Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are the kind of treat that spark a little extra happiness with every bite: they’re buttery, melt-in-your-mouth, and dotted with irresistibly sweet mini chocolate chips. This recipe is my go-to when I want to bake something crowd-pleasing yet simple, especially during the holidays. With just six staple ingredients, no fancy equipment needed, and a texture that manages to be both tender and delightfully crumbly, it’s the type of cookie you’ll want to make on repeat. Whether you’ve seen them as Butterballs, Russian Tea Cakes, or Mexican Wedding Cakes, this Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies recipe will quickly earn a spot in your own cookie hall of fame.

Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies is how they deliver big flavor from just a handful of kitchen basics. Each ingredient here has a special job: from giving these cookies their signature delicate texture to providing those pockets of gooey chocolate, every item is essential.

All Purpose Flour: The sturdy backbone of the cookies, giving them structure without weighing them down.
Powdered Sugar: This provides a soft, delicate sweetness and that essential snow-dusted finish.
Salt: Just a pinch lifts all the other flavors, preventing the cookies from tasting flat.
Unsalted Butter: The magic maker here, butter ensures a rich, melt-away texture and lush taste.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a cozy aromatic note that deepens the cookie’s overall flavor.
Mini Chocolate Chips: Each bite gets a pop of chocolate, perfectly distributed thanks to their petite size.
Powdered Sugar (for rolling): Finishes each cookie with that irresistible snowy look and an extra whisper of sweetness.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Gear

Get started by preheating your oven to 325°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat; this keeps the cookies from sticking and also makes cleanup a total breeze. Having everything ready means your dough will go straight into the oven with no delay.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, stir together the flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Mixing these first allows for even flavor and texture throughout every cookie so you don’t get any surprise salty spots.

Step 3: Cut in the Butter

Add the cubed, room-temperature butter to your dry mixture. Use a pastry cutter or a sturdy fork to work the butter in until the dough resembles coarse crumbs. This old-fashioned technique is key for that tender, crumbly texture we all love in Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies.

Step 4: Add Vanilla and Chocolate Chips

Pour in the vanilla extract and mini chocolate chips, then dig in with a spoon or use your hands to mix until a smooth dough forms. Don’t be shy—sometimes hands do the best job at bringing everything together. You’ll know it’s ready when no dry bits remain and everything looks cohesive.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

Grab a small cookie scoop (about 1.5 teaspoons per scoop) or use a spoon, then roll the dough between your hands to make smooth, even balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a small gap so the cookies have a little room as they bake.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies for 10 to 14 minutes. You’re looking for them to be just set—the bottoms will be barely golden, but not brown. Over-baking will toughen them, so keep a watchful eye and remove them from the oven just as they firm up.

Step 7: Dust with Powdered Sugar

Once the cookies have cooled ever so slightly, roll each one in powdered sugar for that classic snowball appearance. If the sugar starts melting in, let the cookies cool a few minutes more and dust again to lock in that snowy look.

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

Garnishes

A second roll or dusting in powdered sugar is always welcome, ensuring that beautiful white coating. For a twist, you can sprinkle a touch of edible glitter or a few shavings of dark chocolate over the cookies once dusted. They look utterly magical on a holiday cookie tray!

Side Dishes

Pairing these cookies with a mug of hot cocoa, a spicy chai tea, or even just a cold glass of milk makes them even more delightful. On a dessert table, Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies sit beautifully beside lemon bars, classic sugar cookies, or fruit-topped tartlets, balancing out tangy and creamy treats with their buttery sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, pile the cookies onto a tiered tray and tuck in a few sprigs of holly or rosemary for greenery. You can gift these in cellophane bags tied with a ribbon, stack them in vintage tins, or mound them high in a glass apothecary jar for a wintry centerpiece. Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies always make a show-stopping hostess gift or party favor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. The flavor and texture actually develop a little more with time, making them even better the next day!

Freezing

Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are freezer-friendly too. Once baked and cooled, arrange them in a single layer in an airtight container (with sheets of wax paper between layers), and freeze for up to two months. You can even freeze the raw dough balls and bake straight from frozen—just add an extra minute or two to the baking time.

Reheating

If you prefer your cookies slightly warm, a few seconds in the microwave will restore them to a soft, just-baked state. After reheating, roll or dust with a little more powdered sugar if desired to refresh their snowy coating.

FAQs

Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of mini ones?

Mini chocolate chips are best, as they blend more evenly throughout the delicate dough. If you only have regular chips, chop them up a bit first so you don’t overwhelm the texture of your Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies.

Why do my cookies look flat and not round?

This can happen if the butter is too soft or the dough is over-mixed. For perfect little snowballs, be sure to use room temperature butter (not melted) and mix the dough just until it comes together.

Can I add nuts to the recipe?

Absolutely! You can swap the chocolate chips for 1 cup of finely chopped walnuts or pecans, or do a blend. This gives a more classic Russian Tea Cake vibe, but still fits the spirit of Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies.

How do I keep the powdered sugar coating from melting?

If you notice the sugar melting in, your cookies might be too warm when you roll them. Let them cool for several minutes, then roll again. A second coating once fully cooled helps the sugar stay put for that pretty, powdery finish.

Can I make Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies ahead of time?

Definitely! You can prepare the dough ahead and chill it for up to three days before baking. Baked cookies freeze well for up to two months, making them perfect for holiday prep. Just pull them out when needed—they thaw quickly and taste freshly baked.

Final Thoughts

Baking a batch of Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies truly feels like sharing a little edible joy with everyone you love. Their simple ingredients and irresistible texture make them a beloved tradition in my kitchen, and I can’t wait for you to experience their magic too. Give them a try—you just might find yourself making “snowballs” all year long!

Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe

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Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are a buttery, tender, bite-sized cookie filled with mini chocolate chips. They are easy to make and perfect for the holiday season, known by various names like Chocolate Chip Butterballs, Russian Tea Cakes, and Mexican Wedding Cakes.

Author: Paula
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 11 minutes
Total Time: 21 minutes
Yield: 48 cookies
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

2 cups all-purpose flour
½ cup powdered sugar
⅛ teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, cubed and at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup mini chocolate chips

For Rolling:

Powdered sugar

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 325°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, powdered sugar, and salt.
Blend Butter and Add Flavors: Cut in the butter, then add vanilla and mini chocolate chips. Mix until dough forms.
Form Cookies: Scoop small balls of dough, roll, and place on the baking sheet.
Bake: Bake for 10-14 minutes until firm.
Finish: Roll the cookies in powdered sugar and cool.

Notes

This recipe yields approximately 48 cookies.
If powdered sugar is dissolving, cookies may be too warm.
For a nutty variation, use finely chopped walnuts or pecans instead of chocolate chips.
Try almond extract for a different flavor.
Shape the dough into ‘fingers’ for a different presentation.
Store cookies in an airtight container for up to a week.