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Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe

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4.7 from 64 reviews

Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are delightful buttery treats infused with refreshing peppermint and studded with mini chocolate chips. These soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookies are rolled in powdered sugar for a snowy, festive finish, making them perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion.

Ingredients

Cookie Dough

  • 1 cup (2 sticks or 226g) Unsalted Butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup (100g) Granulated Sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
  • 1 teaspoon Peppermint Extract
  • 2 1/4 cups (270g) All-Purpose Flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 cup (170g) Mini Chocolate Chips
  • Optional: Green Food Coloring

Coating

  • 1 1/2 cups (180g) Powdered Sugar (Confectioners’ Sugar), divided

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two or three large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Set this mixture aside.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: Using an electric mixer, beat the softened unsalted butter on medium speed for 1-2 minutes until it becomes light and creamy. Gradually add the granulated sugar, continuing to beat for another 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light in color and fluffy. Remember to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally for even mixing.
  4. Add Flavorings and Coloring: Beat in the pure vanilla extract and peppermint extract until just combined. If you prefer a festive touch, add a few drops of green food coloring and mix until you achieve your desired shade.
  5. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the flour and salt mixture in three additions, mixing just until combined each time. Avoid overmixing to maintain the cookies’ delicate texture.
  6. Fold in Chocolate Chips: Remove the bowl from the mixer and gently fold in the mini chocolate chips using a rubber spatula until evenly distributed through the dough.
  7. Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour. This step helps solidify the butter, making the dough easier to handle and the cookies better in texture.
  8. Form Dough Balls: Once chilled, scoop out portions of dough using a small cookie scoop (about 1 tablespoon). Roll each portion between your palms to form smooth, compact balls approximately 1 inch in diameter. Place them 1 to 1 1/2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
  9. Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers appear set but still pale. Avoid overbaking to keep them tender.
  10. Cool Slightly: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for 5-10 minutes so they firm up enough to handle.
  11. Prepare Powdered Sugar Bowls: Place about 1/2 cup of powdered sugar in one shallow bowl and the remaining 1 cup in another larger shallow bowl.
  12. First Sugar Coating: While the cookies are still warm (not hot), gently roll each cookie in the first bowl of powdered sugar until fully coated. Place them on a wire rack to cool completely.
  13. Cool Cookies Completely: Allow the cookies to cool to room temperature for at least 30-60 minutes before the final sugar coating.
  14. Second Sugar Coating: Once completely cooled, roll each cookie thoroughly in the second, larger bowl of powdered sugar to create a thick snowy layer. Serve immediately or store.

Notes

  • Do not overmix the dough once the flour is added to keep cookies tender.
  • Chilling the dough is crucial to prevent spreading and helps maintain the cookie shape.
  • If you want a stronger mint flavor, add an additional 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract.
  • Use mini chocolate chips for better distribution and texture within the cookies.
  • Ensure cookies are cooled completely before the second sugar coating for the best snowball effect.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.