Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

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Soft, buttery, and dusted with a generous layer of powdered sugar, Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are the perfect bite-sized treat. These melt-in-your-mouth cookies have a delicate texture, almost like shortbread, and are studded with mini chocolate chips that add the perfect touch of sweetness in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a holiday cookie tray, a casual get-together, or just craving something cozy and nostalgic, these cookies never disappoint.

What sets snowball cookies apart is their signature powdered sugar coating that resembles freshly fallen snow. Traditionally made with finely chopped nuts, this chocolate chip variation is nut-free, making it ideal for those with allergies or who prefer a smoother texture. They’re incredibly easy to whip up, require minimal ingredients, and come together quickly without the need for fancy techniques.

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe

• No eggs and nut-free, perfect for dietary preferences
• Super soft, tender, and melt-in-your-mouth texture
• Packed with mini chocolate chips for sweet bursts in every bite
• Ideal for make-ahead holiday baking or gifting
• Simple ingredients and no chill time required

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make the perfect Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies, you’ll need a few key kitchen tools:

• Mixing Bowls: Use one for creaming the butter and sugar and another for dry ingredients.
• Hand or Stand Mixer: Essential for properly creaming the butter until it’s light and fluffy.
• Cookie Scoop or Tablespoon: Ensures evenly sized dough balls for consistent baking.
• Baking Sheet: A sturdy baking sheet lined with parchment paper prevents sticking and promotes even baking.
• Cooling Rack: Allows cookies to cool without becoming soggy on the bottom.
• Sifter or Fine Mesh Strainer: Helps dust the cookies evenly with powdered sugar for that classic snowy look.

Each tool plays a role in maintaining the cookies’ soft texture and achieving their iconic powder-dusted appearance.

Preparation Tips

Start with room temperature butter to make creaming easier and ensure the dough comes together smoothly. Do not overmix the dough once you add the flour, as it can make the cookies tough. A cookie scoop helps create uniformly sized balls, which promotes even baking and a prettier final presentation. Be generous but gentle when rolling the baked cookies in powdered sugar—do this while they’re still warm so the sugar sticks better, and then roll them again after they’ve cooled for a thicker coating.

Ingredients for this Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for coating)
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup mini chocolate chips

Optional: Additional powdered sugar for a second coating after cooling

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Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar. Beat on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step builds the cookie’s soft structure and helps incorporate air for a light texture.

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Step 2: Add Vanilla Extract

Add the vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Mix until well combined. Vanilla deepens the flavor and adds a warm, sweet note to the cookies.

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Step 3: Mix in the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients while mixing on low speed. Mix just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the dough tender and crumbly.

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Step 4: Fold in the Mini Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips using a spatula or wooden spoon. Distribute them evenly without overworking the dough.

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Step 5: Shape the Dough into Balls

Using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop out dough and roll into 1-inch balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet about 1 inch apart. The cookies don’t spread much, so they can be relatively close together.

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Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the bottoms are just lightly golden. The tops should remain pale.

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Step 7: Coat with Powdered Sugar

Remove cookies from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet. While still warm, gently roll each cookie in powdered sugar and place on a cooling rack. Once cooled completely, roll them again in powdered sugar for a fuller coating.

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Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Once the cookies are fully cooled and double-coated in powdered sugar, they are ready to be enjoyed. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh and soft.

Notes

These cookies are delicate and best enjoyed within a few days for maximum freshness. The texture is soft and crumbly, almost like a buttery shortbread, and they don’t rely on eggs or leavening agents. The flavor improves over time, making them an excellent candidate for holiday tins or gift boxes. If desired, you can add a small pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder for a flavor twist that enhances the chocolate.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overmixing the dough: This will develop the gluten too much and result in tough cookies.
• Using cold butter: Cold butter won’t cream properly and the dough won’t come together evenly.
• Overbaking: Snowball cookies should stay pale on top. Watch closely and take them out once the bottoms begin to turn golden.
• Rolling them too early or too late in sugar: Coat them while they’re warm so the powdered sugar sticks well, but not too hot or it will melt the sugar.

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Storage Instructions

Store Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If stacking them, place parchment or wax paper between the layers to prevent smudging the powdered sugar coating. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months; just thaw them at room temperature and re-roll in powdered sugar before serving if needed.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per cookie (based on a batch of 24):

• Calories: 150
• Total Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 20mg
• Sodium: 30mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 17g
• Sugars: 6g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 1g

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of mini ones?

Mini chocolate chips are preferred for better distribution, but you can chop regular ones if needed.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes! They store well and taste even better the next day, making them perfect for prepping in advance.

Are these cookies freezer-friendly?

Absolutely. Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a sealed container. Thaw and roll in powdered sugar again before serving.

Can I add nuts to this recipe?

You can! Finely chopped pecans or walnuts work well. Add about 1/2 cup to the dough.

Why did my cookies spread too much?

The butter may have been too soft or melted. Chill the dough briefly if this happens.

How do I make these gluten-free?

Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it’s suitable for baking and includes xanthan gum.

Can I skip the powdered sugar coating?

The coating is traditional, but you can skip it or replace it with a light glaze if desired.

Can I flavor the dough with something else?

Yes! Try almond extract, peppermint extract, or a touch of orange zest for festive variations.

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Conclusion

Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are a timeless classic with a chocolatey twist that will win over everyone from kids to adults. Their buttery texture, sweet powdered sugar coating, and rich chocolate chip center make them perfect for holidays, gifts, or any time you crave something cozy and satisfying. With simple ingredients and a no-fuss process, this recipe is one you’ll want to return to again and again.

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