Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

You know that feeling when it’s snowing outside, and all you want is something sweet, minty, and loaded with chocolate? Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are the perfect winter treat—bite-sized, buttery, and dusted with powdered sugar like little edible snowballs!

But these cookies aren’t just about looking festive. They’ve got that melt-in-your-mouth texture, a pop of refreshing mint, and just the right amount of chocolatey goodness. Plus, they’re ridiculously easy to whip up, making them a go-to for holiday baking, cookie swaps, or, let’s be real—snacking while binge-watching your favorite holiday movies.

In this guide, we’re diving into (oops, not diving!)—I mean, we’re breaking down everything you need to know to make these little treats, from the essential ingredients to baking tips, fun variations, and even some troubleshooting tricks. By the time you’re done reading, you’ll be ready to bake a batch (or three) of these magical cookies!

Now, let’s get started with the basics!

Introduction to Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

What Are Snowball Cookies?

Okay, first things first—what even are snowball cookies? You’ve probably seen them before, maybe at a Christmas party or tucked inside a holiday cookie tin. These classic cookies are small, round, and covered in a generous dusting of powdered sugar. They’ve got a soft, crumbly, almost shortbread-like texture that just melts in your mouth.

Snowball cookies are also known as Mexican wedding cookies, Russian tea cakes, or butterballs, depending on where you’re from. The traditional versions are usually made with butter, flour, powdered sugar, and nuts. But today? We’re skipping the nuts and adding mint chocolate chip magic instead!

The Origin of Mint Chocolate Chip Flavor

You can’t talk about Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies without mentioning the famous mint chocolate chip ice cream! The flavor combo—cool, refreshing mint with rich chocolate chunks—has been a fan favorite since the 1970s. Fun fact: It was originally created for a cooking competition and instantly became a hit.

Now, take that creamy, dreamy ice cream flavor, and imagine it in cookie form. That’s exactly what we’re making here.

Why Combine Mint Chocolate Chip with Snowball Cookies?

Honestly? Because it just works. Snowball cookies already have a soft, buttery base, which makes them perfect for carrying strong flavors like mint. Add in the mini chocolate chips, and suddenly, you’ve got a flavor that’s cool, chocolatey, and totally irresistible.

Not to mention—they look festive! A little green food coloring (totally optional) makes them even more holiday-ready. Plus, if you’re anything like me, you probably don’t need an excuse to eat mint chocolate chip anything year-round.

So, now that we know what makes these cookies so amazing, let’s get to the good stuff—the ingredients you’ll need to make them!

Ingredients Needed for Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

You don’t need a long grocery list to whip up Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies. In fact, you probably have most of the ingredients in your kitchen right now! These cookies are all about simplicity, but getting the right balance of flavors is key.

Essential Ingredients

To make these snowball cookies soft, buttery, and packed with minty chocolate flavor, here’s what you’ll need:

• Unsalted Butter – This gives the cookies their rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Make sure it’s softened, but not melted.
• Powdered Sugar – Unlike regular sugar, this blends seamlessly into the dough, creating that signature tender crumb.
• All-Purpose Flour – The base of the cookie. It holds everything together!
• Salt – Just a pinch helps balance out the sweetness and brings out the flavors.
• Mint Extract – This is where the cool, refreshing minty flavor comes from. Be careful not to add too much—it’s strong!
• Green Food Coloring (Optional) – Want to make them look as minty as they taste? A drop or two of green food coloring does the trick.
• Mini Chocolate Chips – The star of the show! Using mini chips makes sure every bite has just the right amount of chocolate.

Optional Additions and Substitutions

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Using Peppermint Extract – It’s a little stronger than mint extract, so use sparingly.
• Alternative Sweeteners – If you’re avoiding refined sugar, try powdered monk fruit sweetener.
• Adding Nuts for a Crunch – Chopped pecans or walnuts add a little extra bite.

Got your ingredients ready? Perfect—now let’s get baking!

Step-by-Step Recipe for Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

Making Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies is super easy—no fancy equipment, no chilling time, and no stress. Just mix, roll, bake, and coat them in powdered sugar.

Preparing the Dough

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar – In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until it’s light and fluffy. This step is crucial for getting that perfect soft texture.
2. Add Dry Ingredients – Gradually mix in the flour and salt. Don’t overmix—just blend until everything is combined.
3. Add Flavoring & Color – Stir in the mint extract and a few drops of green food coloring (if using). Mix until the color is evenly distributed.
4. Fold in Mini Chocolate Chips – Gently mix in the mini chocolate chips, making sure they’re spread evenly throughout the dough.

Shaping and Baking the Cookies

1. Form the Dough Balls – Scoop out small portions of dough (about 1-inch in size), roll them into balls, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
2. Bake at the Right Temperature – Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–12 minutes, or until the cookies are set but not browned. They should be soft, not crispy!
3. First Powdered Sugar Coating – While they’re still warm, gently roll them in powdered sugar so it sticks to the surface. This creates the first snowy layer.

Final Touches

1. Cool the Cookies – Let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack.
2. Apply a Second Powdered Sugar Coating – Once completely cool, roll them in powdered sugar again for that signature snowball effect.

And that’s it—your homemade Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are ready! They’re soft, minty, chocolatey, and absolutely addictive.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

Let’s be real—Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are pretty easy to make. But if you want them perfect every time (not too dry, not too crumbly, and packed with flavor), here are some tried-and-true tips!

Ensuring Proper Dough Consistency

• If your dough feels too dry or crumbly, don’t panic! Just knead it with your hands—it’ll come together.
• If it’s too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it’s manageable.

Preventing Excessive Spreading

• These cookies shouldn’t spread much, but if they do, your butter might be too soft. Try chilling the dough for 10 minutes before rolling.
• Avoid using margarine or overly processed butter substitutes—they can mess with the texture.

Achieving the Ideal Mint Flavor Balance

• Less is more with mint extract! Too much, and your cookies will taste like toothpaste. Start with the recommended amount and adjust if needed.
• Want a stronger chocolate-mint combo? Use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet.

Storing and Preserving Freshness

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
• Want to make them ahead? The dough freezes well—just roll into balls and freeze before baking.

For more delicious recipes, check out our other cookie recipes!

Variations and Creative Twists

Want to switch things up? Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are amazing as-is, but here are some fun variations to try!

Chocolate Mint Snowball Cookies

• Add ¼ cup cocoa powder to the dough for a richer, chocolatey twist.
• Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for Andes Mint Chips to boost that minty goodness.

Gluten-Free and Vegan Alternatives

• For a gluten-free version, use almond flour or a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
• To make them vegan, swap butter for vegan butter and use dairy-free chocolate chips.

Festive Decorations

• Add a drizzle of melted white or dark chocolate for extra flair.
• Roll the cookies in colored sugar before baking for a festive look!

These little tweaks make Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies even more fun, whether for the holidays or just a cozy baking day!

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

So, you’ve got a fresh batch of Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies sitting on your counter, looking all festive and delicious. Now what? Sure, you could eat them straight from the plate (no judgment here), but if you want to level up your cookie game, here are some fun serving ideas and perfect drink pairings!

Ideal Occasions for Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

These cookies are perfect for just about any occasion, but here are a few where they really shine:

• Holiday Gatherings – These little snowballs fit right in at Christmas parties and cookie exchanges. Plus, they’re freezer-friendly, so you can make them ahead!
• Cookie Swaps – Everyone loves a unique cookie, and the minty chocolate flavor makes these stand out.
• Afternoon Tea or Coffee Breaks – Their bite-sized nature makes them the perfect companion to a warm cup of something cozy.

Beverage Pairings

You can’t go wrong with a cold glass of milk, but if you want to get fancy, try pairing these cookies with:

• Hot Cocoa – Because chocolate + chocolate is always a win.
• Mint-Infused Coffee – A splash of peppermint syrup in your coffee? Game changer!
• Dessert Wines – If you’re feeling extra fancy, a sweet red wine pairs beautifully with chocolate.

These cookies are fun, festive, and ridiculously easy to enjoy—no matter how you serve them!

Frequently Asked Questions

You’ve got questions? We’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common ones about Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies.