These Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are a delightful treat that melt in your mouth, making them perfect for any occasion. With their tender buttery texture and a hint of nuttiness from almonds, these cookies are an ideal addition to your holiday cookie trays or cozy gatherings. Coated in powdered sugar, they not only look festive but also offer a sweet surprise with every bite.
Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Cookie Dough
- How to Make Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Step 2: Prepare Almonds
- Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
- Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar
- Step 5: Add Vanilla
- Step 6: Combine Ingredients
- Step 7: Form Cookies
- Step 8: Bake
- Step 9: First Sugar Coat
- Step 10: Second Sugar Coat
- Step 11: Store
- How to Serve Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
- Festive Cookie Trays
- With Hot Beverages
- Gift-Giving
- For Cookie Decorating
- How to Perfect Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
- Best Side Dishes for Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
- Reheating Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I customize my Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies?
- How do I get my cookies extra fluffy?
- What if I don’t have almonds?
- How are Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies different from regular chocolate chip cookies?
- Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of buttery cookie dough, mini chocolate chips, and finely ground almonds creates a flavor explosion that is hard to resist.
- Perfect for Celebrations: These cookies are a festive treat, ideal for holiday parties, cookie swaps, or just enjoying at home with family.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, even novice bakers can whip up these delicious cookies with ease.
- Versatile Treat: Feel free to customize with different nuts or chocolate types for a unique twist on this classic recipe.
- Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: The delicate snowball-like coating gives each cookie a soft yet crunchy experience that you’ll love.
Tools and Preparation
Before starting your baking adventure, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth process. Having the right equipment will make baking your Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies more enjoyable and efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Food processor
- Mixing bowls
- Cookie sheets
- Wire rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer or hand mixer: Helps cream butter and sugar evenly, ensuring the best texture for your cookies.
- Food processor: Quickly grinds almonds to the perfect consistency without much effort.
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients efficiently and keeping your workspace organized.
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 Cookie Dough
- 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 Almonds
Grind the sliced almonds in a food processor until they reach tiny bits. Set aside so you can mix them into the dough later.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt until well combined. Set this mixture aside for later use.
Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the halfway softened butter and ½ cup (64g) of powdered sugar. Mix until just blended and slightly creamy; avoid overmixing as you want it slightly dense.
Step 5: Add Vanilla
Add the vanilla extract to the creamed mixture and mix until fully incorporated.
Step 6: Combine Ingredients
With the mixer on low speed, gradually add in the flour mixture. Mix until just combined. Gently stir in the mini chocolate chips and ground almonds using a spatula if needed.
Step 7: Form Cookies
Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough at a time and roll it into balls. Place them on an ungreased cookie sheet, spacing about 16 per sheet for even baking.
Step 8: Bake
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 10–12 minutes or until their bottoms are lightly golden.
Step 9: First Sugar Coat
Once baked, let them cool slightly until they are warm enough to handle. Roll each cookie in about 1 cup (128g) of powdered sugar before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 10: Second Sugar Coat
After cooling completely, roll each cookie again in powdered sugar for an extra thick snowball-like coating.
Step 11: Store
Keep your delicious Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies in an airtight container where they can last up to a week—if they last that long!
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply indulging at home, these cookies can be presented in several charming styles.
Festive Cookie Trays
- Arrange the cookies on a colorful platter with a mix of other holiday treats for an eye-catching display.
- Use decorative liners to separate different types of cookies and add visual appeal.
With Hot Beverages
- Pair these cookies with hot cocoa or coffee for a cozy dessert experience.
- The sweetness of the cookies complements the rich flavors of your favorite warm drinks.
Gift-Giving
- Package them in decorative boxes or jars as thoughtful gifts for friends and family.
- Include a personalized note for an extra special touch during the holidays.
For Cookie Decorating
- Set up a cookie decorating station with sprinkles and chocolate drizzle.
- Let guests customize their own cookies for added fun at parties.
How to Perfect Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
To make sure your Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these tips for success.
- Use cold butter: Starting with cold, but not fully chilled, butter helps maintain the shape of the cookies while baking.
- Measure flour correctly: Scoop and level your flour to avoid dense cookies. Too much flour can lead to dryness.
- Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined to keep the texture tender. Overmixing can create tough cookies.
- Chill the dough: If you have time, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to enhance flavor and control spreading.
- Rotate baking sheets: Halfway through baking, rotate your cookie sheets for even cooking and browning.
- Store properly: Keep your cooled cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent them from getting hard.
Best Side Dishes for Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
These Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies pair wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some delightful options to consider:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream complements the buttery cookies perfectly.
- Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
- Cheese Platter: Include some mild cheeses like brie or gouda for a sophisticated touch alongside sweet treats.
- Hot Cocoa Bar: Set up a station with hot cocoa, marshmallows, and whipped cream for an indulgent pairing.
- Spiced Nuts: A bowl of spiced nuts offers a savory contrast to the sweet snowball cookies.
- Coffee Cake: Serve slices of coffee cake as another dessert option that pairs beautifully with sweets.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that can affect the final result. Here are a few to watch out for:
- Using cold butter: Cold butter will not cream well with sugar, resulting in dense cookies. Allow your butter to soften halfway before mixing.
- Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until ingredients are combined for a tender texture.
- Not measuring flour correctly: Scooping directly from the bag can compact the flour, leading to dry cookies. Always scoop and level your flour for accuracy.
- Skipping the second sugar coat: For that signature snowball look and taste, don’t skip the second roll in powdered sugar after cooling.
- Using dark baking sheets: Dark sheets can cause the bottoms of your cookies to brown too quickly. Opt for light-colored sheets for even baking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
- Keep layers separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Freezing Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
- Freeze unbaked dough balls for up to three months in a freezer-safe container.
- Once baked, store cooled cookies in a freezer bag for up to two months.
Reheating Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies on a baking sheet for about 5 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual cookies on medium power for about 10-15 seconds.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, covered, for about 1-2 minutes until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I customize my Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies?
Yes! You can substitute mini chocolate chips with nuts or different types of chocolate for varied flavors.
How do I get my cookies extra fluffy?
Make sure your butter is at the right consistency and avoid overmixing. This keeps them light and fluffy!
What if I don’t have almonds?
You can use walnuts or pecans as a substitute for almonds without losing much flavor.
How are Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies different from regular chocolate chip cookies?
Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies have a unique powdery coating of sugar and a melt-in-your-mouth texture thanks to their buttery base.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a substitute without any additional adjustments needed.
Final Thoughts
These Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are not just delightful treats; they’re festive bites that everyone will love during the holidays. Their versatility allows you to customize flavors and add your favorite mix-ins. So go ahead, try this recipe and impress your friends and family!
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📖 Recipe Card
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Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful experience of Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies, a festive treat that will melt in your mouth with every bite. These buttery cookies are a perfect blend of tender dough, mini chocolate chips, and finely ground almonds, all coated in a generous layer of powdered sugar. Ideal for holiday gatherings or cozy family moments, these snowball cookies bring joy and sweetness to any occasion. With simple ingredients and easy preparation steps, even novice bakers can create this holiday classic. Customize them with different nuts or chocolates for a unique twist. Experience the rich flavors and inviting aroma that make these cookies a beloved favorite during the festive season.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup sliced almonds
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 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 sliced almonds in a food processor until finely chopped.
- Whisk together flour and salt in a medium bowl; set aside.
- In a stand mixer, cream softened butter with ½ cup powdered sugar until slightly creamy.
- Mix in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the flour mixture while mixing on low speed; stir in chocolate chips and ground almonds.
- Roll tablespoon-sized dough into balls and place them on ungreased cookie sheets.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until lightly golden at the bottoms.
- Let cool slightly, then roll each cookie in powdered sugar before transferring to a wire rack.
- Once cooled completely, roll again in powdered sugar for an extra sweet coating.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (20g)
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
