Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

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These Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies taste exactly like a scoop of mint chocolate chip ice cream that somehow turned into a fluffy little cookie. They’re soft and tender on the inside, packed with melty chocolate chips, and coated in a blizzard of powdered sugar that makes every bite feel cozy and festive.

I love making these around the holidays, but honestly, they’re too good to save for just once a year. The dough comes together in one bowl, they bake in under 15 minutes, and they look so pretty piled onto a cookie tray. If you’re a fan of cool mint and rich chocolate, these are about to become your new cookie obsession.

Why You’ll Love This Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe

I reach for this recipe whenever I want something that feels special but doesn’t require a ton of effort. The dough doesn’t need any fancy techniques, the ingredients are simple pantry staples, and the green tint makes them instantly eye‑catching on any dessert table.

The texture is what really sells them: a buttery shortbread-style cookie that practically melts in your mouth, studded with chocolate chips and finished with a double roll in powdered sugar. They keep well for days, they travel beautifully, and they’re perfect for gifting in little treat boxes or tins.

What Makes These Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies So Irresistible?

For me, it’s that perfect balance of flavors. The cool peppermint flavor is gentle, not overpowering, so you still get plenty of buttery richness and chocolate in every bite. The mini chocolate chips give you little pops of texture without making the cookies heavy.

I also love that you can play with the color. A tiny bit of green gel food coloring gives them that classic mint look, but you can leave it out for a more natural appearance. Either way, the snowy powdered sugar coating makes them look like they’ve just rolled through fresh winter snow.

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Ingredients for the Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

Before we dive into mixing and rolling, I like to take a minute to look over the ingredients. Everything is very simple, but each one plays an important role in getting that soft, melt‑in‑your‑mouth texture and refreshing mint‑chocolate flavor.

• Unsalted butter – This is the heart of the cookie and gives snowballs their rich, tender, shortbread-like texture. Using unsalted butter lets me control the salt in the recipe.
• Powdered sugar – Instead of granulated sugar, powdered sugar blends smoothly into the butter and keeps the cookies delicate rather than chewy.
• Vanilla extract – Adds warmth and depth so the cookies taste more like a bakery treat and less like straight mint.
• Peppermint extract – Just a small amount brings that cool minty flavor that pairs perfectly with chocolate.
• Salt – A tiny pinch sharpens all the flavors and keeps the sweetness from feeling flat.
• All‑purpose flour – This gives structure to the cookies while still allowing them to stay soft and crumbly.
• Mini chocolate chips – Mini chips distribute evenly through the dough so you get chocolate in every bite without weighing down the cookie.
• Green gel food coloring (optional) – A drop or two turns the dough a pretty minty green that looks so fun in holiday cookie boxes.
• Additional powdered sugar for rolling – After baking, the warm cookies get rolled in powdered sugar to create that classic snowy coating.

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How To Make the Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

Once everything is measured out, the dough comes together quickly. I like to mix these in a stand mixer, but a hand mixer works just as well. The key is to keep the dough soft but not sticky so the cookies hold their perfectly round shape.

Step 1: Cream the butter and sugar

Start by beating the softened unsalted butter with the powdered sugar until the mixture is light and creamy. This step helps create that melt‑in‑your‑mouth texture, so I give it a good couple of minutes on medium speed.

Step 2: Flavor and color the dough

Mix in the vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and salt until everything is evenly combined. If you’re using green gel food coloring, add a tiny bit at a time and beat until the color is evenly dispersed. I like a soft pastel green, but you can go brighter if you want them extra festive.

Step 3: Add the flour

Turn the mixer to low and slowly add the all‑purpose flour. I usually add it in two or three additions so it doesn’t puff everywhere. The dough will look crumbly at first, then start to clump together. When it holds together when pressed, you’re ready for the next step.

Step 4: Fold in the chocolate chips

Use a spatula or the mixer on its lowest speed to gently fold in the mini chocolate chips. You want them distributed evenly throughout the dough so every cookie has plenty of chocolate.

Step 5: Chill and roll the dough

For the best shape, I like to chill the dough for about 20–30 minutes so it firms up slightly. Then scoop small portions (about 1 tablespoon each) and roll them into smooth balls between your palms. Arrange them on a parchment‑lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between each cookie.

Step 6: Bake until set

Bake the cookies in a preheated oven until the tops look dry and the bottoms are just barely turning golden. They won’t brown much, so don’t wait for color—otherwise they’ll dry out. The cookies should feel set but still soft.

Step 7: Roll in powdered sugar

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then carefully roll the warm cookies in powdered sugar and place them on a cooling rack. Once they’ve cooled completely, give them a second roll in powdered sugar for an extra snowy finish.

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Serving and Storing Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

A batch of these Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies makes about 30 small cookies, which is usually enough to serve 8–10 people, depending on how generous everyone is feeling. I love piling them high on a cake stand or cookie platter so that snowy coating really shows off.

Because they’re sturdy but tender, they’re perfect for cookie swaps, holiday parties, or packaging into little bags for gifts. They’re just as good with a mug of hot chocolate as they are next to a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

To store the cookies, let them cool completely and keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and delicious for about a week. If you plan to keep them longer, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 2 months—just thaw at room temperature and dust with a little extra powdered sugar if needed.

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What to Serve With Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

When I bake these, I almost always build a small dessert spread around them. Here are some of my favorite pairings:

1. A cozy hot drink – Serve with hot chocolate, peppermint mochas, or a simple cup of coffee for the ultimate winter treat.
2. Another fun cookie – Add a playful touch to your cookie tray by pairing them with whimsical treats like my melted snowman peanut butter cookies.
3. Bar desserts – Rich, gooey bars like s’mores cookie bars make a great contrast to these light, minty bites.
4. Fruit-forward treats – Balance the chocolate with something fruity, such as warm and buttery apple pie cookies or another seasonal fruit dessert.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can absolutely make the dough in advance. I like to prepare the dough up to 2 days ahead, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes so it’s easier to scoop and roll. You may need to add a minute or two to the baking time if the dough is still quite cold.

Do I have to chill the dough?

Chilling isn’t strictly required, but I highly recommend it. A short chill helps the butter firm up so the cookies keep their round shape instead of spreading. It also gives the flavors a chance to meld. If you’re in a hurry, even 15 minutes in the fridge will make a difference.

Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of mini chips?

You can use regular chocolate chips, but I find that mini chocolate chips work better. They distribute more evenly through the dough, so every small cookie still has plenty of chocolate. If you only have regular chips, you can roughly chop them before folding them into the dough.

How do I freeze these cookies?

You have two options. You can freeze the unbaked dough balls on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag and bake straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. Or you can freeze the baked cookies (before the final sugar roll) and let them thaw at room temperature. Once thawed, roll them again in powdered sugar to refresh that snowy look.

What if I don’t like mint flavor?

If mint isn’t your thing, you can easily turn these into classic chocolate chip snowball cookies by leaving out the peppermint extract and green food coloring. They’ll still be buttery, chocolate‑studded, and coated in powdered sugar—just with a simple vanilla flavor. For another festive option, you might enjoy my nutty, caramel‑forward bars like simple pecan pie bars alongside these cookies.

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Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies recipe to your favorite holiday or dessert board on Pinterest so you can find it whenever a cookie craving hits.

When you bake a batch, come back and tell me how they turned out. Did you keep the mint subtle or make it extra bold? Did you roll them once in powdered sugar or go for the super snowy double coat? I always love hearing how you make these cookies your own and what your family thinks of them.

Questions are always welcome in the comments—let’s help each other bake smarter, swap ideas, and share new favorite holiday treats.

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Conclusion

Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are one of those recipes I turn to again and again when I want something easy, pretty, and crowd‑pleasing. They look bakery‑worthy on a cookie platter, but the dough comes together quickly with simple ingredients you probably already have.

Whether you’re planning a cookie exchange, filling gift tins, or just looking for a fun weekend baking project, these cool, mint‑chocolate bites never disappoint. If you’re building a bigger dessert spread, pair them with treats like s’mores bars, apple pie cookies, or even a slice of pecan pie for a mix of flavors and textures your guests will love.

If you’d like more sweet inspiration and everyday baking ideas, you can always find me sharing new treats, step‑by‑step videos, and dessert boards over on Pinterest at Life With Rosa. Happy baking!

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