Why You’ll Love Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe
• Classic snowball cookies get a fun mint chocolate twist
• Easy to make with simple ingredients you likely have on hand
• Bite‑sized and irresistible — hard to eat just one
• Great for Christmas, St. Patrick’s Day, Easter, or anytime
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
⅔ cup powdered sugar, sifted
2 ¼ cups all‑purpose flour, spooned and leveled
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon mint extract or peppermint extract
green food coloring (gel works best)
¾ cup mini chocolate chips
additional powdered sugar for coating
Directions
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Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
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Beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy.
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Mix in the flour, salt, and mint extract just until combined.
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Add green food coloring a few drops at a time until the desired color is achieved.
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Stir in the mini chocolate chips.
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Scoop out one tablespoon of dough at a time and form into balls.
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Cover and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes.
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Bake for 7–8 minutes — cookies should be very lightly browned on the bottom.
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Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
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Transfer slightly cooled cookies to a baking sheet dusted with powdered sugar and dust with more powdered sugar.
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Once completely cool, roll cookies one at a time in powdered sugar until fully coated.
Servings and timing
Servings: About 30 cookies
Prep Time: ~10 minutes (plus chilling)
Cook Time: ~8 minutes per batch
Total Time: ~18 minutes (active)
Variations
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Peppermint Swap: Use peppermint extract instead of mint for a holiday twist
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No Food Coloring: Omit green coloring for natural mint cookies
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Dark Chocolate: Try dark chocolate chips instead of mini chips
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Double Chocolate: Add a bit of cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolate base
Storage/Reheating
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Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
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Freezing Baked Cookies: Freeze cooled cookies on a baking sheet for 30 minutes, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months
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Freezing Dough: Form dough balls and flash freeze before storing in a bag; bake from frozen with 2 extra minutes added
FAQs
What makes these cookies “snowball” cookies?
Snowball cookies are small, buttery cookies rolled in powdered sugar so they resemble snowballs.
Do I need to chill the dough?
Yes — chilling helps prevent spreading and gives the cookies a better texture.
Can I use peppermint extract instead of mint?
Yes, peppermint extract provides a slightly stronger mint flavor and works perfectly.
Can I make these cookies without food coloring?
Absolutely — food coloring is optional and doesn’t affect the taste.
How should I store leftover cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, you can freeze both the baked cookies and unbaked dough for later use.
Why are my cookies crumbly?
Cookies may be crumbly if there is too much flour or not enough butter. Be sure to measure ingredients accurately.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes — the dough can be made and refrigerated overnight before baking.
Can I use regular chocolate chips?
Yes, you can use regular chocolate chips, though you may want to chop them for smaller bites.
Will these spread during baking?
No — if the dough is properly chilled, the cookies will hold their shape during baking.
Conclusion
Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are a festive, refreshing spin on a beloved classic. Buttery and tender with bursts of mint and chocolate, they’re perfect for any occasion and easy enough to make anytime. Add them to your cookie rotation for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
These Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are a festive twist on the classic snowball cookie, featuring a minty flavor and studded with mini chocolate chips, making them perfect for the holidays.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup mini chocolate chips
- Green food coloring (optional)
- 1 cup powdered sugar, for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats and set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the salt, peppermint extract, vanilla extract, and green food coloring if using.
- Gradually add in the flour and mix until just combined.
- Fold in the mini chocolate chips.
- Scoop out dough and roll into 1-inch balls. Place on prepared baking sheets about 1 inch apart.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly golden. The tops should not brown.
- Let cookies cool for about 5 minutes, then roll in powdered sugar while still warm.
- Let the cookies cool completely, then roll in powdered sugar again for a snowy look.
Notes
- Do not overbake; cookies should stay soft and not brown on top.
- Use gel food coloring for a more vibrant green without altering the texture.
- Cookies can be made ahead and frozen, then dusted with powdered sugar before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg