Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

These Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic snowball cookie, combining the refreshing taste of mint with the richness of chocolate chips. The melt-in-your-mouth texture and the burst of mint flavor make these cookies an irresistible treat, perfect for holiday gatherings, special occasions, or whenever I need a sweet indulgence.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I absolutely love these Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies because they bring together the perfect balance of flavor and texture. The creamy mint flavor is refreshing, while the chocolate chips add just the right amount of sweetness. The buttery, melt-in-your-mouth consistency of the snowball cookie base makes each bite a delicious experience. Plus, they are super easy to make and a guaranteed hit with anyone who tries them!

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

• 2 teaspoons mint extract

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup mini chocolate chips

• Powdered sugar, for rolling (optional)

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.

3. Add the mint extract and mix to combine.

4. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until fully incorporated. The dough should be soft and slightly crumbly.

5. Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips.

6. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.

7. Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies just begin to turn golden brown.

8. Allow the cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

9. Once cooled, if desired, roll the cookies in powdered sugar for a festive finish.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields approximately 24 cookies. It takes about 20 minutes of active preparation time and around 12-14 minutes of baking time. Including cooling time, I usually spend about 40 minutes to an hour to make these cookies from start to finish.

Variations

• Chocolate Mint Version: For a richer chocolate flavor, I can substitute half of the flour with unsweetened cocoa powder. This will give the cookies a deeper chocolate taste while still keeping the minty freshness.

• Larger Cookies: If I want bigger cookies, I can roll the dough into larger balls (about 2 inches) and adjust the baking time to 15-18 minutes.

• Nutty Snowballs: If I like a little crunch in my cookies, I can add 1/2 cup of finely chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough.

Storage/Reheating

To store these cookies, I place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh for about 4-5 days. If I want them to last longer, I can freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When I’m ready to eat them, I let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours or warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a soft, fresh taste.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies without mint extract?

Yes, I can simply omit the mint extract and make regular snowball cookies. I could even try other extracts like vanilla or almond for a different flavor profile.

Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of mini chocolate chips?

I prefer mini chocolate chips for these cookies, but I can use regular chocolate chips if that’s what I have on hand. I just need to chop them into smaller pieces to maintain the texture of the cookies.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

I can make a gluten-free version by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure to check the other ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free as well.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

To keep the cookies from spreading too much, I make sure to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps them hold their shape during baking.

Can I freeze the dough before baking?

Yes, I can freeze the dough! Just roll it into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until firm. Once frozen, I transfer the dough balls to a freezer bag. I can bake them straight from the freezer, just adding a minute or two to the baking time.

Conclusion

These Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion. They’re simple to make, deliciously minty, and filled with a satisfying crunch from the mini chocolate chips. Whether for a holiday celebration or an afternoon snack, I know these cookies will be a crowd-pleaser.