Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

This chocolate chip snowball cookie recipe transforms the traditional Christmas cookie into a chocolate-studded delight that melts in your mouth. The buttery, tender cookies get a dusting of powdered sugar that resembles freshly fallen snow, making them as beautiful as they are delicious.

I first made these cookies for my daughter's winter school party, and they've become our Christmas Eve tradition ever since. The way the powdered sugar coats little fingers always brings smiles around our table.

• Unsalted butter: At room temperature creates the perfect tender texture while allowing you to control the salt content
• Powdered sugar: Gives these cookies their characteristic melt-in-your-mouth quality and creates the snowy coating
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the buttery base
• All-purpose flour: Provides structure look for unbleached for best flavor
• Fine salt: Enhances all the flavors especially the chocolate
• Mini chocolate chips: Distribute evenly throughout the dough offering chocolate in every bite

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Station:

Preheat your oven to 375°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Having everything ready before mixing ensures smooth sailing. The parchment prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Cream Butter and Sugar:

Beat the butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until the mixture becomes noticeably lighter in color and fluffier in texture about 3 minutes. This incorporation of air creates the cookies' delicate crumb.

Add Vanilla:

Mix in the vanilla extract until completely incorporated throughout the butter mixture. Take time to scrape down the sides of your bowl to ensure even distribution.

Incorporate Dry Ingredients:

Gradually add flour and salt mixing on low speed just until combined. Overmixing at this stage can develop gluten resulting in tough cookies. Stop mixing as soon as no dry flour remains visible.

Fold in Chocolate:

Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips using a spatula until evenly distributed. The folding motion preserves the airy texture you created when creaming the butter.

Shape the Cookies:

Using a tablespoon sized cookie scoop portion the dough then roll each portion between your palms to form perfect spheres. The warmth of your hands slightly softens the dough making shaping easier.

Bake to Perfection:

Arrange the balls on your prepared baking sheets leaving about 1 inch between each. Bake for 7 to 10 minutes until the bottoms develop a light golden hue while the tops remain pale.

Create the Snow Effect:

While still warm roll each cookie in the remaining powdered sugar. The residual heat helps the sugar adhere creating that characteristic snowy coating.

Final Cooling:

Transfer your sugar coated treasures to a cooling rack to cool completely. This prevents soggy bottoms and allows the texture to set properly.

My grandmother taught me to add the tiniest pinch of cinnamon to the dough a secret I've kept for years until now. That hint of warmth complements the chocolate chips perfectly and reminds me of the winter evenings we spent baking together in her tiny kitchen.

Storage Secrets

These snowball cookies actually improve with time. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 10 days. The flavors meld and develop complexity after the first day. If stacking layers in your container place parchment between them to preserve the powdered sugar coating. For longer storage freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving but consider refreshing their snowy coating with a light dusting of additional powdered sugar.

Easy Variations

While chocolate chips create a delightful twist on the traditional snowball cookie recipe you can customize these treats endlessly. Substitute finely chopped nuts like toasted pecans or walnuts for a more traditional approach. White chocolate chips and dried cranberries offer a festive red and white appearance. For an elegant touch mix in 1/2 teaspoon of orange zest with the vanilla. Almond extract can replace vanilla for a distinctive flavor that pairs beautifully with the buttery base.

Holiday Gifting

These snowball cookies make exceptional homemade gifts during the holiday season. Their sturdy nature means they transport well without crumbling. Package them in decorative tins lined with parchment paper or create cookie boxes with transparent windows to showcase their snowy appearance. Include a handwritten recipe card for a personal touch. For an extra special presentation dust them with a mixture of powdered sugar and edible silver or gold shimmer before packaging.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use regular-sized chocolate chips instead of mini ones?

Yes, you can use regular-sized chocolate chips, but mini chocolate chips distribute more evenly in the dough, ensuring a balanced chocolate flavor in every bite.

→ Can I substitute salted butter for unsalted butter?

You can use salted butter, but consider reducing or omitting the added fine salt in the recipe to avoid over-salting the dough.

→ How do I store these cookies and how long do they last?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or freeze them for up to a month.

→ What is the best way to coat the cookies in powdered sugar?

Roll the warm cookies gently in powdered sugar right after baking to ensure the sugar sticks, and re-coat them after they’ve cooled for a perfect finish.

→ Can I make the dough in advance and bake later?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Let the dough soften slightly before rolling and baking.