Easy Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe

Easy Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe — the name alone feels like a cozy December hug. These are the melt-in-your-mouth, snow-dusted holiday treats that’ll steal the spotlight on every cookie tray. Buttery and tender on the inside, with a cool peppermint breeze and rich pops of mini chocolate chips, they’re winter in cookie form.

Ready in just 45 minutes, this easy recipe is perfect for busy home bakers, last-minute holiday gatherings, or simply when you crave something sweet and seasonal.

Compared to traditional snowball cookies, this mint-chocolate twist adds a layer of coolness and decadence that balances the sweetness. Plus, you can make them festive with a drop of green food coloring—ideal for gifting or making with kids!

If you’ve ever searched for the best mint chocolate chip snowball cookies or wondered how to make mint chocolate chip snowball cookies at home, this recipe checks every box. It’s fast, foolproof, and full of nostalgic holiday flavor.

Reasons to Love This Easy Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe

• ❄️ Melt-in-your-mouth texture
• 🌿 Cool peppermint flavor that’s refreshing, not overpowering
• 🍫 Packed with chocolate chips in every bite
• 🕒 Just 45 minutes from start to finish
• 🎄 Perfect for Christmas cookie boxes or dessert platters
• 💚 Optional green tint makes them extra festive
• 👩‍🍳 No eggs = great for those with allergies
• 🧁 Beginner-friendly and fun to make with kids
• 🎁 Stores beautifully for gifting and shipping
• 🍽 Pairs perfectly with hot cocoa or peppermint mochas
• ✨ Double-sugar coating gives that dreamy, snowy look
• 💡 Easy to adapt for gluten-free, vegan, or healthier versions

Everything You Need for This Easy Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe

1 cup (2 sticks or 226g) Unsalted Butter, softened
1/2 cup (100g) Granulated Sugar
1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
1 teaspoon Peppermint Extract
2 1/4 cups (270g) All-Purpose Flour
1/4 teaspoon Salt
1 cup (170g) Mini Chocolate Chips
1 1/2 cups (180g) Powdered Sugar, divided
Optional: Green Food Coloring

Optional Add-Ins / Substitutions

• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour
• Dairy-Free: Substitute vegan butter and dairy-free chocolate chips
• Vegan-Friendly: Ensure both butter and chips are plant-based
• Festive: Add red/green sprinkles or edible glitter for sparkle
• Healthy Twist: Reduce sugar slightly and use whole wheat pastry flour
• Nutty Variation: Add ½ cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts

Step-by-Step Guide to Easy Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe

Step 1 – Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two or three baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats for easy cleanup.

Step 2 – Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Set aside.

Step 3 – Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed for 1–2 minutes until smooth and creamy. Add granulated sugar gradually and beat another 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy.

Step 4 – Add Flavor and Color

Mix in vanilla and peppermint extracts. If you want a festive green hue, add 1–2 drops of green food coloring and stir until evenly distributed.

Step 5 – Combine Dry and Wet

With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the flour mixture in 3 additions. Mix just until combined—do not overwork the dough.

Step 6 – Fold in Chocolate Chips

Remove from mixer and fold in mini chocolate chips using a rubber spatula. The dough will be thick.

Step 7 – Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps the cookies hold their shape and enhances their flavor.

Step 8 – Roll the Dough

Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to scoop out dough. Roll into smooth 1-inch balls with your hands.

Step 9 – Bake

Place cookie balls about 1 to 1½ inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the bottoms are just golden and tops are set but pale.

Step 10 – Cool Slightly

Let cookies cool on baking sheets for 5–10 minutes before handling.

Step 11 – First Sugar Roll

While still warm (not hot), roll cookies gently in ½ cup of powdered sugar. Place them on a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 12 – Final Powdered Sugar Coat

Once fully cooled, roll the cookies again in the remaining powdered sugar for a thick, snowy finish.

Tips to Elevate Your Easy Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe

• Chill the dough to prevent spreading
• Use mini chocolate chips for even distribution
• Don’t skip the double sugar roll—it’s key for appearance and texture
• Use unsalted, high-quality butter for the best flavor
• Don’t overmix—gentle mixing ensures tenderness
• Green food coloring is optional but festive
• Roll cookies quickly while warm for best sugar adhesion
• Let cookies sit for 10 minutes before storing to “set” the sugar coat
• Freeze extra dough balls for quick baking later
• Store between layers of parchment to protect the coating
• Add a hint of orange zest for a citrus-mint twist
• Use a cookie scoop for uniform sizes
• Add sprinkles for a fun twist kids will love
• If dough cracks while rolling, warm it slightly in your hands
• Let cookies cool completely before second sugar roll for a thick coat

Options, Swaps & Creative Ideas

• Healthy Version: Use coconut sugar and whole wheat pastry flour
• Kid-Friendly: Skip the mint and use only vanilla extract
• Holiday Edition: Add festive sprinkles or use red food coloring
• Air Fryer Friendly: Bake at 325°F for 8–10 minutes (test one first!)
• No Butter? Try a vegan baking stick alternative
• Almond Variation: Use almond extract instead of mint for a nutty twist
• Extra Chocolate: Stir in some chopped Andes mints or white chocolate chips
• Low Sugar: Reduce sugar slightly and add finely chopped dates
• Nut Lover’s Version: Add chopped toasted pecans or almonds
• Paleo-Friendly: Try almond flour and coconut oil—texture will vary

Serving Suggestions for Any Occasion

These cookies shine anywhere you bring them:

• 🍪 Add them to a holiday cookie exchange box
• 🎁 Package them in tins for homemade Christmas gifts
• ☕ Serve with hot cocoa or peppermint lattes after dinner
• 🎉 Include on a dessert tray with red velvet crinkles and peppermint bark
• ❄️ Crumble over mint chip ice cream for a wintry sundae

🔗 Try next: Zesty Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies
🔗 For brunch: Waffle Sandwich
🔗 Add to your cookie tray: Christmas Sugar Cookies

Nutrition Breakdown (per cookie)

Calories: 110
Carbs: 13g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 6g

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating

• Store: In an airtight container for up to 5 days
• Freeze Dough: Roll into balls and freeze for up to 2 months
• Freeze Baked Cookies: Layer between parchment and store airtight
• Reheat: Let come to room temp or microwave for 10 seconds
• Transport Tip: Stack with parchment to avoid sugar rubbing off

FAQs About This Easy Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe

1. What makes an old fashioned mint chocolate chip snowball cookies recipe different?

Old fashioned versions often use powdered sugar in the dough instead of granulated sugar and skip food coloring. They’re usually denser, less sweet, and more buttery than modern mint chocolate chip snowball cookies, with a subtle peppermint flavor.

2. How do I make the best mint chocolate chip snowball cookies at home?

Use high-quality unsalted butter, mini chocolate chips, and real peppermint extract. Chill your dough for at least 30 minutes, and roll the cookies twice in powdered sugar — once warm, once cool — for that classic snowy finish.

3. Can I turn this into a chocolate peppermint snowball cookies recipe?

Yes! Add 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder to the flour mixture and use dark chocolate chips instead of milk. You can also stir in crushed peppermint candies for added crunch.

4. Are peppermint snowball cookies and minty snowball cookies the same?

They’re very similar! Both use peppermint extract for a minty flavor, but “minty” snowball cookies may also include spearmint or other variations, while “peppermint” is typically stronger and more traditional for holiday baking.

5. What’s the easiest way to make mint chocolate chip snowball cookies for beginners?

Start with softened butter, mix everything in one bowl, and use a small cookie scoop for uniform cookies. Stick to simple ingredients like flour, butter, sugar, peppermint extract, and chocolate chips. Don’t overbake — the edges should barely turn golden.

More Recipes You’ll Love

• 🍫 Try our Mint Chocolate Chip Clusters – Easy Holiday Dessert Idea
• 🎄 Make these No Bake Christmas Mini Cheesecakes
• 🍪 Don’t miss our White Chocolate Raspberry Cookies
• 🍰 Pair with a slice of Berry Cheesecake
• 🎁 Package with our Christmas Sugar Cookies  for gifting

Final Bite

Whether you’re baking for a party, a cookie exchange, or just a cozy night in, this Easy Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe delivers buttery, minty magic in every bite.

It’s festive, quick, and makes your kitchen smell like a winter wonderland.

Now tell me:
🎄 Will you add sprinkles or keep it classic?
🍪 Did you try the gluten-free version?
❄️ Want more cookie recipes like this?

Leave a comment, save for later, and share with your baking buddies!

Print