Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

These Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are a delightful treat that brings warmth and joy to any occasion. With their rich buttery texture, mini chocolate chips, and a dusting of powdered sugar, these cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy afternoons, or simply indulging your sweet tooth. Their unique nutty crunch from almonds adds an extra layer of flavor, making them a standout choice for cookie trays or as gifts.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Melt-In-Your-Mouth Texture: The combination of butter and powdered sugar creates a soft cookie that practically dissolves in your mouth.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday party or a casual get-together, these cookies fit right in.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip up these treats without fuss.
• Customizable: Feel free to experiment by adding different nuts or flavor extracts to make them your own.
• Perfect for Sharing: These cookies look beautiful on any dessert platter and are sure to impress family and friends.

Tools and Preparation

To make the best Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies, you’ll need some essential tools that will help streamline the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer with paddle attachment
• Food processor
• Medium mixing bowl
• Cookie sheet
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer with paddle attachment: This tool ensures even mixing of ingredients for a consistent cookie dough.
• Food processor: Perfect for finely grinding almonds quickly and efficiently.
• Cookie sheet: A good baking surface allows cookies to bake evenly without sticking.
• Wire rack: Helps cool cookies properly, ensuring they maintain their shape and texture.

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). This step ensures that cookies bake evenly and achieve the perfect golden bottom.

Step 2: Prepare Almonds

Grind sliced almonds in a food processor until they reach tiny bits. Set aside once done. This adds a delightful nutty flavor to your cookies.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Set this mixture aside as it will be combined later with the wet ingredients.

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 until just blended. The mixture should be slightly creamy but not light and fluffy.

Step 5: Add Vanilla

Mix in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated. This step adds wonderful flavor to your cookies.

Step 6: Combine Ingredients

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

Step 7: Form Cookies

Scoop out 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 Cookies

Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overbake!

Step 9: First Sugar Coat

Allow cookies to cool slightly until they are warm enough to handle but not hot. 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 fully cooled, roll each cookie again in powdered sugar for that classic snowball effect with an added layer of sweetness.

Step 11: Store Cookies

Keep your delicious Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies in an airtight container where they will stay fresh for up to one week!

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 at a holiday gathering or simply enjoying them at home, these cookies can be paired with several accompaniments to elevate your experience.

With a Glass of Milk

• A classic combination! The rich flavor of the cookies pairs perfectly with cold milk, enhancing the sweet chocolate taste.

As Part of a Cookie Tray

• Arrange these cookies alongside other festive treats like gingerbread or sugar cookies for an impressive holiday cookie display.

Pairing with Hot Cocoa

• Serve these cookies with a warm mug of hot cocoa. The warm drink complements the buttery texture and chocolatey goodness beautifully.

Dusting with Extra Powdered Sugar

• For an extra special touch, dust the cookies with more powdered sugar just before serving. This creates a beautiful snowy effect that’s perfect for the holidays.

With Fresh Berries

• Add a fresh element by serving these cookies with strawberries or raspberries. The tartness of the berries balances out the sweetness of the cookies.

How to Perfect Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

Creating perfect Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies requires attention to detail and some helpful tips. Follow these suggestions for delightful results every time.

• Use Halfway Softened Butter: Ensure your butter is soft but not fully at room temperature to prevent spreading while baking.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Scoop and level your all-purpose flour to avoid dense cookies. Too much flour can lead to a dry texture.
• Chill Dough if Needed: If your dough feels too soft, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes before forming balls. This helps maintain shape during baking.
• Bake on Light Sheets: Use light-colored baking sheets to prevent over-browning. Dark pans can cause uneven baking.
• Roll Twice in Powdered Sugar: For that “snowball” look, roll your cookies in powdered sugar both right after baking and once cooled for an extra sweet coating.
• Store Properly: Keep your cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to a week.

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Best Side Dishes for Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

These delicious cookies can be complemented by various side dishes, making them even more enjoyable during your festivities or cozy evenings at home.

1. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or gouda for a savory contrast that enhances the cookie flavors.
3. Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm cookies atop scoops of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.
4. Coffee or Espresso: Pairing coffee with these cookies creates a rich taste sensation, perfect for coffee lovers.
5. Nut Mix: A selection of almonds, walnuts, and pecans can provide crunch and balance out the soft texture of the snowball cookies.
6. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries alongside your cookies for a fun twist on dessert.
7. Hot Tea: Choose herbal or spiced teas that complement the buttery flavors without overpowering them.
8. Chocolate Fondue: Dip pieces of cookie into warm chocolate fondue for an indulgent treat that chocolate lovers will adore.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies can be fun, but avoiding common mistakes is key to achieving the perfect batch.

• Using fully softened butter: If your butter is too soft, the cookies will spread too much while baking. Aim for butter that’s halfway softened to ensure the right texture.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Scooping flour directly from the bag can lead to too much flour in your dough. Always scoop and level your flour for accurate measurement.
• Skipping the second sugar coat: For that classic snowball look, don’t forget to roll your cookies in powdered sugar a second time after they cool. This step enhances their sweetness and appearance.
• Overbaking: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They should be lightly golden on the bottoms; overbaking can result in dry cookies.
• Ignoring cookie spacing: Make sure to space your cookies properly on the baking sheet. Crowding them can lead to uneven baking and sticking together.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking.

Freezing Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

• Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Use a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible.

Reheating Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds; avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently for a few minutes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking.

How do I store leftover Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze them for longer storage.

What other flavors can I add to these cookies?

You can customize these cookies by adding chopped nuts, different types of chocolate chips, or even spices like cinnamon.

Why are my cookies spreading too much?

This often happens if the butter is too soft or if there’s too much flour. Make sure you measure accurately and use butter that’s halfway softened.

Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of mini ones?

Absolutely! Regular chocolate chips will work fine; just keep in mind that they may alter the texture slightly.

Final Thoughts

Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are not only delightful but also versatile. Their buttery texture and sweet coating make them perfect for any occasion. Feel free to experiment with mix-ins or flavors, making this recipe truly your own. Enjoy baking and sharing these festive treats with family and friends!