Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are a dazzling update on the classic buttery snowball—also known as Mexican wedding cookies or Russian tea cakes. Subtle mint, rich chocolate, and a shower of powdered sugar make them the life of any holiday platter or winter gathering.
Each bite is tender, delicate, and full of cool, sweet nostalgia, destined to become a new tradition for bakers and cookie lovers alike.
1. The Sparkling History of Snowball Cookies
Snowball cookies have delighted generations with their crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth texture and snowy finish. Traditionally made with buttery dough, powdered sugar, and chopped nuts, these cookies have become favorites at holiday swaps and family tables worldwide.
The mint-chocolate chip spin—reminiscent of an ice cream shop favorite—brings a breath of winter to the classic, perfect for cold-weather festivities and anyone who loves the marriage of mint and chocolate.
2. Why You’ll Love Mint Chocolate Chip Snowballs
These cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious. The dough comes together quickly, bakes up delicate and lightly crisp, and stays soft inside—each bite releasing a cool burst of mint and rich morsels of chocolate. Their festive appearance and refreshing flavor bring joy to cookie trays, gifts, and dessert tables for kids and grownups alike.
3. Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar (plus more for rolling)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ teaspoon peppermint extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips (or finely chopped semisweet chocolate)
- Optional: ½ cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts
- Green food coloring (a few drops, optional, for fun minty color)
4. The Dough: Bringing Butter, Mint, and Chocolate Together
To start, beat the softened butter with ½ cup powdered sugar until creamy and smooth. Mix in the vanilla, peppermint extract, and salt. Gradually add the flour, mixing until just combined.
Stir in the chocolate chips, chopped nuts (if using), and a drop or two of green food coloring for a minty hue if desired. The dough will be thick and slightly crumbly—just right for forming into balls.
5. Shaping, Chilling, and Baking
Scoop and roll tablespoon portions of dough between your palms into balls, about 1 inch across. Arrange on parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing about 1½ inches apart. Chill the shaped cookies for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading and keep them extra tender.
Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 12–15 minutes, or until just set and the bottoms take on a hint of golden brown. Do not overbake—snowballs should stay pale.
6. Powdered Sugar Finishing—Twice for Perfect “Snow”
Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes on the pan, then gently roll each in a bowl of powdered sugar while still warm. Set on a rack to cool completely, then roll once more in fresh sugar for an extra-snowy finish that sticks and delights. The double-coating is not just for looks—it locks in softness and delivers that cloudlike bite.
7. Tips, Tricks, and Troubleshooting
Use high-quality peppermint extract to avoid harsh or artificial flavors; a little goes a long way. For best texture, measure flour by fluffing with a spoon and leveling with a knife—too much flour makes cookies dry.
Chill the dough well for a round shape, and don’t skip the cooling before rolling in sugar, or cookies can crack. If chocolate chips are large, chop them more finely for neater slicing and perfect bursts of chocolate in every nibble.
8. Fun Variations and Creative Spins
Try swapping out semisweet chips for white or dark chocolate, or use chopped Andes mints for super-minty flavor. Add a bit of finely grated chocolate (or cocoa nibs) for extra texture.
For holiday flair, roll the finished cookies in colored sanding sugar after the first coat of powdered sugar, or drizzle with melted chocolate for a decorative finish.
9. Make-Ahead, Storage, and Gifting
These cookies keep beautifully in an airtight container for up to a week, staying just as tender and snowy as the day they’re baked. They’re excellent for freezing—stash rolled dough balls unbaked or freeze baked, cooled cookies without the final sugar dusting and roll when thawed.
Package in festive tins or boxes with parchment between layers for flavor, presentation, and freshness.
10. Serving Suggestions and Occasions
Mint Chocolate Chip Snowballs are holiday naturals, perfect for Christmas, Hanukkah, winter solstice celebrations, or cookie swaps. Pair them on a cookie tray with gingerbread, brownies, or shortbread for an array of flavors and textures.
Serve with hot cocoa, peppermint tea, or a cold glass of milk for true wintertime bliss. For parties, pile high on a platter and watch them disappear!
11. Nutrition and Allergies
The recipe is naturally egg-free and easily made nut-free—simply omit the nuts or substitute toasted pepitas for crunch. Use gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version. For dairy-free snowballs, replace butter with high-quality margarine and use dairy-free chips.
Each cookie is an occasional treat, best enjoyed in moderation as part of the joy of the season.
12. Sharing the Joy
Nothing spreads holiday cheer like a batch of home-baked Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies. Brightly colored, tender, and deliciously minty, they’ll be requested every year and remembered as the treat that captured the season.
Bake them for neighbors, teachers, family, and friends—because everyone deserves a taste of edible winter magic.
Conclusion
Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies bring together the best of classic snowballs and the crowd-pleasing charm of mint chocolate chip. Easy, festive, and totally irresistible, they’re a winter cookie you’ll want on repeat—and a new favorite on every cookie tray. Get ready for compliments, requests for the recipe, and happy faces all around as these snowy bites melt in every mouth!
