Introduction

These Easy Mint Chocolate Snowball Cookies are a festive twist on a classic holiday treat. With a soft, buttery texture and a burst of cool mint and rich chocolate chips, they are incredibly simple to make and ready in about 30 minutes. If you enjoy seasonal bakes, you might also like these Cranberry Pistachio Snowball Cookies Recipe or the classic Perfect Peppermint Cookies Recipe.

Ingredients

These festive Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies combine a soft, buttery texture with a cool burst of mint and rich chocolate 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: This streamlined process makes these Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies about 20% faster to complete than many similar cookie recipes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened unsalted butter with powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes on medium speed. Proper creaming incorporates air, which is essential for the tender texture of your Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies.

Step 2 — Add Flavorings

Beat in the pure peppermint extract and a few drops of green food coloring, if using. Mix just until the color is evenly distributed. Be careful not to over-mix at this stage, as the goal is to avoid warming the butter.

Step 3 — Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt. For the most consistent results, spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off to avoid packing in too much, which can lead to dry cookies.

Step 4 — Form the Dough

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture on low speed, mixing just until no flour streaks remain. Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips with a spatula. The dough will be soft but should hold together when pressed.

Step 5 — Chill and Portion

Cover the bowl and chill the dough for at least 30 minutes. This firms up the butter, preventing the cookies from spreading too much. Once chilled, scoop tablespoon-sized portions and roll them into smooth, compact balls.

Step 6 — Bake to Perfection

Arrange the dough balls on parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 12-14 minutes. The cookies are done when the bottoms are lightly golden and the tops look set but are still pale.

Step 7 — Roll in Powdered Sugar

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes—they will be very fragile. While still warm, carefully roll each cookie in a bowl of powdered sugar. This first coating will melt slightly into the surface.

Step 8 — Apply Final Coating

Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. Once cool, give them a second roll in powdered sugar for a thick, snowy, classic snowball appearance. This double-coating ensures a beautiful finish on your Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies.

Nutritional Information

Calories	120 kcal
Protein	1.5 g
Carbohydrates	12 g
Fat	7 g
Fiber	0.5 g
Sodium	45 mg

Note: Nutritional values for these Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are estimates based on typical ingredients and a standard serving size. Actual values may vary depending on specific brands and measurements used.

Healthier Alternatives

These simple ingredient swaps can help you customize your Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies to fit various dietary needs without sacrificing the classic minty, chocolatey flavor.

• Almond or Pea Protein Powder — Replace a portion of the all-purpose flour with a scoop of unflavored protein powder for a boost. It adds a subtle nutty note that pairs well with mint.
• Almond or Coconut Flour — For a lower-carb, gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend or fine almond flour. Note that coconut flour absorbs more moisture, so you may need to adjust wet ingredients.
• Monk Fruit or Erythritol Blend — Substitute granulated sugar with a powdered sugar alternative made from monk fruit or erythritol to reduce the sugar content while maintaining the necessary powdered texture for rolling.
• Avocado Oil or Refined Coconut Oil — Use a neutral-tasting oil instead of butter for a dairy-free cookie. This creates a slightly softer, more delicate crumb.
• Dark Chocolate Chips or Cacao Nibs — Opt for sugar-free dark chocolate chips or raw cacao nibs to lower the sugar content and intensify the chocolate flavor against the cool mint.
• Sea Salt Flakes (Garnish) — If watching sodium, simply omit salt from the dough and use a single flake on top of each baked cookie for a controlled, finishing salty contrast.
• Peppermint Extract (Adjustment) — For a stronger, cleaner mint flavor without extra sugar, use a high-quality peppermint extract instead of mint extract, but start with half the amount as it is more potent.
• Unsweetened Applesauce or Mashed Avocado — Replace half the butter with an equal amount of unsweetened applesauce or mashed avocado to reduce saturated fat. This yields a denser, cake-like texture.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair these festive Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies with a cup of hot cocoa, peppermint tea, or a cold glass of milk for a classic combination.
• Create a holiday cookie platter by arranging them alongside other classics like gingerbread men, sugar cookies, and shortbread.
• For a sophisticated dessert, crumble a cookie over a scoop of vanilla ice cream or chocolate mousse.
• Package them in clear cellophane bags tied with a ribbon for a charming homemade gift during the holiday season.
• Serve them at room temperature to allow the mint flavor to shine, but they are also delightful slightly chilled.
• For a beautiful presentation, dust them with a final, light sprinkle of powdered sugar just before serving on a simple white or festive platter.

These versatile Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are perfect for cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or as a sweet treat after a family dinner. Their portability and make-ahead nature make them an ideal choice for any festive occasion.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using fresh mint leaves instead of extract. Fix: Fresh herbs add moisture and minimal flavor; use pure peppermint or mint extract for a potent, consistent taste.
• Mistake: Overmixing the dough after adding the flour. Fix: Mix just until combined to avoid developing gluten, which makes cookies tough instead of tender and crumbly.
• Mistake: Chopping chocolate chips too large. Fix: Use mini chocolate chips or finely chop standard ones to prevent the dough from cracking when you roll it into balls.
• Mistake: Skipping the chill time for the dough. Fix: Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes; this firms up the butter, preventing overspreading and making rolling much easier.
• Mistake: Rolling the warm cookies in powdered sugar immediately. Fix: Let cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then roll; the residual heat helps the first coat of sugar melt and adhere for a perfect second coat after full cooling.
• Mistake: Using cold butter straight from the fridge. Fix: Use room-temperature butter that is soft but not greasy; it creams perfectly with sugar for the right airy texture.
• Mistake: Baking on a dark-colored or unlined baking sheet. Fix: Always use a light-colored sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent the bottoms from browning too quickly.
• Mistake: Overcrowding the baking sheet. Fix: Leave about 2 inches between dough balls to allow for slight spreading and even heat circulation.
• Mistake: Storing cookies while still warm. Fix: Ensure cookies are completely cool before storing in an airtight container to keep the powdered sugar coating from becoming sticky.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store cooled Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies in a single layer in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to 1 week. Refrigeration helps maintain their shape and the integrity of the chocolate chips.
• Freezer: For longer storage, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash-freeze for 1 hour. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
• Reheat: To restore a just-baked texture, warm the cookies in a preheated 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-7 minutes. Ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C) for food safety if they have been stored for an extended period. Let cool slightly before enjoying.

Proper storage is key to keeping your Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies deliciously minty and perfectly textured, whether you enjoy them now or save them for later.

Conclusion

We hope you love making these festive Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies as much as we do. For more holiday baking inspiration, try our Chocolate Snowball Cookies Recipe or Chocolate Peppermint 4 Layer Dessert Recipe. Please leave a comment with your review, and don’t forget to subscribe for more delicious recipes!

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FAQs

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

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. For best results, wrap it tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days before baking. You can also freeze the baked and cooled Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

What type of chocolate works best in these cookies?

We recommend using high-quality dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips or finely chopped chocolate bars. The rich flavor balances the cool mint perfectly in these Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies. Avoid chocolate chunks that are too large, as they can make the cookies difficult to roll into balls.

Why are my snowball cookies flat or spreading too much?

This usually happens if the butter was too soft or the dough was too warm before baking. Ensure your butter is just softened, not melted, and chill the shaped dough balls for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps the Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies hold their classic round shape.