Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies: A Sweet Winter Wonderland Treat

When the cold winter winds blow and the snow begins to blanket the world outside, there’s no better way to embrace the season than with a batch of Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies. These delightful, bite-sized treats are buttery, tender, and rolled in powdered sugar, giving them the appearance of snow-covered bliss. With the added surprise of mini chocolate chips in every bite, these cookies are perfect for family gatherings, holiday parties, or simply indulging by the fireplace with a warm mug of cocoa.

In this article, you’ll discover how to create these irresistible cookies, tips for making them perfect, and answers to all your questions about this winter wonderland dessert.

Ingredients for Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

Component	Ingredient	Quantity
For the Dough	Unsalted butter, softened	1 cup (226g)
	Powdered sugar	1/2 cup (57g)
	Vanilla extract	1 teaspoon
	All-purpose flour	2 1/4 cups (279g)
	Salt	1/2 teaspoon
	Mini chocolate chips	1 cup (170g)
For Coating	Additional powdered sugar	For rolling

Why You’ll Love Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

These cookies are more than just a winter treat—they’re a symbol of comfort and joy during the holiday season. Here’s why you’ll adore them:

• Buttery Perfection: The shortbread-like texture is rich, tender, and melts in your mouth with every bite.
• Sweet Surprise: Mini chocolate chips add bursts of chocolatey goodness throughout the cookie.
• Festive Look: Rolled in powdered sugar, they resemble little snowballs, perfect for the holiday aesthetic.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies are beginner-friendly.
• Family Favorite: Loved by kids and adults alike, they’re ideal for cookie exchanges, gifting, or snacking.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

1. Prepare the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy.
2. Add the vanilla extract and mix until well blended.

2. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt.
2. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring until just combined.
3. Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

3. Chill the Dough

1. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll into balls and preventing the cookies from spreading during baking.

4. Shape the Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.

5. Bake the Cookies

1. Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the bottoms are just beginning to turn golden.
2. Be careful not to over-bake—the cookies should remain pale to maintain their delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

6. Roll in Powdered Sugar

1. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
2. While the cookies are still warm, gently roll them in powdered sugar to coat.
3. For an extra snowy effect, roll them in powdered sugar a second time once they’ve completely cooled.

7. Serve and Enjoy

1. Arrange these snowball-like cookies on a festive platter and serve them with tea, coffee, or hot cocoa.
2. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Tips for Perfect Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

• Use High-Quality Butter: Butter is the base of these cookies, so opt for a high-quality, unsalted variety for the best flavor.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife to avoid dense cookies.
• Don’t Skip Chilling: Chilling the dough ensures the cookies hold their shape and prevents spreading during baking.
• Roll While Warm: Rolling the cookies in powdered sugar while warm helps the sugar stick better.
• Add a Second Coat: For a beautiful snowy appearance, roll the cookies in powdered sugar again after they’ve cooled.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount Per Serving (1 Cookie)
Calories	120
Total Fat	7g
Saturated Fat	4g
Carbohydrates	14g
Sugar	8g
Protein	1g

FAQs About Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

1. Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of mini chocolate chips?

Yes, but mini chocolate chips work better as they distribute evenly throughout the dough.

2. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! The dough can be prepared and refrigerated for up to 3 days before baking.

3. Can I freeze the cookies?

Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies or the dough. For baked cookies, freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. For dough, freeze in pre-rolled balls and bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

4. What if I don’t have powdered sugar for rolling?

Powdered sugar is essential for the classic snowball look, but you can skip this step if you prefer a less sweet cookie.

5. How do I store these cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They also stay fresh longer if kept in a cool, dry place.

6. Can I add nuts to the dough?

Absolutely! Finely chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, make a delicious addition to these cookies.

Conclusion: A Sweet Winter Wonderland Treat

Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are more than just cookies—they’re a bite-sized taste of winter magic. With their buttery shortbread base, bursts of chocolate, and snowy powdered sugar coating, they’re guaranteed to bring smiles to everyone’s faces. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, gifting to friends and family, or simply treating yourself, these cookies are the perfect way to spread joy and warmth during the colder months.

So, grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a batch of cookies that will make your home feel like a winter wonderland. One bite, and you’ll understand why these cookies are a holiday favorite!

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