These Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are bite-sized delights that melt in your mouth with every crumbly, buttery bite. Dusted generously with powdered sugar, they look like little snowballs straight from a holiday dream. But the best part? The rich surprise of mini chocolate chips tucked into every tender center.
Whether you’re baking for Christmas cookie trays, gifting a sweet treat, or simply wanting something cozy with your afternoon coffee, these cookies fit the moment perfectly. They’re easy to make, require no chilling time, and their classic buttery taste will win over everyone’s heart.
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe
These cookies combine the nostalgic charm of traditional snowballs with a fun chocolatey twist. The dough comes together quickly with pantry staples and doesn’t require eggs, which is great for anyone with allergies. The texture is delicately crumbly, buttery, and just sweet enough, while the chocolate chips give them that extra indulgent finish. They stay fresh for days, and actually taste even better the next day.
What Kind of Chocolate Chips Should I Use?
Mini semi-sweet chocolate chips work best for snowball cookies. They distribute evenly throughout the dough, giving each bite a balanced chocolate-to-cookie ratio. Regular-sized chips tend to overpower the delicate cookie texture and can cause the dough to break apart when shaping. If you’re feeling adventurous, try dark or milk chocolate minis, but mini is definitely key for that signature round shape.
Ingredients for the Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
These cookies come together with a few everyday ingredients, but the key is in the balance and quality. Each one plays an important role in achieving that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Unsalted Butter
- Powdered Sugar
- Vanilla Extract
- All-Purpose Flour
- Salt
- Mini Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
- Additional Powdered Sugar for Rolling

How To Make the Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Start by beating the unsalted butter with powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. This creates the rich base and sets the tone for that buttery texture.
Step 2: Add the Vanilla
Mix in the vanilla extract until it’s fully combined. It brings warmth and rounds out the sweetness beautifully.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix—you want the dough to hold together but not get tough.
Step 4: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips. Make sure they’re evenly distributed so every cookie has a bit of chocolatey goodness.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Use your hands to roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 6: Bake
Bake the cookies at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until the bottoms are just barely golden. They should not brown on top.
Step 7: Dust with Powdered Sugar
Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes, then gently roll them in powdered sugar while still warm. Once completely cooled, roll them again for that classic snowball finish.
How to Serve and Store Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
These cookies are best served with a warm drink, and they hold up wonderfully in cookie tins for gifting. You can expect them to stay fresh in an airtight container for up to a week, and they freeze beautifully too. Just pop them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months, then re-roll in sugar after thawing.
This recipe yields about 30 cookies, making it perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or baking ahead for a busy season.
What to Serve With Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies?
Hot Chocolate
The rich cocoa notes pair beautifully with the buttery sweetness of snowball cookies.
Spiced Chai Tea
A warm, spicy chai balances the sugar and highlights the chocolate.
Eggnog
If you’re making these for the holidays, eggnog and snowball cookies make an irresistible combo.
Peppermint Mocha
The minty, chocolatey drink contrasts nicely with the mellow vanilla tones of the cookies.
Vanilla Ice Cream
Use these cookies as a crunchy, snowy topping on a scoop of vanilla for a festive dessert.
Whipped Coffee
For a trendy twist, pair with creamy whipped coffee to balance textures.
Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta
If you’re looking for a cozy dinner before dessert, this comforting pasta makes a lovely companion .
Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?
If you love these Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies, you’ll probably enjoy these other favorites:
- Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies for a cinnamon-sugar crunch with creamy center.
- Peanut Butter Smores Sandwich Cookies for gooey, campfire vibes.
- Lemon Truffles Recipe if you crave tangy brightness in bite-size form.
- Classic French Butter Cookies when you want timeless simplicity.
- Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars for a colorful, chewy surprise.
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 use dark chocolate or classic semi-sweet? Try dusting with cocoa for a twist?
I love hearing how others make these cookies their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.
Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and more cozy treats on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to favorite!

Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are buttery, melt-in-your-mouth holiday cookies packed with mini chocolate chips and coated in powdered sugar. These classic Christmas treats are egg-free, easy to make, and perfect for gifting or freezing ahead. A must-bake for cookie lovers looking for a delicate texture with chocolatey indulgence.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
0.5 cup powdered sugar
1.5 teaspoons vanilla extract
2.25 cups all-purpose flour
0.25 teaspoon salt
0.75 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup powdered sugar, for rolling
Instructions
1. Cream the softened butter with powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
2. Add vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated.
3. Gradually add the flour and salt; mix until the dough comes together without overworking it.
4. Fold in the mini chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough.
5. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden.
7. Cool for 5 minutes, then roll warm cookies in powdered sugar.
8. Once fully cooled, roll again for a snowy finish.
Notes
Cookies taste even better the next day.
Don’t overbake—tops should stay pale.
For a twist, use dark or white chocolate chips.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 25mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
