Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are soft, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth holiday cookies with a refreshing mint twist. Each cookie is packed with mini chocolate chips and coated in a snowy layer of powdered sugar. The mint flavor adds coolness that pairs beautifully with the sweet, rich cookie base. These cookies look festive, feel nostalgic, and taste like a wintery version of classic shortbread. Because they require simple ingredients and minimal effort, they are perfect for Christmas baking, cookie exchanges, and holiday gifting. They hold their shape well, bake quickly, and stay tender for days. Every bite delivers buttery sweetness, minty freshness, and chocolate chip crunch.
Why You’ll Love This Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
The cookies melt in your mouth. The mint flavor tastes refreshing. The chocolate chips add sweetness. The recipe is simple. The dough comes together quickly. The cookies look festive. They store well. Kids love the flavor. Adults enjoy the classic shortbread texture. In addition, they make beautiful additions to Christmas cookie trays.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
You should try this recipe if you enjoy buttery, tender cookies that feel light yet full of flavor. Snowball cookies are perfect for any holiday gathering, and the mint chocolate chip twist adds a cool winter touch. The dough does not require chilling, which makes baking fast and stress-free. These cookies also package beautifully for gifting and stay delicious for several days, making them ideal for make-ahead holiday treats.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Main Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup mini chocolate chips
Coating
1½ cups powdered sugar, for rolling
How to Make This Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies (Detailed)
1. Cream the Butter and Sugar
Add softened butter and powdered sugar to a mixing bowl. Beat until smooth, light, and creamy.
2. Add Flavor
Mix in peppermint extract and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is well blended.
3. Add the Dry Ingredients
Add flour and salt. Mix until the dough begins to come together. Do not overmix.
4. Add Chocolate Chips
Fold in the mini chocolate chips. Mix just enough to distribute them evenly.
5. Shape the Cookies
Scoop small portions of dough using a tablespoon. Roll each portion into a smooth ball. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Bake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes. The bottoms should be lightly golden, but the tops should remain pale.
7. Roll in Powdered Sugar
Let the cookies cool for 2–3 minutes. Roll each warm cookie in powdered sugar. Place them on a cooling rack.
8. Roll Again
Once fully cooled, roll each cookie a second time. This creates the perfect snowball effect.
Nutritional Information (Estimated per cookie)
Calories: 120
Fat: 7g
Carbs: 13g
Sugar: 6g
Protein: 1g
Sodium: 60mg
Tips for the Best Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies (Detailed)
Use room-temperature butter for a smooth dough. Avoid adding too much peppermint extract because it is strong. Mix the dough only until combined. Keep the cookies small so they bake evenly. Roll in powdered sugar while warm and again when cool. Use mini chocolate chips so they disperse evenly. Store the cookies in an airtight container to maintain softness. Add a small splash of milk if the dough feels crumbly.
Variations & Substitutions
Use vanilla chips instead of chocolate chips. Add green food coloring for a minty holiday look. Replace peppermint with almond extract for a different flavor. Add crushed peppermint for extra crunch. Dip the tops in melted chocolate. Add mini dark chocolate chips for a richer version. Roll in colored powdered sugar for themed parties.
What to Serve with Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
Serve with hot cocoa, peppermint mochas, Christmas punch, or spiced tea. Add them to holiday cookie boxes. Pair with sugar cookies, peppermint bark, brownies, or gingerbread cookies. They also make great additions to dessert grazing boards.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not melt the butter or the dough will spread. Avoid overbaking because the cookies will become dry. Do not skip the second powdered-sugar coating. Avoid oversized cookies or they may crumble. Do not overmix the dough after adding flour. Avoid using large chocolate chips because they make rolling difficult.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
Store in an airtight container for up to one week. Freeze for up to two months. Separate layers with parchment. Thaw at room temperature before serving. Keep them in a cool place so the powdered sugar stays dry and fluffy.
Conclusion
Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are soft, buttery, and full of wintery charm. The tender cookie base, cool peppermint flavor, and chocolate chip sweetness make them perfect for Christmas baking. They are easy to prepare, fun to roll, and beautiful to serve. Once you make them, they will become a holiday tradition for years to come.
10 Recipe FAQ’s
1. Can I make the dough ahead? Yes, refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
2. Can I freeze baked cookies? Yes, freeze for two months.
3. Can I use regular chocolate chips? Mini chips work better, but regular chips can be chopped.
4. Can I skip peppermint? Yes, replace with vanilla or almond.
5. Why is my dough too dry? Add one teaspoon of milk at a time.
6. Why did my cookies spread? The butter may have been too soft.
7. Do they need to cool before rolling? Roll once warm and again when cool.
8. Can I add food coloring? Yes, a tiny amount of green works well.
9. Why are my cookies crumbly? Overbaking can dry them out.
10. How many cookies does this make? About 24–28 depending on size.