If you are looking to add a touch of holiday magic to your cookie jar, this Festive Minty Snowball Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. These delightful little spheres bring together the cool essence of peppermint, the subtle crunch of mini chocolate chips, and a tender crumb that simply melts in your mouth. Coated in a snowy layer of powdered sugar with an optional hint of red or green sparkle, these cookies look as joyful as they taste. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights by the fire, this recipe delivers a classic winter treat with a refreshing twist that will quickly become your favorite seasonal indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Festive Minty Snowball Cookies Recipe plays a vital role in creating that perfect balance of flavor and texture. They are simple pantry staples that combine to give softness, sweetness, minty brightness, and that visual holiday charm.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and tenderness to the cookie dough.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Builds the structure without making the cookies tough.
- ¾ cup mini chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate: Adds bursts of chocolatey goodness in every bite.
- ½ cup powdered sugar (plus more for coating): Sweetens the dough gently and creates the signature snowy outer layer.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the depth of flavor for a comforting undertone.
- ½ tsp peppermint extract: Brings the refreshing mint character that elevates these cookies.
- ¼ tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the overall flavor.
- Green or red sanding sugar (optional): Sprinkles festive color and sparkle for holiday cheer.
How to Make Festive Minty Snowball Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This creates a perfect non-stick surface for your snowball cookies to bake evenly and helps with a tidy cleanup after your baking session.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a hand or stand mixer, beat the softened butter together with the powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key for the ideal texture and infusing your dough with the vanilla and peppermint extracts, which give those aromatic, festive flavors their chance to shine.
Step 3: Mix in Dry Ingredients and Chocolate
Gently fold the flour and salt into the creamed butter mixture to keep the dough tender. Then, carefully mix in the mini chocolate chips so they are evenly distributed without overworking the dough, which can make the cookies tough.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into small, uniform 1-inch balls. Place them evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheet, giving each cookie a little room to bake without sticking together.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake your snowball cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, keeping a close eye to make sure the edges are set but not browned. This ensures your cookies maintain that delicate crumb and soft interior.
Step 6: First Sugar Coating
While the cookies are still warm, gently roll them in powdered sugar. For an added festive touch, mix some green or red sanding sugar into the powdered sugar to give a little holiday sparkle that catches the eye.
Step 7: Cool and Second Sugar Dusting
Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. Then, give them a second, generous dusting of powdered sugar to create that beautiful, pristine snowball effect that everyone will love.
Step 8: Store Properly
Once cooled and coated, store your snowball cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to preserve their freshness and softness for up to one week. This way, you can enjoy the festive flavors day after day.
How to Serve Festive Minty Snowball Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance the beauty and flavor of your cookies with a few simple garnishes. A light sprinkle of extra sanding sugar in holiday colors, finely crushed peppermint candies, or even a delicate drizzle of white chocolate can make these snowballs even more irresistible during festive celebrations.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of hot cocoa, peppermint tea, or a cozy mug of coffee. The cool mint and chocolate notes in the cookies complement these drinks perfectly, making them ideal companions for an afternoon tea or dessert table centerpiece.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging your Festive Minty Snowball Cookies Recipe on a tiered serving tray adorned with evergreen branches or cranberries for a festive display. Packaging them in clear cellophane bags tied with bright red or green ribbons makes them an excellent homemade gift that friends and family will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep any leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. The powdery sugar coating will maintain its charm, and the cookies will stay soft and flavorful for up to one week without losing their inviting texture.
Freezing
If you want to prepare these delightful cookies ahead of time, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet and then transfer to a freezer-safe container. When properly wrapped, they can last up to three months. Thaw them gently at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
Reheating these cookies is simple. Just let them come to room temperature naturally or warm them briefly in a low oven (around 300°F) for a few minutes. Avoid microwaving, which can soften the powdered sugar coating too much and alter the texture.
FAQs
Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of mini ones?
Absolutely! Regular chocolate chips will work just fine, but mini chips distribute more evenly for a consistent chocolate presence in every bite.
What if I don’t have peppermint extract?
You can substitute with a bit of crushed peppermint candy or simply increase the vanilla extract slightly, though it will alter the classic minty profile of the cookie.
How can I make these cookies vegan?
Try replacing the butter with a vegan margarine and ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free. Keep in mind texture and flavor might change slightly but the festive spirit will remain!
Can I add nuts to the dough?
Yes, finely chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts make a great crunch addition without overpowering the mint and chocolate flavors.
Why do my cookies spread too much?
Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and chill the dough slightly before baking if your kitchen is warm. This helps maintain the snowball shape during baking.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about the combination of mint, chocolate, and powdered sugar in this Festive Minty Snowball Cookies Recipe. Whether you are baking for a holiday party or simply craving a sweet, minty treat, these cookies are sure to delight everyone who tastes them. So grab your ingredients, get cozy in the kitchen, and create a batch of these snowy gems that will spread joy and warmth throughout the winter season.
Print
Festive Minty Snowball Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 23 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Festive Minty Snowball Cookies are delightful bite-sized treats perfect for holiday celebrations. Soft and buttery with a refreshing peppermint twist and studded with mini chocolate chips, these cookies are coated in powdered sugar for a snowy, festive appearance. Easy to make and sure to impress, they are a wonderful addition to any cookie platter.
Ingredients
Cookies
- 1 cup (227 g/8 oz) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups (240 g/8.5 oz) all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup (128 g/4.5 oz) mini chocolate chips or finely chopped dark chocolate
- ½ cup (60 g/2 oz) powdered sugar (plus extra for coating)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp peppermint extract
- ¼ tsp salt
Optional Decoration
- Green or red sanding sugar (optional, for a festive touch)
Instructions
- Preheat Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to create an ideal non-stick surface for baking the cookies.
- Base Mixture: In a mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and ½ cup powdered sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Add vanilla and peppermint extracts to infuse aromatic undertones and mix until well combined.
- Dough Assembly: Gradually fold in the all-purpose flour and salt into the butter mixture, stirring gently to combine without overworking the dough. Then, fold in the mini chocolate chips evenly throughout.
- Cookie Formation: Shape the dough into uniform 1-inch spheres by rolling between your palms. Arrange them methodically on the prepared baking sheet, leaving modest spacing between each cookie to allow for slight spreading during baking.
- Baking Process: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes. The edges should be set but not browned. Monitor carefully to avoid overbaking.
- Initial Sugar Coating: While the cookies are still warm, gently roll each cookie in powdered sugar. For a festive touch, you can mix green or red sanding sugar with the powdered sugar before coating.
- Cooling and Final Presentation: Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, apply a second generous dusting of powdered sugar to create a pristine and elegant snowball effect.
- Storage: Store these delicate cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness for up to one week.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is softened but not melted to achieve the perfect cookie texture.
- Do not overwork the dough to keep the cookies tender and crumbly.
- Use high-quality peppermint extract for the best flavor.
- These cookies freeze well; freeze baked cookies in an airtight container and dust with powdered sugar after thawing.
- For vegan or dairy-free options, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative.
