Okay, so you know those classic, melt-in-your-mouth snowball cookies that just scream holidays or cozy afternoons? Well, get ready because we’re taking them to a whole new level of deliciousness with these Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies! Seriously, if you’re looking for a treat that’s a little bit fancy but ridiculously simple to whip up, this is it. The combination of cool mint and little pockets of chocolatey goodness tucked into that tender, buttery crumb? It’s just magic.
I remember the first time I played around with adding mint to a basic snowball recipe. It was a total “what if?” moment in my kitchen, and honestly, I wasn’t sure how it would turn out. But that first bite? Wow. It instantly became a new favorite. They look so pretty and delicate, like little snowdrifts studded with jewels, but they pack such a delightful flavor punch. Trust me, these Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies disappear fast, whether it’s holiday party season or just a Tuesday craving a sweet treat. And the best part? They’re incredibly easy to make – no fancy skills required, just a love for cookies!
Why You’ll Love These Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
Why choose these cookies, you ask? Oh, let me tell you! They’re just the best combination of everything you want in a sweet little treat. Here’s the scoop:
- They are SO easy to make. Seriously, even if you think you can’t bake, you can make these!
- That mint and chocolate combo? Pure festive joy, whether it's Christmas or just a random Tuesday that needs some cheer.
- They have that amazing, classic snowball texture – that crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth goodness that makes you want just one more.
- Perfect for holiday cookie platters, gifting to friends, or just keeping a secret stash for yourself.
- The flavor is just spot on – cool minty freshness meets satisfying chocolate chips. It’s a winner every time!
Equipment for Making Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
Alright, before we dive into the deliciousness, let’s gather our gear! You really don’t need anything super fancy for these Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies, just a few kitchen basics you probably already have. You’ll want a couple of good mixing bowls (one for the main dough and maybe another for your dry bits), and an electric mixer is definitely your friend here for getting that butter and sugar nice and fluffy. You’ll also need some baking sheets – I like to have two so I can bake while the first batch cools. Don’t forget parchment paper for easy cleanup and making sure those precious cookies don’t stick! And finally, a wire rack is essential for letting them cool completely before their final powdered sugar bath.
Ingredients for Perfect Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
Okay, let’s talk ingredients! These Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies use pretty standard stuff, but getting them right makes all the difference. You’ll need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: This is key! Make sure it’s truly soft – not melted, but soft enough that you can easily press a finger into it. It makes a big difference in the dough texture.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: For the dough itself. It helps create that tender crumb.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A little warmth to balance the mint.
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract: This is where the magic happens! Start with half a teaspoon, you can always add a tiny bit more if you like a stronger mint flavor, but don’t go crazy or it can get overpowering.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Just regular flour is perfect here.
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips: Mini chips are a must! They distribute so much better throughout the small cookies and don’t make them lumpy.
- Additional powdered sugar for rolling: You’ll need a good amount for that classic snowball look at the end.
See? Simple stuff, but get good quality extracts and make sure that butter is happy and soft!
How to Prepare Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
Alright, let’s get baking! Making these Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies is super straightforward, but following these steps will ensure you get that perfect texture and flavor every single time. So, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This is your first crucial step – a hot oven and a non-stick surface are your friends!
Creaming the Butter and Sugar for Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
First things first, grab that softened butter and your 1/2 cup of powdered sugar. Pop them into your big mixing bowl. Now, get out your electric mixer and beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes a few minutes. You’ll see it change from dense and yellow to a paler, airy consistency. This creaming step is SO important! It whips air into the butter, which helps give the cookies that delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture we’re aiming for. Don’t rush this part!
Adding Extracts and Flour for Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
Once your butter and sugar are perfectly fluffy, add in your vanilla extract and, of course, the star of the show, the peppermint extract. Give that a quick mix to combine. Next, it’s flour time! Gradually add the 2 cups of all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients. Mix on a low speed just until everything is combined. You really don’t want to overmix here! As soon as you don’t see dry streaks of flour anymore, stop mixing. Overmixing can make your cookies tough, and we want them tender!
Incorporating Chocolate Chips and Forming Cookies
Now for the fun part – the chocolate chips! Gently stir in the mini chocolate chips. I like to do this by hand with a spatula at this point, just to make sure they’re evenly distributed without overworking the dough. The dough will be a bit soft, which is totally fine. Scoop out about a tablespoon of dough for each cookie and roll it between your palms to form a smooth, 1-inch ball. Place these little rounds onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving a little space between them.
Baking and Cooling Your Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
Pop those sheets into your preheated oven. Bake for about 12 to 15 minutes. You’re looking for the edges to be just lightly golden, but the cookies should still look quite pale overall in the center. Don’t overbake them! They will continue to set up as they cool. Let them hang out on the baking sheets for just a few minutes after they come out of the oven – they’re delicate when hot! Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is a virtue here!
Rolling in Powdered Sugar
Once your cookies are completely cooled (and I mean *completely*!), it’s time for their snowy coating. Pour some of your additional powdered sugar into a shallow bowl. Gently roll each cooled cookie in the powdered sugar, making sure it’s fully coated. You might even give them a second roll after a few minutes for an extra thick, snowy look. And there you have it – perfect Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies ready to be devoured!
Tips for Success with Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
Okay, you’ve got the basic steps down, but a few little insider tips can make your Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies go from great to absolutely AMAZING. First off, that softened butter? It’s non-negotiable! If it’s too cold, it won’t cream properly, and your texture will be off. If it’s melted, everything just gets greasy. Aim for that perfect “dent-with-your-finger” stage.
Also, seriously, do NOT overbake these cookies. They are meant to be pale little snowballs! Those lightly golden edges are your cue to take them out. Trust me, they keep cooking a little on the hot sheet, and you want that tender, melt-away crumb, not a hard, crunchy one. Using good quality vanilla and peppermint extracts makes a big difference too – you really taste those flavors, so go for the good stuff if you can. And finally, I know I said it before, but mini chocolate chips are key! They melt and distribute so much better in these smaller cookies than regular-sized ones. Follow these little pointers, and you’ll have perfect snowballs every time!
Variations for Your Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
While I absolutely adore the classic Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies, sometimes it’s fun to play around a little! This recipe is super forgiving and easy to tweak if you want to change things up. Not a huge mint fan? No problem! You could swap the peppermint extract for almond extract for a lovely almond-flavored snowball. Or, if you want to switch up the chocolate, try using white chocolate chips instead of mini semi-sweet ones – that would be a beautiful contrast! You could also add about 1/2 cup of finely chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough along with the chocolate chips for a little extra crunch, just like a traditional snowball cookie. Have fun experimenting!
Storing and Reheating Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
So, you’ve baked a batch (or two!) of these delicious Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies and somehow, miraculously, you have some left over? Amazing! To keep them tasting their best, pop them into an airtight container. They’ll stay lovely and fresh at room temperature for about 4-5 days. Honestly, I don’t think they’ve ever lasted that long in my house! As for reheating, these cookies are meant to be enjoyed at room temperature for that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture, so no need to reheat them at all. If you want to freeze them, bake and cool them completely *before* rolling in powdered sugar. Freeze them in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them at room temperature and then roll them in powdered sugar.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
Got a few questions buzzing in your head about these Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies? Don’t worry, I’ve probably asked them too! Here are some common ones:
Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of mini ones? You *can*, but I really recommend sticking with the mini ones. Regular chips are bigger and don’t distribute as well in these smaller cookies, sometimes making them a little lumpy or uneven. Mini chips are perfect for this recipe!
Can I make the dough ahead of time? Absolutely! You can make the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and pop it in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. When you’re ready to bake, just let it sit out for a few minutes to soften slightly before rolling and baking as usual.
Why are my cookies spreading too much? The most likely culprit is butter that was too soft or even melted. Make sure your butter is just softened, not greasy. Also, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before rolling and baking can help if you’re having trouble with spreading.
How long do these cookies last? Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they’re usually good for about 4-5 days. But honestly? They rarely last that long in my house!
Can I omit the mint extract? Sure! If you’re not a mint fan, just leave it out. You’ll have delicious classic chocolate chip snowball cookies instead! You could also increase the vanilla extract slightly if you like.
Estimated Nutritional Information
Okay, so while I’ve included some estimated nutritional info based on standard ingredients, please remember that these figures are just that – estimates! The actual nutritional breakdown can totally swing depending on the specific brands of butter, flour, chocolate chips, and powdered sugar you use. Think of it as a general ballpark, not a precise calculation you’d find on a packaged food label. I’m all about the joy of baking and eating these delicious cookies, so I don’t get too hung up on the exact numbers. Enjoy your Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies!
Print
Amazing Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft and buttery snowball cookies with a hint of mint and chocolate chips.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- Additional powdered sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the vanilla extract and peppermint extract.
- Gradually add the flour, mixing until just combined. Stir in the mini chocolate chips.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Place on prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cool, roll the cookies in additional powdered sugar.
Notes
- Make sure your butter is truly softened for the best texture.
- Do not overbake the cookies; they should be pale.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: mint chocolate chip, snowball cookies, Christmas cookies, holiday baking, cookie recipe