Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

Published:

by Jessica

These Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are a delightful treat that captures the spirit of the holidays. They are buttery, tender, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious, making them an ideal choice for cookie trays, holiday parties, or simply enjoying with a warm cup of cocoa. The mini chocolate chips add bursts of sweetness, while the powdered sugar coating gives them a festive look. With their unique nutty flavor from the almonds, these cookies stand out during the holiday season.

Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and perfect for bakers of all levels.
  • Festive Appearance: Coated in powdered sugar, these cookies look like little snowballs, adding a charming touch to any dessert table.
  • Delicious Flavor: The combination of chocolate chips and almonds creates a delightful taste that everyone will love.
  • Perfect for Gifting: These cookies make excellent gifts during the holiday season—pack them in a cute box for friends and family!
  • Versatile Treat: Enjoy them at holiday gatherings or as a sweet snack throughout the winter months.

Tools and Preparation

Before getting started on your Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

  • Stand mixer
  • Food processor
  • Mixing bowls
  • Cookie sheet
  • Wire rack
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

  • Stand mixer: This tool makes creaming butter and sugar easy and effective, ensuring a smooth dough.
  • Food processor: Perfect for grinding almonds quickly and evenly, saving you time and effort.
  • Cookie sheet: A light-colored sheet prevents over-browning and ensures even baking.

Ingredients

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
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How to Make Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2: Prepare Almonds

Grind the sliced almonds in a food processor until they are finely chopped. Set aside.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt until well combined. Set this mixture aside.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the halfway softened butter and ½ cup (64g) of powdered sugar until just blended. The mixture should be slightly creamy but not light and fluffy.

Step 5: Add Vanilla Extract

Mix in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated into the butter-sugar mixture.

Step 6: Combine Ingredients

With the mixer set on low speed, gradually add in the flour mixture. Mix until just combined. Stir in both the mini chocolate chips and ground almonds until evenly distributed. If necessary, use a spatula to fold everything together gently.

Step 7: Form Cookies

Scoop approximately 1 tablespoon of dough at a time and roll it into balls. Place these balls onto an ungreased cookie sheet, ensuring there is enough space between each cookie—about 16 per sheet.

Step 8: Bake Cookies

Bake in your preheated oven for about 10–12 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly golden brown.

Step 9: First Sugar Coat

Allow cookies to cool slightly until they are warm enough to handle. Roll each cookie in 1 cup (128g) of powdered sugar before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 10: Second Sugar Coat

Once cooled entirely, roll each cookie again in powdered sugar for that thick snowball-like coating.

Step 11: Store Cookies

Store your delicious Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies in an airtight container for up to one week. Enjoy!

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are delightful treats that can be enjoyed in various ways. Their light and buttery texture makes them perfect for festive occasions or a cozy snack at home. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

With a Warm Beverage

  • Hot Cocoa: Pair these cookies with a rich cup of hot cocoa for a comforting treat on chilly days.
  • Coffee: Enjoy with a freshly brewed cup of coffee to balance the sweetness of the cookies.
  • Holiday Cookie Tray: Add these cookies to your holiday cookie tray alongside other festive favorites for a colorful display.
  • Gift Boxes: Place them in decorative boxes as homemade gifts for friends and family during the holidays.

As a Dessert Topping

  • Ice Cream Sundae: Crumble cookies over vanilla ice cream for an extra crunchy topping that adds flavor and texture.
  • Pudding Delight: Layer crushed cookies in individual cups with chocolate pudding for an indulgent dessert option.

How to Perfect Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

Achieving the perfect Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies requires attention to detail and some helpful tips. Follow these guidelines to ensure your cookies turn out delicious every time.

  • Use Halfway Softened Butter: This prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking, maintaining their shape.
  • Measure Flour Correctly: Scoop and level your flour to avoid dense cookies. Too much flour can lead to dry results.
  • Chill the Dough: If your dough feels too soft, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes before rolling into balls.
  • Bake on Light Sheets: Opt for light-colored baking sheets to prevent over-browning on the bottoms of your cookies.
  • Double Coat in Powdered Sugar: Rolling twice in powdered sugar gives those snowball cookies their signature look and extra sweetness.
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Best Side Dishes for Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

While these cookies are delightful on their own, pairing them with side dishes can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options that complement their flavors beautifully.

  1. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits provides a healthy balance to the sweetness of the cookies.
  2. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or cream cheese, which pair nicely with sweet treats.
  3. Nut Mix: A variety of nuts adds crunch and balances out the soft texture of the cookies.
  4. Chocolate Fondue: Dip pieces of cookie into melted chocolate for an indulgent twist on dessert.
  5. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and chunks of cookie for a delicious breakfast or snack option.
  6. Tea Selection: Offer an assortment of herbal teas that can enhance the flavors of these tender cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, especially with delicate cookies like Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

  • Not measuring flour correctly: Always scoop and level your flour for accuracy. Too much flour can lead to dry cookies.
  • Using fully softened butter: Butter should be halfway softened, not completely melted. This helps maintain the cookie’s shape.
  • Overmixing the dough: Mix until just combined to keep the cookies tender. Overmixing can make them tough.
  • Skipping the second sugar coat: For that perfect snowball appearance, don’t forget to roll the cookies in powdered sugar twice!
  • Baking on dark pans: Use light-colored baking sheets to prevent over-browning of the bottoms.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

  • Keep your Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies in an airtight container.
  • They will stay fresh for up to one week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

  • Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
  • Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container; they can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

  • Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 5-7 minutes until warm.
  • Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time in 10-15 second intervals.
  • Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat for a couple of minutes, flipping once.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of mini?

Yes, you can use regular chocolate chips. Just chop them into smaller pieces if desired.

How do I make these Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies gluten-free?

Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup.

How long do Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies last?

When stored properly, they last up to one week at room temperature or three months in the freezer.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Absolutely! Feel free to add walnuts or other mix-ins for added flavor and texture.

What is the best way to store these cookies?

The best way is to keep them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness.

Final Thoughts

These Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them with different types of chocolate chips or nuts based on your preference. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy evenings at home, these cookies are sure to delight everyone. Give this recipe a try and enjoy their melt-in-your-mouth goodness!

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Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies


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  • Author: Jessica
  • Total Time: 32 minutes
  • Yield: About 24 cookies 1x

Description

Indulge in the festive delight of Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies, a buttery treat that melts in your mouth. These charming cookies are coated in powdered sugar, resembling snowballs, making them a perfect choice for holiday gatherings or cozy evenings by the fire. The combination of mini chocolate chips and almonds adds a delightful burst of flavor, ensuring they stand out on any cookie tray. Easy to make and versatile for gifting, these cookies will surely become a favorite during the holiday season.


Ingredients

Scale
  • ¾ cup sliced almonds
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ + ⅛ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter (halfway softened)
  • 1½ cups powdered sugar (divided)
  • 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup mini chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Grind sliced almonds in a food processor until finely chopped; set aside.
  3. Whisk together flour and salt in a medium bowl; set aside.
  4. In a stand mixer, cream halfway softened butter with ½ cup powdered sugar until creamy.
  5. Add vanilla extract and mix well.
  6. Gradually add flour mixture while mixing on low speed; stir in mini chocolate chips and ground almonds.
  7. Scoop tablespoon-sized dough balls onto an ungreased cookie sheet, spacing them apart.
  8. Bake for 10–12 minutes until bottoms are lightly golden.
  9. Cool slightly and roll each cookie in powdered sugar before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. Once cooled, roll again in powdered sugar for a thick coating.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie (18g)
  • Calories: 82
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 25mg
  • Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 9g
  • Fiber: <1g
  • Protein: <1g
  • Cholesterol: 12mg

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