Introduction

Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are a festive twist on the classic snowball cookie. Their unique flavor combines the refreshing taste of mint with the rich notes of chocolate, offering a delightful treat for any occasion.

These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy winter nights, or simply as a sweet indulgence. Their powdery exterior and chewy center make them not only visually appealing but also a joy to bite into.

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
Butter adds richness and flavor to the cookies, while also contributing to their tender texture. Softening the butter makes it easier to cream with sugar, ensuring a light and fluffy batter.
1/2 cup powdered sugar
Powdered sugar provides sweetness and helps create the melt-in-your-mouth texture that is characteristic of snowball cookies. It dissolves easily, ensuring a smooth batter.
2 cups all-purpose flour
Flour is the main structure-building ingredient in cookies. It gives them body and helps achieve the desired crumbly yet tender texture.
1/4 teaspoon salt
Salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients and balances the sweetness, making the overall taste more complex and enjoyable.
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
Peppermint extract delivers the refreshing mint flavor that defines these cookies. It adds a burst of flavor without overwhelming the other elements.
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
Mini chocolate chips bring bursts of chocolate flavor to each bite, complementing the mint while also providing a delightful textural contrast.
1/4 cup granulated sugar
Granulated sugar contributes to the overall sweetness of the cookies while also affecting their texture. It caramelizes slightly during baking, helping to form a crispy exterior.
Extra powdered sugar for coating
Coating the cookies in powdered sugar gives them the classic snowball appearance. It also adds an extra touch of sweetness, balancing the flavors beautifully.

Directions & Preparation

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Preheating the oven ensures that your cookies start baking at the right temperature, allowing for proper rise and texture. A well-heated oven promotes even baking and prevents the cookies from spreading too much.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.

Creaming the butter with the powdered sugar incorporates air into the mixture, creating a light texture. This step is crucial for the overall structure of the cookies, helping them to rise properly.

Step 3: Add the peppermint extract and mix until combined.

Incorporating the peppermint extract at this stage evenly distributes its flavor throughout the cookie dough. This is also the right moment to adjust the amount of extract if you prefer a stronger or milder mint taste.

Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.

Whisking the flour and salt together helps to evenly distribute the salt throughout the flour, ensuring all the cookies have a balanced flavor. This step also aerates the flour, preventing clumping.

Step 5: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.

Mixing until just combined prevents overworking the dough, which can lead to tough cookies. This step is about achieving a soft, cohesive dough without gluten overdevelopment.

Step 6: Fold in the mini chocolate chips.

Folding in the mini chocolate chips ensures they are evenly dispersed throughout the dough. It adds bursts of chocolate flavor in every bite, enhancing the overall taste of the cookies.

Step 7: Form the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Shaping the dough into even balls ensures uniform baking, giving a consistent texture and appearance to each cookie. Spacing them properly on the baking sheet prevents them from merging during baking.

Step 8: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges begin to golden.

Baking for the right amount of time allows the cookies to develop a slight crust while remaining soft inside. Keeping an eye on them ensures they don’t overbake, which could result in dryness.

Step 9: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Letting the cookies cool slightly on the baking sheet allows them to set without breaking apart. Transferring them to a wire rack afterward ensures they cool evenly and prevents sogginess.

Step 10: Once cooled, roll each cookie in powdered sugar to coat them.

Rolling the cookies in powdered sugar after cooling gives them the classic snowball appearance and adds a layer of sweetness that enhances the mint and chocolate flavors. This final touch is what makes them so appealing.

Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies step photo

The Perfect Minty Flavor Balance

Achieving the right balance of mint in your Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies is essential. Too much peppermint extract can overpower the other flavors, while too little can result in a bland cookie. Experimenting with small adjustments in peppermint will help you find the perfect minty note that complements the chocolate chips without masking them.

Texture Tips for Snowball Cookies

For the ideal texture in snowball cookies, mixing the dough just until combined is key. This prevents gluten formation that can lead to tough cookies. Additionally, ensuring your butter is properly softened helps achieve that melt-in-your-mouth consistency characteristic of snowball cookies. Be mindful to not overbake them; a pale golden edge is all you need.

Elevating with Additional Ingredients

If you're looking to elevate your Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies, consider adding crushed peppermint candies or swapping some chocolate chips for white chocolate for a contrast in flavor. Chopped nuts can also provide a delightful crunch, balancing the soft cookie texture. Each addition can bring a new twist and make your cookies stand out even more.

FAQs

What should I do if my dough is too dry?

If the dough feels too dry to form into balls, try adding a teaspoon of milk or water at a time until it reaches a workable consistency. Be cautious not to overdo it.

Can I substitute the butter for margarine?

Yes, margarine can be used as a substitute for butter. However, it may slightly alter the flavor and texture, so choose a quality margarine for the best results.

What if my cookies come out bland?

If your cookies taste bland, consider increasing the amount of peppermint extract for a stronger mint flavor. Additionally, a pinch more salt can enhance the overall flavor.

Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of mini chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Regular chocolate chips can be used instead of mini ones, but smaller chips tend to distribute more evenly throughout the dough.

What happens if I overbake my cookies?

Overbaking can result in dry, hard cookies. To avoid this, keep an eye on them; they should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center when you take them out.

Can I make these cookies more minty?

If you want a stronger mint flavor, gradually increase the peppermint extract by 1/4 teaspoon increments, tasting the dough until it suits your preference.

Conclusion

Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are a delightful treat that brings a refreshing twist to traditional cookies. With their unique flavor profile and melt-in-your-mouth texture, they are perfect for sharing or enjoying with a hot beverage.

Experimenting with the ingredients and techniques can make this recipe your own. Whether it's the minty flavor or the addition of extra chocolate, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Enjoy creating them, and share the love with friends and family!

Recipe Card

Print Pin