Introduction

This easy Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies recipe combines the classic melt-in-your-mouth texture of traditional snowballs with the refreshing flavor of mint and rich chocolate chips. These festive treats are perfect for holiday cookie exchanges or winter gatherings. For more seasonal baking inspiration, try this Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe or this Christmas No Bake Chocolate Cherry Pie Recipe.

Ingredients

These festive Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies deliver a delightful melt-in-your-mouth texture with refreshing mint flavor and rich chocolate bits in every bite.

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2/3 cup powdered sugar, sifted
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon mint extract or peppermint extract
• green gel food coloring (optional)
• 3/4 cup mini chocolate chips
• additional powdered sugar for coating

Timing

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

Context: These Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies come together about 20% faster than similar recipes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare Your Ingredients

Gather all ingredients for your Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies: softened unsalted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, peppermint extract, all-purpose flour, salt, and mini chocolate chips. Ensure your butter is at room temperature for proper creaming.

Measure your flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife. This prevents dense cookies.

Step 2 — Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and ½ cup of powdered sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Add the vanilla and peppermint extracts and mix until fully incorporated. The mixture should be smooth and pale in color.

Step 3 — Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. This ensures even distribution and prevents overmixing later.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed just until the flour disappears. Do not overmix.

Step 4 — Fold in Chocolate Chips

Switch to a spatula and gently fold in the mini chocolate chips until evenly distributed. Using mini chips helps maintain the snowball shape.

If the dough feels too soft, chill it for 15–20 minutes to make rolling easier.

Step 5 — Shape the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Roll tablespoon-sized portions of dough into smooth balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared sheets. The dough should not be sticky.

Step 6 — Bake to Perfection

Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden and the tops are set. The cookies should not brown on top.

Let the Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 7 — Coat with Powdered Sugar

Place the remaining powdered sugar in a shallow bowl. While the cookies are still slightly warm, roll each one in the sugar to coat evenly.

Allow them to cool completely, then roll once more in powdered sugar for a snowy, finished look.

Nutritional Information

Calories	150
Protein	2g
Carbohydrates	18g
Fat	8g
Fiber	1g
Sodium	85mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Almond flour — Creates a gluten-free version with nutty flavor that complements the mint chocolate chip snowball cookies perfectly.
• Coconut oil — A dairy-free butter substitute that adds subtle tropical notes to your mint chocolate chip snowball cookies.
• Collagen powder — Mix into the dough for a protein boost without altering the classic mint chocolate chip snowball cookie texture.
• Monk fruit sweetener — Lower-carb alternative to powdered sugar that maintains the sweet coating on mint chocolate chip snowball cookies.
• Dark chocolate chips — Use sugar-free varieties for reduced sugar content while intensifying the chocolate flavor in mint chocolate chip snowball cookies.
• Avocado — Replace half the butter with mashed avocado for healthier fats and creamier texture in mint chocolate chip snowball cookies.
• Oat flour — Whole grain alternative to all-purpose flour that adds fiber and mild oat flavor to mint chocolate chip snowball cookies.
• Unsalted butter — Simple low-sodium swap that lets you control the salt level in your mint chocolate chip snowball cookies.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair these festive Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies with a warm mug of peppermint hot chocolate for a cozy winter treat.
• Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to create a delightful mint-chocolate chip cookie sundae.
• Arrange on a holiday dessert platter with other seasonal cookies like gingerbread and sugar cookies for variety.
• Offer with after-dinner coffee or mint tea to complement the refreshing mint flavor in the cookies.
• Pack in festive treat bags as edible gifts for neighbors, teachers, or holiday party favors.
• Create a stunning display by dusting the Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies with extra powdered sugar just before serving.

For special occasions, consider placing these minty snowball cookies on a bed of edible glitter or crushed candy canes to enhance their wintry appearance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using butter that’s too warm, causing cookies to spread. Fix: Use chilled butter straight from the fridge for a firm, moldable dough.
• Mistake: Overmixing the dough, which develops gluten and makes cookies tough. Fix: Mix just until ingredients are combined to maintain a tender, crumbly texture.
• Mistake: Chopping chocolate chips too large, making rolling difficult. Fix: Use mini chocolate chips or finely chop standard chips for even distribution.
• Mistake: Adding liquid mint extract directly, creating bitter spots. Fix: Blend the extract thoroughly with the butter first for uniform mint flavor.
• Mistake: Skipping the chilling step before baking, leading to flat cookies. Fix: Chill dough balls for at least 30 minutes to help them hold their snowball shape.
• Mistake: Rolling cookies in powdered sugar while still hot, causing melting. Fix: Let cookies cool slightly on the pan before the first sugar coating.
• Mistake: Using old baking powder, resulting in dense cookies. Fix: Test your leavening agent for freshness to ensure proper lift.
• Mistake: Overbaking, which dries out the delicate crumb. Fix: Bake just until set and slightly golden on the bottom for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Mistake: Storing cookies while still warm, creating condensation. Fix: Cool completely in a single layer before storing to prevent sogginess.
• Mistake: Substituting peppermint oil for extract without adjusting quantity. Fix: Use only ¼ teaspoon of potent peppermint oil instead of a full teaspoon of extract.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Freezer: Place in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Reheat: Warm in a 300°F oven for 5–8 minutes until heated through; ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F if previously refrigerated or frozen.

Always cool cookies completely before storing to maintain texture and prevent moisture buildup.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoy making and eating these delightful Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies. For more festive treats, try our Christmas Cake Recipe Easy Moist Fruit Cake or White Christmas Margaritas Recipe. Share your results in the comments and subscribe for more recipes!

Print

FAQs

Can I make these Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. Chill it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for longer storage. You can also bake the cookies and store them in an airtight container for several days.

What type of chocolate works best for these cookies?

We recommend using high-quality dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks. Ensure the chocolate is finely chopped to distribute evenly in the dough for the perfect Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies.

How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure your butter is cool, not melted, and chill the dough thoroughly before baking. This helps the Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies hold their round shape and achieve the classic snowball appearance.