Do you love mint? Are chocolate chips your guilty pleasure? Look no further! Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are the sweet treat you didn’t know you needed. These cookies are easy to make, full of flavor, and have a whimsical, snowy appearance that makes them perfect for any occasion, especially during the holiday season.
But what makes these cookies so special? Let’s dig deeper into the magic behind this recipe and learn how you can bake your way to cookie perfection.
Why Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Are a Must-Try
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, these cookies are the perfect choice for adding a touch of creativity to your dessert table. The refreshing mint flavor, combined with rich chocolate chips and a soft, buttery texture, is nothing short of heavenly.
Key Benefits of These Cookies
- Festive Appeal: Their snowball-like appearance makes them a hit during the holidays.
- Easy to Customize: Adjust the color, size, or flavor to suit your preferences.
- Simple Ingredients: Everything you need is likely already in your pantry.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of mint and chocolate is a timeless favorite.
Ingredients for Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
Before diving into the baking process, let’s talk ingredients. These cookies are made with simple, everyday items, but the magic lies in how they come together.
Core Ingredients You’ll Need
- Butter: The backbone of the recipe, ensuring a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and contributes to the cookies’ delicate crumb.
- Flour: The structure-builder for your cookies.
- Mint Extract: The key to that fresh, invigorating flavor.
- Mini Chocolate Chips: For bursts of chocolate in every bite.
- Green Gel Food Coloring (optional): For a festive, minty-green appearance.
Pro Tip: Always use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor and texture.
Step-by-Step Directions for Perfect Cookies
Baking these Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies is a breeze. Follow this foolproof guide to achieve flawless results every time.
1. Prepare Your Baking Tools
Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies won’t stick and makes cleanup quick and easy.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar
Using a mixer, beat softened butter and powdered sugar until fluffy. This step creates the foundation for your cookie dough, so don’t rush it!
3. Add Dry Ingredients and Flavor
Gradually mix in the flour and salt until just combined. Add your mint extract for that signature minty kick.
4. Incorporate Color and Chocolate
Add a few drops of green food coloring for a festive touch, and gently fold in the mini chocolate chips. Be careful not to overmix the dough!
5. Shape and Chill the Dough
Scoop out dough portions, roll them into balls, and place them on your prepared baking sheet. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to ensure the cookies retain their shape during baking.
6. Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the cookies for 7–8 minutes. Keep an eye on them—they should be lightly golden on the bottom.
7. Powder and Cool
After a brief cooling period, roll the warm cookies in powdered sugar. Once completely cool, give them a second coating for that perfect snowy finish.
Expert Baking Tips for Success
Here are some additional tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfect every time:
- Chill the Dough: This step prevents the cookies from spreading and helps maintain their round shape.
- Use Parchment Paper: It keeps your cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Double Sugar Coating: Rolling the cookies in powdered sugar twice creates a thick, even coating.
- Adjust the Mint Flavor: Prefer a subtle mint flavor? Start with a small amount of extract and add more to taste.
Creative Variations to Try
Looking to mix things up? These Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are highly versatile.
- Dark Chocolate Chips: Swap out mini chocolate chips for dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
- Festive Sprinkles: Add holiday-themed sprinkles to the dough for extra pizzazz.
- Different Extracts: Experiment with almond or vanilla extract for a new twist.
Nutritional Information & Health Benefits
While these cookies are undeniably indulgent, it’s always good to know what you’re enjoying. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
Nutrition Details
- Serving: 1 cookie
- Calories: 90
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugar: 6g
- Vitamin A: 2%
- Calcium: 1%
- Iron: 2%
Health Tip
While these cookies are meant to be a treat, pairing them with a glass of milk or serving them as part of a dessert platter can help with portion control.
FAQs About Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
Absolutely! Prepare the dough balls, freeze them, and bake fresh cookies whenever you need them.
Nope! While a stand mixer makes creaming the butter and sugar easier, a hand mixer or even a sturdy whisk will work.
Chilling the dough is key. Cold dough holds its shape better during baking.
Of course! The coloring is purely decorative and doesn’t affect the taste.
Stored in an airtight container, these cookies stay fresh for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2 months.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are more than just a dessert—they’re an experience. From their buttery texture to the cool burst of mint in every bite, they’re a celebration of flavor and festivity. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or yourself, these cookies will leave everyone asking for the recipe.
So, what are you waiting for? Put on your apron, gather your ingredients, and let the baking magic begin!
More Relevant Recipes
- Gingerbread Snowball Cookies
- Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Rice Krispie Chocolate Chip Cookies
Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are soft, buttery treats with a refreshing mint flavor, melty chocolate chips, and a snowy powdered sugar coating, perfect for holidays.
- Total Time: 53 minutes (including 30 minutes of chilling time)
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ⅔ cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon mint extract (or peppermint extract)
- Green gel food coloring (optional, for desired shade)
- ¾ cup mini chocolate chips
- Additional powdered sugar for coating
Instructions
- Prep your baking sheet. Start by lining a large cookie sheet with parchment paper. This step keeps your cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Cream the butter and sugar. In a mixing bowl, beat softened butter and powdered sugar together until it’s light and fluffy. This forms the creamy base of your dough.
- Add the dry ingredients and mint flavor. Gradually mix in the flour and salt, then stir in that refreshing mint extract. Don’t overdo it—just mix until everything is well combined.
- Get colorful! Add a few drops of green gel food coloring if you’re going for that festive vibe. Adjust the shade to your liking
- Fold in the chocolate chips. Stir in mini chocolate chips, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Shape and chill. Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll them into balls, and place them on your cookie sheet. Once done, cover the tray and refrigerate the dough balls for at least 30 minutes.
- Bake to perfection. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the cookies for 7–8 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden.
- Powder and cool. After letting the cookies cool for about 5 minutes on the sheet, transfer them to another parchment-lined baking sheet dusted with powdered sugar. Sprinkle more sugar on top while they’re still warm.
- Final touch. Once completely cool, roll the cookies in powdered sugar for that classic snowball finish.
- Enjoy! Serve them up, store them in an airtight container, or freeze them for later.
Notes
- Refrigeration matters: Don’t skip the chilling step! It helps the dough firm up, ensuring your cookies keep their shape during baking.
- Go easy on the food coloring: A little goes a long way. You’re aiming for festive, not neon!
- Powdered sugar tricks: Roll your cookies in powdered sugar twice—once while warm and again after cooling—for an even coating.
- Make it your own: Swap mini chocolate chips for dark chocolate or white chocolate chips for a fun twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 90kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg