Anti-bit balling drilling fluids and methods of making and using drilling fluids are provided. The anti-bit balling drilling fluid contains water, a clay-based component, and at least one of a surfactant having the formula: R—(OC2H4)x—OH, where R is a hydrocarbyl group having from 10 to 20 carbon atoms and x is an integer from 1 and 10, or a polyethylene glycol having the formula: H—(O—CH2—CH2)n—OH, where n is an integer from 1 to 50. Methods of making and using these drilling fluids are also provided.