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These melt in your mouth mint chocolate chip snowball cookies offer a refreshing twist on the classic holiday treat. Their delicate green hue and coating of powdered sugar make them just as festive as they are delicious. Whether you’re baking for a Christmas party or just craving a cool minty cookie, these are sure to impress.
I first made these during a winter gathering, and everyone was amazed by how light and fresh they tasted. Now they’re a requested staple whenever the holidays roll around.
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter: softened for richness and a tender crumb Choose high quality butter for the best flavor
- Powdered sugar: sifted to avoid lumps and create a smooth dough
- Allpurpose flour: spooned and leveled to ensure accurate measurement for dough consistency
- Salt: to enhance the other flavors and balance sweetness
- Mint or peppermint extract: provides that unmistakable refreshing flavor Use pure extract for the best taste
- Green food coloring: in gel form gives a vibrant color without altering dough texture Add drop by drop until you get the perfect shade
- Mini chocolate chips: add bursts of chocolate in every bite Choose good quality chips that melt slightly when baked
- Additional powdered sugar for coating: which adds the snowy look and a touch of extra sweetness
Instructions
- Scoop and Chill:
- Prepare your baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper for easy cleanup and preventing sticking. In a mixing bowl beat softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Slowly incorporate the flour salt and mint extract and mix gently just until combined to avoid tough cookies. Carefully add green gel food coloring drop by drop mixing after each addition to reach the desired minty green hue. Fold in the mini chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough. Using a tablespoon scoop roll portions of dough into balls and place them on the prepared sheet. Cover the dough balls and refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes as chilling helps maintain the shape and improves texture.
- Bake and Cool:
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit about 190 degrees Celsius. Bake the chilled dough balls for 7 to 8 minutes and watch for lightly golden bottoms which indicates they are perfectly baked but still soft inside. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set before transferring to a parchment lined tray dusted with powdered sugar and generously coat the tops of the cookies. Once completely cooled roll each cookie in powdered sugar again to create that classic snowball appearance with a sweet powdery finish.
Mint extract is my favorite ingredient here. It creates a fresh and bright sensation that lifts this classic cookie recipe to another level. I remember sharing these cookies with my family last Christmas and the kids loved guessing the secret green color before biting into the sweet powder coated treats. It’s a fun way to get everyone excited in the kitchen especially during the holidays.
Storage Tips
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh for up to five days. To keep them longer place layered sheets of wax paper between cookies to prevent sticking. For longer storage freezing is your best bet. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you do not have mint extract peppermint extract works as a direct substitute. Both provide a similar cool flavor though peppermint tends to be slightly stronger. You can replace mini chocolate chips with finely chopped chocolate or chocolate chunks for a more rustic feel. Use butter flavored shortening if you want a dairyfree option though the texture will be slightly different.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of hot chocolate or a simple glass of milk for a comforting snack. Enjoy them alongside other holiday treats to add a refreshing minty note on your cookie tray. For a twist try sandwiching two cookies with a layer of chocolate ganache or cream cheese frosting.
These mint chocolate chip snowball cookies are festive and easy to make. Freeze portioned dough balls for quick fresh baking whenever you want a batch of warm cookies.
Common Questions About Recipes
- → What type of mint flavor is best for these treats?
Mint or peppermint extract works well to give a refreshing herbal note that complements the chocolate chips.
- → Why is the dough chilled before baking?
Chilling firms the dough, helps maintain shape during baking, and enhances the texture of the finished delicacies.
- → Can I use fresh mint instead of extract?
Fresh mint can be used but it may alter texture; for pronounced mint flavor without moisture, extract is preferred.
- → What purpose does powdered sugar coating serve?
The powdered sugar adds a sweet, snowy finish and a delicate texture contrast to the buttery interior.
- → Are mini chocolate chips necessary?
Mini chocolate chips evenly distribute throughout the dough, providing bursts of rich flavor without overpowering the mint.