Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

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Delicately crisp on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth tender on the inside, these Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are a nostalgic holiday favorite. Packed with buttery richness and studded with mini chocolate chips, they resemble classic snowball or Russian tea cake cookies with a delightful chocolaty surprise in every bite.

These cookies are perfect for cozy winter days, festive cookie trays, or anytime you want a sweet treat that feels a bit like a hug. With their powdered sugar coating and tender crumb, they bring warmth and joy to every bite—no matter the season.

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe

These cookies are a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults alike. The simplicity of the recipe means you can whip up a batch in no time, and they store beautifully for days. Each bite has the richness of butter, the nuttiness of pecans, and just enough chocolate to keep things fun. Plus, they look absolutely stunning on a cookie platter!

What Kind of Chocolate Chips Should I Use?

Mini chocolate chips are ideal here because they distribute evenly throughout the dough and keep the texture smooth and delicate. Regular-sized chips can make the dough a bit bulky and may overpower the light, buttery structure of the cookie. If you’re not into chocolate chips, feel free to try white chocolate or even finely chopped dark chocolate for a more elegant twist.

Ingredients for the Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

These cookies rely on a handful of pantry staples and a few simple tweaks that make all the difference. Here’s what you need:

Butter – Provides the rich, melt-in-your-mouth base that snowball cookies are famous for.

Powdered Sugar – Adds sweetness while keeping the texture soft and delicate, both in the dough and for rolling the finished cookies.

Vanilla Extract – A splash of vanilla rounds out the buttery flavor.

All-Purpose Flour – Forms the structure of the cookies and balances the buttery richness.

Mini Chocolate Chips – These tiny chips melt slightly as the cookies bake, giving bursts of chocolate in every bite.

Chopped Pecans – Optional but highly recommended for a nutty crunch and added depth of flavor.

Salt – Just a pinch to enhance and balance all the flavors.

How To Make the Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy. This sets the foundation for that perfect tender texture.

Step 2: Add Vanilla and Dry Ingredients

Mix in the vanilla extract, then gradually add in the flour and salt, stirring until a soft dough forms. Don’t overmix, just enough to bring the dough together.

Step 3: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Pecans

Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips and chopped pecans, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes. This helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.

Step 5: Roll and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. The tops should remain pale.

Step 6: Dust with Powdered Sugar

While still warm, roll the cookies in powdered sugar, then set on a wire rack to cool. Once fully cooled, give them a second roll in sugar for that signature snowball finish.

Serving and Storing Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

These cookies are perfect served fresh with a warm drink like cocoa or coffee. They make beautiful additions to holiday platters and cookie exchange boxes. This recipe yields about 30 cookies, making it perfect for sharing.

To store, place the cookies in an airtight container. They will stay fresh at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them without the powdered sugar coating and dust them after thawing.

What to Serve With Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies?

Hot Chocolate with Marshmallows

The ultimate cozy pairing. The warmth of hot chocolate complements the buttery texture of the cookies beautifully.

Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Try sandwiching two snowball cookies with a scoop of ice cream for a chilly, creamy dessert.

Holiday Eggnog

The nutmeg and creamy flavor of eggnog matches the sweet, nutty flavor of these cookies.

Espresso or Cappuccino

Balance the sweetness of the cookies with the rich bitterness of a strong coffee drink.

Fresh Strawberries

The brightness of berries offers a nice contrast to the cookie’s buttery richness.

Whipped Cream Cheese Dip

Serve cookies alongside a lightly sweet cream cheese dip for an elegant dessert platter.

Dark Chocolate Bark

Pair with a square of bark for a blend of textures and deeper cocoa flavor.

Sparkling Cider

Bubbly and bright, it’s a festive drink that elevates any cookie moment.

Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?

If you love these Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies, you’ll probably enjoy these other delicious cookie favorites:

• Cherry-Topped Coconut Macaroons for a chewy coconut delight with a pop of cherry on top.

• Ooey Gooey Bars if you crave melt-in-your-mouth decadence in every square.

• Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies for a soft, nostalgic twist on the classic.

• Best Cheesecake Deviled Strawberries for a fruity, no-bake cookie alternative.

• Red Hot Cinnamon Hard Candy if you’re feeling adventurous with heat and sweetness.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add the nuts or skip them? Did you try a different kind of chocolate?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

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