If you love the magical pairing of chocolate and mint, you’re in for an absolute treat with these Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies. Imagine buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies with a subtle hint of peppermint and bursts of chocolate in every bite, all rolled in a soft blanket of powdered sugar. These snowy little orbs don’t just look festive—they have the perfect balance of cool, sweet, and chocolaty. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a special celebration, or just because you need a little joy, Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are everything you want from a wintertime treat!

Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Part of the beauty of Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies is how straightforward the ingredients are—each one brings its own little magic, from flavor to texture to color. Ready to explore how just a few pantry staples can create such a delicious result?

Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Provides richness and helps the cookies achieve that irresistibly tender and crumbly texture.
Powdered sugar (1/2 cup, plus 1 cup for rolling): Sweetens the dough and creates that signature snowy coating; don’t skip the double roll for extra snowiness!
Peppermint extract (1 teaspoon): Delivers the magical cool mint flavor—adjust to taste if you want your cookies extra refreshing.
Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Brings a warm, mellow backdrop that balances the peppermint.
All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): The backbone of the cookie’s structure, keeping everything together while staying delicate.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough to enhance all the flavors without making the cookies taste salty.
Mini chocolate chips (3/4 cup): Tiny enough to dot every bite with chocolate without overpowering the minty goodness.
Green food coloring (1–2 drops, optional): Adds a soft, playful tint echoing the mint inside—use as much or as little as you like.

How to Make Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven comes up to temperature, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures perfect, non-stick cookies and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until the mixture turns pale and fluffy. This step is key—it introduces air for lightness and combines the fats with the sugar.

Step 3: Add Flavor and Color

Mix in the peppermint extract and vanilla extract. If you want a festive green hue, add 1 or 2 drops of green food coloring now. Stir until the color is evenly distributed and the dough looks irresistibly minty.

Step 4: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing on low speed or by hand. It may look crumbly at first, but trust the process—it will come together! The dough should be thick, and it should hold together when pressed gently between your fingers.

Step 5: Add the Mini Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips so that every bite has little chocolatey specks. These mini chips ensure even distribution throughout the dough, making every cookie delightful.

Step 6: Shape and Bake

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll each into a ball. Set the balls 1 inch apart on your prepared baking sheet to allow for slight spreading. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the bottoms are just barely golden and the tops look set.

Step 7: The Snowball Finish

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes; they should be warm but not too hot to handle. Roll each cookie in powdered sugar while still warm—this helps the sugar stick. Once cool, give them a second roll for a thick, snowy coating that’s truly irresistible.

How to Serve Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

Garnishes

For that extra special touch, try sprinkling a bit of finely chopped fresh mint or extra mini chocolate chips over the serving plate. If you have edible glitter, now’s the time to get whimsical!

Side Dishes

A cup of hot cocoa, peppermint tea, or even a creamy coffee makes the perfect companion for Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies. Their cool, minty profile is wonderful with warm, cozy drinks—or serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking the cookies into a snowy tower on a cake stand, nestling each layer between tufts of extra powdered sugar. For gifting, pack them in a festive tin lined with parchment or tissue, and add a sprig of fresh mint for a beautiful, aromatic surprise.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Keep them cool and dry to prevent the powdered sugar from absorbing moisture and becoming sticky.

Freezing

These cookies freeze like a dream! Once completely cooled and dusted with powdered sugar, layer them between sheets of parchment in a freezer-safe container. They’ll stay fresh for up to three months—just let them thaw and give them a fresh sugar roll before serving.

Reheating

If you want that just-baked warmth, pop the cookies in a low oven (about 275°F/135°C) for 3–4 minutes. Let them cool for a minute, then re-roll in powdered sugar for that finished snowy touch.

FAQs

Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of mini chips?

Mini chips are best for even distribution, but you can use regular ones if that’s what you have. Try chopping them up a bit so every bite has chocolate in it!

Are these cookies gluten-free?

This recipe calls for all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free as written. However, you can substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to make Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies suitable for gluten-free friends.

Do I have to use food coloring?

Not at all! The green coloring is purely optional and just adds a hint of fun. The cookies taste wonderful without it—totally your call.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking. Just let it soften slightly at room temperature before rolling into balls for best results.

What if I want an extra-strong mint flavor?

Go ahead and add an extra 1/4 teaspoon of peppermint extract for a more refreshing punch, but be careful—not all extracts are the same strength, so taste the dough as you go!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to bake up a batch of pure, minty delight, you simply can’t go wrong with Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies. Every bite is fluffy, cool, and filled with childhood nostalgia (plus, they look absolutely gorgeous on a cookie plate). I hope you’ll give them a try—and let them bring a little extra sparkle to your celebrations!