Irresistible Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies: A Melt-in-Your-Mouth, Nut-Free Delight for Your Holiday Tray

There’s something truly magical about the holiday season, and for many, that magic is synonymous with the aroma of freshly baked cookies filling the home. When it comes to crafting the perfect Christmas cookie tray, few treats capture the festive spirit quite like Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies. These delightful, mini buttery cookies boast an ethereal melt-in-your-mouth texture, generously coated in a sweet, snowy blanket of powdered sugar. They are the quintessential bite-sized indulgence, perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply savoring one (or five!) yourself.

Often known by charming names like Wedding Cookies or Russian Tea Cakes, the moniker “Snowball Cookies” feels especially fitting for these particular treats, thanks to their pristine powdered sugar coating that evokes images of freshly fallen snow. While classic snowball cookies typically feature ground nuts like walnuts or pecans, this special chocolate chip version offers a fantastic alternative for those with nut allergies or simply a preference for a chocolatey twist. Imagine the beloved taste of a classic chocolate chip cookie, transformed into a delicate, buttery sphere dusted with sweet snow – that’s precisely what awaits you with these easy-to-make, eggless, and nut-free holiday cookies.

My kitchen has seen its share of snowball cookie variations over the years, from bright and zesty lemon snowball cookies to tropical cherry coconut snowballs. However, these Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies hold a special place. They perfectly marry the rich butteriness of a traditional snowball with the universally loved sweetness of mini chocolate chips, creating a flavor profile that’s both familiar and wonderfully unique. The use of mini chocolate chips is crucial here, providing delightful bursts of chocolate without overwhelming the delicate structure of these tiny treats, making them an excellent substitute for nuts often found in traditional recipes like Pecan Snowball Cookies from Tasty Treats and Eats.

Many snowball cookie recipes yield a large batch, often 2 dozen or more. However, this recipe is thoughtfully scaled down to produce approximately 15 charming 1-inch balls. While perhaps not strictly a “small batch” by definition, their diminutive size means these cookies are incredibly easy to manage and bake, and you might find yourself reaching for “just one more bite” without feeling overly indulgent. Their petite nature also makes them ideal for arranging on a crowded holiday cookie platter, ensuring there’s always room for these delightful, melt-in-your-mouth bites of buttery goodness.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

Crafting these irresistible snowball cookies with chocolate chips requires a handful of simple yet high-quality ingredients. Each plays a vital role in achieving their signature melt-in-your-mouth texture and delightful flavor. Here’s what you’ll need, along with some helpful tips for the best results:

• Butter: This is the cornerstone of our snowball cookies. Using good quality, unsalted butter (softened to room temperature) is absolutely crucial for that unparalleled melt-in-your-mouth texture. Avoid substitutions like margarine or whipped butter, as they have different fat and water content, which will negatively impact the cookie’s structure and taste. Room temperature butter creams beautifully with powdered sugar, creating a light and airy base for your dough.
• Powdered Sugar: You’ll use powdered sugar (also known as confectioners’ sugar or icing sugar) in two ways: a small amount to sweeten the dough itself, and a generous coating for tossing the cookies after baking. The fine texture of powdered sugar dissolves smoothly into the butter, contributing to the delicate crumb, and creates that iconic snowy finish. Sifting the powdered sugar before use can help prevent lumps, especially for the final coating, ensuring a perfectly smooth appearance.
• Vanilla Extract: A touch of pure vanilla extract is a non-negotiable flavor enhancer. It deepens the buttery notes and complements the chocolate, making these cookies extra delicious and fragrant. Always opt for pure vanilla extract over imitation for the best and most authentic results.
• All-Purpose Flour: This ingredient provides the necessary structure to bind the dough together, allowing you to form those perfect little balls. When measuring flour, it’s essential to do so correctly. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and then level it off with a straight edge, rather than scooping directly from the bag, which can compact the flour and lead to a dry, crumbly dough.
• Salt: Just a quarter teaspoon of salt might seem insignificant, but it’s a critical component in almost all baking. Salt balances the sweetness, enhances the flavor of the butter and chocolate, and prevents the cookies from tasting bland. Don’t skip it!
• Mini Chocolate Chips: This is where the “chocolate chip” part of the name comes in! It is absolutely essential to use *mini* chocolate chips for this recipe. Regular-sized chocolate chips will be too large for these tiny cookies, making them difficult to form and potentially causing them to break apart during baking. Mini chips integrate perfectly into the small dough balls, ensuring a delightful chocolate burst in every bite without compromising the cookie’s structure.

How to Bake Irresistible Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

Making these mini chip snowball cookies is a straightforward process, perfect for bakers of all skill levels, especially during the busy holiday season. Follow these steps carefully to achieve perfectly tender, buttery, and chocolatey snowballs with that signature melt-in-your-mouth texture:

1. Prepare Your Workspace: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure even baking and easy cleanup.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl (using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment or a hand mixer), beat together the softened unsalted butter and 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar on medium-high speed. Continue beating for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy. This crucial creaming process incorporates air, which contributes significantly to the cookies’ delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
3. Add Vanilla: Beat in the vanilla extract until just combined. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated and no pockets of unmixed butter remain.
4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: On low speed, gradually beat in the all-purpose flour and salt. Mix until a dough just begins to form. At this stage, the dough might appear a bit crumbly and dry, but it will come together as you continue to mix gently. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to tougher cookies.
5. Fold in Chocolate Chips: Once the dough has mostly come together, remove the bowl from the mixer and fold in the mini chocolate chips by hand using a spatula until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
6. Form the Cookies: Using a small #60 cookie scoop (which typically holds about 1 tablespoon of dough) or your hands, shape the dough into uniform 1-inch balls. Aim for consistency in size to ensure even baking. Place the shaped dough balls onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving a small space between each (they won’t spread much).
7. Bake to Perfection: Bake for 6-8 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned and the cookies are firm to the touch. Due to their eggless nature and lack of leavening, these cookies will not spread significantly while baking, retaining their charming spherical shape.
8. Roll in Powdered Sugar: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. While still warm, gently roll each cookie in the remaining 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar. The residual warmth helps the sugar adhere better, creating that iconic snowy coating. For an extra thick, snowy appearance, you can allow them to cool completely and then roll them a second time in powdered sugar.
9. Cool and Store: Transfer the coated cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Once fully cooled, store your Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Serving Suggestions for Your Snowy Chocolate Chip Delights

These Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are designed to be both a visual and culinary treat, making them a standout on any dessert spread. Because they are made without eggs or chemical leavening agents like baking powder or baking soda, they maintain their petite, perfectly round shape during baking, which adds to their charm. Here are some delightful tips for serving and presentation:

• Festive Presentation: To truly elevate their festive appeal, consider placing them in mini cupcake liners, especially those printed with holiday patterns like snowflakes or festive colors. Not only do these liners add a decorative touch that complements their “snowball” look, but they also help to contain any loose powdered sugar, keeping your serving tray neat and tidy.
• Holiday Platters: Their small size makes these buttery snowballs perfect for filling gaps on a diverse holiday cookie platter. You can fit more varieties onto a single tray, and their pristine white, snowy appearance contrasts beautifully with other colorful treats like gingerbread men or vibrant sugar cookies.
• Coffee & Tea Companion: These delicate cookies are an ideal accompaniment for a warm cup of coffee, rich hot chocolate, or your favorite holiday tea. Their delicate texture and sweet flavor make them a comforting treat on a cozy winter evening or during a holiday gathering.
• Gift Giving: Package them in small decorative bags or boxes tied with a festive ribbon for a thoughtful and delicious homemade gift. They travel well and are always a welcome present for friends, family, or neighbors.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

Why is my cookie dough crumbly?

If you find your snowball cookie dough is too crumbly to easily form into balls, don’t panic! This is a common issue with shortbread-style cookies and usually has a simple fix. First, continue mixing for an additional minute or two. Sometimes, especially when using a hand mixer, it just takes a little longer for the butter to fully incorporate the flour and for the dough to come together. The warmth from your hands when shaping can also help bring a slightly crumbly dough together. If prolonged mixing still doesn’t work, it’s highly probable that too much flour or powdered sugar was added. Proper measurement is absolutely key with these delicate cookies. Always make sure you’re measuring your flour by spooning it into your measuring cup and then leveling it off with a straight edge, rather than scooping directly from the bag, which can compact the flour and add an excessive amount. If the dough is still too dry after these attempts, you can try adding a tiny bit (start with 1/2 teaspoon at a time) of additional softened butter or even a few drops of milk to bring it to the right consistency, but be careful not to make it too sticky.

Can you freeze snowball cookies?

Absolutely! Snowball cookies are excellent candidates for freezing, making them a perfect make-ahead option for busy holiday baking seasons or when you want to extend their shelf life. To freeze them, first bake and cool the cookies completely on a wire rack. Then, arrange them in a single layer on a baking tray or plate (ensure they are not touching) and place them in the freezer for about 1 hour, or until they are firm. This crucial step, known as “flash freezing,” prevents them from sticking to each other when you later transfer them into a larger container. Once firm, transfer your frozen cookies to a freezer-safe airtight bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 1 month without significant loss of quality. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature. It’s quite likely you’ll need to re-roll them in fresh powdered sugar once they’ve thawed, as some of the original coating may have absorbed moisture or flaked off during freezing. This also gives them a beautiful, fresh, snowy appearance just before serving.

How should I store Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies?

Once completely cooled and coated in powdered sugar, these delicious cookies should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They will maintain their freshness and delicate texture for up to 5 days. For optimal enjoyment and to prevent the powdered sugar from dissolving or clumping, keep them away from direct sunlight, humidity, or heat sources. While they can be refrigerated, it’s generally not necessary and can sometimes alter their texture slightly, making them a bit firmer. Freezing, as discussed above, is a fantastic option for longer storage, ensuring you always have a delightful treat on hand.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can absolutely prepare these cookies ahead of time in several convenient ways, which is perfect for managing holiday stress. The baked and frosted cookies can be frozen for up to a month, as detailed in the freezing section above. Alternatively, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. Once the dough is made and the chocolate chips are mixed in, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2-3 days. When you’re ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes to soften slightly before shaping and baking as directed. This flexibility makes holiday baking much more enjoyable!

More Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipes to Explore

If you’ve enjoyed baking these delightful chocolate chip snowball cookies, you’ll be thrilled to discover more chocolate chip-inspired recipes perfect for your holiday baking repertoire or any time of year. Dive into these other tempting variations that celebrate everyone’s favorite cookie addition:

• Small Batch Chocolate Chip Cookies – Perfect when you only need a few cookies to satisfy a craving.
• Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars in a loaf pan – An incredibly easy-to-make, sliceable treat that’s great for sharing.
• Chocolate Chip Cut Out Cookies – Fun and customizable, these are perfect for decorating for any occasion.
• Gingerbread Chocolate Chip Cookies – A festive fusion of classic holiday spices and sweet chocolate chips.
• Lemon White Chocolate Chip Cookies – A bright and zesty twist that combines citrus with creamy white chocolate.
• Single Serve Chocolate Chip Cookie – For those immediate, personal cookie cravings – pure indulgence!
• Chocolate Chip Cheese Ball – Ok, not strictly a cookie recipe per se, but it wonderfully captures all the beloved flavors of chocolate chip cookie dough in a fun, dippable format, great for parties!

Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

Yield:
15 cookies

Prep Time:
15 minutes

Cook Time:
8 minutes

Total Time:
23 minutes

These delightful Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are mini buttery treats with an incredible melt-in-your-mouth texture, generously coated in powdered sugar. They are eggless and completely nut-free, making them a perfect addition to any holiday cookie tray or for a sweet anytime snack.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup (2 ounces or 4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375F (190°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy release.
2. In a large mixing bowl, using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment or a hand mixer on medium-high speed, beat together the softened butter and 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar until the mixture is light and creamy, typically 2-3 minutes. Stir in the vanilla extract until just combined.
3. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. On low speed, gradually beat in the all-purpose flour and salt. Continue mixing until a cohesive dough forms, which usually takes about 1 minute. The dough may appear crumbly initially but will come together with continued gentle mixing. Fold in the mini chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
4. Using a small #60 cookie scoop (about 1 tablespoon capacity) or your hands, shape the dough into uniform 1-inch balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a small space between each cookie.
5. Bake for 6-8 minutes, or until the cookies are firm and their bottoms are lightly browned. They will not spread much. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. While still warm, gently roll each cookie in the remaining 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar until thoroughly coated. For an extra snowy look, you can re-roll them after they’ve cooled completely. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Notes

• For best results, ensure butter is at room temperature for optimal creaming and a smooth dough.
• Properly measure flour by spooning it into the cup and leveling off to avoid a dry, crumbly dough.
• Freezing Tip: To freeze, bake and cool cookies completely, then flash freeze them on a tray for 1 hour before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Re-roll in powdered sugar after thawing for a fresh look.
• Enjoyed this recipe? You might also love my Lemon Snowball Cookies and Cherry Coconut Snowballs for more delightful variations!

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• #60 Cookie Scoop

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This delightful recipe was first published on November 28, 2017.