Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

There’s something utterly magical about that first bite into a mint chocolate chip snowball cookie. The powdered sugar clings to your fingertips, the cool mintiness dances on your tongue, and just when you think you’ve tasted it all, the melty pockets of chocolate chips sneak in and surprise you. These cookies are tiny snow-covered treats with a playful twist, and trust me, they’re as dreamy as they look.

Behind the Recipe

The inspiration behind these cookies came on a snowy afternoon when I was craving something festive but refreshing. I had made traditional snowball cookies many times, but I wanted a version that felt cooler, fresher, and just a little more fun. That’s when mint chocolate chip came to mind. The result? A wintery cookie that feels like dessert and a breath mint had a delicious baby.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Snowball cookies, often called Russian Tea Cakes or Mexican Wedding Cookies, have made appearances in holiday baking traditions for generations. What makes this version special is its modern twist. Adding peppermint and chocolate chips transforms an old classic into something that feels brand new, while still rooted in the traditions of buttery, crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth cookie magic.

Why You’ll Love Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

These cookies check all the right boxes for a holiday or anytime treat.

Versatile: You can make them in any season and dress them up with different flavor extracts or colors.

Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples and doesn’t require fancy ingredients.

Quick and Easy: The dough comes together in minutes, and there’s no chilling required.

Customizable: Use dark chocolate chips, white chocolate chunks, or even skip the coloring for a more natural look.

Crowd-Pleasing: Who can say no to cookies that look like they rolled out of a winter wonderland?

Make-Ahead Friendly: The dough can be made in advance and frozen for later baking.

Great for Leftovers: Store beautifully and stay fresh for days, making them perfect for gifting or snacking.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

To get that perfect cookie every time, keep these tips in mind.

1. Use softened butter, not melted. It gives the dough structure and a soft, crumbly bite.
2. Don’t skip the powdered sugar coating. Do the first roll while warm, then again when fully cool.
3. Add peppermint extract slowly. It’s strong. A little goes a long way.
4. Mini chips work better than full-sized ones. They blend better into the dough without overwhelming the mint.
5. If the dough feels too dry, just press it together with your hands. It should hold its shape like play dough.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Simple tools make this recipe easy and approachable.

Mixing bowls: For creaming and combining the dough.

Electric mixer: To cream butter and sugar until fluffy.

Measuring cups and spoons: For precision in flavor.

Cookie scoop or spoon: To make even, round cookie balls.

Baking sheet: Lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Cooling rack: To let cookies cool evenly before their second sugar coat.

Ingredients in Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

These ingredients come together in the most delicious way to create soft, minty bites of joy.

1. Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (softened) – Adds rich, creamy flavor and makes the cookies tender.
2. Powdered Sugar: ½ cup (plus more for rolling) – Sweetens the dough and gives the signature snowy finish.
3. Peppermint Extract: ½ teaspoon – Brings that cool, minty freshness that complements the chocolate.
4. All-Purpose Flour: 2 ¼ cups – The base structure of the cookies, keeping them delicate yet sturdy.
5. Mini Chocolate Chips: ¾ cup – Melty pockets of sweetness in every bite.
6. Green Gel Food Coloring: A small drop – Gives them their signature minty look. Optional but fun.
7. Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon – Adds warmth and depth to balance the mint.
8. Salt: ¼ teaspoon – Enhances the other flavors.

Ingredient Substitutions

Here’s how to switch things up if needed.

Unsalted Butter: Salted butter (just skip added salt).

Powdered Sugar: Blend granulated sugar in a blender until fine.

Peppermint Extract: Spearmint or leave out for a plain version.

All-Purpose Flour: Gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.

Mini Chocolate Chips: Chopped dark chocolate or white chocolate chips.

Green Gel Food Coloring: Omit or use natural coloring like matcha.

Ingredient Spotlight

Peppermint Extract: Just a tiny bit of this extract transforms the entire cookie. Its freshness lifts the sweetness and gives that cool “mint chip” experience.

Mini Chocolate Chips: These melt just enough to create gooey pockets without overpowering the cookie’s delicate texture.

Instructions for Making Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

These cookies are just as fun to make as they are to eat. Here’s how to do it, step-by-step.

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine Ingredients:
   In a large bowl, cream the butter and ½ cup powdered sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla and peppermint extracts, and if using, add a tiny drop of green food coloring.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
   Stir in the flour and salt until a crumbly dough forms. Fold in mini chocolate chips.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   Scoop or roll dough into 1-inch balls and place them 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Cook to Perfection:
   Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the bottoms are just starting to turn golden. The tops should remain pale.
6. Finishing Touches:
   Roll the warm cookies gently in powdered sugar, then let them cool completely on a wire rack. Once cool, roll them again for that full snowy finish.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Serve with a cold glass of milk or wrap in cute paper for the perfect edible gift.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

These cookies are soft and crumbly on the outside, with a slightly gooey bite where the chocolate melts in your mouth. The cool peppermint hits right after the sweetness, balancing each other perfectly. And that double coat of sugar? It’s like a sweet winter jacket hugging each cookie.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Here are a few extra secrets to success:

• Chill the dough for 15 minutes if it feels sticky.
• Use gel food coloring instead of liquid so the dough doesn’t get too wet.
• Don’t overbake. You want them pale and soft.

What to Avoid

Here are a few things to watch out for:

• Using too much peppermint: It can make the cookies taste like toothpaste. Start small.
• Overbaking: They’ll dry out and lose that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Skipping the sugar roll: That’s what makes them snowballs!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 24
Calories per serving: 140

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can make the dough ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for up to 2 days or freeze it for a month. Baked cookies keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for 4 to 5 days. To refresh them, pop them in the microwave for 5 seconds before eating.

How to Serve Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

These are perfect for winter cookie trays, holiday gift boxes, or cozy nights by the fire. Serve with hot cocoa, mint tea, or even alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Got a few cookies left over? Try these ideas:

• Crush them over ice cream for a minty cookie topping.
• Blend into milkshakes for a holiday twist.
• Use as cake toppings by crumbling them over frosted cupcakes.

Additional Tips

• Let the cookies cool before the second sugar coat to help it stick better.
• For a fun twist, dip half in melted dark chocolate.
• Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized snowballs.

Make It a Showstopper

Place your cookies in mini cupcake liners on a holiday platter. Add crushed candy canes for extra color and texture. A sprinkle of edible glitter makes them sparkle like fresh snow.

Variations to Try

• White Chocolate Peppermint: Swap mini chips for white chocolate and add crushed candy canes.
• Double Chocolate Mint: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the dough for a rich chocolate base.
• Mocha Mint: Add ½ teaspoon espresso powder for a coffee kick.
• Nutty Mint Chip: Fold in finely chopped toasted pecans.
• Classic Vanilla Snowball: Skip the mint and chocolate for a simple, buttery version.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I make these cookies without peppermint?

A1: Yes, just replace the peppermint with more vanilla or another extract like almond.

Q2: Can I freeze the dough?

A2: Absolutely. Shape the dough into balls and freeze on a tray, then transfer to a bag for up to a month.

Q3: How do I keep the powdered sugar from falling off?

A3: Do two coats — one while warm and one when cool. That locks it in.

Q4: Can I make these gluten-free?

A4: Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose.

Q5: Do they taste too minty?

A5: Not at all if you measure right. Start small and adjust to taste.

Q6: Can I add nuts?

A6: Yes, chopped pecans or walnuts blend in beautifully.

Q7: Do I need a mixer?

A7: A hand mixer makes it easier, but you can mix by hand with softened butter.

Q8: Can I make them ahead of time?

A8: Yes, both the dough and the baked cookies store very well.

Q9: Are they soft or crunchy?

A9: Soft, buttery, and crumbly — not crunchy.

Q10: What’s the best way to store them?

A10: In an airtight container at room temp, layered with parchment to keep the sugar intact.

Conclusion

Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are a delightful blend of festive flavor and timeless comfort. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just for yourself, these cookies bring a bit of magic to every bite. Let me tell you, they’re worth every sprinkle of powdered sugar.

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