Easy Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball cookies
If you’re searching for a delightful treat that combines melt-in-your-mouth softness with refreshing minty flavor and the rich sweetness of chocolate, look no further than Easy Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball cookies. These cookies are beautifully light, irresistibly tender, and dusted with powdered sugar to evoke the perfect “snowball” effect. Whether it’s a holiday gathering, an afternoon snack, or simply a cozy weekend baking project, these cookies bring joy to every bite and are guaranteed to impress both family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simplicity at its Best: Easy Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball cookies use basic ingredients and straightforward steps for a fuss-free baking experience.
- Mouthwatering Mint Flavor: The subtle minty notes from the chips give the cookies a refreshing and unique twist on classic snowballs.
- Soft and Tender Texture: These cookies achieve a perfect soft crumb that practically melts on your tongue.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Their elegant appearance and festive flavor make them ideal for holidays, parties, or everyday treats.
- Kid and Crowd Pleaser: Easy to bake and easy to share, these cookies bring smiles to all ages.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Easy Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball cookies lies in their simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in balancing flavor and texture, from the buttery richness to the minty chips and the snowy powdered sugar coating.
- Butter: Using softened unsalted butter ensures a creamy, tender cookie base.
- Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and the iconic snowball coating that makes these cookies visually charming.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and the perfect delicate crumb.
- Mint Chocolate Chips: Infuse the dough with refreshing mint flavor combined with chocolate’s rich sweetness.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with a warm, aromatic note.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances depth of flavor.
Variations for Easy Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
One of the best parts about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you prefer different flavors or need to accommodate dietary preferences, these variations can add a personal touch to your Easy Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball cookies.
- Nutty Addition: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts for an added crunch and depth of flavor.
- Double Chocolate Version: Use semi-sweet chocolate chips alongside the mint chips for an extra rich experience.
- Gluten-Free Swap: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make these cookies allergy-friendly.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use vegan butter and check chocolate chips for dairy-free certification.
- Intensity Boost: Add a drop of peppermint extract for stronger mint flavor without altering texture.
How to Make Easy Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by creaming the softened butter with powdered sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This step is key to achieving the cookie’s delicate texture. Then, mix in vanilla extract and salt for flavor balance.
Step 2: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Slowly add the all-purpose flour to the creamed mixture, mixing gently to combine without overworking the dough. Overmixing can make cookies tough, so a light hand is important here.
Step 3: Add Mint Chocolate Chips
Fold in the mint chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough, ensuring every cookie will have a burst of that refreshing flavor and delightful chocolate bites.
Step 4: Form the Cookies
Roll the dough into small, uniform balls using your hands. Size consistency helps with even baking and that classic snowball appearance.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Arrange the cookie balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them a few inches apart. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 12-15 minutes, or until the edges just start to set without browning.
Step 6: Dust with Powdered Sugar
Once cooled slightly, roll the warm cookies generously in powdered sugar, coating them thoroughly to achieve their iconic snowball look and irresistible sweetness.
Pro Tips for Making Easy Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
- Use Room Temperature Butter: It blends more easily with sugar, creating a better cookie texture.
- Chill the Dough: Letting your dough rest for 30 minutes can reduce spreading and improve texture.
- Don’t Overbake: The cookies should remain soft inside, so pull them from the oven when the bottoms are set but not browned.
- Generous Sugar Coating: Rolling the cookies in powdered sugar more than once after baking enhances the snowy effect and sweetness.
- Use Quality Mint Chips: Opt for mint chocolate chips made with real chocolate for the best flavor and texture.
How to Serve Easy Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
Garnishes
Add a simple peppermint stick or crushed candy cane on the side for an extra festive mint touch and a beautiful presentation that invites guests to indulge.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a warm cup of hot cocoa or a refreshing glass of milk to balance their sweetness and highlight the mint-chocolate combination.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the cookies in a decorative tin or stack them into small towers tied with a rustic ribbon for gifting or holiday displays that wow friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Easy Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and texture.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully—place them in a single layer on a cookie sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Thaw frozen cookies overnight at room temperature and warm them slightly in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes to refresh their softness and powdered sugar coating.
FAQs
Can I use peppermint extract instead of mint chocolate chips?
Yes, you can substitute peppermint extract for mint chips if you prefer, but be mindful of the potency—start with just a small amount to avoid overpowering the dough.
Are Easy Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball cookies gluten-free?
The standard recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it isn’t gluten-free. However, you can easily adapt it using a gluten-free flour blend for a safe alternative.
How long do these cookies keep their freshness?
If stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, they stay fresh for about 5 days, preserving their soft, tender texture.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
Absolutely! Use vegan butter and dairy-free mint chocolate chips to turn this recipe into a vegan-friendly treat without sacrificing flavor or texture.
What is the best way to prevent cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough before baking and using room temperature butter instead of melted butter helps maintain shape and prevents excessive spreading.
Final Thoughts
Easy Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball cookies are a heartwarming bake that combines simplicity with spectacular flavor—soft, minty, chocolaty, and just the right amount of sweet. Give this recipe a try and watch how these charming cookies bring smiles and sweet moments to your table. Baking them is just as fun as eating them, and they make any occasion feel extra special.
Related Posts
- Cookie Butter Caramel Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies
- Perfectly Soft & Chewy Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies
Easy Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball cookies
Easy Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are tender, soft, and melt-in-your-mouth cookies with a refreshing minty chocolate flavor. Lightly dusted with powdered sugar, these cookies create a charming snowball appearance, perfect for holidays, parties, or everyday treats. This simple recipe uses common ingredients and straightforward steps to deliver a delightful combination of buttery richness and mint chocolate sweetness that everyone will enjoy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (with flour substitution)
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 cup softened unsalted butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for coating)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Flavor Additions
- 3/4 cup mint chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Cream the softened butter with 1 cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract and salt to balance the flavors.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the creamed mixture, mixing gently to combine without overworking the dough to keep the cookies tender.
- Add Mint Chocolate Chips: Fold the mint chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough to ensure each cookie has refreshing mint and chocolate bites.
- Form the Cookies: Roll the dough into small, uniform balls by hand for even baking and the classic snowball look.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced a few inches apart. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes, until edges are set but not browned.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: Allow cookies to cool slightly, then roll them generously in powdered sugar to achieve the signature snowy coating and sweet finish.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter for easier mixing and better texture.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes to reduce spreading while baking.
- Remove cookies from the oven when bottoms are set but not browned to keep them soft.
- For extra snowball effect, roll cookies in powdered sugar twice after baking.
- Choose high quality mint chocolate chips made with real chocolate for best flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: mint chocolate chip cookies, snowball cookies, holiday cookies, soft cookies, mint cookies, easy cookies
