If you’re on the hunt for a cookie that truly melts in your mouth and delivers pure delight in every bite, allow me to introduce you to my absolute favorite: Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies. These sweet little gems are bursting with that iconic minty-chocolaty flavor combo, wrapped in a snowy coat of powdered sugar. They’re whimsical enough for holidays like Christmas or St. Patrick’s Day, but honestly, I could find an excuse to serve these at any gathering. With a tender, buttery crumb and just the right pop of mini chocolate chips, you’ll have trouble stopping at just one. Trust me, these Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies will be the star of any dessert table!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Part of the magic of Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies is their simplicity. Each ingredient plays a special role in creating the soft, crumbly texture and the vibrant mint-green hue that makes these cookies so inviting.
- Unsalted butter: Start with butter softened to room temperature; it’s what gives these cookies their irresistible richness and perfect, tender texture.
- Powdered sugar (sifted): This keeps the dough delicate and smooth, plus it’s essential for creating that snowy exterior.
- All-purpose flour: Be sure to spoon and level your flour to avoid overpacking; this keeps the cookies light rather than dense.
- Salt: Just a touch enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness.
- Mint or peppermint extract: This is where the fresh, cooling flavor comes in—choose your favorite for the perfect mint effect.
- Green food coloring (gel recommended): It’s optional, but a few drops give your cookies that pretty pastel green reminiscent of mint chocolate chip ice cream.
- Mini chocolate chips: Using mini chips means you get a fleck of chocolate in every bite without overwhelming the delicate dough.
- Extra powdered sugar (for coating): Rolling each warm cookie in a generous layer creates the classic snowball look we all love.
How to Make Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheets
Begin by lining a large cookie sheet with parchment paper. This little prep step keeps your cookies from sticking, ensures even baking, and makes cleanup a breeze. Set the sheet aside until you’re ready to form the dough balls.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Beat the softened butter and sifted powdered sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and almost cloud-like. This step helps create the tender texture that makes Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies so dreamy. Don’t rush—give it a solid mix!
Step 3: Add Flour, Salt, and Mint
Mix in the flour, salt, and your choice of mint or peppermint extract. Stir just until combined—overmixing can toughen the cookies. At this stage, the dough will come together quickly and look a bit plain, but don’t worry: the magic is about to happen!
Step 4: Color and Chip it Up
Add your green food coloring a drop or two at a time, blending gently until you have that nostalgic mint chocolate chip hue. Fold in those mini chocolate chips so they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough for bursts of chocolate in every bite.
Step 5: Scoop and Chill
Scoop out dough by the tablespoon and roll each portion quickly between your palms to make neat little balls. Arrange them on the prepared cookie sheet and pop the entire tray in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chill time is key—it keeps the cookies from spreading and helps them hold that perfect snowball shape.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F. When ready, bake the chilled cookies for 7 to 8 minutes. Keep a close eye—the bottoms should be only very lightly golden, while the tops remain soft and pale. Overbaking will make them dry, so err on the side of caution!
Step 7: Sugar Snowball Finish
Let the cookies cool for about 5 minutes on the baking sheet. Then, gently transfer to a second parchment-lined sheet, and dust them liberally with powdered sugar while still slightly warm. Once fully cooled, roll each cookie again in a bowl of powdered sugar to create a thick, snowy coating. Admire your Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies—they’re ready to dazzle!
How to Serve Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
Garnishes
For a festive touch, sprinkle extra mini chocolate chips or top with finely chopped fresh mint leaves just before serving. A tiny sprig of mint on the side of the platter is an inviting visual cue of the flavors within!
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, rich hot chocolate, or even a frosty glass of milk. If serving them at a party, arrange alongside fruit salad, chocolate-dipped strawberries, or a scoop of mint chocolate chip ice cream to echo the flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For gift-giving, pile Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies into clear cellophane bags tied with green ribbon, or stack in a pretty tin lined with parchment and more powdered sugar. For a party, serve on a pedestal cake stand, nestled among winter greenery or sparkly edible glitter to turn your dessert table into a winter wonderland!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once baked and cooled, store the Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. They keep their texture remarkably well, but if your household is like mine, they likely won’t last that long!
Freezing
To freeze, let the cookies cool completely and arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze for about 30 minutes. Once firm, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. These cookies freeze well for up to three months—just dust them with fresh powdered sugar before serving so they look freshly baked!
Reheating
While these cookies are delicious at room temperature, you can pop them in a 300°F oven for 2-3 minutes if you want to refresh that just-baked warmth. Let them cool slightly, then roll in powdered sugar again for the best texture (and prettiest finish).
FAQs
Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of mini chocolate chips?
Mini chocolate chips are ideal for Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies because they distribute evenly without overpowering the delicate, crumbly cookie. If you only have standard chips, you can chop them into smaller pieces—just try to keep the chocolate flecks small!
Is it possible to make these cookies without food coloring?
Absolutely! The green food coloring is purely for that visual pop, so you can leave it out if you prefer. Your Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies will still taste amazing, just a bit less minty in appearance.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes if it gets too firm to scoop and shape.
What’s the best way to prevent the cookies from spreading?
Chilling the dough is essential! The cold dough helps ensure the cookies keep their signature round, snowy shape instead of flattening out in the oven.
Can I use peppermint instead of mint extract?
Definitely! Peppermint extract gives a sharper, more candy-cane-like flavor, while regular mint is a bit softer and reminiscent of classic mint ice cream. Pick whichever minty flavor you love best.
Final Thoughts
Give these Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies a try, and you’ll see exactly why they’ve become a must-bake in my kitchen every year. With just a handful of pantry staples and a splash of minty fun, they deliver the kind of joy that cookie lovers dream about. I can’t wait for you to make your own batch and share the magic (and maybe a few cookies) with family and friends!
PrintMint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe
Melt in your mouth Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are a treat you won’t be able to resist! So easy to make and packed with mint and chocolate flavor – no one can eat just one! Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day, Easter, Christmas and more!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ⅔ cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 ¼ cup all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon mint extract or peppermint extract
- Green food coloring gel
- ¾ cup mini chocolate chips
- Additional powdered sugar for coating
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper. Beat the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in flour, salt, and extract. Add green food color and chocolate chips. Form dough into balls and refrigerate.
- Bake the Cookies: Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake cookies for 7-8 minutes until lightly browned. Cool on a sheet, then dust with powdered sugar.
- Coat with Sugar: Dust a baking sheet with powdered sugar. Place cookies on it and dust with more powdered sugar until coated. Let cool completely.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to four days. To freeze, flash freeze cookies before storing.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to four days.
- To freeze: Let cookies cool completely, place on a baking sheet and flash freeze for 30 minutes. Transfer cookies to a freezer-safe ziplock bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 122 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 43mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 17mg
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