Name: Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h 2 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; ½ cup powdered sugar, plus extra for coating; 1 teaspoon pure mint extract; 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¾ cup mini chocolate chips

Introduction

Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are the epitome of festive holiday treats. These delightful little cookies combine the coolness of mint with the indulgent taste of chocolate chips, all wrapped up in a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth snowball. Perfect for sharing with family and friends, they bring a touch of elegance to any holiday dessert table. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, this recipe is straightforward and guaranteed to produce stunning results.

As the snow falls outside, the aroma of these cookies baking in the oven fills your home with warmth and cheer. The contrast of flavors—cool mint and rich chocolate—creates a harmonious balance that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Plus, their powdered sugar coating makes them look as if they’ve been dusted with fresh snow.

With simple ingredients and easy preparation, these cookies are a joy to bake and an even greater joy to eat. Get ready to create a holiday classic that will become a staple in your seasonal baking repertoire.

Brief Description of the Recipe

Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are a creative twist on traditional snowball cookies. They feature a rich buttery dough infused with a hint of mint extract and studded with mini chocolate chips. Rolled into bite-sized balls, these cookies are baked to perfection and then generously coated in powdered sugar while still warm. The result is a cookie that’s both visually appealing and incredibly delicious.

What makes these cookies stand out is their balance of flavors and textures. The mint extract provides a refreshing coolness, while the chocolate chips add bursts of sweetness. The crumbly, buttery texture of the cookie contrasts beautifully with the smooth powdered sugar coating, making each bite an experience to savor.

These cookies are versatile too. You can customize them by swapping out the chocolate chips for white chocolate or dark chocolate, or by adding a hint of green food coloring to enhance their festive appeal. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, a cookie exchange, or simply to enjoy with a cup of hot cocoa, these cookies are sure to impress.

Why This Recipe is a Winner

Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are a winner for several reasons. First, they’re incredibly easy to make, requiring no special equipment or advanced baking skills. The dough comes together quickly and rolls into perfect little balls that bake up beautifully every time.

Second, their flavor combination is irresistible. The cool mint and sweet chocolate chips are a match made in heaven, while the buttery cookie base provides the perfect canvas for these flavors to shine.

Third, they’re as pretty as they are delicious. The powdered sugar coating not only adds sweetness but also gives the cookies a festive, snow-covered appearance that’s perfect for the holidays.

Lastly, these cookies have universal appeal. Both kids and adults love them, making them an ideal choice for family gatherings or holiday gifts. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture and distinctive flavor profile make them stand out among other holiday cookies.

Ingredients

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
½ cup powdered sugar, plus extra for coating
1 teaspoon pure mint extract
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon salt
¾ cup mini chocolate chips

Optional: Add a few drops of green food coloring for a festive touch or substitute dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor.

Preparation Tips

Cream the Butter and Sugar: Begin by creaming the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This step ensures a smooth dough and a tender cookie texture.
Incorporate the Mint: Add the mint extract, mixing until evenly distributed. If desired, add green food coloring at this stage.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the creamed butter and sugar, mixing until just combined.
Fold in the Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Shape and Chill: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Chill the dough balls in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to prevent spreading during baking.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. Avoid overbaking to maintain their delicate texture.
Coat in Powdered Sugar: While the cookies are still warm, roll them in powdered sugar. Allow them to cool completely, then roll them in powdered sugar a second time for a thick, snowy coating.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these cookies on a festive platter alongside a hot beverage like mint tea, hot chocolate, or coffee. They also make a beautiful addition to holiday gift boxes or cookie trays. For an extra festive touch, dust them with a mixture of powdered sugar and edible glitter.

Helpful Tips

Always use unsalted butter to control the salt content in the recipe.
Chilling the dough balls is essential to maintaining their shape during baking.
For best results, measure flour using the spoon-and-level method to avoid dense cookies.
Store these cookies in an airtight container for up to a week or freeze them for longer storage.

Substitutions and Variations

Replace the mini chocolate chips with crushed peppermint candies for a crunchy twist.
Use almond or vanilla extract in place of mint for a different flavor profile.
Add a teaspoon of cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolatey base.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking.
What can I use instead of mint extract? Vanilla or almond extract works well as substitutes.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading? Ensure the dough is chilled before baking.
Can I freeze these cookies? Yes, freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Why is my dough crumbly? This may be due to overmixing or insufficient butter. Add a teaspoon of milk if needed.
Can I double the recipe? Absolutely, this recipe doubles easily.
What if I don’t have mini chocolate chips? Chop regular chocolate chips into smaller pieces.
Do I have to coat them twice in powdered sugar? Double coating enhances the snowy appearance but is optional.
Can I use salted butter? Yes, but reduce the added salt to ⅛ teaspoon.
How do I make them gluten-free? Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.

Ideas for Repurposing Leftovers

Ice Cream Topping: Crumble the cookies over vanilla ice cream for a festive dessert.
Cookie Truffles: Mix crumbled cookies with cream cheese, roll into balls, and dip in melted chocolate.
Holiday Parfaits: Layer crumbled cookies with whipped cream and chocolate pudding in a glass.

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