Chocolate Chip Snowballs are a classic holiday treat that’s as simple to make as it is satisfying to eat. These delicate, melt-in-your-mouth cookies are buttery, sweet, and studded with mini chocolate chips. Rolled in powdered sugar to resemble snow, they’re a festive favorite on cookie trays and dessert tables all winter long.
Also known as Mexican wedding cookies or Russian tea cakes, snowball cookies are traditionally made with finely chopped nuts. But this chocolate chip version skips the nuts and adds chocolate for a modern twist on the nostalgic recipe. It’s the perfect cookie for those who love rich, buttery flavors with a subtle sweetness and a hint of chocolate.
Whether you’re baking for a cookie exchange, a winter party, or just a cozy day indoors, Chocolate Chip Snowballs are a must-bake. They come together with just a few ingredients, require no chilling, and bake in under 15 minutes. If you’re new to holiday baking, learn more about cookie basics or explore winter dessert boards on Pinterest for presentation ideas and serving tips.
What Are Chocolate Chip Snowballs?
Chocolate Chip Snowballs are a type of shortbread cookie made with butter, powdered sugar, flour, and mini chocolate chips. After baking, they’re rolled in powdered sugar, giving them their signature snowball appearance. These cookies are soft, crumbly, and subtly sweet, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture that pairs perfectly with the rich chocolate pieces throughout.
Traditional snowball cookies—also called Russian tea cakes or Mexican wedding cookies—often contain finely chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts. This chocolate chip version skips the nuts, making it ideal for those with nut allergies or anyone who simply prefers more chocolate in every bite.
The dough is made without eggs, relying on butter for structure and richness. This creates a dense but delicate crumb that holds its shape during baking. The cookies don’t spread, so you get perfect round snowballs every time.
These cookies are especially popular during the holiday season, but they’re great any time of year. You’ll find them featured on Christmas cookie boards and winter dessert lists on Pinterest, and they’re often part of classic European-inspired cookie assortments. For more on the shortbread-style texture and cookie history, you can also explore cookie varieties on Wikipedia.
Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies – A Fun Holiday Favorite
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add vanilla extract and mix well.
- Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Stir in the mini chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden (the tops will stay pale).
- Let cookies cool for a few minutes, then roll them in powdered sugar while still warm.
- Once completely cooled, roll them in powdered sugar again for a snowy finish.
Notes
- Use softened butter and mini chips for best results.
- Roll cookies in powdered sugar while warm, and again when cool.
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week or freeze for longer.
- Great for cookie swaps, gift boxes, and holiday dessert tables.
- Add your own twist with nuts, peppermint, or spice.