Nothing evokes the magic of the holiday season like a tray of homemade cookies. Among the many treats, Mint Chocolate Snowball Cookies stand out with their delicate crunch, soft center, and refreshing hint of mint. Perfect for gifting, cookie swaps, or cozying up with a hot drink, these cookies combine the best of chocolate and mint in a visually stunning, snow-dusted bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookies are not only beautiful but also easy to make. With simple pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients, you can create a festive treat that tastes like it came from a bakery. The combination of rich chocolate chunks, buttery dough, and a hint of peppermint makes them irresistible. Plus, their snowy exterior adds a touch of holiday magic.

Ingredients

Cookie Dough:

2 cups all-purpose flour
0.5 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
0.5 tsp salt
0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
0.75 cup brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
0.25 tsp peppermint extract (optional for stronger mint flavor)
1 cup semisweet chocolate chunks or chips
0.5 cup crushed peppermint candies (optional for extra crunch)

Coating:

1 cup powdered sugar
1-2 tsp cocoa powder (optional for chocolatey dusting)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until smooth and combined.
Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.
Gently stir in chocolate chunks and crushed peppermint candies.
Scoop dough using a small cookie scoop (about 1.5 tablespoons) and roll into balls. Place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft.
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cooled, roll each cookie in powdered sugar (and cocoa powder if using) to create a snowball effect.
Serve immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Tips for Perfect Mint Chocolate Snowball Cookies

Soft Butter: Use room-temperature butter to ensure a smooth dough that’s easy to shape.
Don’t Overbake: Cookies continue to cook slightly after removal from the oven, so pull them out when edges are just set.
Crushed Peppermint: Adds festive crunch, but optional if you prefer a softer cookie.
Storage: Keep cookies in a single layer with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Variations

Double Chocolate: Replace half the flour with cocoa powder for chocolate-dense snowballs.
Vegan Version: Substitute butter with coconut oil and use a flax egg (1 tbsp flax + 2.5 tbsp water).
Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend and increase baking powder slightly for lift.
Mint Intensity: Increase peppermint extract to 0.5 tsp for a stronger mint flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with hot cocoa or peppermint tea for a cozy winter snack.
Arrange on a festive platter for holiday parties or cookie exchanges.
Wrap in cellophane with a ribbon for edible gifts that look as good as they taste.

Fun Facts

Snowball cookies are believed to have originated from European butter cookies rolled in powdered sugar to resemble snowballs.
Peppermint and chocolate is a classic winter pairing that dates back to Victorian-era candy-making traditions.
These cookies are visually appealing and easy to customize, making them a holiday baking favorite worldwide.