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Chocolate Chip Snowballs Soft, Buttery & Loaded with Chocolate Chips

These Chocolate Chip Snowballs are soft, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth holiday cookies packed with mini chocolate chips and coated in snowy powdered sugar. They’re a fun twist on the classic snowball cookie — still tender and crumbly inside, but with bursts of chocolate in every bite. Perfect for Christmas parties, cookie boxes, festive gifting, or anytime you want a simple, crowd-pleasing holiday treat. They take minimal time, require no chilling, and always disappear fast!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients
  • 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • ½ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
Mix-Ins
  • 1 cup mini chocolate chips
Coating
  • Extra powdered sugar

✨ Kitchen Essentials You’ll Love

Quick picks I trust for better results, faster prep, and easier cleanup.

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    Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet

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    Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Electric

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  • 🔥

    CHEFMAN Digital Air Fryer XL 10L

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Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Electric mixer or whisk
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Cooling rack
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Cookie scoop (optional)

Method
 

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and line your baking sheet with parchment paper.
    Step 2: Cream softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until light and fluffy.
      Step 3: Add flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
        Step 4: Fold in mini chocolate chips.
          Step 5: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll into round balls.
            Step 6: Arrange the dough balls on your baking sheet.
              Step 7: Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden.
                Step 8: Let cookies cool for 5 minutes, then roll warm cookies in powdered sugar.
                  Step 9: Once cooled completely, roll again for the perfect snowy coating.

                    Notes

                    🧊 Storage & Reheating
                    Room Temperature
                    Store airtight for up to 1 week.
                    Freezer
                    Freeze dough or baked cookies for up to 2 months.
                    Reheat
                    Warm baked cookies 5–6 seconds for a fresh-from-the-oven feel.
                    🥄 Variations
                    ⭐ Double Chocolate Snowballs
                    Add 1 tbsp cocoa powder + extra chocolate chips.
                    ⭐ Nutty Chocolate Chip Snowballs
                    Fold in ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts.
                    ⭐ Coconut Chocolate Snowballs
                    Add ¼ cup shredded coconut to the dough.
                    ⭐ Mint Chocolate Snowballs
                    Add ¼ tsp peppermint extract.
                    ⭐ Espresso Chocolate Snowballs
                    Add 1 tsp instant coffee granules for mocha flavor.
                    ❓ 10 FAQs
                    1. Do I need to chill the dough?
                    No — these cookies bake perfectly without chilling.
                    2. Can I use salted butter?
                    Yes — reduce added salt by half.
                    3. Why roll the cookies twice?
                    The first coat melts in, the second creates the snowy finish.
                    4. Why are my cookies crumbly?
                    Add 1–2 teaspoons of butter to help the dough bind.
                    5. Can I use regular chocolate chips?
                    Mini chips work best, but regular ones also work.
                    6. Do these cookies spread?
                    No — they keep their snowball shape.
                    7. Can I make them gluten-free?
                    Yes — use a 1:1 gluten-free flour mix.
                    8. Can I add nuts?
                    Yes — pecans or walnuts are delicious.
                    9. How long do they stay fresh?
                    Up to 7 days in an airtight container.
                    10. Can I freeze the dough?
                    Yes — freeze dough balls and bake later.
                    🏁 Conclusion
                    These Chocolate Chip Snowballs are buttery, soft, and filled with chocolatey goodness — all dusted in a snowy layer of powdered sugar. They’re simple to make, irresistibly festive, and perfect for Christmas cookie trays or homemade gifts. A classic holiday recipe with a fun chocolate twist!