If you are searching for a delightful treat that perfectly blends the classic charm of snowball cookies with the irresistible allure of chocolate, the Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies are studded with mini chocolate chips and finished with a generous dusting of powdered sugar that gives them their signature snowy appearance. Their tender crumb and sweet chocolate pockets create an unforgettable bite that is both comforting and festive, making them a perfect addition to any cookie platter or holiday celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together quickly to create something truly special. Each component plays a key role in achieving the perfect texture, flavor, and that delicate snowy look.
- Unsalted butter: 1 cup softened, providing rich flavor and a tender crumb.
- Powdered sugar: 1/2 cup for sweetness in the dough and extra for coating, ensuring a velvety finish.
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon, adding warmth and depth to the flavor.
- All-purpose flour: 2 1/4 cups, the structure base for the cookies.
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon, enhancing all the flavors perfectly.
- Mini chocolate chips: 3/4 cup for those delightful bursts of creamy chocolate in every bite.
- Additional powdered sugar: for rolling, to give the cookies their classic snowball coat.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Begin by softly blending the unsalted butter with powdered sugar in a large bowl until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it helps incorporate air, which leads to tender, melt-away cookies. Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the dough with a lovely fragrant base.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
Next, gradually mix in the all-purpose flour and salt. Be gentle and only mix until the dough just comes together; overmixing can lead to tougher cookies, and we want these to be soft and crumbly, just like traditional snowballs.
Step 3: Add Chocolate Chips
Fold in the mini chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough. The smaller size of these chips ensures every bite has some chocolatey goodness without overpowering the delicate cookie texture.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Use a tablespoon to scoop portions of dough, then roll each into a smooth 1-inch ball. Arrange these balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart to allow for gentle spreading.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cookies at 375°F (190°C) for 9 to 11 minutes. You’ll notice the bottoms will take on a light golden color while the tops remain pale. This subtle visual cue means your cookies have developed that signature tender texture inside.
Step 6: The Snowball Finish
Allow the cookies to cool for about five minutes on the baking sheet. While they’re still warm, roll them in powdered sugar for the first coating. Once fully cooled, give them a second roll in powdered sugar, ensuring that fairytale snowball look that wins hearts every time.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little extra powdered sugar just before serving for that fresh snowfall effect. If you’re feeling festive, add tiny edible silver pearls or a dusting of cocoa powder to contrast the sweetness and elevate their visual appeal.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a steaming mug of hot cocoa or a glass of cold milk to balance the rich buttery flavor. For adults, a cup of spiced chai or espresso complements the chocolatey sweetness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange these delightful bites on a rustic wooden board surrounded by pine sprigs or cranberries for a festive holiday centerpiece. You can also place them in decorative cookie tins as charming homemade gifts that everyone will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Make sure they are completely cooled first to prevent them from becoming soggy or losing their tender texture.
Freezing
Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze before transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep their texture and flavor for up to three months.
Reheating
To enjoy previously frozen cookies, allow them to thaw at room temperature. If you prefer them a little warm, pop them in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving to preserve their delicate crumb.
FAQs
Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of mini chocolate chips?
Yes, regular-sized chocolate chips will work just fine, but because they’re larger, the distribution of chocolate bits will be a little different. Mini chips create a more even spread and melt more consistently in each bite.
Are Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies gluten-free?
The original recipe calls for all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can substitute with gluten-free flour blends designed for baking to make this recipe gluten-free, keeping in mind that texture may vary slightly.
Why do the tops of the cookies not brown?
These cookies are intended to be pale on top to maintain their delicate, tender texture. The slight golden hue underneath indicates they are perfectly baked without over-baking.
Can I add nuts to the recipe?
Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts make wonderful additions to this recipe. Just fold about 1/2 cup of finely chopped nuts in with the chocolate chips for extra crunch and flavor.
Do Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies need to be refrigerated?
They don’t need refrigeration if eaten within a week and stored properly in an airtight container. However, if you live in a particularly warm climate, keeping them in the fridge can extend freshness.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to bring a little snowy magic into your kitchen, I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe. It’s a straightforward, joyful baking experience that results in cookies loved by kids and adults alike. Each bite is a cozy hug of buttery goodness and sweet chocolate, all wrapped up in a beautiful snowy coating that’s sure to become your new favorite.
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 Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies, a festive twist on the classic snowball cookie with mini chocolate chips mixed into a tender, buttery dough. These melt-in-your-mouth cookies are rolled in powdered sugar to create a beautiful snowy coating and offer the perfect balance of rich chocolate and sweet vanilla flavor, ideal for holiday gatherings or anytime you crave a cozy 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 Coating
- 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, fluffy, and well combined. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until evenly incorporated.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually incorporate 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon of salt into the creamed butter mixture. Mix just until the dough begins to come together, being careful not to overmix to keep the cookies tender.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently stir 3/4 cup of mini chocolate chips into the dough, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout.
- Form Dough Balls: Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll each into a 1-inch ball. Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet spaced about 1 inch apart to allow for slight spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the cookies for 9 to 11 minutes until the bottoms are lightly golden. Note that the tops will remain pale and not browned.
- 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. Once the cookies are fully cooled, roll them again in powdered sugar for a second, snowy coating to achieve the classic snowball look and sweetness.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming.
- Do not overmix the dough when adding flour to keep the cookies tender, not tough.
- Rolling the cookies twice in powdered sugar ensures a beautiful snowy appearance and enhances sweetness.
- Use mini chocolate chips for even distribution without disrupting the cookie texture.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
