Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

If snowflakes were cookies, they’d be these Chocolate Chip Snowballs—sweet, buttery, and dusted with powdered sugar for a wintery vibe. These soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookies are the perfect mix of cozy holiday charm and a burst of chocolatey goodness in every bite.

Ingredients

1. Butter: The base of this cookie, adding richness and that irresistible melt-in-your-mouth texture.
2. Sweetened condensed milk: Adds a creamy sweetness that makes the dough ultra-soft and indulgent.
3. Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with a subtle warmth.
4. Flour: The structure of the cookie, giving it just the right balance of tender and firm.
5. Baking powder: Helps the cookies puff up ever so slightly for that perfect bite.
6. Mini chocolate chips: Because chocolate is life, and these mini chips guarantee gooey goodness in every nibble.
7. Powdered sugar: The snowball finish that makes these cookies as festive as they are tasty.

Why These Ingredients Work

The butter and sweetened condensed milk combine to create a luxurious, tender dough that’s not too sweet but just right. The baking powder gives the cookies a light lift, and the mini chocolate chips are the star of every bite. Finally, the powdered sugar dusting ties it all together with that iconic snowball look and a pop of sweetness.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Beat the butter until it’s fluffy and creamy—this step is where the magic starts. Add the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and dreamy. Gradually mix in the flour and baking powder until your dough comes together beautifully. Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips to make sure every bite has some chocolate love.

Using a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop, portion out the dough into little balls and place them on your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each one. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, just until the edges are lightly golden, but the tops stay soft. Let them cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Once completely cooled, dust each cookie generously with powdered sugar, transforming them into edible snowballs. Serve and watch them disappear!

One snowy December afternoon, I decided to try something new for a holiday potluck with my girlfriends. I’d been scrolling through cookie recipes, and these Chocolate Chip Snowballs caught my eye. They looked festive and fancy but didn’t seem like they’d require a culinary degree—my kind of baking! They came out so cute and yummy!!

FAQs

Do I need mini chocolate chips? Mini chips are ideal because they distribute evenly throughout the dough, but regular chocolate chips work too if that’s what you have.
Can I make these ahead of time? Yes! The dough can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Just let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before scooping and baking.
Why do the cookies need to cool before dusting? Powdered sugar sticks best when the cookies are cool, ensuring a clean and pretty finish.

Fun Places to Serve These Cookies

These Chocolate Chip Snowballs are perfect for cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or as a sweet treat for Santa on Christmas Eve. They also make a great addition to gift boxes for neighbors, teachers, or coworkers—they’re festive and universally loved!

How to Store Leftovers

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you’re in a humid area, keep the powdered sugar separate and dust just before serving to keep them looking fresh. You can also freeze the cookies (pre-dusted) for up to 3 months; just thaw and re-dust when ready to enjoy.

Tips for Making This Recipe with Kids

Kids love helping with this recipe! Let them scoop and roll the dough into balls—it’s like playing with edible Play-Doh. Older kids can assist with the mixing, and everyone will have fun dusting the cooled cookies with powdered sugar. Just be prepared for a “snowstorm” in your kitchen!

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe is a winner because it’s easy, versatile, and absolutely delicious. The buttery dough paired with sweetened condensed milk creates a texture that’s both tender and rich, while the powdered sugar adds a touch of holiday magic. Plus, the mini chocolate chips make every bite extra fun and satisfying. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or treating yourself, these cookies are guaranteed to bring joy!

Here are some more fun cookie treats to make!