If you love the combination of refreshing mint and buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies, then you’re going to adore this Minty Snowball Cookies Recipe. These delightful little treats are soft, crumbly, and generously coated in powdered sugar, giving them that classic snowball appearance with a fresh twist. Perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy afternoons, or anytime you need a sweet pick-me-up, this recipe blends simple ingredients in a way that results in pure magic. Ready to bring a burst of minty joy to your kitchen? Let’s dive in!
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients here are straightforward pantry staples with a special touch that makes each cookie uniquely delicious. From the rich butter that creates the perfect tender crumb, to the peppermint extract that brings that unmistakable minty coolness, everything plays a key role in the final texture and flavor of these cookies.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides a creamy base that keeps cookies soft and moist.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for coating): Sweetens the dough and adds a delicate powdered finish when rolled.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall sweetness and balances the mint flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract: The star ingredient that gives these cookies their refreshing minty zing.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Builds structure for these tender, crumbly snowball cookies.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Highlights all the sweet and minty flavors perfectly.
- 1 cup finely chopped mint chocolate or mint chocolate chips: Adds bursts of mint-chocolate goodness in every bite.
How to Make Minty Snowball Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Getting these little details right ensures your cookies bake evenly and come out perfect every time.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with the powdered sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale. This step aerates the dough, encouraging tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies alongside that lovely sweetness. Next, stir in the vanilla and peppermint extracts until perfectly combined, letting the mint essence start to build.
Step 3: Mix in Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing just until a cohesive dough forms. Over-mixing can make the cookies tough, so stop as soon as they come together. Now gently fold in the finely chopped mint chocolate or chips to ensure every cookie has those delicious speckles of minty chocolate.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place each one about an inch apart on your prepared baking sheet. These rounds will keep their shape but spread just enough to stay soft and tender with a perfect crumb.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are just barely set and the tops remain a pale color. This is key to preserving their signature soft texture rather than a crisp cookie.
Step 6: Coat with Powdered Sugar
Let the cookies cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes—warm enough to work with but not hot. Then, roll each cookie in powdered sugar. Once they have fully cooled, give them a second roll in powdered sugar for that beautiful, snowy finish that makes this Minty Snowball Cookies Recipe so special.
Step 7: Store Properly
Once completely cooled and coated, transfer your cookies to an airtight container to keep them fresh and soft for up to a week. If you can resist, that is.
How to Serve Minty Snowball Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your Minty Snowball Cookies Recipe by adding a sprig of fresh mint or a dusting of crushed peppermint candy on top just before serving. It adds a fun festive touch and a hint of extra flavor and crunch that friends and family will love.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of hot chocolate or peppermint tea, creating a cozy mint-and-chocolate flavor harmony. A scoop of vanilla ice cream also pairs beautifully for a simple yet indulgent dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or gifting, arrange the cookies in a festive tin lined with parchment paper, or stack them in layers separated by wax paper for a charming homemade gift. You can also create a cookie platter with assorted shapes and finishes, sprinkling edible glitter or colored sugar alongside for a sparkling effect.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once baked and coated in powdered sugar, store your Minty Snowball Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. This will keep them soft and flavorful for up to one week without losing their signature snowy look.
Freezing
You can freeze the dough balls before baking—just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag for up to three months. When ready, bake straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time. Alternatively, freeze baked cookies in an airtight container with parchment between layers to maintain freshness.
Reheating
These cookies are best enjoyed fresh or at room temperature, but if you like them slightly warm, pop a cookie in the microwave for about 10 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat as they can become crumbly.
FAQs
Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of mint chocolate?
Absolutely! Regular chocolate chips will still taste delicious, but to keep the signature mint flavor, consider adding a little extra peppermint extract if you skip mint chocolate.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This Minty Snowball Cookies Recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends designed for baking to achieve similar results.
Can I substitute peppermint extract with fresh mint leaves?
Fresh mint won’t provide the intense flavor that peppermint extract offers, but you can infuse the dough with finely chopped fresh mint for a milder, fresher mint taste.
How do I prevent the powdered sugar coating from melting?
Make sure to roll the cookies in powdered sugar after they’ve cooled slightly but are still warm, then again once fully cooled. This double coating helps the sugar adhere and prevents it from melting too quickly.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
Substituting butter with a plant-based margarine and using vegan powdered sugar might work, but keep in mind the texture and taste may slightly differ. It’s worth experimenting if you want a vegan twist!
Final Thoughts
This Minty Snowball Cookies Recipe is truly a keeper—a perfect blend of buttery goodness and refreshing mintiness that makes every bite feel like a cozy winter celebration. Whether for a festive treat or an everyday indulgence, these cookies are sure to become one of your favorites. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to share some minty magic with everyone you love!
Print
Minty Snowball Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delightfully crumbly and minty snowball cookies perfect for holiday treats or any occasion. These buttery cookies are infused with peppermint extract and studded with mint chocolate pieces, then generously coated in powdered sugar for a snowy, festive appearance.
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 prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter together with 1/2 cup powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender crumb. Then add both vanilla and peppermint extracts, stirring well to incorporate the flavors evenly.
- Form Dough: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the butter mixture, mixing gently until a dough forms. Carefully fold in the finely chopped mint chocolate pieces to distribute them evenly without overworking the dough.
- Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch diameter balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing each about 1 inch apart to allow for slight spreading during baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are set yet the cookies remain pale in color, indicating a delicate texture inside.
- Coat with Powdered Sugar: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes so they are still warm, then roll them in powdered sugar to coat. Once fully cooled, roll them again in powdered sugar for a snow-covered look and extra sweetness.
- Store Properly: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness and flavor.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming and better texture.
- Use parchment paper for easy clean-up and to prevent sticking.
- Rolling the cookies in powdered sugar twice gives the classic snowy appearance and adds sweetness.
- Allow cookies to cool slightly before first sugar coating to avoid melting the powdered sugar.
- Mint chocolate chips can be substituted with any mint-flavored chocolate for similar taste.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh and crumbly for up to one week.
