual pan heat.

With everything ready, you’re just minutes away from crafting a batch of buttery snowballs with gooey chocolate pockets.

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Ingredients for the Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

• Unsalted Butter: The rich base of the dough, butter provides that classic melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness without any grit and helps the cookies stay tender.
• Vanilla Extract: Infuses the dough with warm, comforting flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: The structural backbone of the cookie, it keeps the snowballs from spreading too much.
• Mini Chocolate Chips: The star mix-in! These little chips offer just the right burst of chocolate in every bite.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• Extra Powdered Sugar (for rolling): The signature snowy finish that makes these cookies irresistible.

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How To Make the Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This step is key to the cookie’s soft texture.

Step 2: Add Vanilla and Dry Ingredients

Mix in the vanilla extract. Then gradually add flour and salt, blending until fully incorporated and the dough is crumbly but moist.

Step 3: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Gently stir in mini chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies

Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to shape the dough into 1-inch balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced slightly apart.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the bottoms are just lightly golden. The tops will stay pale.

Step 6: Cool and Sugar Coat

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Once slightly cooled but still warm, roll them in powdered sugar. After fully cooling, roll again for an extra snowy look.

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How to Serve and Store Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

These cookies shine on any dessert table, especially during the holidays. Serve them on a platter dusted with extra powdered sugar or nestled among other treats for variety. They pair wonderfully with coffee, hot cocoa, or even a glass of milk for a cozy evening treat.

To store, place the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If stacking them, place parchment paper between layers to preserve the sugar coating. For longer storage, freeze in a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to 2 months. Let them thaw at room temp before serving and re-roll in powdered sugar if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading?

Make sure the butter is softened but not melted. Also, chill the dough for 15–30 minutes if your kitchen is warm.

Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of mini ones?

Mini chips work best because they distribute more evenly in these small cookies, but chopped chocolate or regular chips can be used in a pinch.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

Not by default, but you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend with similar results.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can freeze the dough balls before baking or freeze the baked cookies. Either way, they’re freezer-friendly and taste just as good later.

Do I have to double coat the powdered sugar?

You don’t have to, but it’s highly recommended! The first coat melts slightly into the cookie, while the second adds that beautiful snowball finish.

What if my dough feels too dry?

If the dough doesn’t hold together well, add 1 teaspoon of milk at a time until it becomes more pliable.

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Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?

If you love these Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies, you’ll probably enjoy these other treats from Kitchen by Kate:

• Quick and Easy Fudgy Chocolate Brownie Cookies for a rich, chewy alternative.
• Simple Apricot Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies for a fruity and creamy bite.
• Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups if you’re craving something mini and indulgent.
• Winter Brittle for a crunchy, nutty sweet option on your holiday tray.
• Cinnamon Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips for a snack that brings cozy cinnamon flavor with a crisp finish.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time: Follow more recipes on Pinterest at Kitchen by Kate.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add a twist, like chopped nuts or a drizzle of chocolate? Or maybe used almond extract instead of vanilla?

I love hearing how others make these cookies their own. If you have questions or baking tips, feel free to share—we’re all in this sweet journey together!

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