Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe

If you are looking for a delightful treat that perfectly balances refreshing mint with rich chocolate, the Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. These cookies are tender, buttery, and generously dusted with powdered sugar, creating that classic snowball look that is as charming as the flavors are delicious. Each bite melts in your mouth, revealing mini chocolate chips and a cool hint of peppermint that will have you reaching for one after another. It’s a recipe that feels both festive and comforting, ideal for sharing with loved ones or just enjoying a cozy moment to yourself.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is wonderfully simple, using a handful of essential ingredients that come together to create a cookie that’s bursting with flavor and perfect texture. Each component has its purpose, from the rich butter to tiny bursts of chocolate, making these cookies irresistible.

  • Unsalted butter: Softened to bring creaminess and richness to the dough.
  • Powdered sugar: Adds sweetness and creates that delicate snowball coating.
  • Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, comforting note.
  • Peppermint extract: Gives the cookies their signature refreshing mint flavor.
  • All-purpose flour: Provides structure and the perfect tender crumb.
  • Mini chocolate chips: Tiny bursts of chocolate that complement the mint beautifully.
  • Salt (optional): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
  • Additional powdered sugar for rolling: Ensures the cookies have that delightful snowball finish.

How to Make Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by heating your oven to 175°C (350°F) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, which means easier cleanup and perfect cookies every time.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This is key to creating a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 3: Add the Extracts

Mix in the vanilla and peppermint extracts. The vanilla adds depth while the peppermint brings that unmistakable refreshing bite that makes these cookies stand out.

Step 4: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the flour and the optional salt, stirring until the dough just comes together. Over-mixing here can toughen the cookies, so be gentle and patient.

Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate Chips

Carefully fold mini chocolate chips into the dough. These little gems will provide bursts of chocolate in every single bite, making the cookies even more irresistible.

Step 6: Shape the Balls

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and arrange them evenly on your prepared baking sheet. Keeping them uniform ensures they bake evenly and look beautifully consistent.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, watching closely for the moment the cookies are set but still pale. You don’t want them to brown; that delicate color is part of their charm.

Step 8: First Sugar Roll

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then while still warm, roll them in powdered sugar. This initial coating helps the sugar stick to the surface beautifully.

Step 9: Cool and Repeat for the Perfect Snowball Finish

Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack, then roll them in powdered sugar once more. This second dusting creates that classic, snowy look that makes these cookies so irresistible visually and in taste.

How to Serve Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe

Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

To add a little extra flair when serving, sprinkle a tiny pinch of crushed peppermint candy over the top or drizzle with a bit of melted dark chocolate. These touches can elevate the appearance and add delightful texture contrast.

Side Dishes

Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of hot cocoa. The creamy, comforting drinks perfectly complement the cool mint and buttery cookie base, making snack time feel extra cozy.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging these cookies in a festive jar tied with a ribbon as a charming gift, or create an inviting dessert platter alongside other mint or chocolate treats. They also look stunning tucked inside paper cupcake liners for parties or gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, store any leftover Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to a week, perfect for slow enjoyment.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months and thaw quickly at room temperature.

Reheating

For a freshly baked feel, warm the cookies in a preheated oven at 150°C (300°F) for 5 minutes. This softens the cookies slightly and brings back that just-baked sensation without melting the powdered sugar coating.

FAQs

Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of mini ones?

Absolutely! Regular chocolate chips will work just fine; they just create larger pockets of chocolate in the cookie. Mini chips ensure even distribution and a delicate texture, but both are delicious options.

Is peppermint extract necessary in this Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe?

While it’s the key to that minty freshness, you can reduce the amount or omit it if you prefer a subtler flavor. Just keep in mind that peppermint is what really makes these cookies unique.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid overly salty cookies. Unsalted butter gives you better control over the salt level in your bake.

How do I prevent the cookies from browning?

Make sure to bake at the recommended temperature and watch the timer closely. These cookies should be pale when done to keep their tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture and delicate appearance.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend with xanthan gum works well. Just be sure to check your mini chocolate chips for any gluten-containing ingredients.

Final Thoughts

This Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe truly captures the magic of the holiday season and cozy moments at home. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a batch of cookies that feels special yet approachable. I highly encourage you to try this recipe—it’s a lovely way to add some joy and sweetness to your day, whether for yourself or as a heartfelt gift. Happy baking!

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Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe

Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.3 from 79 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookies
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Delight in these Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies, a festive treat featuring a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture infused with refreshing peppermint and studded with mini chocolate chips. Perfectly coated in powdered sugar for a snowy finish, these cookies make an irresistible holiday or anytime snack.


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
  • ÂĽ tsp salt (optional)

For Rolling

  • ½ cup powdered sugar


Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined, forming a smooth base for the dough.
  3. Add Extracts: Mix in the vanilla and peppermint extracts thoroughly to infuse the dough with a lovely aromatic flavor.
  4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt (if using) to the wet mixture, stirring gently until a cohesive dough forms without overmixing.
  5. Fold in Chocolate Chips: Carefully fold the mini chocolate chips into the dough, ensuring even distribution for every bite.
  6. Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into approximately 1-inch diameter balls and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
  7. Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, just until they are set but not browned, retaining their tender texture.
  8. Initial Cooling and Rolling: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then gently roll each cookie in powdered sugar while still warm to begin the signature snowy coating.
  9. Final Cooling and Coating: Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack, then roll them again in powdered sugar to achieve the full snowball effect and sweet finish.

Notes

  • For best flavor, use unsalted butter and adjust salt amount accordingly.
  • Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming.
  • Do not overbake to keep cookies tender and crumbly.
  • Double rolling in powdered sugar gives the characteristic snowball look and sweetness.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

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