If you’re craving a festive treat that bursts with refreshing flavor and delicate sweetness, you have to try this Minty Snowball Cookies Recipe. These melt-in-your-mouth cookies combine the comforting richness of buttery dough with the cool, invigorating punch of peppermint, creating a perfect little snowball of joy in every bite. Whether you’re looking for a holiday dessert or an all-year-round delight, this recipe is simple to make, irresistibly tasty, and guaranteed to bring smiles to everyone’s faces.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to baking these irresistible wintertime favorites. Every item in this Minty Snowball Cookies Recipe plays an essential role, whether it’s lending richness, sweetness, or that distinctive minty spark that defines their charm.
- 1 cup unsalted butter: Softened butter is the base for a tender, flaky texture that melts beautifully in your mouth.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for coating): Powdered sugar sweetens the cookies with a fine texture and is key for that classic snowy finish.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth of flavor, balancing the mint perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract: The star of the show that brings the refreshing, minty brightness these cookies are known for.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives the cookies structure while staying tender.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, preventing the sweetness from becoming one-dimensional.
- 1 cup finely chopped mint chocolate or mint chocolate chips: Chocolate bits studded with mint flavors create delightful bursts of texture and extra mint layers.
How to Make Minty Snowball Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preparing Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that when your dough is ready, your oven is perfectly heated for even baking. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze—this small prep step makes a big difference.
Step 2: Creaming Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This stage is critical because incorporating air helps the cookies rise slightly and gives them that tender crumb. Once creamy, blend in the vanilla and peppermint extracts for that unmistakable minty aroma.
Step 3: Mixing the Dough
Gradually add the flour and a pinch of salt to your creamed mixture, stirring until a consistent dough forms. Be careful not to overmix—just enough to bring everything together maintains that delicate texture. Fold in the finely chopped mint chocolate pieces gently to distribute minty chocolate surprises throughout each cookie.
Step 4: Shaping the Cookies
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls; this size is perfect for even baking and lovely bite-sized treats. Arrange them on your prepared baking sheet, spacing each about 1 inch apart to give them room to spread just right.
Step 5: Baking to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, keeping an eye to ensure the edges are set but the cookies themselves stay pale. This subtle color means the cookies remain soft inside, essential for that melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Step 6: The Powdered Sugar Coating
Once out of the oven, let the cookies cool for 5 minutes—just enough to handle without breaking. Roll each warm cookie in powdered sugar to coat—it sticks beautifully while the warmth helps it adhere. After the cookies have fully cooled, roll them once more in powdered sugar for an extra snowy finish that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
Step 7: Storing Your Cookies
To keep these treats fresh and ready for snacking, place them in an airtight container. They stay perfect for up to one week, making it easy to enjoy them a little at a time or share with friends throughout the season.
How to Serve Minty Snowball Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
These cookies shine wonderfully on their own, but a delicate sprinkle of crushed peppermint candy or a drizzle of dark chocolate adds a festive flair and extra texture. Fresh mint leaves beside them enhance the minty theme and make your cookie platter pop visually.
Side Dishes
Minty Snowball Cookies go hand in hand with a warm cup of peppermint tea or rich hot cocoa for the ultimate cozy treat. Alternatively, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream brings a creamy contrast that takes your tasting experience to new heights.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the cookies in clear jars tied with a red ribbon for a charming gift idea, or arrange them on a festive platter alongside other holiday cookies to create a colorful cookie buffet. For parties, use decorative cupcake liners to hold individual cookies—they’re perfect for grabbing on the go and add a playful touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Minty Snowball Cookies, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Their beautiful powdery coating stays intact, and the cookies retain their tender texture for up to a week, making them a reliable treat to enjoy anytime.
Freezing
These cookies freeze wonderfully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet first and freeze until solid, then transfer into a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. When you’re ready, thaw the cookies at room temperature for a few hours or overnight.
Reheating
Reheat cookies briefly in a low oven (about 275°F/135°C) for 5 minutes to revive that fresh-baked warmth, or enjoy them straight from the freezer if you prefer a crisp texture. Be mindful not to heat too long, as the powdered sugar coating can melt away.
FAQs
Can I substitute mint chocolate chips with regular chocolate chips?
While you absolutely can use regular chocolate chips, the special minty punch might be less pronounced. To keep the classic Minty Snowball Cookies Recipe vibe, consider adding a few drops more of peppermint extract to maintain that cool flavor.
How do I soften butter quickly if I forgot to take it out of the fridge?
Cut the butter into small cubes and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. Alternatively, microwave on a low power setting for 5-10 seconds increments, checking frequently to avoid melting.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that works 1:1. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or another binder to help maintain texture.
What if I don’t have peppermint extract on hand?
You can use spearmint extract for a milder flavor or fresh mint leaves finely chopped for a natural twist. Just keep in mind that fresh mint won’t deliver the same intensity, so adjust accordingly.
Why do the cookies need two coatings of powdered sugar?
The first coating sticks to the warm cookies, creating a slightly moist base layer. The second coating, after cooling, gives that signature snowy appearance and a pleasant powdery texture with every bite.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like baking a batch of these Minty Snowball Cookies Recipe favorites to fill your home with the scent of peppermint and the warmth of buttery sweetness. Whether you’re making them for a party, gifting to loved ones, or indulging yourself, you’ll find these cookies a delightful way to celebrate any season. Give this recipe a try—once you taste that perfect melt-in-your-mouth combination, you’ll be hooked forever!
Print
Minty Snowball Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Minty Snowball Cookies are delightful, buttery treats filled with chopped mint chocolate chips and lightly dusted with powdered sugar for a snowy finish. These soft, flavorful cookies combine the refreshing taste of peppermint with the classic snowball texture, perfect for holiday celebrations or any cozy afternoon snack.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for coating)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup finely chopped mint chocolate or mint chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie texture. Then, add the vanilla and peppermint extracts and mix thoroughly to infuse the dough with flavor.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour and salt into the wet mixture, mixing until a cohesive dough forms. Gently fold in the finely chopped mint chocolate or chocolate chips to evenly distribute the minty chunks throughout the dough.
- Shape Dough: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls with your hands and place them spaced about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow room for slight spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set but the centers remain pale and soft, preserving their tender texture.
- Coat with Powdered Sugar: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then gently roll each warm cookie in powdered sugar for a light coating. Once the cookies are completely cooled, roll them again in powdered sugar to achieve an authentic snowy, festive look.
- Storage: Store the finished cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness and texture.
Notes
- Use room temperature unsalted butter for smoother mixing and better texture.
- Ensure cookies are rolled in powdered sugar twice for the best snowball effect.
- Chopping mint chocolate finely helps distribute mint flavor in every bite.
- Do not overbake; cookies should remain pale for a soft, melt-in-your-mouth finish.
- If desired, substitute mint chocolate with regular chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
