Name: Minty Snowball Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon peppermint extract; 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup mini chocolate chips; 1 cup powdered sugar

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There’s something irresistible about biting into Minty Snowball Cookies: tender, buttery nuggets that dissolve the instant they touch your tongue, then surprise you with a burst of cool peppermint and a smattering of melty chocolate chips. These cookies are the culinary equivalent of a wintry walk—crisp, refreshing, and full of holiday cheer. Whether you’re baking for a festive gathering or sharing a quiet afternoon treat, Minty Snowball Cookies are sure to become your next crave-worthy classic.

Minty Snowball Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about making Minty Snowball Cookies is just how simple the list of ingredients is. Each one has its own special role, from creating melt-in-your-mouth texture to infusing each bite with cool, minty magic.

Unsalted butter: Softened butter lays the rich, creamy foundation and ensures a tender, delicate crumb.
Powdered sugar (for dough): This sweetens the dough and keeps the texture ultra-smooth—no grittiness here!
Peppermint extract: The star of the show, lending that unmistakably fresh, festive flavor to every bite.
All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cookies, providing structure while still allowing that signature snowy crumble.
Salt: A little bit enhances all the flavors, balancing out sweetness and intensifying the minty goodness.
Mini chocolate chips: These flecks of chocolate add welcome bursts of flavor and a touch of decadence.
Powdered sugar (for rolling): Twice-rolled for that classic snowy finish—don’t skip this step for the full snowball effect!

How to Make Minty Snowball Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Tools

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures the cookies won’t stick and makes cleanup wonderfully easy—plus, prepping things now lets you roll right into the fun part later.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until the mixture looks pale and fluffy. This step creates an airy, luxurious base and helps ensure the finished Minty Snowball Cookies are perfectly melt-in-your-mouth instead of dense.

Step 3: Add Peppermint Magic

Mix in the peppermint extract. This is the moment where your dough transforms from simple to super special—give it a good stir so the minty flavor gets evenly distributed in every cookie.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the flour and salt to your wet mixture, mixing only until just combined. Over-mixing can toughen the dough, so stop as soon as no streaks of flour remain. Your dough will be thick and that’s exactly what you want!

Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Next, gently fold in the mini chocolate chips. Little bursts of chocolate are what take Minty Snowball Cookies from great to utterly unforgettable. Make sure they’re evenly distributed for a chocolatey surprise in every bite.

Step 6: Shape and Bake

Scoop out small bits of dough and roll them into 1-inch balls, then arrange them on your prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Pop them in the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes—just until set. You want them pale, not browned, to keep that light, snowy look.

Step 7: Snowy Sugar Finishing Touch

Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes on the sheet, then roll the warm cookies gently in powdered sugar. Allow them to finish cooling, then roll a second time for a beautiful, snowy coating that looks (and tastes) absolutely enchanting.

How to Serve Minty Snowball Cookies

Garnishes

For classic, simple beauty, a second dusting of powdered sugar as the cookies cool is all you need. If you’re feeling extra festive, swirl a little finely crushed peppermint candy into the sugar for a bit of crunch and sparkle—the red stripes peeking through the snow look spectacular on a holiday cookie tray.

Side Dishes

Pair Minty Snowball Cookies with mugs of hot cocoa, peppermint tea, or creamy lattes for a cozy winter treat. They also shine alongside fruit platters or a bowl of fresh berries, which complement the cool mint with a pop of tangy sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Show off your Minty Snowball Cookies in clear glass jars tied with a ribbon for homemade gifts, or stack them in paper-lined tins for sharing at a cookie swap. For a party, arrange them on a platter nestled among fresh mint leaves or edible glitter for a magical, snowy scene.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Minty Snowball Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay perfectly tender and flavorful for up to one week—if you can resist them that long!

Freezing

To extend the enjoyment, these cookies freeze beautifully. Place cooled cookies in layers separated by parchment or wax paper in an airtight container; they’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature whenever a craving strikes.

Reheating

No need for a microwave—just let your frozen cookies come to room temperature naturally. If you want to freshen them up, pop the cookies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 3 to 5 minutes, then add one more roll in powdered sugar for the best “freshly baked” experience.

FAQs

Can I make Minty Snowball Cookies without peppermint extract?

Absolutely! While the peppermint extract is what gives these cookies their signature flavor, you can substitute with vanilla or almond extract for a different twist. The cookies will still be delicious, but they’ll lose their “minty” personality.

Do Minty Snowball Cookies work with gluten-free flour?

Yes, you can substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Just be sure to check your flour blend contains a binder like xanthan gum for the best crumbly, tender texture.

How can I prevent my cookies from spreading?

Properly measured flour and thoroughly chilled dough (if your kitchen is very warm) help the cookies hold their adorable round shape. Be sure not to overwork the dough, and use parchment paper for even baking.

Can I double or halve this recipe?

Of course! This Minty Snowball Cookies recipe doubles beautifully for big gatherings, or halve it for a small batch. Just keep an eye on baking times if you make cookies larger or smaller than 1-inch rounds.

What if I want to add nuts?

Chopped toasted pecans, walnuts, or almonds can be delicious additions. Sprinkle in 1/2 cup with the mini chocolate chips to add a bit of crunch and nutty flavor—it’s a great way to put your own twist on Minty Snowball Cookies.

Final Thoughts

Sharing a plate of Minty Snowball Cookies really does feel like giving a little piece of holiday happiness. Whether you’re baking for loved ones or as a sweet way to treat yourself, I can’t recommend these enough—you might just find they become a new tradition in your kitchen. Give them a try, and let the minty magic begin!

Minty Snowball Cookies Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 36 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Minty Snowball Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for the holiday season. With a buttery peppermint-infused dough studded with mini chocolate chips and coated in powdered sugar, they are a festive and delicious addition to any cookie platter.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cookies:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup mini chocolate chips

For Rolling:

1 cup powdered sugar

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Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Mix Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until creamy. Mix in peppermint extract.
Add Dry Ingredients and Chocolate Chips: Gradually add flour and salt, stirring until just combined. Fold in mini chocolate chips.
Form and Bake Cookies: Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on baking sheets. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until set but not browned.
Roll Cookies in Sugar: Let cool for 5 minutes, then roll warm cookies in powdered sugar. Once completely cool, roll in powdered sugar again for a snowy finish.