Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a cookie that bursts with refreshing mint flavor, studded with delightful chocolate chips, and dusted in a snowy coat of powdered sugar, then you have to try these Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies. These cookies are a festive and fun treat that combine soft, buttery dough with a cool minty kick, and the crunch of mini chocolate chips makes every bite a delight. Perfect for gifting, sharing, or simply indulging yourself, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a charming wintertime favorite you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of simple, essential ingredients, you’re well on your way to creating these irresistible Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies. Each component works together to build the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and vibrant color — from the richness of butter to the refreshing mint and that festive green hue.

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Provides a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture and buttery richness.
• ⅔ cup powdered sugar (sifted): Sweetens the dough and creates part of the delicate snowy coating.
• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled): Forms the sturdy yet tender base of the cookies.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing sweetness beautifully.
• 1 teaspoon mint extract (or peppermint extract): Delivers that unmistakable, refreshingly cool mint flavor.
• Green food coloring (gel food color works best): Gives the cookies their festive and eye-catching green shade.
• ¾ cup mini chocolate chips: Adds bursts of rich chocolate crunch in every bite.
• Additional powdered sugar for coating: For the signature snowball dusting that makes these cookies so charming.

How to Make Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace and Dough

Start by lining a large cookie sheet with parchment paper — this prevents sticking and keeps cleanup easy. In a mixing bowl, beat softened butter and sifted powdered sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, making for a smooth dough base that will hold the cookies’ tender texture.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients and Flavor

Gently mix in the all-purpose flour, salt, and mint extract just until everything is combined. You want a dough that’s well incorporated but still light, which will give your cookies that soft, melt-in-your-mouth feel.

Step 3: Add Color and Chocolate Chips

Drop in the green gel food coloring a few drops at a time, stirring until you reach the perfect festive shade of minty green. Then fold in the mini chocolate chips, so every spoonful promises little spots of rich chocolate against that green backdrop.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Scoop out one tablespoon of dough at a time and roll into balls, placing them on the prepared cookie sheet. Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes; chilling firms up the dough so the cookies hold their pretty round shape during baking.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F and bake the cookies for 7 to 8 minutes. Watch closely — you want just a hint of golden barely touching the cookie bottom without overbaking, so the centers remain tender and soft.

Step 6: Coat and Cool

After baking, let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a new parchment-lined baking sheet generously dusted with powdered sugar. Dust the cookies with more powdered sugar and let them cool completely before giving them a final roll in powdered sugar for that signature snowy finish.

How to Serve Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

Garnishes

These cookies need little more than their powdered sugar coating, but if you want to get fancy, sprinkle a few extra mini chocolate chips or shave some white chocolate on top to enhance their festive look. A sprig of fresh mint on the side also makes for a beautiful and aromatic presentation.

Side Dishes

Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of hot cocoa or mint tea, creating a cozy treat perfect for chilly days. They also hold their own alongside a glass of cold milk for a classic cookie experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For gifting, package these cookies in a clear box tied with a green or white ribbon to highlight their holiday charm. Layer them between parchment paper in a festive tin for a charming homemade gift. You could even arrange a snowball cookie platter with varied colored powdered sugar coatings for an eye-catching dessert table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. This keeps them fresh and maintains that soft texture, but be sure to handle gently to preserve the snowy coating.

Freezing

You can freeze these cookies either before or after baking. Freeze dough balls on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Alternatively, freeze baked cookies wrapped well in plastic wrap and stored in an airtight container. Thaw before serving for perfect freshness.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy them warm, gently heat baked Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies in the oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can melt the powdered sugar and affect texture.

FAQs

Can I substitute peppermint extract for mint extract?

Absolutely! Peppermint extract works wonderfully in this recipe, offering a slightly different but just as refreshing minty flavor. Choose the one that suits your taste preference.

What if I don’t have green food coloring?

The green color is optional, of course. You can skip it for classic snow-white snowball cookies or use natural alternatives like spinach powder for a green tint, but the festive look might be less vibrant.

Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of mini ones?

Yes, regular chocolate chips will work, but mini chips distribute more evenly in the dough and provide a better bite experience, so they’re preferred if you can find them.

How do I avoid the cookies spreading too much during baking?

Chilling the dough is key. Make sure to refrigerate the dough balls for at least 30 minutes, which helps them hold shape and bake into perfect round snowballs.

Can these cookies be made gluten-free?

With a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that measures cup-for-cup, this recipe can be adapted, but be sure the blend contains xanthan gum or a similar binder for the best texture results.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend these Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies enough. They’re a bright, cheerful treat bursting with flavor and festive green color that brings a bit of holiday magic to any occasion. Whether baking for family, friends, or yourself, these cookies are sure to become a beloved classic you’ll reach for time and time again.

Print