Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe

If you have a soft spot for bite-sized treats that burst with refreshing mint and rich chocolate in every crumb, then you are absolutely going to adore this Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe. These delightful cookies are perfectly tender, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture, coated in a delicate dusting of powdered sugar for that classic snowball appeal. Each cookie offers just the right hint of peppermint paired with mini chocolate chips that add little pockets of gooey chocolate goodness. Whether you’re baking for holiday cheer or simply craving a cozy homemade snack, this recipe brings such joy with every bite, making it an instant favorite in any cookie jar.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating the perfect Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe is all about quality basics that come together to create a beautifully balanced cookie. Each ingredient plays its role from flavor to texture, ensuring your cookies turn out tender, flavorful, and irresistibly festive.

• Unsalted butter, 1 cup: Using softened unsalted butter gives your cookies a creamy base, allowing the mint and chocolate flavors to shine without any salty interference.
• Powdered sugar, ½ cup plus ½ cup for rolling: This fine sugar helps achieve the soft, tender crumb inside the cookie and the traditional snowy coating outside.
• Vanilla extract, 1 tsp: Adds warmth and depth, balancing the coolness of the peppermint with a subtle sweetness.
• Peppermint extract, ½ tsp: The star of the show that infuses the cookies with refreshing mint flavor, perfectly complementing the chocolate chips.
• All-purpose flour, 2 cups: The structural backbone of the cookies, it creates that soft yet sturdy texture needed for snowball cookies.
• Mini chocolate chips, ½ cup: Tiny bursts of rich chocolate that melt just enough when baked, giving each bite a delightful surprise.
• Salt, ¼ tsp (optional): Just a pinch to elevate all the other flavors and keep the sweetness in check.

How to Make Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Begin by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure that the cookies bake evenly and don’t stick. Preparing the sheet ahead of time is key to a smooth baking experience.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter with ½ cup of powdered sugar. Beat until the mixture is fluffy and light in color. This step is crucial because it incorporates air, ensuring your cookies have the perfect tender texture.

Step 3: Add Flavors

Mix in the vanilla extract and peppermint extract. The vanilla adds a cozy sweetness, while the peppermint infusion sets the festive tone with its cool, invigorating flavor. Mixing them well into the creamed butter ensures every cookie is bursting with aroma and taste.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour and salt (if using), combining them thoroughly until the dough just comes together. Avoid overmixing to preserve that melt-in-your-mouth softness you want from snowball cookies.

Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Gently fold the mini chocolate chips into the dough. This step distributes the chocolate evenly throughout each cookie so you get a burst of chocolate in every bite without disrupting the dough’s delicate texture.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Uniform sizing helps the cookies bake evenly and look picture-perfect once finished.

Step 7: Bake Until Set

Bake your cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, keeping a close eye so they set but do not brown. The goal is a pale, soft cookie that holds its shape — the true hallmark of a snowball cookie.

Step 8: Roll in Powdered Sugar

Once the cookies have cooled on the baking sheet for five minutes, roll them while they’re still warm in the remaining powdered sugar. This coating gives you that trademark snowy finish that makes the cookies so charming.

Step 9: Cool and Re-Roll

Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. Then, give them another gentle roll in powdered sugar for an extra luscious, snowy appearance and sweetness.

How to Serve Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

For a simple but elegant touch, sprinkle some finely crushed candy canes or additional mini chocolate chips around your serving plate. A little extra powdered sugar dusting just before serving can also brighten their appearance and enhance that wintery feel.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a mug of hot cocoa or a fresh cup of peppermint tea. The warmth of the drinks complements the cool mint, creating a cozy experience perfect for an afternoon treat or festive dessert spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Pack these Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe bites in festive tins or clear cellophane bags tied with a ribbon for adorable gifts. Arrange them alongside sprigs of fresh mint or holly for an extra festive display that’s sure to impress friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay tender and delicious for up to a week, making for a perfect stash of sweet treats anytime you need a quick bite.

Freezing

If you want to make these cookies ahead of time, they freeze wonderfully. Place the unbaked cookie dough balls on a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Bake straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.

Reheating

For that just-baked warmth, pop your stored cookies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes. This quickly refreshes their texture and aroma without risk of drying them out.

FAQs

Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of mini chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Regular chocolate chips will work fine, but the minis distribute more evenly throughout each cookie, giving you that lovely melt-in-your-mouth chocolate surprise in every bite.

Is peppermint extract the same as mint extract?

While related, peppermint extract typically has a stronger, more pronounced cooling flavor, which is perfect for these cookies. If you only have mint extract, use slightly less to avoid overpowering the dough.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

You can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend. Just make sure the blend you choose is suitable for baking cookies to achieve similar texture and structure.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Be sure your butter is softened but not melting or overly warm, as this can cause the cookies to spread and lose their round snowball shape. Chilling the dough briefly before baking can also help maintain their shape.

Can I skip rolling the cookies in powdered sugar?

While you technically can, the powdered sugar coating is a defining characteristic of the Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe. It adds sweetness, texture, and that iconic snowy finish you won’t want to miss.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about making these Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe from scratch—the wonderful aroma, the soft texture, and the perfect balance of chocolate and peppermint that feels like a festive hug in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or a quiet treat, these cookies are sure to become a beloved classic. I hope you enjoy making and sharing them as much as I do!

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