If you’re on the hunt for a treat that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat, Minty Snowball Cookies are about to become your new favorite. These charming little bites deliver a refreshing pop of peppermint wrapped in a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookie, all dusted in a flurry of powdered sugar. The rich chocolate chips tucked inside and the optional sparkle of crushed peppermint candies make them irresistibly festive. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a cookie swap, or just because, Minty Snowball Cookies promise to bring a touch of winter wonderland magic to any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Minty Snowball Cookies lies in their simplicity—each ingredient has a starring role in creating that signature taste and snowy look. Let’s break down what you’ll need, and why each element matters for the perfect batch.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): The creamy base of these cookies, butter gives them a rich flavor and that signature tender crumb.
- Powdered sugar (½ cup, plus more for coating): Adds sweetness and creates the iconic “snowy” finish after baking.
- Peppermint extract (1 teaspoon): Provides a bright, cool mint flavor that makes these cookies stand out.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The structural backbone, flour gives the cookies their shape and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Just a pinch balances the sweetness and enhances every other flavor.
- Mini chocolate chips (¾ cup): These add pockets of chocolatey goodness in every bite, pairing perfectly with cool peppermint.
- Crushed peppermint candies or candy canes (optional): Sprinkle on top for a festive crunch and an extra punch of minty sparkle.
How to Make Minty Snowball Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this keeps your cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Taking a few minutes to get everything ready now means you can focus on the fun part: making and shaping your Minty Snowball Cookies!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and ½ cup of powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This crucial step gives your cookies that delicate, tender crumb and ensures every bite is perfectly sweet. Don’t rush it—let your mixer do the work for about 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Add the Peppermint Extract
Next, mix in the peppermint extract. Just a teaspoon will infuse your dough with a cool, refreshing flavor that’s unmistakably festive. If you love an extra-strong minty kick, feel free to add a drop more, but start with the recipe for a balanced taste.
Step 4: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
Gradually add in the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing just until everything is combined. The dough will start to look thick and a bit crumbly, but it should hold together beautifully when pressed. Be gentle—overmixing can make the cookies tough.
Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
With a spatula, gently fold in the mini chocolate chips. These little bursts of chocolate add a delightful surprise inside every cookie, and their small size means they’re perfectly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them between your hands to form smooth balls. Place them about an inch apart on your prepared baking sheet. The dough should feel thick and easy to work with, almost like playdough.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pop your cookie tray into the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes. You’re looking for the bottoms to turn lightly golden while the tops remain pale—this keeps the centers tender and melt-in-your-mouth. Resist the urge to overbake!
Step 8: The Signature Snowy Finish
Let the cookies cool for about 5 minutes, just until they’re cool enough to handle but still a bit warm. Gently roll each cookie in extra powdered sugar. For a true snowball effect, let them cool completely and give them a second sugar shower. If you love a pop of color and crunch, top each cookie with crushed peppermint candies before the final coating.
How to Serve Minty Snowball Cookies
Garnishes
A classic dusting of powdered sugar is all you really need, but adding a sprinkle of crushed peppermint candies or a few extra mini chocolate chips on top takes your Minty Snowball Cookies over the top. The visual appeal is undeniable, and the candies add a little festive sparkle and crunch.
Side Dishes
Pair your Minty Snowball Cookies with a mug of hot cocoa, peppermint tea, or even a creamy latte for a cozy afternoon treat. They’re also lovely alongside a bowl of fresh berries or served with vanilla ice cream for an extra-special dessert plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Minty Snowball Cookies make adorable gifts—pile them into a clear cellophane bag tied with a ribbon, or stack them in a festive tin layered with parchment paper. For a party, arrange them in a snowy mountain on a cake stand, or nestle them among other holiday cookies on a colorful platter. However you serve them, they’re guaranteed to draw smiles!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Minty Snowball Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and tender for up to a week, making them perfect for snacking or sneaking into lunchboxes.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully! You can freeze them either before or after rolling in powdered sugar. If freezing after baking, wait until they’re completely cool, then store in a zip-top bag or airtight container. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature, then give them a fresh roll in powdered sugar for that just-baked look.
Reheating
While Minty Snowball Cookies are typically enjoyed at room temperature, you can refresh them by warming in a 275°F oven for about 5 minutes. This perks them up and makes them taste freshly baked. Just be sure to re-roll in powdered sugar if you’d like to restore their snowy coating.
FAQs
Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of mini chips?
Absolutely! Regular chocolate chips will work, but they create larger pockets of chocolate. For the most even distribution, chop them up a bit before folding into the dough.
What if I don’t have peppermint extract?
You can swap in another mint extract, though the flavor may vary slightly. If you’re in a pinch, try using finely crushed mint candies, but keep in mind the mint flavor might be milder.
Can I make these Minty Snowball Cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Just make sure your blend contains xanthan gum for the best texture, and your cookies will turn out just as delicious.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Since Minty Snowball Cookies have no leavening agents, they naturally hold their round shape. If your dough feels overly soft, chill it for 20–30 minutes before rolling and baking to ensure perfect snowballs.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! This dough doubles (or even triples) beautifully. Just be sure to use a large enough bowl and give a little extra time for mixing so everything is well combined.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to share a little wintery joy, you can’t go wrong with Minty Snowball Cookies. They’re simple, festive, and full of charm—perfect for any celebration or cozy night in. Grab your mixer and create some snowy magic in your own kitchen!
Print
Minty Snowball Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these festive Minty Snowball Cookies, a perfect holiday treat combining rich butteriness with refreshing peppermint and a hint of chocolate. Rolled in powdered sugar for a snowy finish, these cookies are crisp on the outside, tender inside, and ideal for sharing during celebrations.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar (plus more for coating)
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup mini chocolate chips
Topping (Optional)
- Crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with ½ cup powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, then mix in the peppermint extract for flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined to form a thick dough.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the mini chocolate chips into the dough ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place each ball about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes until the bottoms are lightly golden but the tops remain pale and soft.
- First Sugar Coating: Let the cookies cool slightly on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then roll them in additional powdered sugar while still warm to create the initial snowy effect.
- Add Peppermint Topping (Optional): If desired, sprinkle or press crushed peppermint candies onto the cookies before the final sugar coating.
- Final Cooling and Coating: Allow cookies to cool completely, then roll again in powdered sugar for the signature snowball finish.
Notes
- These cookies can be made ahead and frozen either glazed or unglazed for later enjoyment.
- For a festive variation, swap mini chocolate chips with white chocolate chips.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
