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
Scale
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.
