If you’re looking for a festive, minty twist on traditional snowball cookies, these Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are the perfect treat! With a refreshing mint flavor and a chocolatey surprise inside, these cookies are ideal for the holiday season or any time you crave something sweet. Here’s everything you need to know to make these irresistible mint chocolate chip snowball cookies.
Ingredients
To make these delicious cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup green mint chocolate chips (for a festive touch)
- Additional powdered sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Mix the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer until smooth and fluffy.
- Add Extracts: Stir in the vanilla extract and peppermint extract, blending well. The peppermint extract gives these cookies their signature minty flavor.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt to the butter mixture, mixing until combined. Be sure not to overwork the dough to keep the cookies soft and crumbly.
- Fold in the Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips and green mint chocolate chips. The mint chocolate chips give a subtle festive pop of color and extra mint flavor.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Be sure to leave enough space between each cookie for them to spread slightly as they bake.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies for 12-14 minutes, or until they are lightly golden on the bottom. They should still be soft in the middle.
- Cool and Coat in Powdered Sugar: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. While they are still warm, roll each cookie in powdered sugar to give them the classic snowball cookie appearance.
- Final Touch: Let the cookies cool completely before serving. The powdered sugar coating will harden slightly, creating a lovely snowy effect.
Tips for Success
- Butter Temperature: Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature before creaming it with the sugar. This helps the ingredients blend smoothly and ensures a light, tender cookie texture.
- Mint Chips: If you can’t find green mint chocolate chips, you can use regular chocolate chips and add a few drops of green food coloring for the festive touch.
- Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just layer them with parchment paper and keep them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Why You’ll Love These Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
These Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are a delicious and fun twist on the classic snowball cookie. The combination of buttery dough, chocolate chips, and minty freshness makes them a standout in any holiday cookie platter. The addition of mint extract creates a refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate chips, and the powdered sugar coating adds a snowy touch that’s both pretty and tasty.
Perfect for Christmas, Easter, or any occasion that calls for a sweet treat, these cookies are sure to impress. The minty flavor gives them a unique edge, while the snowball shape makes them cute and perfect for gift-giving.
Conclusion
Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are a delightful, mint-infused variation of the classic snowball cookie. With just the right balance of chocolate and mint, these cookies are sure to become a holiday favorite. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, they offer the perfect mix of flavor and texture. Try this easy-to-follow recipe today, and enjoy the delicious, festive goodness of these minty treats!
Serving and Storage Tips for Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
Serving Tips:
- Perfect for Parties: These Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are a festive addition to any holiday party or cookie exchange. The vibrant green mint chocolate chips make them stand out on a dessert platter.
- Pair with Hot Drinks: Serve these cookies with a warm cup of tea, hot chocolate, or coffee. The minty flavor pairs especially well with the rich taste of hot beverages.
- Gift Giving: Package them in a cute holiday tin or a cellophane bag tied with a ribbon for a thoughtful and delicious homemade gift.
- Make a Cookie Bar: For a fun twist, serve the cookies with a selection of other holiday treats, such as sugar cookies, gingerbread, and brownies, to create a festive cookie bar.
Storage Tips:
- Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This will help keep them fresh while maintaining their soft texture and powdered sugar coating.
- Freezing: If you want to make these cookies ahead of time, they freeze well! Layer the cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between the layers. Seal the container tightly and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just let them thaw at room temperature.
- Avoid Overcrowding: When storing the cookies, avoid overcrowding the container to prevent them from sticking together. Make sure they’re spaced out and fully cooled before storing.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can keep your Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies fresh and ready for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to cozy treats for yourself!
1. Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of mint chocolate chips?
Yes, you can substitute regular chocolate chips for the mint chocolate chips if you prefer. However, to maintain the minty flavor, consider adding a bit more peppermint extract or a few drops of mint oil to the dough.
2. How do I prevent the powdered sugar from melting into the cookies?
To prevent the powdered sugar from melting, make sure the cookies have cooled slightly before rolling them in sugar. If they are still too warm, the sugar can dissolve and lose its snowy appearance. Let the cookies rest on a wire rack until they are cool enough to handle.
3. Can I make these cookies ahead of time for a party or gift?
Yes! You can make these cookies ahead of time. After baking and cooling, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage. If freezing, layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
4. How can I make these cookies more minty?
To enhance the mint flavor, you can increase the amount of peppermint extract used in the dough. If you want a stronger mint flavor, you can also try adding finely chopped peppermint candies or using mint chocolate chips in place of regular chocolate chips.
Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are buttery, crumbly, and melt in your mouth! Infused with a hint of mint and studded with chocolate chips, they’re rolled in powdered sugar to resemble snowballs. Perfect for the holiday season or any time you crave a festive treat!
Ingredients
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar, plus more for coating
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup (135g) mini chocolate chips
- Green food coloring (optional, for a minty look)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the Flavoring:
- Mix in the peppermint and vanilla extracts. If desired, add a few drops of green food coloring and mix until evenly distributed.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the Chocolate Chips:
- Gently stir in the mini chocolate chips. The dough will be thick but should hold together when pressed.
- Form the Cookies:
- Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll into a ball. Place the balls about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the tops are not browned.
- Coat in Powdered Sugar:
- Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes, then roll them in powdered sugar while still warm. Allow to cool completely and roll them in powdered sugar again for a snowy finish.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For extra minty flavor, increase the peppermint extract to 1 1/2 teaspoons.