Mini Chip Snowball Cookies

These irresistible mini chip snowball cookies melt in your mouth with buttery goodness and sweet chocolate morsels in every bite, satisfying cookie cravings in just 40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for holiday baking, gifting, or weekend treats, this snowball cookie recipe transforms simple pantry ingredients into soft, classic cookies dusted with powdered sugar. The mini chocolate chips and rich vanilla flavor ensure these cookies are always a family favorite and a standout on any dessert tray.

I first made these mini chip snowball cookies during a long December baking marathon, searching for an upgrade from standard chocolate chip cookies. The moment I dusted them with powdered sugar and watched them cool, their festive look and buttery, tender crumb made the whole house feel like a holiday celebration. These have become our family's signature December treat, especially treasured for the chocolate chips hidden in every bite.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Butter, softened (1½ cups/3 sticks): Provides the melt in your mouth texture, and using quality unsalted butter ensures the best flavor. European style butter adds richness, but regular works well too.
• Powdered sugar (¾ cup, sifted): Ensures a smooth, delicate crumb and creamy dough; sift before adding for lump free cookies. Extra is needed for rolling the baked cookies.
• Pure vanilla extract (1 tablespoon): Gives classic warmth and depth; opt for pure vanilla for the richest result and avoid imitation.
• Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and boosts all other flavors. If using salted butter, reduce to a pinch.
• All purpose flour (3 cups): Creates tender structure. Measure by spooning and leveling for accuracy. Can swap in ½ cup whole wheat pastry flour for fiber.
• NESTLÉ TOLL HOUSE Semi Sweet Chocolate Mini Morsels (2 cups): Mini chips distribute chocolate evenly and keep the classic texture. Dark chocolate mini chips work for a bolder flavor.
• Finely chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts (½ cup): Add nutty crunch and contrast; toast for extra flavor. Either nut is delicious, so use your favorite or omit for nut allergies.
• Additional powdered sugar for coating: Used twice for that signature snowy finish and added sweetness. Sifted is best for smooth application.

How to Make Mini Chip Snowball Cookies

Prepare Oven and Equipment:

Preheat your oven to 375°F and get two ungreased baking sheets ready. The high butter content in the dough prevents sticking, so parchment is optional. Set up a sifter for powdered sugar coating after baking.

Cream Butter Mixture:

In a large mixer bowl, beat the softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt together for about two to three minutes until very light and creamy. This stage ensures the cookies' signature melt away texture and a pale, soft color.

Add Dry Ingredients:

Slowly mix in the all purpose flour, about half a cup at a time, beating just until incorporated. Stop as soon as the flour disappears to keep the cookies tender rather than tough.

Incorporate Mini Chips and Nuts:

Gently stir in the mini chocolate morsels and finely chopped nuts with a wooden spoon or spatula for even distribution. The dough will be firm but should come together when pressed.

Shape Cookie Balls:

Use a tablespoon measure to scoop level portions of dough, rolling each into a 1¼ inch ball between your palms for uniform size. Arrange them one inch apart on your baking sheets.

Bake the Cookies:

Bake at 375°F for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the bottoms are light golden and the tops remain mostly pale. Do not overbake or they will dry out.

First Powdered Sugar Coating:

Directly after removing from the oven, sift powdered sugar generously over the hot cookies on the baking sheet. This forms an initial sticky base layer for the signature coating.

Cool and Finish Coating:

Cool cookies on the baking sheet for ten minutes, then transfer to wire racks. Once completely cooled, sift additional powdered sugar over each for that snowball look and the best flavor finish.

The game changer with these snowball cookies was discovering how much buttery richness European style butter adds. I tried both pecans and walnuts based on what we had, and found both gave delicious texture contrast with each batch. My favorite baking memory is the scent of these cookies filling the house, with everyone sneaking chocolate filled samples straight from the rack as soon as the sugar dusting was complete.

Smart Swaps and Variations

This recipe adapts easily to new flavors. For lemon snowballs, add a tablespoon of lemon zest and substitute lemon extract for part of the vanilla to brighten the dough. Try swapping vanilla for almond extract and use chopped almonds for a marzipan inspired twist, or mix in mint extract for cool, refreshing mint chocolate chip snowballs. The dough can also handle ½ cup cocoa powder in place of some flour for deep chocolate versions. Feel free to experiment with seasonal spices like cardamom or cinnamon for extra holiday warmth.

How to Store and Reheat Mini Chip Snowball Cookies

Allow cookies to cool fully before storage to avoid soggy sugar coating. Store snowball cookies in an airtight tin at room temperature for up to seven days, separating layers with parchment paper to keep the powdered sugar intact and prevent sticking. For longer storage, freeze cooled cookies in freezer safe containers for up to three months, using parchment to divide layers. To serve, thaw at room temperature and recoat with powdered sugar if needed. Always avoid humid environments, as moisture dissolves the sugar coat.

What to Serve with Mini Chip Snowball Cookies

Mini chip snowball cookies pair perfectly with hot beverages such as coffee, espresso, or herbal teas, as the warm flavors highlight the buttery, chocolate filled crumb. They shine as part of a holiday cookie platter surrounded by crispy, chewy, and spiced cookies for color and texture contrast. For a simple dessert, serve alongside vanilla ice cream or with a mug of hot chocolate for a decadent winter treat. Add to cheese boards for a surprising sweet finish, or package for homemade edible gifts during the holidays.

Nutritional Benefits

While these cookies are indulgent, they do offer some nutritional perks when enjoyed in moderation. Nuts such as walnuts or pecans provide healthy fats, protein, and even omega 3 fatty acids, contributing to satiety. When using dark chocolate chips, you add antioxidants to each bite, and the portion controlled size makes it easy to enjoy a satisfying treat while managing portions. For additional fiber, part of the all purpose flour may be replaced with whole wheat pastry flour.

Recipe Success Tips

If your cookies flatten instead of staying round, the butter may be too soft; chill the dough and try again. For crumbly cookies, add one or two teaspoons of milk to achieve a soft, pliable dough that holds shape. Remember to dust cookies with powdered sugar twice: once while hot for stickiness, and again when cool for a classic, snowy look. If the sugar coating dissolves, let the cookies cool fully before applying the second layer. Equip yourself with a cookie scoop for even baking and professional presentation.

These mini chip snowball cookies are the highlight of our holiday baking tradition, filling the kitchen with sweet aromas and happy anticipation with every batch. Enjoy the simple pleasure of baking and sharing these melt in your mouth treats, and watch as each joyful bite brings smiles and new memories to your family and friends.

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ What type of chocolate chips work best in these cookies?

Semi-sweet mini chocolate chips are ideal for even distribution in every bite and provide the classic flavor. You can use other varieties according to taste.

→ Can I substitute nuts or leave them out?

Yes, almonds, pecans, or walnuts all work well. If you prefer nut-free, you can skip nuts for an allergy-friendly version.

→ How should I store these cookies for freshness?

After cooling completely, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They keep well for up to a week.

→ Is it necessary to sift extra powdered sugar on top?

Sifting powdered sugar both right after baking and once cooled adds sweetness and the classic snowball look, but it's optional to taste.

→ Can I freeze snowball cookies?

Yes, these cookies freeze well. Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw and dust with extra sugar if desired.