Easy Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball cookies

Discover the perfect holiday treat with these Easy Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball cookies—simple, sweet, and irresistibly festive! These delightful cookies combine the rich, buttery texture of classic snowball cookies with refreshing mint and melty chocolate chips, creating a delicious twist that’s sure to become a favorite year-round. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or craving a cozy treat, this recipe is an absolute must-try that delivers big flavor with minimal fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless preparation: The straightforward ingredients and easy steps make this recipe perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Festive flavor fusion: Mint and chocolate chip additions give a refreshing, seasonal twist to traditional snowball cookies.
• Perfectly tender texture: These cookies melt in your mouth thanks to the buttery dough and powdered sugar coating.
• Great for gifting: Their charming snowy appearance makes them ideal for holiday cookie exchanges and gift boxes.
• Customizable: You can easily tweak the recipe to suit dietary needs or flavor preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, easily accessible ingredients that each bring something special to the cookie’s taste, texture, or festive appearance. Every component contributes to making these cookies irresistibly tender and full of minty, chocolaty goodness.

• Unsalted butter: Provides a rich, creamy base that’s essential for the cookie’s tender crumb.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens the dough and coats the cookies to create the classic snowball look.
• All-purpose flour: Gives the structure needed while keeping the cookies soft.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor balance and brings out the sweetness.
• Mint extract: Adds that refreshing, festive flavor without overpowering the chocolate.
• Mini chocolate chips: Small enough to disperse evenly, these melt gently for bursts of chocolate in every bite.
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor and adds warmth to the dough.

Variations for Easy Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball cookies

Feel free to customize these cookies to your liking! The recipe is wonderfully adaptable, whether you’re adjusting for dietary needs or simply craving different flavor combinations. Here are some tasty twists to consider:

• Almond flour swap: Replace part or all of the all-purpose flour with almond flour for a nutty flavor and gluten-free option.
• Dark chocolate chunks: Use chunks instead of chips for a richer, more intense chocolate experience.
• White chocolate and peppermint bits: Substitute chocolate chips with white chocolate and crushed peppermint candies for a classic holiday vibe.
• Vegan version: Use plant-based butter and dairy-free chocolate chips to keep the cookies vegan-friendly.
• Add toasted nuts: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and depth of flavor.

How to Make Easy Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

Step 1: Cream the butter and sugar

Start by beating unsalted butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy, which helps create that delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 2: Add flavor extracts

Mix in mint extract and vanilla extract, ensuring the dough gains that signature refreshing mint flavor paired perfectly with a warm vanilla undertone.

Step 3: Combine dry ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, stirring gently to maintain a soft dough without overworking it.

Step 4: Fold in chocolate chips

Gently fold in mini chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the dough to guarantee chocolate in every bite without breaking the cookies’ tender texture.

Step 5: Shape and bake

Form dough into small, uniform balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 12-15 minutes until the edges just start to set but the cookies remain soft.

Step 6: Coat with powdered sugar

Allow the cookies to cool slightly before rolling them in powdered sugar to achieve the classic snowball look, adding an extra layer of sweetness and that festive “snowy” finish.

Pro Tips for Making Easy Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

• Chill your dough: Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before shaping to make it easier to handle and prevent spreading in the oven.
• Use room temperature butter: Soft butter blends better, yielding a tender texture without dense spots.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Stir just until combined to maintain a light, crumbly cookie.
• Measure flour correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off for the best texture—too much flour leads to dry cookies.
• Roll cookies twice: For extra snowy perfection, roll the cookies in powdered sugar once while warm and again after they cool completely.

How to Serve Easy Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

Garnishes

Sprinkle a little extra powdered sugar just before serving for an irresistible snowy effect. You can also add a few crushed peppermint candies on top for a festive crunch and pop of color.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a warm cup of hot chocolate or peppermint mocha to enhance the mint-chocolate pairing. They’re also wonderful alongside a glass of cold milk or a creamy coffee latte.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Easy Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball cookies in a clear glass jar tied with festive ribbon for charming gift-giving. You can also stack them on a decorative plate with sprigs of fresh mint or holly to elevate the presentation for holiday parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and flavorful for up to 5 days, making them perfect for preparing ahead of time.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked cookies in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature and gently re-roll in powdered sugar to freshen their snowy appearance.

Reheating

To enjoy them warm, microwave a cookie for 10-15 seconds or heat in a low oven (about 300°F or 150°C) for 5 minutes. This brings back the fresh-baked softness and melts the chocolate chips slightly for extra indulgence.

FAQs

Can I use peppermint extract instead of mint extract?

Yes, peppermint extract is a stronger flavor so use it sparingly—about half the amount of mint extract—to avoid overpowering the cookie’s delicate balance.

Are Easy Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball cookies gluten-free?

This recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten, but you can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend to make a gluten-free version.

Why are my snowball cookies crumbly?

Snowball cookies are meant to be tender and crumbly, but if they’re falling apart too much, you may need to add a little more butter or ensure you measure flour accurately without packing it.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

Absolutely! Replace butter with a vegan butter alternative and use dairy-free chocolate chips to enjoy a vegan-friendly version that still tastes fantastic.

How long do these cookies last?

Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh for up to five days, making them great for making in advance for festivities.

Final Thoughts

Easy Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball cookies are a simple yet spectacular way to add cheer to any occasion. Their buttery, minty, chocolaty goodness makes every bite feel like a little celebration. Whether you’re baking with family, sharing with friends, or treating yourself, these cookies are sure to bring smiles to every table. Give them a try—you won’t regret it!

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