Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies: Buttery, Melt-in-Your-Mouth Holiday Cookies

If you love the refreshing taste of mint combined with rich chocolate, these Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are the perfect addition to your holiday baking collection. These beautiful little cookies combine a tender, buttery texture with refreshing mint flavor, delicious chocolate chips, and a generous coating of powdered sugar. They look like tiny snowballs, making them especially charming for Christmas celebrations, winter parties, cookie exchanges, and homemade holiday gifts.

Traditional snowball cookies, sometimes called Mexican wedding cookies, Russian tea cakes, or butterball cookies, are known for their delicate texture and snowy powdered sugar coating. This mint chocolate chip version gives the classic recipe a festive twist by adding mint extract and chocolate chips. The result is a delightful combination of rich butter, cool mint, sweet chocolate, and a soft coating that practically melts in your mouth.

One of the best things about this easy mint chocolate snowball cookie recipe is that it does not require complicated techniques. You do not need to roll out dough, cut shapes, decorate individual cookies with icing, or spend hours in the kitchen. Simply prepare the dough, shape it into small balls, bake until set, and roll the cookies in powdered sugar. The result is an elegant-looking treat that is surprisingly easy to make at home.

These homemade mint chocolate chip snowball cookies are also wonderfully versatile. You can use mini chocolate chips for a more delicate texture, regular semisweet chocolate chips for richer chocolate flavor, or finely chopped chocolate for little pockets of chocolate throughout the dough. A small amount of green food coloring is optional if you want the cookies to have a festive mint-green appearance, although they are just as attractive with their natural buttery color and white powdered sugar coating.

Whether you are preparing Christmas cookies for a family gathering, building a holiday dessert platter, or searching for a unique cookie recipe to share with friends, these buttery mint chocolate cookies are an excellent choice. Their refreshing flavor provides a pleasant contrast to traditional gingerbread, sugar cookies, and rich chocolate desserts.

Another advantage is that these cookies can be prepared ahead of time. You can make the dough in advance, chill it until firm, and bake the cookies when convenient. They also store well when kept in an airtight container, making them a practical option during busy holiday seasons.

If you enjoy the classic combination of mint and chocolate, these Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies offer everything you could want in a small homemade treat: buttery richness, refreshing flavor, chocolatey goodness, and a beautiful snowy finish.

Ingredients

This recipe makes approximately 24–30 small cookies, depending on the size of the dough balls. For the best results, measure the ingredients carefully and use room-temperature butter.

For the mint chocolate chip cookie dough

• 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened: Creates the rich, tender texture that makes traditional snowball cookies so delicious.
• 1/2 cup (60 g) powdered sugar: Sweetens the dough while helping produce a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: Adds warmth and balances the refreshing mint flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract: Provides the signature mint flavor. Peppermint extract can be strong, so measure it carefully.
• 2 1/4 cups (270 g) all-purpose flour: Gives the cookies structure while keeping them tender.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the buttery flavor and balances the sweetness.
• 3/4 cup (130 g) mini semisweet chocolate chips: Distributes chocolate throughout the cookies without making the dough difficult to shape.
• A few drops of green food coloring, optional: Creates a festive mint-green appearance.

For the powdered sugar coating

• 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar: Provides the traditional snowy exterior.
• Additional powdered sugar, as needed: Useful for a second coating after the cookies cool.

You can adjust the amount of powdered sugar used for coating according to your preference. A generous coating creates the classic snowball appearance, while a lighter coating gives the cookies a more subtle finish.

Ingredient notes

Butter: Use unsalted butter that is softened but not melted. Butter that is too warm can make the dough greasy and cause the cookies to spread.

Peppermint extract: Use peppermint extract rather than mint-flavored toothpaste, syrup, or concentrated flavoring intended for other purposes. Spearmint extract has a different flavor profile and can be substituted if you prefer a milder, more herbal mint taste.

Chocolate chips: Mini chocolate chips are ideal because they fit neatly into the small cookies. If using regular chocolate chips, consider chopping them into smaller pieces.

Powdered sugar: Also known as confectioners’ sugar or icing sugar, this ingredient is essential for the classic snowball coating.

Preparation: How to Make Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the baking equipment

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Allow the butter to soften at room temperature until it is pliable but still cool. It should be easy to press with a finger without looking oily or melted.

Measure all the ingredients before beginning. If you are using green food coloring, have it ready so you can adjust the color gradually.

Preparing everything in advance makes the process easier and helps prevent overmixing once the flour is added.

Step 2: Cream the butter and powdered sugar

Place the softened butter in a large mixing bowl. Beat it with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy.

Add the powdered sugar gradually and continue beating until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure the ingredients are evenly combined.

Creaming the butter and sugar helps create a tender cookie texture. However, snowball cookies are naturally denser and more delicate than many traditional drop cookies, so there is no need to beat the mixture excessively.

Once the mixture looks smooth and evenly blended, proceed to the flavoring.

Step 3: Add the vanilla and peppermint extracts

Add the vanilla extract and peppermint extract to the butter mixture. Mix until evenly distributed.

Start with the recommended amount of peppermint extract. Mint flavoring varies in strength by brand, and too much can overpower the buttery dough.

If you want a festive green color, add one or two drops of green food coloring and mix thoroughly. Add more only if needed to achieve your preferred shade.

The green coloring is optional. Without it, the cookies will have a classic pale buttery appearance beneath the powdered sugar coating.

Step 4: Incorporate the dry ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt.

Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed. Stop as soon as the flour is incorporated and a soft dough forms.

Avoid overmixing because excessive mixing can develop gluten and make the cookies tougher than intended.

The dough should be soft but firm enough to shape into small balls. If it feels unusually sticky, cover the bowl and refrigerate it for approximately 20–30 minutes.

If the dough appears crumbly, give it a few moments to warm slightly and gently press it together with your hands. Avoid adding extra liquid unless absolutely necessary, because the delicate texture depends on the correct balance of ingredients.

Step 5: Fold in the chocolate chips

Add the mini semisweet chocolate chips to the dough.

Use a sturdy spatula or wooden spoon to fold them in gently until they are evenly distributed. Try to spread the chips throughout the dough rather than leaving large clusters in a single area.

Mini chocolate chips are particularly useful in snowball cookies because the dough balls are small. They also make the cookies easier to roll and help maintain the classic round shape.

If you prefer a more intense chocolate flavor, you can substitute part of the semisweet chocolate chips with finely chopped dark chocolate.

Once the chips are evenly distributed, the dough is ready to shape.

Step 6: Shape the snowball cookies

Scoop approximately 1 tablespoon of dough for each cookie. Roll each portion gently between your palms to form a smooth ball.

Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving approximately 1–2 inches between them. These cookies generally spread very little, but adequate space allows heat to circulate evenly.

Try to make the dough balls similar in size so they bake at the same rate. If some cookies are much larger than others, the smaller ones may become dry before the larger ones finish baking.

If the dough becomes too soft while shaping, place it in the refrigerator for another 10–15 minutes.

For a particularly smooth finish, gently roll each ball a second time just before placing it on the baking sheet.

Step 7: Bake until set

Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 12–15 minutes.

The cookies should look set and slightly firm around the edges, but they should not become deeply browned. Their color may remain relatively pale, particularly if you are using green food coloring.

Check the bottoms of one or two cookies if you are unsure. They should be lightly colored rather than dark brown.

Avoid overbaking. Snowball cookies are supposed to have a delicate, tender texture, and excessive baking can make them dry or crumbly.

Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies rest for approximately 5 minutes. They will be fragile while hot, so allow them to firm up before moving them.

Step 8: Coat the cookies in powdered sugar

Place the first portion of powdered sugar in a shallow bowl.

While the cookies are still slightly warm, gently roll each one in powdered sugar until coated. Use a spoon if necessary to avoid breaking the delicate cookies.

The first coating adheres well to the slightly warm surface and creates the classic snowy appearance.

Transfer the coated cookies to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely.

For an extra-white finish, roll them in powdered sugar a second time after they have cooled. The second coating helps cover any areas where the first layer has absorbed moisture or become less visible.

Handle the cookies gently during this step because their tender texture makes them more delicate than many other cookies.

Step 9: Cool, serve, and enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool completely before placing them in a storage container or arranging them on a serving platter.

Once cooled, the buttery dough will have a delicate, crumbly texture, while the chocolate chips provide little pockets of rich chocolate flavor. The peppermint adds a refreshing finish that balances the sweetness.

Arrange the Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies on a white plate or holiday serving tray to highlight their snowy appearance.

Serve them with coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or a glass of cold milk. They are especially enjoyable during the winter months, but their refreshing mint flavor makes them delicious throughout the year.

Variations

These Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies can be customized in several ways while preserving their classic buttery texture.

1. Double Chocolate Mint Snowball Cookies

For a richer chocolate flavor, replace 2 tablespoons of flour with 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder. Whisk the cocoa powder with the remaining dry ingredients before adding them to the dough.

The chocolate dough creates a striking contrast with the powdered sugar coating and pairs beautifully with the peppermint flavor.

Because cocoa powder absorbs moisture, avoid adding too much without adjusting the recipe.

2. White Chocolate Mint Snowball Cookies

Replace some or all of the semisweet chocolate chips with mini white chocolate chips.

White chocolate provides a creamy sweetness that contrasts with the refreshing mint. It also creates a festive look when paired with green-tinted dough.

3. Andes-Inspired Mint Chocolate Cookies

Replace the chocolate chips with finely chopped mint chocolate candies. This creates a stronger mint-chocolate flavor and a texture reminiscent of popular mint chocolate treats.

Choose candies that hold their shape reasonably well during baking, and chop them into small pieces for easier mixing.

4. Christmas Green Snowball Cookies

Add a few drops of green food coloring to the butter mixture before incorporating the flour.

A pale mint-green shade looks especially festive beneath the powdered sugar coating. Avoid adding too much liquid coloring, as excessive coloring can slightly affect the dough’s consistency.

5. Dark Chocolate Peppermint Snowballs

Use dark chocolate chips instead of semisweet chocolate chips and keep the peppermint extract at the recommended amount.

The slightly bitter chocolate balances the sweetness of the cookie and powdered sugar coating.

6. Mint Snowball Cookies with Chopped Pecans

For a variation inspired by traditional snowball cookies, add approximately 1/2 cup of finely chopped pecans and reduce the chocolate chips slightly.

Pecans provide a nutty flavor and delicate crunch that complement the mint and chocolate. If serving people with allergies, clearly label the cookies and prevent cross-contact.

7. Gluten-Free Mint Chocolate Snowballs

Use a reputable gluten-free all-purpose flour blend designed for baking. Choose one that includes a suitable binder if the product requires it.

The texture may vary depending on the flour blend, so follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and test a small batch if necessary.

8. Mini Mint Chocolate Snowballs

Make smaller dough balls using approximately 2 teaspoons of dough per cookie. Reduce the baking time and begin checking for doneness early.

Mini cookies are ideal for cookie exchanges, dessert platters, party favors, and holiday gift boxes.

9. Peppermint Bark Snowball Cookies

Add finely chopped peppermint bark to the dough in place of some of the chocolate chips.

The combination of chocolate, white chocolate, and peppermint creates a festive flavor. Chop the bark into small pieces so that the dough remains easy to shape.

10. Dairy-Free Mint Snowball Cookies

Use a plant-based butter alternative designed for baking and dairy-free chocolate chips. Check the ingredients on the powdered sugar and extracts as well.

The texture may differ from the traditional butter-based version, so choose a baking substitute with a firm consistency rather than a very soft spread.

Cooking Note

The key to perfect Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies is maintaining the correct dough consistency and avoiding overbaking.

Use softened butter, not melted butter. Melted butter can make the dough greasy and cause the cookies to spread.

Measure the flour carefully. Too much flour can produce dry cookies that crumble excessively, while too little may make the dough difficult to shape.

Be careful with peppermint extract. Mint flavoring can quickly become overpowering. Start with the specified quantity and avoid adding extra without tasting the dough mixture.

Chill sticky dough. If the dough feels too soft, refrigerate it briefly before shaping. This helps the cookies hold their round shape in the oven.

Do not wait for deep browning. Snowball cookies should remain pale, with only slight color on the bottoms. Baking them too long can dry out the delicate interior.

Apply the powdered sugar twice if desired. The first coating adheres to slightly warm cookies, while the second coating creates a bright, snowy finish after they cool.

Store completely cooled cookies. Warm cookies release moisture that can make the powdered sugar coating damp and sticky.

Serving Suggestions

Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are versatile enough for everyday treats and special occasions.

• Christmas cookie platters: Pair them with gingerbread cookies, sugar cookies, chocolate crinkles, and shortbread.
• Hot chocolate: Serve them alongside hot chocolate topped with whipped cream for a cozy winter dessert.
• Coffee and tea: The buttery texture and refreshing mint flavor complement black tea, coffee, and cappuccino.
• Holiday gift boxes: Arrange completely cooled cookies in paper liners inside a food-safe tin or box.
• Dessert tables: Mix them with brownies, chocolate truffles, and other bite-sized treats.
• After-dinner sweets: Serve two or three cookies with coffee after a holiday meal.
• Ice cream accompaniment: Crumble a cookie over vanilla or chocolate ice cream for extra texture.
• Party favors: Package a few cookies in small food-safe bags tied with festive ribbon.

For the most attractive presentation, use a white or dark-colored serving platter to emphasize the powdered sugar coating.

Tips for Perfect Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

1. Use room-temperature butter. It should be soft enough to mix but not oily or melted.
2. Sift the powdered sugar if lumpy. This helps create a smoother dough and a more even coating.
3. Measure peppermint extract accurately. Too much can overwhelm the chocolate and butter flavors.
4. Choose mini chocolate chips. They distribute evenly throughout the small cookies.
5. Avoid overmixing. Mix only until the flour is incorporated.
6. Chill the dough when necessary. A short chilling period makes shaping easier.
7. Make the cookies uniform in size. Even portions help ensure consistent baking.
8. Use parchment paper. It prevents sticking and makes the cookies easier to remove.
9. Keep the cookies pale. Do not wait for the tops to turn deeply golden.
10. Roll the cookies while slightly warm. The first powdered sugar coating adheres more effectively.
11. Apply a second sugar coating. This creates a brighter white finish.
12. Allow the cookies to cool fully. This prevents moisture from accumulating in the storage container.
13. Use good-quality chocolate chips. Their flavor makes a noticeable difference in a simple butter cookie.
14. Add green coloring gradually. A few drops are usually enough for a subtle festive shade.
15. Keep the dough covered. Cover unused dough while shaping the cookies to prevent it from drying out.
16. Do not overcrowd the baking sheet. Leave room for heat to circulate.
17. Check the first batch carefully. Oven temperatures vary, so use the first batch to fine-tune the baking time.
18. Store with care. Keep the cookies in an airtight container to maintain their delicate texture.

Prep Time, Cooking Time, and Total Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Chilling Time: 20–30 minutes, if needed
• Cooking Time: 12–15 minutes per batch
• Cooling Time: 20–30 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour, depending on chilling time and the number of batches.

The time may vary depending on your oven, the size of the cookies, and whether you choose to chill the dough.

Nutritional Information

The following nutritional information is an estimate for one cookie, assuming the recipe makes approximately 30 cookies.

• Calories: Approximately 130–160
• Protein: Approximately 1–2 g
• Sodium: Approximately 35–65 mg

Calories

Most calories come from butter, powdered sugar, flour, and chocolate chips. The exact amount depends on the size of each cookie and the amount of chocolate used.

Protein

The cookies contain a small amount of protein from flour, butter, and chocolate. They are primarily a sweet treat rather than a significant protein source.

Sodium

Sodium mainly comes from the butter, salt, and chocolate chips. Using unsalted butter gives you greater control over the salt content.

These figures are approximate and should not be considered laboratory-tested nutritional values. For more accurate information, calculate the nutrition using the exact ingredients and quantities you use.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies?

Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are small, buttery cookies flavored with peppermint and filled with chocolate chips. They are rolled in powdered sugar to create a snowy appearance and a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

2. Do I need to chill the dough?

Not always, but chilling is helpful if the dough feels sticky or too soft to shape. Refrigerating it for 20–30 minutes can make the dough easier to handle and help the cookies retain their round shape.

3. Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of mini chocolate chips?

Yes. Regular semisweet chocolate chips work well, but mini chocolate chips distribute more evenly throughout small cookies. You can also finely chop a chocolate bar for smaller chocolate pieces.

4. How do I make the mint flavor stronger?

You can increase the peppermint extract slightly, but do so cautiously. Peppermint extract is concentrated, and too much can create an overpowering flavor. It is best to make a small adjustment rather than adding a large amount.

5. Can I leave out the green food coloring?

Absolutely. Green food coloring is optional and is used only for appearance. The cookies will still have their mint flavor and snowy powdered sugar coating without it.

6. Why are my snowball cookies falling apart?

Snowball cookies are naturally delicate, especially while warm. If they crumble excessively, the dough may contain too much flour or may have been overbaked. Measure ingredients accurately and allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet before moving them.

7. Why did my cookies spread too much?

The butter may have been too warm, or the dough may have needed chilling. Make sure the butter is softened rather than melted, and refrigerate the dough if it becomes too soft.

8. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes. Store the covered dough in the refrigerator for up to approximately 48 hours for best quality. Let it soften slightly if necessary before shaping.

9. Can I freeze Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies?

Yes. You can freeze completely cooled cookies in an airtight freezer-safe container for approximately 2–3 months for best quality. Separate layers with parchment paper to protect the powdered sugar coating.

10. Can I freeze the unbaked dough?

Yes. Shape the dough into balls and freeze them on a tray until firm. Transfer them to a freezer-safe container, then bake from frozen or thaw briefly in the refrigerator. Adjust the baking time as needed and check for doneness.

11. How should I store these cookies?

Once completely cool, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for approximately one week for best quality. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture.

12. Why did my powdered sugar coating disappear?

The sugar may have absorbed moisture from the warm cookies. Roll the cookies in powdered sugar while slightly warm, then allow them to cool completely and apply a second coating.

13. Can I use salted butter?

Yes, but reduce or omit the additional salt in the recipe depending on the saltiness of the butter. Unsalted butter makes it easier to control the final flavor.

14. Can I use spearmint extract instead of peppermint extract?

Yes. Spearmint has a milder, more herbal flavor than peppermint, so the cookies will taste slightly different. Use a small amount and adjust cautiously according to the strength of the extract.

15. Are these cookies good for Christmas?

Yes. Their snowy powdered sugar coating makes them ideal for Christmas cookie platters, holiday gift boxes, and winter celebrations. Green-tinted dough can make them look even more festive.

16. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes. Use a suitable gluten-free all-purpose baking flour blend. The texture may vary, so follow the product’s instructions and test a small batch if you are unfamiliar with the flour.

17. Can I add nuts to the recipe?

Yes. Finely chopped pecans or walnuts can add a traditional snowball-cookie flavor. Reduce the chocolate chips slightly if needed to maintain a dough that is easy to shape.

18. How do I know when the cookies are done?

The cookies should look set and remain relatively pale on top. Their bottoms may show a light golden color. Avoid waiting for the tops to brown deeply because that can make them dry.

19. Can I make these cookies without an electric mixer?

Yes. Use a sturdy wooden spoon or whisk to mix the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth. The process may take a little longer, but an electric mixer is not essential.

20. What makes these cookies different from regular snowball cookies?

Traditional snowball cookies often contain chopped nuts and vanilla, while this variation features peppermint extract and chocolate chips. The result is a refreshing mint-chocolate flavor with the same delicate texture and powdered sugar coating.

Conclusion

These Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are a delightful combination of buttery richness, refreshing mint, sweet chocolate chips, and a beautiful powdered sugar coating. Their delicate texture and snowy appearance make them a wonderful addition to Christmas baking, winter celebrations, cookie exchanges, and homemade gift boxes.

The recipe is simple enough for beginner bakers, yet the finished cookies look special enough for a holiday dessert platter. With a handful of familiar ingredients and a few easy preparation steps, you can create a batch of homemade cookies that tastes delicious and looks festive.

For the best results, use softened butter, measure the peppermint extract carefully, avoid overbaking, and apply a second powdered sugar coating once the cookies have cooled. These small details help preserve the tender texture and create the classic snowball appearance.

You can also customize the recipe with dark chocolate, white chocolate chips, chopped peppermint candies, or a subtle mint-green color. Whether you prefer a traditional look or a more festive presentation, these cookies are easy to adapt to your taste.

Serve them with hot chocolate, coffee, or a glass of cold milk, or package them as homemade holiday gifts for friends and family. Their refreshing mint flavor and rich chocolate pieces make them a memorable treat that stands out among traditional holiday cookies.

If you love mint and chocolate, save this Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies recipe for your next baking day and enjoy a little snowy sweetness in every bite.

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