Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you love the refreshing taste of mint paired with rich chocolate, these mint chocolate chip snowball cookies will quickly become a favorite. They’re buttery, crumbly, and melt in your mouth, with little bursts of chocolate in every bite. The dusting of powdered sugar gives them their classic “snowball” appearance, making them especially perfect for holidays or winter gatherings. I love how these cookies are not overly sweet—the mint adds a fresh twist that balances the richness beautifully. The best part? They’re easy to make and store well, so you can prepare them ahead of time. I once tried rolling them in powdered sugar mixed with a little cocoa powder, and it gave them a fun chocolatey finish while still keeping that snowy look. Whether you serve them at a Christmas party, pack them in gift tins, or simply enjoy them with a hot cup of tea, these cookies are guaranteed to spread joy.
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Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies – A Festive Sweet Treat
- Total Time: 29 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, buttery snowball cookies infused with mint extract and studded with mini chocolate chips, rolled in powdered sugar for a festive holiday treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for rolling)
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup mini chocolate chips
- Green food coloring (optional, for festive look)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in peppermint extract, vanilla extract, and a few drops of green food coloring if using.
- Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until dough comes together.
- Stir in mini chocolate chips.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 12–14 minutes, until set but not browned.
- Let cool slightly, then roll warm cookies in powdered sugar. Cool completely and roll again for a snowy finish.
Notes
- These cookies keep well in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Adjust peppermint extract to taste for a stronger or milder mint flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Unsalted butter – The base of the dough, giving the cookies their melt-in-your-mouth texture. Use softened butter for easy mixing.
Powdered sugar – Adds a delicate sweetness to the dough and provides the iconic snowy coating when the cookies are rolled after baking.
Vanilla extract – Rounds out the flavors and enhances the sweetness without overpowering the mint.
Mint extract – The star ingredient, bringing a refreshing, cool flavor that pairs perfectly with chocolate.
All-purpose flour – Provides structure to the cookies while keeping them tender.
Cornstarch – Helps create that crumbly, sandy texture snowball cookies are known for.
Salt – Just a pinch sharpens the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Mini chocolate chips – Scattered throughout the dough, they add bursts of chocolate in every bite.
Extra powdered sugar (for rolling) – Ensures that classic snow-dusted finish after baking.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and creamy. Stir in vanilla and mint extracts.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips.
Scoop small portions of dough and roll them into 1-inch balls. Place them evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the bottoms are just lightly golden—do not overbake, as the cookies should remain pale.
Allow the cookies to cool slightly, then roll them carefully in powdered sugar while still warm. Once completely cooled, roll them again for an extra snowy look. Store in an airtight container until ready to serve.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 30 cookies. Preparation takes 15 minutes, baking requires 12–14 minutes, and cooling plus sugar rolling takes another 15 minutes. Expect around 45 minutes total.
Storage/reheating
These cookies store beautifully. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies in a sealed container for up to 2 months—just roll in powdered sugar again after thawing.
Variations and Customizations
Double chocolate snowballs – Use cocoa powder in the dough and keep the mint flavor for a deeper chocolate hit.
Green-tinted snowballs – Add a drop of green food coloring to highlight the mint flavor.
Nutty mint snowballs – Mix in finely chopped pecans or almonds for crunch and extra richness.
Peppermint bark snowballs – Fold in crushed candy canes instead of chocolate chips for a festive twist.
White chocolate mint snowballs – Swap mini chocolate chips for white chocolate chips for a creamier flavor.
Gluten-free snowballs – Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
Mint mocha snowballs – Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the dough for a coffee-chocolate-mint combo.
Stuffed snowballs – Hide a chocolate kiss or small truffle inside each cookie for a surprise center.
Orange-mint snowballs – Add a bit of orange zest to pair citrus brightness with the mint.
Holiday sprinkle snowballs – Roll the cookies in powdered sugar mixed with festive sprinkles.
FAQs
Can I use peppermint extract instead of mint extract?
Yes, but peppermint extract is stronger, so use less.
Do snowball cookies spread while baking?
No, they hold their shape, which is why rolling into balls works perfectly.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days before baking.
Should I chill the dough before baking?
It’s not necessary, but chilling for 30 minutes helps if your dough feels too soft.
Can I make these cookies nut-free?
Absolutely—this recipe uses no nuts unless you add them as a variation.
Conclusion
Mint chocolate chip snowball cookies are a delightful twist on a classic holiday treat. With their buttery texture, refreshing mint flavor, and bursts of chocolate, they strike the perfect balance between festive and indulgent. Easy to prepare, beautiful to present, and endlessly customizable, these cookies are sure to become a staple in your holiday baking rotation. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven, packed into gift boxes, or served at parties, they bring a touch of winter magic to any occasion.