Name: Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter (softened); ½ cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon peppermint extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¾ cup mini chocolate chips; ½ cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts (optional); ½ cup powdered sugar

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If you’re looking for a show-stopper of a holiday treat, let me introduce you to Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies! These cookies are everything you could want in a bite-sized treat: buttery, melt-in-your-mouth tender, with the perfect balance of cool peppermint and rich chocolate chips. That snowy powdered sugar coating isn’t just pretty either—it’s the finishing touch that makes each little cookie irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a cookie exchange, a winter celebration, or just a cozy afternoon at home, these are the ultimate crowd-pleasers that never last long on the plate.

Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies is refreshingly simple, but don’t underestimate its magic. Each component plays its part to create irresistibly tender cookies with a cool minty twist and delightful chocolate chip crunch.

Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): The backbone of the cookie, giving richness and that signature melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Powdered Sugar (½ cup for dough + ½ cup for rolling): Sweetens the dough and adds that classic snowball finish—don’t skip the rolling for that snowy look.
Peppermint Extract (1 teaspoon): The magic touch that turns classic snowballs into minty wonders—measure carefully as peppermint is potent.
All-Purpose Flour (2 cups): Ensures structure while keeping the cookies soft and delicate.
Salt (¼ teaspoon): Just a pinch brings out all the flavors without overpowering the mint.
Mini Chocolate Chips (¾ cup): The perfect size to distribute chocolate in every bite—dark or semi-sweet both work beautifully.
Finely Chopped Pecans or Walnuts (½ cup, optional): Adds a gentle crunch and nutty undertone for those who love a little extra texture.
Green Food Coloring (optional): For a festive minty green hue, perfect during the holidays or anytime you want a pop of color.

How to Make Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer (or stand mixer) to cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar. Mix until the combination is ultra-light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes—this makes your cookies tender and airy.

Step 2: Add the Peppermint Extract

Once your butter-sugar mixture is perfectly creamy, mix in the peppermint extract. This step transforms the aroma in your kitchen instantly! If you’re adding food coloring, a drop or two now will evenly tint your dough with a subtle, festive mint green.

Step 3: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

Stir in the flour and salt a little at a time (I like to use a spatula for this part to avoid flour clouds!). The dough will be soft but should start pulling away from the sides of the bowl. Be careful not to overmix—just blend until the dough comes together.

Step 4: Fold in the Chocolate Chips and Nuts

Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips and, if you love a nutty twist, the finely chopped pecans or walnuts. Now every bite will have flecks of chocolate and a touch of crunch, balancing out the minty flavor perfectly.

Step 5: Shape and Bake the Cookies

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them between your palms to create perfect rounds. Arrange the dough balls on your prepared baking sheet, leaving about an inch for gentle spreading. Pop them into the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the bottoms look lightly golden and the tops are just set. The aroma at this stage will have everyone hovering around the kitchen!

Step 6: Coat in Powdered Sugar

Let the cookies cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet—they’ll be fragile while hot. While still warm, roll the cookies in powdered sugar for that signature snowy coat. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, then roll again in powdered sugar for an extra wintry look. That’s how Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies earn their name!

How to Serve Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

Garnishes

For a gorgeous finishing touch, try a little grated dark chocolate or a sprinkle of crushed candy cane over the top. Sometimes I add an extra light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving, just for that magical, freshly dusted snowball look.

Side Dishes

These cookies are the definition of festive, so I love serving them alongside a big mug of hot chocolate or peppermint tea. For a dessert platter, pair with fresh berries or a simple vanilla ice cream to let the mint chocolate flavor pop.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re gifting, pile the cookies into a clear cellophane bag and tie with a ribbon for a homemade present that rivals any bakery. You can also display them in a vintage tin or on a tiered cookie tray at your next gathering. Don’t forget to mention they’re Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies—the name alone gets everyone intrigued!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These cookies keep beautifully! Store Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They’ll stay tender and flavorful, but be sure to keep them away from moisture so their signature exterior stays snowy, not sticky.

Freezing

If you’d like to get ahead on holiday prep, freeze the baked cookies (after their first powdered sugar roll) in a freezer-safe container with layers of parchment in between. When ready to serve, thaw at room temperature and give them a final toss in powdered sugar to refresh their wintry look. The dough can also be frozen in balls and baked straight from frozen—just add a minute or two to the bake time.

Reheating

The beauty of these cookies is that they don’t need reheating—they’re best at room temperature, soft and tender straight from the container. If you like, you can warm them for a few seconds in the microwave to release an extra burst of mint aroma, but don’t overdo it or they’ll lose their texture.

FAQs

Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of mini?

Mini chocolate chips really distribute throughout the dough perfectly, giving a bit of chocolate in every bite. If you only have regular, give them a quick chop before folding into the dough so you get the same effect—and watch for big chunks that might crack your snowballs.

Do I have to use nuts in Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies?

Not at all! The nuts are totally optional. They add a little crunch and depth, but if you or your loved ones have allergies (or just prefer nut-free cookies), leave them out—your cookies will still be delicious.

Why do you roll the cookies in powdered sugar twice?

The first roll coats the warm cookies so the sugar sticks well, creating a sugary layer that sets as they cool. The second roll, after they cool completely, ensures that picture-perfect snowy finish Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are known for!

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can shape the dough into balls and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, or freeze for longer storage. Just bring to room temperature before baking, or bake from frozen with a slightly extended baking time.

How do I get my cookies perfectly round and not flat?

The key is to avoid overworking the dough and to chill it briefly if your kitchen is warm. Rolling the dough into even balls and not pressing them down before baking gives you those classic, snowy rounds Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are famous for.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a cookie that’s both nostalgic and new, Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies fit the bill. They’re easy enough for beginners but special enough to impress at any gathering. Give them a whirl—your cookie jar (and your friends and family) will thank you!

Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe

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4.9 from 28 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the delightful combination of mint and chocolate with these Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies. These buttery, mint-infused cookies are studded with mini chocolate chips and rolled in powdered sugar for a sweet finish.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough:

1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
½ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon salt
¾ cup mini chocolate chips
½ cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

For Rolling:

½ cup powdered sugar

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in peppermint extract.
Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add flour and salt, stirring until a soft dough forms. Fold in mini chocolate chips and nuts, if using.
Shape Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions and roll into balls. Place on prepared baking sheet about 1 inch apart.
Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes or until bottoms are lightly golden and tops are set.
Roll in Sugar: Let cookies cool slightly, then roll in powdered sugar while still warm. Cool completely on a wire rack, then roll again in powdered sugar for a snowy finish.