Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe

If you are searching for a delightful treat that perfectly balances refreshing mint with rich chocolate, look no further than the Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe. These cookies are soft, buttery, and coated in snowy powdered sugar, providing a festive, melt-in-your-mouth experience that feels like a sweet winter hug. Each bite bursts with cooling peppermint and bursts of mini chocolate chips, making this a recipe you’ll want to make again and again for friends, family, or just a cozy night in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about this Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe is that it relies on simple, everyday ingredients that pack a punch when combined. Each item plays a crucial role: butter for richness, powdered sugar for sweetness and that classic snowball look, and peppermint extract for that unmistakable minty spark.

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides the creamy base and a tender texture.
• ½ cup powdered sugar: Sweetens and helps achieve the delicate crumbly texture.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the cookie flavor.
• ½ tsp peppermint extract: Delivers the refreshing mint flavor that defines these cookies.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour: Gives the cookies their structure and chewiness.
• ½ cup mini chocolate chips: Small bursts of rich chocolate throughout.
• ¼ tsp salt (optional): Enhances all the flavors subtly without overpowering.
• ½ cup powdered sugar (for rolling): Coats the cookies for that signature snowy 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 line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and won’t stick, making cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is key for that perfect tender texture in your cookies.

Step 3: Add the Extracts

Mix in the vanilla and peppermint extracts. The vanilla brings balance and warmth, while the peppermint offers that crisp, fresh flavor that makes this recipe truly stand out.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt (if using) into your mixture. Stir just until a dough forms—overmixing can make the cookies tough, so gentle handling here preserves their softness.

Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the dough so you get a little chocolate joy in each bite.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on your prepared baking sheet. The consistent size ensures even baking and that delightful snowball appearance.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the cookies are set but haven’t browned. You want a delicate look so the outside stays soft and the inside remains tender.

Step 8: First Powdered Sugar Coat

After removing from the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes—warm, not hot. Then, roll them in powdered sugar to give the first layer of that magical snowy coating.

Step 9: Final Snowy Finish

Once completely cooled, roll the cookies in powdered sugar again. This second coating is what gives these cookies their classic snowball charm and a sweet, melt-in-your-mouth finish.

How to Serve Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra festive touch, you can add a sprig of fresh mint on the side or dust a little extra powdered sugar on serving plates. A few tiny chocolate chips scattered around make the presentation irresistibly inviting.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of hot chocolate. For a more grown-up pairing, try a peppermint mocha latte or a light dessert wine to complement their minty sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking the Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe cookies in a clear jar layered with extra chocolate chips and mint leaves for a gift-worthy look. You can also skewer a few for a playful cookie pop experience or place them beside a festive cake as a delightful sweet accent.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To keep their soft texture, avoid stacking them too tightly or place parchment paper between layers.

Freezing

If you want to keep these cookies longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months, perfect for making ahead of holidays.

Reheating

To enjoy the cookies as if freshly baked, warm them in a 150°C (300°F) oven for 5 minutes. This softens the texture and brings out the minty aroma—just don’t overheat or they’ll dry out.

FAQs

Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of mini ones?

Absolutely! Regular-sized chocolate chips will work fine, though mini chips distribute more evenly and provide smaller chocolate bursts throughout the cookie.

What if I don’t have peppermint extract? Can I substitute?

Though peppermint extract is ideal for that true mint flavor, you can substitute with a small amount of spearmint extract or even crushed peppermint candies if you prefer a different type of minty freshness.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

This recipe calls for all-purpose flour, which contains gluten, so they are not gluten-free as written. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends to make a suitable version.

How do I get the cookies soft and not crunchy?

The key is to avoid overbaking. Bake them until just set and not browned, and be sure to roll them in powdered sugar while warm to lock in moisture and softness.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

For a vegan twist, use a dairy-free butter substitute and make sure your powdered sugar is vegan-friendly. The peppermint and vanilla extracts should be vegan as well, making this recipe adaptable to many diets.

Final Thoughts

This Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe is a true delight that’s both simple and special. Its enchanting combination of mint, chocolate, and buttery sweetness makes it perfect for any occasion, especially winter holidays or cozy gatherings. I genuinely hope you give this recipe a try—you’ll soon find it becoming a treasured favorite in your cookie collection, bringing smiles and sweet moments to everyone lucky enough to taste them.

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