Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe

Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe for Winter Treats

Mint chocolate chip snowball cookies recipe fans know just how special a chilled afternoon can become when something sweet and festive is on the menu.

Winter baking takes on extra charm when cookies arrive dusted in snowy powdered sugar and packed with refreshing flavor.

Snowball cookies have long been a holiday favorite across American homes, and adding a cool minty twist makes them feel both classic and exciting at the same time.

The combination works beautifully for cookie swaps, school parties, or cozy nights by the fire when something soft and melt-in-the-mouth sounds just right.

Nobody can resist a cookie that looks elegant but comes together without fuss in a single bowl.

Baking a batch means filling the kitchen with warm, comforting aromas that make everyone gather around asking when they can have one.

If you love treats that balance sweetness with a burst of freshness and look like little winter wonderlands on a plate, then it’s time to preheat the oven and roll up your sleeves.

What Makes Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Special

What Makes Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Special
  • Quick Holiday Magic: These mint chocolate chip snowball cookies transform your kitchen into a festive playground where everyone can join in the baking fun, no fancy skills required.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combo of cool peppermint and rich chocolate creates a treat that makes taste buds dance, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings during holiday gatherings.
  • Super Simple Prep: With just a few basic ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies come together faster than decorating a Christmas tree, making them ideal for busy weekends.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: These cookies store beautifully in an airtight container, so you can prepare them ahead of time and have a delicious dessert ready whenever guests drop by.
Primary Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour (2 cups): The sturdy base that gives your cookies their classic tender crumb and perfect shape.
  • Unsalted Butter (1 cup): Brings rich, creamy flavor and helps create that melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes these cookies special.
  • Mini Chocolate Chips (1/2 cup): Tiny bursts of chocolate that provide delightful little surprises in every bite of your cookie.
  • Powdered Sugar (1/2 cup): Helps sweeten the dough and creates that smooth, soft cookie texture.
  • Powdered Sugar (1 cup): The magical coating that gives your cookies their festive, snow-dusted appearance.
  • Peppermint Extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a refreshing, cool mint flavor that transforms these cookies into a holiday treat.
  • Green Food Coloring (12 drops): Creates a soft, minty green hue that makes your cookies look wonderfully festive.
  • Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors in your cookies.

Kitchen Tools Needed for Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

  • Stand Mixer or Electric Hand Mixer: Your go-to tool for creaming butter and sugar until light and fluffy, making the cookie base smooth and well-blended.
  • Large Mixing Bowl: A spacious bowl where all your ingredients will come together, perfect for mixing the dough with ease.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise tools to ensure your ingredients are perfectly portioned for consistent, delicious results.
  • Baking Sheet: A sturdy sheet lined with parchment paper that will hold your festive mint chocolate chip snowball cookies during baking.
  • Parchment Paper: A non-stick surface that prevents cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
  • Cooling Rack: A wire rack where your warm cookies can cool down and set without getting soggy on the bottom.
  • Small Bowl: A handy container for rolling your warm cookies in powdered sugar, creating that classic snowball look.
  • Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Essential for mixing ingredients and folding in those delightful mini chocolate chips.

Steps for Baking Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

Steps for Baking Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
1

Prepare Baking Station

Crank your oven to 350F and grab a baking sheet. Spread parchment paper across the surface so nothing sticks.

2

Mix Butter and Sugar

Grab your mixer and beat 1 cup unsalted butter with 1/2 cup powdered sugar until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes at medium speed.

3

Add Flavor Boosters

Pour in 1 teaspoon peppermint extract and 12 drops of green food coloring. Blend until the color looks uniform and bright.

4

Create Cookie Dough

Slowly incorporate your dry ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Mix until everything comes together in a soft dough. Sprinkle in 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips and fold gently.

5

Shape Cookie Balls

Roll small chunks of dough into 1-inch round balls. Space them about an inch apart on your prepared baking sheet.

6

First Bake

Slide the sheet into the 350F oven for exactly 12 minutes. The edges should look set but not browned.

7

Sugar Coating

While cookies are still warm, roll each one in 1 cup powdered sugar. This creates that gorgeous snowy coating.

8

Final Dusting

Once cookies cool completely, give them a second roll in powdered sugar for extra winter magic.

9

Store and Serve

Tuck these festive treats into an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for about a week – if they last that long!

Practical Cooking Insight for Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

  • Soften butter completely at room temperature for the smoothest, creamiest cookie dough that mixes perfectly.
  • Add a few drops of green food coloring to make your cookies look festive and match the mint flavor beautifully.
  • When shaping cookies, roll dough between your palms gently and evenly to create uniform snowball shapes that bake consistently.
  • Roll warm cookies in powdered sugar immediately after baking, then let them cool and roll again for a thick, snowy exterior.
  • Fold chocolate chips gently into the dough to ensure even chocolate in every delightful bite.

Easy Variations for Mint Chocolate Chip Snowballs

  • Dairy-Free Dream: Swap butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine to make these cookies dairy-free, keeping the same delightful mint chocolate flavor your friends will adore.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend in equal amounts, ensuring everyone can enjoy these festive treats without worry.
  • Nutty Chocolate Chip Spin: Fold in chopped pecans or almonds for extra crunch and a rich, toasted undertone that complements the mint chocolate combination.
  • Sugar-Free Alternative: Use a sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia blend, reducing the total sugar while maintaining the cookie’s delicate sweetness and texture.

What Goes Well With Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

  • Serve During Holiday Gatherings: Share these festive mint chocolate chip snowball cookies at your next Christmas party or family celebration – they bring instant cheer to any dessert table.
  • Pair With Warm Beverages: Serve these cookies alongside hot cocoa, peppermint tea, or a creamy latte for a perfect winter treat that warms your hands and heart.
  • Create a Cookie Platter: Arrange these green-tinged snowballs with traditional sugar cookies and chocolate cookies for a stunning dessert display that looks as good as it tastes.
  • Store and Share: Keep these cookies in a sealed container at room temperature for up to a week, making them perfect for gifting to neighbors or bringing to office holiday parties.

How Long Do Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Keep

  • Store these festive cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh and soft for a week at room temperature. – Pop them in a single layer with wax paper between each row to prevent sticking and protect your beautiful powdered sugar coating. – Freeze these snowball cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months, separating layers with parchment paper to maintain their delicate shape. – When ready to serve frozen cookies, let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes to preserve their tender texture and magical mint flavor.

Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

What makes these cookies different from regular snowball cookies?

The peppermint extract and mini chocolate chips transform classic snowball cookies into a festive mint chocolate chip version that’s perfect for holiday celebrations.

FAQ

Can I skip the green food coloring?

Absolutely. The cookies will taste the same without it, and some people prefer the natural white color of traditional snowball cookies.

FAQ

How small should the mini chocolate chips be?

Look for chocolate chips that are about the size of a pencil eraser – they distribute evenly through the dough without weighing down the delicate cookie texture.

FAQ

What kind of butter works best for these cookies?

Use unsalted butter at room temperature, which creams more smoothly and helps create a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie.

FAQ

Can children help make these cookies?

These cookies are perfect for kids to help roll into balls and coat with powdered sugar – just supervise the oven steps.

FAQ

Do these cookies freeze well?

Yes, you can freeze them in an airtight container for up to three months, making them great for advance holiday baking.

Print
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Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe

Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe


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4.6 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 25-27 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Mint chocolate chip snowball cookies bring pure winter joy right to your kitchen, dusted with powdered sugar and packed with holiday cheer. Bake these delightful morsels that melt in your mouth and watch friends and family smile with each delicious bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Primary Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • ½ cup mini chocolate chips

Supporting Ingredients:

  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 cup powdered sugar

Finishing Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 12 drops green food coloring

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  2. Cream 1 cup softened unsalted butter with ½ cup powdered sugar until the mixture becomes airy and pale.
  3. Add 1 teaspoon peppermint extract and 12 drops green food coloring, blending thoroughly to create a soft mint hue.
  4. Gradually fold 2 cups all-purpose flour and ¼ teaspoon salt into the butter mixture until a smooth dough develops.
  5. Gently incorporate ½ cup mini chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
  6. Measure out small portions and roll the dough into 1-inch round balls, placing them 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
  7. Bake for 10-12 minutes at 350°F, watching for slightly set edges without significant browning.
  8. Remove from oven and while cookies are still warm, delicately roll each one in 1 cup of powdered sugar.
  9. Allow cookies to cool completely, then roll a second time in powdered sugar for a festive, snow-dusted appearance.
  10. Store your mint chocolate chip snowballs in an airtight container for maximum freshness.

Notes

  • Bring butter to room temperature for easier creaming, ensuring a smoother, more uniform dough.
  • Use pure peppermint extract for the most authentic mint flavor, avoiding artificial alternatives.
  • Chill the dough for 30 minutes before shaping if it feels too soft, helping cookies hold their shape better.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap regular flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend and check that your chocolate chips are also gluten-free.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
  • Category: Cookies
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 128 kcal
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 35 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 17 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
Madison Wyman

Madison Wyman

Recipe Developer & Food Storyteller

Expertise

Recipe Research and Adaptation, Food Writing and Cultural Storytelling, Sustainable and Ethical Sourcing, Dietary Adaptations (e.g., gluten-free, plant-based)

Education

Oregon Health & Science University

  • Degree: Master’s in Food Systems and Society
  • Focus: Sustainable food practices, cultural food traditions, and social impact of food.

Portland Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Foundational cooking skills, nutrition, and diverse culinary methods.

Madison’s passion for flavor and culture ignited amidst the rich Southern cooking traditions of her upbringing, where cherished family recipes told delicious tales.

Armed with a Master’s in Food Systems and Society from Oregon Health & Science University and a Culinary Arts Certificate from Portland Community College, Madison truly excels at transforming rich, intricate flavors into dishes that are both approachable and heartfelt.

For her, cooking is a vibrant blend of science, art, and heritage – a powerful way to connect us to our roots and each other. Her recipes invite you to delve deeper, uncovering the fascinating stories woven into every ingredient.

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