These delightful Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are the perfect blend of buttery goodness and sweet chocolate. Ideal for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in, these cookies will melt in your mouth. The unique combination of mini chocolate chips and a dusting of powdered sugar makes them truly stand out. Enjoy them on festive cookie trays or share them with friends and family for a delightful treat.
Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Cookies
- How to Make Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Step 2: Prepare the Almonds
- Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
- Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar
- Step 5: Combine Ingredients
- Step 6: Form Cookies
- Step 7: Bake Cookies
- Step 8: First Sugar Coat
- Step 9: Second Sugar Coat
- Step 10: Store Your Cookies
- How to Serve Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
- With a Warm Beverage
- On a Festive Cookie Tray
- As Party Favors
- With Ice Cream
- How to Perfect Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
- Best Side Dishes for Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
- Reheating Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I know when my Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are done?
- Can I substitute other nuts in these Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies?
- What’s the best way to roll these cookies in powdered sugar?
- Can I make Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies ahead of time?
- How many servings does this recipe make?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Melt-in-your-mouth texture: These cookies are incredibly tender and buttery, ensuring each bite is a delight.
- Festive presentation: Coated in powdered sugar, they resemble little snowballs, adding a charming touch to any holiday gathering.
- Easy to make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, these cookies are perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Versatile flavors: While chocolate chip is the star, you can easily customize this recipe by adding your favorite nuts or spices.
- Perfect for sharing: Make a big batch to give as gifts or to fill cookie trays for parties.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies, gather the essential tools to ensure a smooth process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer
- Food processor
- Mixing bowls
- Cookie sheets
- Wire rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer: This tool helps cream butter and sugar quickly, achieving the perfect consistency without much effort.
- Food processor: Grinding almonds becomes effortless with this handy appliance, ensuring even texture in your cookies.
- Mixing bowls: Having multiple bowls allows for easy organization of dry and wet ingredients during preparation.
Ingredients
These buttery, tender Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are a melt-in-your-mouth holiday classic, swirled with mini chocolate chips and coated in sweet powdered sugar. With a delicate nutty crunch from almonds, these festive cookies are perfect for cookie trays, holiday parties, or enjoying with a cozy cup of cocoa.
For the Cookies
- ¾ cup sliced almonds
- 2 cups (282g) all-purpose flour (scoop and level to measure)
- ¼ + ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, halfway softened
- 1½ cups (192g) powdered sugar, divided
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup (160g) mini chocolate chips
How to Make Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Almonds
Grind the sliced almonds in a food processor until they reach tiny bits. Set aside for later use.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the dough.
Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment:
1. Cream together the unsalted butter and ½ cup (64g) of powdered sugar until just blended and slightly creamy (not light and fluffy).
2. Add vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
With the mixer on low speed:
1. Gradually add the flour mixture until just combined.
2. Stir in the mini chocolate chips and ground almonds until evenly distributed. You may need to use a spatula to fold if necessary.
Step 6: Form Cookies
Scoop 1 tablespoon of dough at a time and roll into balls. Place them on an ungreased cookie sheet with about 16 cookies per sheet.
Step 7: Bake Cookies
Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly golden.
Step 8: First Sugar Coat
Let cookies cool slightly until just warm enough to handle:
1. Roll each cookie in 1 cup (128g) of powdered sugar, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 9: Second Sugar Coat
Once fully cooled, roll the cookies again in powdered sugar for a thicker, snowball-like coating.
Step 10: Store Your Cookies
Keep your delicious Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies in an airtight container for up to a week. Enjoy their wonderful flavor anytime!
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
These delightful Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are perfect for sharing and enjoying in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or cozying up with a cup of cocoa, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience.
With a Warm Beverage
- Hot Cocoa: The rich flavor of hot cocoa pairs beautifully with the sweet cookies, creating a comforting treat.
- Coffee: A cup of freshly brewed coffee complements the buttery texture of the cookies perfectly.
- Tea: Choose a fragrant herbal tea for a light, refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.
On a Festive Cookie Tray
- Assorted Holiday Cookies: Mix these snowball cookies with other holiday favorites like gingerbread or sugar cookies for variety.
- Decorative Presentation: Arrange them on a festive platter, dusted with more powdered sugar for an elegant look.
As Party Favors
- Gift Bags: Package the cookies in small bags tied with ribbons; they make lovely edible gifts for guests.
- Personalized Tags: Add tags with messages or recipes to make your cookie favors even more special.
With Ice Cream
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: Use two cookies to sandwich your favorite ice cream flavor for a delicious frozen treat.
- A La Mode: Serve warm cookies topped with a scoop of ice cream and chocolate syrup for an indulgent dessert.
How to Perfect Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
To ensure your Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Use Halfway Softened Butter: This prevents spreading and helps create the right texture for your cookies.
- Keep Almonds Fine: Grind almonds until they are very fine; this will give you that delicate nutty crunch without big chunks.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix just until combined to keep your cookies tender and avoid tough textures.
- Double Coat in Powdered Sugar: For that iconic snowball appearance, roll them in powdered sugar twice—once while warm and once after cooling completely.
- Choose Light Baking Sheets: Using light-colored pans helps prevent over-browning and ensures even baking results.
Best Side Dishes for Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
While these cookies are delicious on their own, pairing them with side dishes can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options:
- Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad adds brightness and balances out the richness of the cookies.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses offers a savory contrast to sweet snowball cookies—try brie or goat cheese.
- Chocolate Fondue: Dip cookie pieces into warm chocolate fondue for an extra indulgent treat.
- Whipped Cream Parfait: Layer whipped cream and fruit in glasses for a light dessert that complements the sweetness of the cookies.
- Nut Mix: A simple mix of roasted nuts provides crunch and pairs nicely with the soft texture of the snowballs.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzle caramel sauce over cookies or serve it on the side as a dipping option.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies can be fun, but there are a few common pitfalls that you should avoid for the best results.
- Using too soft butter: If your butter is fully softened, the cookies may spread too much while baking. Use butter that is halfway softened to keep them nice and round.
- Not measuring flour correctly: Scooping flour directly from the bag can lead to packing it down, resulting in dry cookies. Always scoop and level your flour for accurate measurements.
- Skipping the second sugar coat: One coating of powdered sugar may not give those cookies the snowy appearance they deserve. Be sure to roll them in powdered sugar again after cooling for a thicker layer.
- Overbaking the cookies: Leaving your cookies in the oven too long can lead to dry, hard treats instead of tender bites. Keep an eye on them and remove when the bottoms are lightly golden.
- Not allowing cookies to cool properly: Handling cookies too soon can result in breakage. Let them cool slightly before rolling them in powdered sugar for a perfect finish.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to one week when refrigerated.
Freezing Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
- Place cookies in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.
- They can be frozen for up to three months without losing quality.
Reheating Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat cookies for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat individual cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overdo it!
- Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat. Place the cookie on the skillet covered with a lid for about 2-3 minutes until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when my Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are done?
The best indicator is a slightly golden bottom. They might look soft on top, but they will firm up as they cool.
Can I substitute other nuts in these Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies?
Yes! You can use walnuts or pecans instead of almonds if you prefer different flavors or have nut allergies.
What’s the best way to roll these cookies in powdered sugar?
Make sure your cookies are just warm enough to handle but not hot; this helps the powdered sugar stick better during both coatings.
Can I make Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the cookie dough and freeze it. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to bake!
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 39 delicious cookies, perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings or enjoying all week long!
Final Thoughts
These Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are a delightful treat that combines buttery goodness with festive charm. Their versatility allows you to customize them with different nuts or chocolates, making them perfect for any occasion. Treat yourself and your loved ones by baking these delightful bites today!
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📖 Recipe Card
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Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 39 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful taste of Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies, a melt-in-your-mouth treat that perfectly balances buttery goodness and sweet chocolate. These festive cookies are adorned with a generous dusting of powdered sugar, resembling snowballs, making them a charming addition to any holiday gathering or cozy evening at home. With their tender texture and unique combination of mini chocolate chips and finely ground almonds, these cookies are not only easy to make but also customizable for various flavor preferences. Whether served on a cookie tray or gifted to friends and family, these snowball cookies are sure to spread joy this season.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup sliced almonds
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ + ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1½ cups powdered sugar (divided)
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grind the sliced almonds in a food processor until finely chopped.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- In a stand mixer, cream the softened butter with ½ cup powdered sugar until creamy; add vanilla extract.
- Gradually mix in the flour mixture, then fold in mini chocolate chips and ground almonds.
- Roll tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place them on an ungreased cookie sheet.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until lightly golden on the bottoms.
- Allow cooling slightly before rolling in powdered sugar; repeat after cooling completely.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (approximately 24g)
- Calories: 107
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 28mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
