If mint chocolate chip ice cream and classic Christmas snowballs had a baby… this would be it. These Easy Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are tender, buttery, lightly minty, and studded with mini chocolate chips for that perfect ice-cream-inspired bite. They bake up soft and round, then get rolled in powdered sugar for a snowy, festive finish that makes them a holiday showstopper.
Ready in just 25 minutes, these cookies are perfect for last-minute holiday baking, Christmas cookie exchanges, cozy winter nights, or any moment that calls for a sweet minty treat. With simple ingredients and big flavor, they’re a guaranteed 5-star holiday hit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Taste like mint chocolate chip ice cream—but in a soft, buttery cookie form.
- One-bowl recipe with minimal prep and no chilling needed.
- Perfect for the holidays thanks to their snowy powdered sugar coating.
- Customizable mint strength—make them lightly minty or extra bold.
- Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly for easy holiday planning.
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Creates the rich, melt-in-your-mouth base.
- Powdered sugar (½ cup): Sweetens gently while keeping the texture tender.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Adds warmth and balances the mint.
- Mint extract (½ tsp): Gives that cool, refreshing flavor.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): Forms the structure of the cookie.
- Salt (¼ tsp): Enhances the flavor and balances sweetness.
- Mini chocolate chips (¾ cup): Disperses chocolate evenly throughout each bite.
- Green food coloring (3–4 drops, optional): Adds a fun minty color.
- Additional powdered sugar: For rolling and creating the signature snowy finish.
How to Make Easy Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
1. Prep the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Make the Dough
Beat together the softened butter and powdered sugar until creamy and smooth.
Mix in the vanilla, mint extract, and food coloring (if using).
Add the flour and salt, mixing just until a soft dough forms.
Fold in the mini chocolate chips.
3. Shape the Cookies
Scoop out 1-tablespoon portions of dough and roll gently into round balls.
Place them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cookies are set but still pale.
Snowball cookies should not brown—this keeps the texture soft and tender.
5. Roll in Powdered Sugar
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then roll each one in powdered sugar.
Once fully cooled, roll them again for the classic double-coated snowy finish.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overbake—the cookies should remain pale and soft.
- Double roll in powdered sugar for the best snowy coating.
- For extra mint flavor, increase mint extract to ¾ teaspoon.
- Use mini chips so they distribute evenly without breaking the cookies.
- If dough seems crumbly, keep mixing—snowball dough comes together with a bit of working.
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Recipe Variations
- Double Chocolate Snowballs: Use chocolate dough and add white chocolate chips.
- Peppermint Crunch: Add crushed candy canes instead of chocolate chips.
- Chocolate-Drizzled Snowballs: Drizzle cooled cookies with melted dark chocolate.
- Matcha Mint Snowballs: Replace a tablespoon of flour with matcha powder for a green tea twist.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve on a Christmas cookie platter with sugar cookies, gingerbread men, and chocolate crinkles.
- Pair with hot cocoa, peppermint mochas, or warm milk.
- Wrap in holiday tins or clear treat bags for charming homemade gifts.
- Dust with extra powdered sugar right before serving for a fresh snowy look.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! They stay soft for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely. Roll into balls and freeze unbaked. Bake straight from the freezer—just add 1 minute.
Can I use peppermint extract instead of mint?
Yes, but peppermint is stronger—use slightly less.
Why are my snowball cookies dry?
If the dough is too crumbly, you may have added too much flour. Mix a bit more or add 1–2 teaspoons of softened butter to bring it together.
Can I skip the food coloring?
Of course! It’s purely decorative.
Easy Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies: Cool, Minty, and Melt-In-Your-Mouth
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 20–24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies: Cool, minty, melt-in-your-mouth cookies that taste like mint chocolate chip ice cream wrapped in a tender holiday cookie.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp mint extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup mini chocolate chips
- 3–4 drops green food coloring (optional)
- Additional powdered sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar until creamy and smooth.
- Mix in the vanilla extract, mint extract, and green food coloring (if using).
- Add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Fold in the mini chocolate chips.
- Scoop 1-tablespoon portions of dough and roll into balls.
- Place on the baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes, until set but not browned.
- Let cookies cool for 5 minutes, then roll in powdered sugar.
- Once fully cooled, roll again for an extra snowy finish.
Notes
- Optional green food coloring adds a festive look.
- For a stronger mint flavor, increase mint extract to 3/4 teaspoon.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Dusting with powdered sugar twice gives the classic snowy finish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
- Category: Cookies
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
These Easy Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are the perfect blend of freshness, sweetness, and holiday charm. With their minty flavor, tender texture, and snowy powdered sugar coating, they feel like pure winter magic in cookie form. Whether you’re baking them for family, gifting, or your next holiday cookie tray, these snowballs will absolutely wow.