Rosa Martinez
Delightfully soft, buttery, and dusted in snowy powdered sugar, these Easy Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are the perfect holiday treat! With a burst of refreshing mint and decadent chocolate chips in every bite, these cookies melt in your mouth and look stunning on any festive dessert table. Their beautiful pale green hue adds a cheerful pop of color, making them irresistible to kids and adults alike.
Whether you’re baking for a Christmas party, cookie exchange, or just want a fun twist on classic snowball cookies, this recipe brings together the cozy flavors of winter in a simple, easy-to-make form. No fancy equipment or complicated steps here—just straightforward instructions, basic pantry ingredients, and a whole lot of joy. Prepare for your kitchen to smell amazing and your cookie tin to empty fast!
Why You’ll Love These Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
These cookies are a game-changer for mint chocolate lovers and anyone craving something different from the usual holiday sweets. They’re incredibly tender, perfectly sweet, and full of mini chocolate chips for a delightful crunch in every bite. Plus, the cool hint of mint is just enough to refresh your palate without overpowering the cookie. The best part? You can make a big batch in less than an hour, and they’re sturdy enough to travel well for gifting!
Can I Use Peppermint Extract Instead of Mint Extract in Snowball Cookies?
Absolutely! While classic mint extract gives these cookies a smooth, mild minty taste (similar to mint chip ice cream), peppermint extract brings a stronger, candy-cane-like flavor. If you prefer the boldness of peppermint, feel free to swap it in—just use a bit less, as peppermint extract is usually more intense. Taste your dough and adjust as needed!
Ingredients for the Easy Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
Each ingredient in these cookies plays a special role in achieving that perfect snowball texture and taste. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Unsalted Butter: The base of any great snowball cookie, giving richness and that signature tender crumb.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the dough and coats the cookies in a snowy finish—skip the granulated sugar for that melt-in-your-mouth bite!
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure, so your cookies hold their round shape.
- Cornstarch: Helps create an ultra-soft, delicate texture.
- Mint Extract: Brings that classic cool, refreshing flavor (or use peppermint for extra zing).
- Green Food Coloring (optional): For that festive, minty green appearance—just a drop or two goes a long way.
- Mini Chocolate Chips: Scattered throughout for chocolatey bursts in every bite.
- Salt: Just a pinch to balance sweetness and enhance flavors.
Each ingredient works together for the best texture, flavor, and classic snowball cookie experience with a minty twist.
How To Make Easy Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
Follow these steps for perfectly round, festive cookies every time!
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Start by beating the softened butter with powdered sugar until the mixture is fluffy and pale. This creates a smooth base for the dough.
Step 2: Add Flavor and Color
Mix in the mint extract and a couple drops of green food coloring until evenly blended. Adjust the color to your liking—it should be pale and pastel.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and salt. Slowly add this to the butter mixture, stirring until just combined.
Step 4: Add the Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips until they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 5: Shape and Bake
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions and roll them into balls. Place them on a lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes, or until just set (don’t let them brown!).
Step 6: Powdered Sugar Coating
While still warm, carefully roll the cookies in powdered sugar. Let them cool, then roll once more for a snowy finish.
Serving and Storing Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
These Easy Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they keep beautifully for days! The recipe makes about 24 cookies, serving 8-12 people (depending on how generous you are with your portions!).
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the uncoated cookies, then thaw and roll in powdered sugar before serving. They make wonderful gifts and pack perfectly for holiday tins or cookie swaps.
What to Serve With Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies?
Hot Cocoa
Enjoy these cookies with a steamy mug of hot chocolate—classic, cozy, and perfect for dunking!
Peppermint Mocha
Pair with your favorite peppermint coffee drink for the ultimate minty treat combo.
Vanilla Ice Cream
Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert contrast.
Fresh Berries
A bowl of raspberries or strawberries balances the sweetness and adds a refreshing touch.
Coffee or Espresso
The slight bitterness of coffee perfectly offsets the sweet, minty cookies.
Eggnog
For a festive holiday pairing, try them with a glass of rich, creamy eggnog.
Chocolate Fondue
Dip half the cookie in melted chocolate for an extra decadent touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes! Freeze the baked (uncoated) cookies in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw at room temp and roll in powdered sugar.
2. What if I don’t have mint or peppermint extract?
You can use vanilla extract for a classic snowball flavor, or try almond extract for a unique twist!
3. Do I have to use green food coloring?
Not at all. It’s just for looks—your cookies will taste great without it.
4. Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of mini?
Mini chips distribute more evenly, but you can chop regular chocolate chips or chunks for similar results.
5. My cookies spread too much—what happened?
This usually means your butter was too soft or warm. Chill the dough for 20 minutes before baking if your kitchen is warm.
Save This Pin For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add liqueur or leave it out? Did you try chocolate on top?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other bake smarter.
Conclusion
Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are a fresh take on a timeless holiday favorite. Quick to make, beautiful to serve, and fun to eat, they’re guaranteed to brighten your dessert table and bring festive cheer to your gatherings. Give them a try—you just might find a new holiday tradition!
Easy Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Craving a unique twist on classic cookies? These Easy Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are your next baking obsession! Soft, buttery, and bursting with chocolate chips, each bite delivers refreshing mint and melts in your mouth. They’re a festive addition to any holiday dessert spread and double as a quick breakfast treat, easy snack, or fun dessert for all ages. Make a batch for your next cookie swap, gift tin, or whenever you need easy recipe ideas for dessert or sweet food ideas for gatherings!
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for coating)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon mint extract (or 1/2 tsp peppermint extract)
1–2 drops green food coloring (optional)
3/4 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until fluffy and light.
3. Add mint extract and green food coloring; beat until combined and evenly colored.
4. In another bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and salt.
5. Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
6. Fold in mini chocolate chips.
7. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls.
8. Arrange balls on prepared baking sheet, spacing slightly apart.
9. Bake 10–12 minutes, or until cookies are just set but not browned.
10. While still warm, gently roll cookies in extra powdered sugar to coat.
11. Cool completely and roll in powdered sugar again before serving.
Notes
For best results, use room temperature butter and do not overmix the dough.
If your kitchen is warm, chill the dough 15 minutes before baking to keep cookies round.
Store in an airtight container up to 1 week or freeze (uncoated) for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 cookies
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 0.7g
- Protein: 1.7g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: mint chocolate chip, snowball cookies, holiday cookies, easy dessert, Christmas cookies, quick baking
