Minty Snowball Cookies Recipe
If you’re a fan of melt-in-your-mouth treats that bring a cool, chocolatey breeze to your dessert table, Minty Snowball Cookies are your next must-bake adventure! These round, powder-dusted confections are pure winter magic, combining buttery shortbread, refreshing peppermint, and a touch of chocolate in every irresistible bite. With a double coat of powdered sugar, each cookie practically shimmers like freshly fallen snow and carries just enough mint to bring out those festive, joyful vibes. Whether you’re making them for a holiday gathering or a cozy night in, these cookies are guaranteed to leave you and your loved ones smiling—and reaching for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s nothing complicated about the ingredient lineup for these Minty Snowball Cookies, but don’t let their simplicity fool you—each component brings its own special touch to the party. From the creaminess of butter to the zing of peppermint candies and a dusting of snowy sugar, these ingredients come together to create cookie perfection.
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): The key to a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture—be sure it’s fully softened for effortless creaming.
- Powdered Sugar (1/2 cup, plus more for rolling): Adds sweetness and that signature snowy finish. Don’t be shy: it’s all about the layers!
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): One little teaspoon brings warmth and rounds out the flavors.
- Peppermint Extract (1/2 teaspoon): Delivers a bright, lively mint pop you’ll taste with every crumb.
- All-Purpose Flour (2 1/4 cups): The structural hero, giving these cookies their classic, tender shape.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough to balance the sweetness and highlight the mint and chocolate notes.
- Finely Chopped Chocolate Chips or Mini Chocolate Chips (1/2 cup): Offers little chocolate pockets for balance—mini chips disperse best!
- Finely Crushed Peppermint Candies (1/4 cup): A crunchy surprise that doubles down on the peppermint spirit and adds a hint of sparkle to every bite.
How to Make Minty Snowball Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by setting yourself up for baking bliss—preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready and raring to go. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and give your cookies a perfectly smooth bottom. Having everything ready means you can focus on making the dough without any scrambling.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat them together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and almost cloud-like in appearance. This step is what gives Minty Snowball Cookies their signature tender crumb, so don’t rush—the fluffier, the better!
Step 3: Mix in the Flavorings
Add both the vanilla and peppermint extracts to your creamed mixture. These extracts infuse the entire dough with their warm and cool notes, setting the stage for that delightful mint-chocolate experience. Stir until well combined for an even distribution of deliciousness.
Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to your wet mixture. Mix gently after each addition until just combined; you don’t want to over-mix, or the cookies may become tough rather than tender. The dough will look a bit crumbly at this stage, and that’s exactly what you want.
Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Peppermint
Pour in the finely chopped chocolate chips (or mini chips) and the crushed peppermint candies. Use a spatula to fold them in, making sure every scoop of dough gets a little chocolate and a burst of candy crunch. Now the dough is ready for rolling!
Step 6: Shape and Bake
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls using your hands—think about the size of a large marble. Arrange them on your parchment-lined baking sheet with about 1 inch between each ball, as they’ll barely spread. Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, just until the bottoms are lightly golden.
Step 7: Sugar Coat (Twice!)
Once the cookies come out of the oven, let them cool for about 5 minutes. While they’re still warm—but not hot—roll each in additional powdered sugar for that snowy look. Set aside to cool completely, and then give them another tumble in powdered sugar to lock in that festive finish. Expect a small flurry of sugar, and maybe a small mess (it’s part of the fun!).
How to Serve Minty Snowball Cookies
Garnishes
For an extra sparkle, sprinkle a few more tiny peppermint candy bits on top of the freshly coated cookies. If you’re feeling fancy, try a dusting of edible glitter or a sprig of fresh mint on the serving platter—it brings out the “minty” in Minty Snowball Cookies and instantly elevates your presentation!
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with rich, creamy drinks—think hot cocoa with whipped cream, a frothy peppermint latte, or even chilled vanilla milk for little ones. For a dessert spread, they fit right in alongside chocolate truffles, citrusy bars, or fudge for a full-on wintery treat platter.
Creative Ways to Present
Channel your inner holiday host! Stack the cookies in a pyramid on a glass cake stand for a snowy mountain effect, or tuck them into decorative tins lined with parchment for gift-giving. You can even thread Minty Snowball Cookies onto skewers for a whimsical “cookie pop” display at parties—kids (and adults) won’t be able to resist.
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 flavorful for up to a week. To prevent them from sticking together, add a light dusting of powdered sugar between layers or lay down sheets of parchment paper.
Freezing
Both unbaked dough balls and fully baked cookies freeze beautifully! For dough, arrange the balls on a tray to freeze individually before transferring to a zip-top bag; bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the bake time. Baked cookies can be frozen in layers separated by parchment—refresh with a toss in powdered sugar after thawing.
Reheating
While these beauties are just as delicious at room temperature, you can revive slightly stale cookies by warming them in a 300°F oven for 3-4 minutes. Let them cool for a minute, then dust again with sugar if needed to restore that snowy appearance.
FAQs
Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of mini chips?
You can, but chopping regular chocolate chips into smaller pieces helps them distribute more evenly in the dough—creating a perfectly balanced bite every time in your Minty Snowball Cookies.
What’s the best way to crush peppermint candies?
Place the candies in a zip-top bag, then give them a few/firm taps with a rolling pin or mallet. Aim for pieces about the size of coarse sand—this prevents overly large chunks while still giving that satisfying crunch in your Minty Snowball Cookies.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap in a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. The texture may be slightly different, but you’ll still end up with delicious, minty, meltaway cookies.
Do I have to use both vanilla and peppermint extract?
While peppermint is essential for that iconic flavor, vanilla plays a supporting role by adding warmth and balance. If you’re in a pinch, you can skip the vanilla—but for the best flavor in Minty Snowball Cookies, use both extracts.
How do I keep the powdered sugar from becoming clumpy?
Allow the cookies to cool as directed, then sift your powdered sugar before the final rolling. Storing cookies in a dry environment (with parchment between layers) also helps ensure your Minty Snowball Cookies keep their light, powdery coating.
Final Thoughts
Every bite of these Minty Snowball Cookies promises joy, nostalgia, and just the right amount of minty magic. Whether you’re sharing with friends, gifting to neighbors, or enjoying a quiet moment by the fire, this recipe is one to keep close. I hope you’ll find as much delight in baking (and devouring) these snowy treats as I do—don’t let the season pass without giving them a try!
Print
Minty Snowball Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight your taste buds with these Minty Snowball Cookies that are perfect for the holiday season. These buttery cookies with a hint of peppermint are rolled in powdered sugar for a snowy finish.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus more for rolling
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Additional Mix-ins:
- 1/2 cup finely chopped chocolate chips or mini chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup finely crushed peppermint candies
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla and peppermint extracts.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chopped chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candies.
- Form Dough Balls: Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on the prepared baking sheet about 1 inch apart.
- Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the bottoms are just lightly golden.
- Roll in Powdered Sugar: Allow cookies to cool for 5 minutes, then roll warm cookies in additional powdered sugar. Let cool completely and roll again for a snowy finish.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- You can freeze the dough balls and bake straight from frozen—just add an extra minute or two to the bake time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
