Mint Chocolate Snowball Delight

These melt-in-your-mouth mint chocolate chip snowball cookies are a festive delight perfect for the holidays or anytime you crave a refreshing minty treat. Their vibrant green color and rich chocolate chips make them as charming to look at as they are irresistible to eat. The delicate powdered sugar coating completes the experience with a sweet, snowy finish.

I first made these cookies around Christmastime and was thrilled when my friends kept asking for the recipe. The combination of mint and chocolate is always a crowd-pleaser, and these have become my go-to cookie for holiday gift boxes.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter: One cup softened for easy creaming and rich flavor
• Powdered sugar: Two thirds cup sifted to ensure a smooth dough and sweet coating
• All-purpose flour: Two and one quarter cups spooned and leveled for accurate measurement and structure
• Salt: Half teaspoon to enhance the flavors and balance sweetness
• Mint or peppermint extract: One teaspoon for that unmistakable refreshing taste
• Green gel food coloring: Added a drop at a time for a soft yet festive green hue
• Mini chocolate chips: Three quarters cup folded in to provide bursts of rich chocolate in every bite
• Additional powdered sugar: For coating the finished cookies to achieve that signature snowball look and delicate sweetness

Instructions

Scoop and Chill:

Scoop one tablespoon of dough and roll into balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and refrigerate for at least thirty minutes to firm up the dough. This step prevents spreading and keeps the snowball shape intact.

Mix Butter and Sugar:

In a mixing bowl beat the softened butter and sifted powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This aerates the mixture, giving the cookies their melt-in-your-mouth texture and a subtle sweetness.

Add Dry Ingredients and Flavor:

Add the flour, salt, and mint extract to the butter mixture. Stir gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough, which could lead to tough cookies.

Blend in Color:

Add green food coloring a drop at a time, mixing carefully after each addition. Gel coloring works best because it provides vibrant color without thinning the dough.

Fold in Chocolate Chips:

Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips to distribute them evenly throughout the dough without breaking them.

Preheat Oven:

Preheat your oven to three hundred seventy five degrees Fahrenheit (one hundred ninety degrees Celsius) to get it ready for a perfect bake.

Bake Cookies:

Place the chilled dough balls in the oven and bake for seven to eight minutes. The bottoms should turn just lightly golden while the tops stay pale, preserving a soft texture.

Cool and Coat:

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring to a powdered sugar dusted parchment tray. Dust the tops generously with powdered sugar. Once cooled completely, roll each cookie in powdered sugar again for a full snowy coating.

These cookies bring back memories of cozy winter afternoons baking with my family.

Storage Tips

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their softness and powdery coating. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the baked cookies in a sealed container with wax paper between layers to prevent sticking. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

Butter can be swapped with margarine but expect a slight change in texture and flavor. Use peppermint extract for a stronger mint taste or reduce for a subtler hint. If you do not have green gel coloring, you may omit it altogether or use natural food colorings like spinach powder for a pale green shade.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of cocoa or a peppermint mocha during chilly days. They also make elegant gifts when packaged in festive tins or cellophane bags tied with a ribbon. Try sprinkling a little crushed candy cane on top for an extra burst of holiday spirit.

Enjoy these mint chocolate snowball cookies warm or at room temperature for the best texture. They make a festive addition to holiday treats and a thoughtful homemade gift.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ How do I achieve the green color in the dough?

Use gel green food coloring added gradually to the dough until you reach the desired shade without affecting the texture.

→ What is the purpose of chilling the dough before baking?

Chilling firms up the dough, helps maintain the snowball shape during baking, and enhances texture.

→ Can I substitute peppermint extract for mint extract?

Yes, peppermint extract provides a sharper mint flavor and works well in this context.

→ Why are the cookies rolled in powdered sugar after baking?

Rolling in powdered sugar adds a sweet coating and mimics the appearance of snowballs, enhancing flavor and presentation.

→ How can I store these treats to keep them fresh?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze for longer preservation.