Chocolate chip snowball cookies have been a holiday tradition in my family for as long as I can remember. The moment I smell that sweet, buttery aroma mixed with melting chocolate, I’m instantly transported back to my grandmother’s kitchen, watching her carefully roll dough balls. These easy chocolate chip snowball cookies are so simple to whip up, even on a busy weeknight, and they bring that same cozy, nostalgic feeling to my own home. The texture is just divine – soft, slightly chewy, and perfectly coated in a delicate dusting of powdered sugar. Making these homemade chocolate chip snowball cookies always feels like a little bit of magic. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookie Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with these delightful treats! They’re more than just cookies; they’re little bites of happiness.
- Amazing Taste: Perfectly sweet, buttery, and bursting with mini chocolate chips, these cookies are melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
- Quick Prep Time: You can whip up the dough in under 20 minutes, making them ideal for last-minute baking needs.
- Family-Friendly Fun: Kids adore helping to roll the dough into balls and dust them with powdered sugar.
- Budget-Friendly Baking: Made with simple pantry staples, this recipe is incredibly cost-effective for holiday baking or a sweet treat.
- Versatile Treat: These snowball cookies with chocolate chips are perfect for Christmas, holidays, or just a Tuesday afternoon pick-me-up.
- Simple to Make: Even if you’re new to baking, this straightforward recipe ensures success every time.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone raves about these classic snowball cookies with chocolate chips; they’re always the first to disappear!
Ingredients for the Best Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
Gathering these simple chocolate chip snowball cookie ingredients is the first step to baking perfection. I’ve found that using room temperature butter and eggs really makes a difference in the texture of these cookies. For more baking tips, check out this guide on baking fundamentals.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened – This provides the rich, buttery base that makes snowball cookies so decadent.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar – For sweetness and to help create a tender crumb.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds that classic warm flavor that complements the chocolate chips beautifully.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour – The main structure of our cookies. Make sure it’s measured correctly!
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips – These little gems are what make these snowball cookies extra special!
- 1 cup powdered sugar, for rolling – This gives our cookies their signature snowy, melt-in-your-mouth finish.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
Follow these simple steps to create the most delightful easy chocolate chip snowball cookies that everyone will adore. The process is straightforward and yields wonderfully tender treats.
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and ensures even baking for your cookies.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key for achieving a tender texture in your chocolate chip snowball cookie recipe.
- Step 3: Beat in the vanilla extract until it’s fully incorporated into the butter-sugar mixture.
- Step 4: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. This ensures the salt is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed or by hand until just combined. Be careful not to overmix your chocolate chip snowball cookie dough, as this can lead to tough cookies.
- Step 6: Gently stir in the mini chocolate chips. You are now incorporating those delightful little bursts of chocolate into your chocolate chip cookie balls recipe.
- Step 7: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time is crucial for making the dough easier to handle and shape.
- Step 8: Once chilled, scoop out portions of dough and roll them into approximately 1-inch balls. These will be your delectable chocolate chip cookie balls.
- Step 9: Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow for slight spreading.
- Step 10: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden. You want them set but not browned.
- Step 11: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. They will be delicate at first. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Step 12: Once the cookies are completely cool, generously roll them in powdered sugar until they are well coated, giving them their signature snowy appearance.
- Step 13: Store your finished easy chocolate chip snowball cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.

Pro Tips for the Best Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
Want to elevate your cookie game? These little tricks will ensure your chocolate chip snowball cookies are absolutely perfect every time. I’ve learned these through lots of baking, and they make a real difference!
- Always use softened, but not melted, butter. This is crucial for creaming properly and achieving that tender crumb.
- Don’t skip the chilling step! It makes the dough firm enough to roll into perfect balls without spreading too much while baking.
- For an extra festive look, you can add a pinch of edible glitter to the powdered sugar before rolling the cookies.
What’s the secret to perfect chocolate chip snowball cookies?
The secret to the best chocolate chip snowball cookies lies in the dough consistency and baking time. Chilling the dough is non-negotiable, and baking them until just set, not browned, ensures that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. For more on achieving the perfect cookie texture, you can explore resources on baking science.
Can I make homemade chocolate chip snowball cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough for your homemade chocolate chip snowball cookies up to 2 days in advance and keep it chilled in the refrigerator. Once baked and cooled, they store well, making them perfect for prepping for parties. Check out these other make-ahead dessert ideas.
How do I avoid common mistakes with chocolate chip snowball cookies?
A common pitfall is overmixing the dough, which can lead to tough cookies. Also, ensure your cookies are completely cool before rolling in powdered sugar, or the sugar will melt and become sticky instead of fluffy.
Best Ways to Serve Snowball Cookies with Chocolate Chips
These delightful cookies are wonderful on their own, but I love pairing them with a warm cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk. They’re also fantastic as part of a larger dessert spread, especially during the holidays. Imagine them nestled among other festive treats – they truly stand out!
For a more elevated experience, consider serving these as a sweet finish to a meal. They make a beautiful accompaniment to rich desserts like chocolate cake or a fruit tart. If you’re looking for a light, sweet bite, think of them as a delightful alternative to traditional Mexican wedding cookies with chocolate chips. Their delicate texture and hint of chocolate make them perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to more formal events.
Nutrition Facts for Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
These delightful chocolate chip snowball cookies are a treat you can enjoy guilt-free in moderation. I’ve broken down the approximate nutritional information per cookie to help you understand what you’re enjoying. Remember, these are estimates based on the ingredients in this particular chocolate chip snowball cookie recipe.
- Calories: Approximately 100-120
- Fat: Approximately 6-8g
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 3-4g
- Protein: Approximately 1-2g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-12g
- Fiber: Approximately 0-1g
- Sugar: Approximately 8-10g
- Sodium: Approximately 15-25mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used. For more information on general nutrition, consult a health professional or a reliable source like the USDA FoodData Central.
How to Store and Reheat Easy Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
Keeping your delicious chocolate chip snowball cookies fresh is super simple! Once they’ve completely cooled on the wire rack – and I really mean *completely* cool, as warmth can make the powdered sugar melt – it’s time to store them. I find that an airtight container is your best friend here, whether you’re keeping them on the counter or in the fridge. They’ll stay wonderfully fresh at room temperature for about 3-4 days, maintaining that perfect soft texture.
If you need to store them for longer, don’t worry! These cookies freeze beautifully. Just place them in an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag, and they’ll keep their delicious flavor for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply let your chocolate chip snowball cookies thaw at room temperature for about an hour. For a slightly crisper texture, you can even pop them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 2-3 minutes!

Frequently Asked Questions About Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
What makes these chocolate chip snowball cookies so soft?
The magic happens with the creaming of softened butter and sugar, plus the right ratio of flour. It creates a tender dough that bakes up soft. Using mini chocolate chips also helps them distribute evenly without making the dough too dense, which is key for a soft texture in your chocolate chip snowball cookies.
Can I use regular-sized chocolate chips instead of mini ones?
While I recommend mini chocolate chips for the best texture and distribution in these chocolate chip snowball cookies, you can use regular-sized ones if that’s all you have. Just be aware they might make the dough a bit harder to roll into perfectly uniform balls, and you might get fewer chocolate pockets per cookie.
How do I ensure my chocolate chip snowball cookies don’t spread too much?
The secret to preventing excessive spreading is chilling the dough! This makes it firmer and easier to shape into balls. Baking at the correct temperature (325°F or 160°C) is also crucial. If your cookies are spreading too much, it might mean your butter was too soft or the oven wasn’t quite hot enough when you started. Properly chilling and shaping are the best ways to control how how to make chocolate chip snowball cookies turn out.
What’s the best way to get a nice, even coat of powdered sugar?
Make sure your chocolate chip snowball cookies are completely cool before you roll them in powdered sugar. If they’re even slightly warm, the sugar will melt and become sticky. I like to use a fine-mesh sieve to dust them generously, ensuring a beautiful, snowy finish that makes them look just like their namesake!
Variations of Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies You Can Try
While this classic recipe is amazing, I love experimenting! You can easily adapt these chocolate chip snowball cookies to fit different needs and tastes. Don’t be afraid to get creative in the kitchen with your cookie creations!
- Dietary Adaptations: For delicious gluten-free chocolate chip snowball cookies, simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a good quality gluten-free baking blend. If you’re looking for vegan chocolate chip snowball cookies, substitute the butter with a plant-based butter alternative and ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free.
- Flavor Boosts: Add a teaspoon of orange zest to the dough for a hint of citrus, or a tablespoon of finely chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor.
- Keto-Friendly: With a few smart swaps, you can make these keto! Use almond flour, a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol, and sugar-free mini chocolate chips. For more on keto baking, explore keto recipes.
Amazing Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies in 20 Mins
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: About 3 dozen cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy chocolate chip snowball cookie recipe creates soft, chewy, and delicious chocolate chip snowball cookies. These homemade chocolate chip snowball cookies are perfect for any holiday or occasion. They are a variation of classic snowball cookies with chocolate chips, also known as Mexican wedding cookies or Russian tea cakes with chocolate chips. This recipe yields the best chocolate chip snowball cookies.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1 cup powdered sugar, for rolling
Instructions
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This is the first step for your easy chocolate chip snowball cookies.
- Beat in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix your chocolate chip snowball cookie dough.
- Gently stir in the mini chocolate chips. You are now incorporating chocolate chips into your snowball cookie balls recipe.
- Cover the dough and chill for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial for shaping your chocolate chip snowball cookies.
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. These will be your chocolate chip cookie balls.
- Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Bake these homemade chocolate chip snowball cookies until they are just set.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once completely cooled, roll the cookies in powdered sugar until well coated. This final step gives them their signature snowball look.
- Store your delicious chocolate chip snowball cookies in an airtight container.
Notes
- For gluten-free chocolate chip snowball cookies, substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
- For vegan chocolate chip snowball cookies, use vegan butter and vegan chocolate chips.
- For keto chocolate chip snowball cookies, experiment with almond flour, a keto-friendly sweetener, and sugar-free chocolate chips.
- These cookies are sometimes called Mexican wedding cookies with chocolate chips or Russian tea cakes with chocolate chips.
- Mini chocolate chips work best for even distribution in these chocolate chip snowball cookies.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes plus 30 minutes chilling time
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: Approximately 100-120
- Sugar: Approximately 8-10g
- Sodium: Approximately 15-25mg
- Fat: Approximately 6-8g
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 3-4g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approximately 3-4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-12g
- Fiber: Approximately 0-1g
- Protein: Approximately 1-2g
- Cholesterol: Approximately 15-20mg








