If you’re on the hunt for a delightfully refreshing treat that brings a festive twist to the classic powdered cookie, you’ve got to try the Minty Snowball Cookies Recipe. These charming little bites combine a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture with a cool burst of peppermint and luscious mint chocolate pieces, creating a perfect balance of sweet and minty that’s hard to resist. They’re simple to make yet feel special enough to share at any holiday gathering or to enjoy as a cozy, personal indulgence. Trust me, once you try baking these, you’ll have a new favorite cookie to reach for every mint season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind these Minty Snowball Cookies Recipe lies in a few straightforward ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the creamy butter that creates the tender crumb to the finely chopped mint chocolate that infuses every bite with refreshing flavor, every component is essential for that perfect cookie experience.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides a rich, creamy base that ensures the cookies are tender and melt on your tongue.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for coating): Adds sweetness and helps achieve the classic snowy exterior that gives these cookies their charming look.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to balance the mint’s bright notes.
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract: The star flavor that delivers a crisp, refreshing minty zing perfect for the season.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Builds the structure of the cookie, keeping them delicate but not crumbly.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
- 1 cup finely chopped mint chocolate (or mint chocolate chips): Adds chunks of rich, mint-infused chocolate for bursts of indulgent flavor in every bite.
How to Make Minty Snowball Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, which is key for removing these delicate snowballs in one perfect piece.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with powdered sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This step is vital because it creates air pockets that contribute to a soft, tender cookie texture that just melts in your mouth.
Step 3: Add the Extracts
Stir in the vanilla and peppermint extracts carefully. The vanilla provides a comforting backdrop, while the peppermint extract brings that fresh, minty brightness we’re aiming for in the Minty Snowball Cookies Recipe.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Slowly blend in the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms. Being gentle here maintains the tender consistency so your cookies don’t turn out tough.
Step 5: Fold in Mint Chocolate
Gently fold the finely chopped mint chocolate or mint chocolate chips into the dough. These little bursts of mint chocolate are what elevate these snowballs from just cute to irresistibly delicious.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on your prepared baking sheet, leaving about an inch between each. This spacing helps the cookies to bake evenly without fusing together.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cookies for 10 to 12 minutes. When they are done, the edges should be set while the centers still look pale — that means they’ll stay soft and tender once cooled.
Step 8: The Snowy Finish
Let your warm cookies cool for about five minutes before rolling them in powdered sugar. After they’re fully cooled, give them one more rolling for that classic, powdery snowball effect that makes these cookies a joy to look at and eat.
How to Serve Minty Snowball Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies shine on their own, a light dusting of extra powdered sugar just before serving adds a delicate wintery touch. For an extra festive flair, sprinkle crushed candy canes over the top after rolling to add crunch and a splash of color.
Side Dishes
Minty Snowball Cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of cocoa or a peppermint latte to enhance the mint flavors. They also offer a lovely contrast alongside rich desserts like chocolate mousse or creamy eggnog for a decadent spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday gatherings, arrange these cookies in a layered glass jar or on a decorative platter with sprigs of fresh mint and holly berries. Wrapping a few in cellophane tied with ribbon makes for a charming homemade gift that friends and family will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Minty Snowball Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and minty for up to one week, which is perfect for enjoying over several cozy days.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the cookies after they’ve cooled and been rolled in powdered sugar. Layer them between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they can keep for up to three months without losing their minty charm.
Reheating
These cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, but if you prefer them slightly warm, gently warm them in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. Avoid overheating to keep their delicate texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use regular chocolate instead of mint chocolate?
Absolutely! While mint chocolate enhances the refreshing flavor, regular chocolate chips will still create deliciously sweet snowball cookies. For an extra minty kick, consider adding a bit more peppermint extract.
What is the best way to chop the mint chocolate?
Use a sharp knife and chop the mint chocolate into small, even pieces to ensure they distribute evenly throughout the dough and offer sweet surprises in every bite without overwhelming the texture.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just be sure to choose one designed for baking to maintain the right structure and tenderness in your Minty Snowball Cookies Recipe.
Are these cookies suitable for kids?
Definitely! These soft and sweet cookies with their gentle peppermint flavor are kid-friendly. Just be mindful of the peppermint extract quantity — you can slightly reduce it if you prefer a milder mint taste.
How do I get the perfect ‘snowy’ powdered sugar coating?
The trick is to roll the cookies in powdered sugar twice: once while they’re warm to help it stick, and a second time after they’ve fully cooled to ensure a thick, snowy coating that stays put.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Minty Snowball Cookies Recipe enough if you want a taste of winter in every bite. They’re straightforward to make, perfectly balanced in flavor, and bring that cozy, festive vibe to any occasion. Share them, savor them, and make them a staple in your holiday baking traditions — I promise they’ll quickly become everyone’s favorite.
Print
Minty Snowball Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Minty Snowball Cookies are delightful, buttery treats infused with peppermint flavor and studded with mint chocolate. These soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookies are coated in powdered sugar to give them a snowy, festive appearance, perfect for holiday gatherings or any time you crave a refreshing, minty dessert.
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 your 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 unsalted butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step creates a tender texture in the cookies.
- Add Extracts: Mix in the vanilla extract and peppermint extract thoroughly to infuse the dough with sweet and minty flavors.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the butter mixture, stirring until a smooth dough forms. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cookies tender.
- Fold in Mint Chocolate: Gently fold in the finely chopped mint chocolate or mint chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the dough for bursts of minty chocolate in each bite.
- Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch diameter balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart to allow room for slight spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. Look for edges to be set while the centers remain pale—this ensures a soft cookie texture.
- Coat with Powdered Sugar: Let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then roll each warm cookie in additional powdered sugar for the first coating. Once fully cooled, roll them again in powdered sugar to achieve a classic snowy appearance and extra sweetness.
- Storage: Store the Minty Snowball Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness and flavor.
Notes
- Use finely chopped mint chocolate or mint chocolate chips to ensure even distribution and easy incorporation into the dough.
- Be sure not to overbake; cookies should remain pale to keep them tender and soft inside.
- Double rolling in powdered sugar creates a beautiful snowy look and enhances the sweetness.
- These cookies can be made ahead and stored for a week, making them great for holiday prepping.
- If you prefer a stronger peppermint flavor, you can increase the peppermint extract slightly, but avoid adding too much to prevent bitterness.
