If you’re looking for a festive and utterly delightful treat to brighten up any occasion, this Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. These tender, buttery cookies are bursting with refreshing peppermint flavor and studded with mini chocolate chips, then finished with a generous snow-like coating of powdered sugar that makes every bite feel like a holiday hug. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just someone who loves sweet, minty comfort, this recipe brings together the best of winter flavors in a simple, fun way that practically melts in your mouth.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind these Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies starts with a handful of straightforward ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating that signature soft texture, minty freshness, and sweet chocolatey surprise that make these cookies so irresistible.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Provides a rich, creamy base essential for tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies.
- Powdered sugar (½ cup for dough, ½ cup for rolling): Adds sweetness and gives the cookies their iconic snowy coating.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, inviting aroma.
- Peppermint extract (½ tsp): Delivers the refreshing minty kick that defines these snowball cookies.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): Provides structure and the perfect crumbly, soft texture.
- Mini chocolate chips (½ cup): Bring in bursts of chocolatey goodness in every bite.
- Salt (¼ tsp, optional): Balances the sweetness and deepens the flavors.
How to Make Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Space
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This setup ensures your cookies bake evenly without sticking, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter together with ½ cup powdered sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is key for giving your cookies that delicate, tender crumb.
Step 3: Add Flavor Extracts
Mix in the vanilla and peppermint extracts to infuse your dough with sweet, aromatic vanilla and that unmistakable refreshing mint flavor which sets these snowball cookies apart.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour and optional salt into the butter mixture. Stir gently until the dough comes together, soft and slightly crumbly but holding its shape well for rolling.
Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Carefully fold in the mini chocolate chips, distributing them evenly so every cookie is bursting with little pockets of chocolate happiness.
Step 6: Shape the Dough Balls
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and arrange them on your prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each to allow for slight spreading during baking.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pop the tray in the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Keep an eye out for cookies that are set but not browned—they should look soft and just firm to the touch.
Step 8: First Sugar Coating
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about five minutes. While still warm, roll them in powdered sugar to start building that iconic snowball appearance.
Step 9: Final Sugar Dusting
Once completely cool, give your cookies one more generous roll in powdered sugar for that perfect snowy finish that melts beautifully on your tongue.
How to Serve Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate these cookies, sprinkle a tiny pinch of crushed peppermint candies on top after the final sugar coating for added texture and festive flair. Fresh mint leaves on the side can also complement the mint flavor when serving.
Side Dishes
Serve these snowball cookies alongside a warm cup of hot chocolate or peppermint tea. The warmth of the drink perfectly balances the cool mint and sweet chocolate within the cookies, making for an irresistible holiday pairing.
Creative Ways to Present
Package your Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies in mason jars layered with wax paper for charming gifts. You can also stack them on a decorative platter sprinkled with edible glitter or more powdered sugar for an extra snowy touch. They look stunning when wrapped with festive ribbons, perfect for holiday parties or neighborly treats.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. This keeps them soft and maintains the fresh mint-chocolate flavor that makes this Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe so special.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked cookie dough balls by placing them on a baking sheet and freezing until solid, then transferring to a resealable freezer bag for up to three months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. Baked cookies freeze well too; just be sure to re-coat with powdered sugar after thawing for that signature snowball look.
Reheating
Warm cookies gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a low oven for 5 minutes to refresh their soft texture. This quick step will bring that just-baked warmth and softness back to your beloved snowball treats.
FAQs
Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of mini chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Regular chocolate chips work fine, but mini chips distribute more evenly throughout each cookie, giving you consistent bursts of chocolate in every bite.
Is it necessary to use peppermint extract, or can I substitute it?
Peppermint extract is key for that distinctive mint flavor, but if you prefer, spearmint extract can be a milder alternative. Just use a bit less since it’s often stronger in flavor.
Why do I need to roll the cookies in powdered sugar twice?
The first roll coats the warm cookies so the sugar sticks well, while the second roll after cooling ensures the snowball effect remains perfect and doesn’t melt away too quickly.
Can this Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Make sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder for the best texture.
How do I prevent the cookies from browning too much?
Bake just until the cookies are set but not golden. These snowball cookies should remain pale and soft, so watch the oven carefully during the last couple of minutes of baking.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about biting into a Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookie—the perfect union of minty freshness, luscious chocolate, and buttery goodness dusted in snow-white sugar. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe and share the joy these cozy treats bring. Once you do, you might just find them becoming your new favorite cookie for every season of celebration.
Print
Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delightfully festive Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies that blend the creamy softness of buttery dough with refreshing peppermint flavor and mini chocolate chips. These cookies are coated in powdered sugar for a snowy appearance, perfect for holiday treats or any cozy occasion.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp peppermint extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
- ¼ tsp salt (optional)
Coating
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and ½ cup powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the dough.
- Add Extracts: Mix in the vanilla extract and peppermint extract thoroughly to infuse the dough with the signature minty flavor.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and optional salt, mixing until a stiff dough forms, ensuring all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the mini chocolate chips into the dough, distributing them evenly without smashing the chips.
- Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them spaced apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow room for slight spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes until they are set but not browned, maintaining their soft texture.
- Initial Cooling and Rolling: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes so they firm up slightly but remain warm. Then roll each cookie in powdered sugar for the first coating.
- Final Cooling and Rolling: Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack, then roll them once more in powdered sugar to create the classic snowy finish that defines these snowball cookies.
Notes
- Use unsalted butter to control saltiness in the dough precisely.
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming and light texture.
- Do not overbake; cookies should stay pale and soft, not browned.
- Double coating with powdered sugar adds to the authentic snowball appearance and sweetness.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- For an extra mint kick, add a few drops more peppermint extract or garnish with crushed candy canes.
