Introduction
Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are a festive twist on a classic treat. These delightful cookies are not only aesthetically pleasing, but they also deliver a refreshing burst of mint flavor harmonized with rich chocolate chips. Perfect for holiday gatherings, family celebrations, or simply a cozy day at home, these cookies will satisfy your sweet tooth while providing a nostalgic taste experience.
With their snowy exterior and tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture, these cookies evoke a sense of warmth and joy. The combination of mint and chocolate is well-loved, making these snowballs an instant favorite. Plus, the simplicity of the recipe ensures that both novice and experienced bakers can indulge in this delightful baking adventure.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
Butter creates a rich base, adding moisture and flavor to the cookies. Softening the butter helps to incorporate it easily with other ingredients, contributing to a tender texture. - 2 cups powdered sugar
Powdered sugar not only sweetens the cookies but also helps to create the delicate snowball appearance. Its fine texture mixes smoothly, resulting in a tender crumb. - 2 cups all-purpose flour
Flour gives structure to the cookies. Using all-purpose flour helps achieve the right balance between a light texture and enough strength to hold the cookies together. - 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
Mini chocolate chips provide delightful bursts of chocolate flavor in every bite. Their smaller size allows for a balanced distribution throughout the dough. - 2 teaspoons peppermint extract
Peppermint extract infuses the cookies with a refreshing mint flavor that complements the chocolate. It enhances the overall taste, making each cookie unique. - 1/4 teaspoon salt
Salt balances sweetness and enhances the flavors of the other ingredients. It is essential in highlighting the chocolate and mint notes in the cookies. - 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
Baking powder acts as a leavening agent, helping the cookies to rise slightly as they bake. This contributes to a lighter texture, ensuring they don’t turn out too dense. - Powdered sugar for coating
Coating the finished cookies in powdered sugar gives them their signature snowball appearance and adds a touch of extra sweetness with each bite.
Directions & Preparation
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Preheating the oven ensures that the cookies bake evenly and develop a nice, golden color. Lining the baking sheet creates a non-stick surface, making it easier to remove the cookies without breaking their delicate structure.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
Creaming the butter and sugar together incorporates air into the mixture, producing a lighter batter. This step is crucial for creating the tender texture that melts in your mouth. Aim for a pale color and a fluffy consistency when finished.
Step 3: Add in the peppermint extract and mix until well combined.
Incorporating the peppermint extract at this stage allows its flavor to meld with the butter and sugar mixture, ensuring an even distribution of minty goodness throughout the cookies. Adjust the amount slightly for more or less mint flavor, based on your preference.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder.
Whisking the dry ingredients ensures an even distribution of the leavening agents and salt, which is vital for the cookies to rise appropriately. This step keeps the texture consistent, preventing any pockets of salt or baking powder.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Adding the dry ingredients gradually prevents overmixing which can lead to a tougher cookie. The goal is to mix just until the flour disappears; a few flour streaks are okay as they will incorporate when you fold in the chocolate chips.
Step 6: Fold in the mini chocolate chips gently using a spatula.
Folding in the chocolate chips rather than stirring actively helps to maintain air in the batter, keeping the cookies light and fluffy. Make sure the chips are evenly distributed for delightful bursts of chocolate in every bite.
Step 7: Using a spoon, scoop tablespoon-size amounts of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each dollop.
Proper spacing is essential as these cookies will spread slightly during baking. The tablespoon-sized scoops ensure uniformity in cooking time, leading to cookies that are consistently baked and golden.
Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
Baking until the edges are set enables the cookies to hold their shape, while leaving the centers soft ensures a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Keep an eye on them as they can overbake quickly if not removed promptly.
Step 9: Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Allowing the cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheet helps them firm up without breaking. The transfer to a wire rack prevents them from becoming soggy by allowing air to circulate, preserving their delightful texture.
Step 10: Once cooled, roll the cookies in powdered sugar to coat them lightly.
Rolling the cookies in powdered sugar creates the iconic snowball effect. It adds sweetness and a visually appealing finish that makes them look like they’ve been dusted with freshly fallen snow.
The Refreshing Twist of Mint
Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies offer a unique flavor profile that sets them apart from traditional cookies. The peppermint infusion provides a delightful freshness, turning each bite into a seasonal celebration. Mint not only enhances the sweet chocolate but also creates a memorable taste experience that keeps you coming back for more.
A Classic with a Fun Update
While snowball cookies are often defined by their buttery goodness and powdered sugar exterior, the addition of mint chocolate chips brings a playful twist to this beloved recipe. This modern update retains the nostalgic essence of snowball cookies while introducing a new layer of flavor that surprises and delights ingredients lovers.
Perfect for Any Occasion
These cookies are incredibly versatile, making them suitable for a range of occasions. Whether you're preparing a festive dessert tray for the holidays, a treat for a summer gathering, or simply enjoying a quiet afternoon at home, Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies fit right in. Their playful color and inviting aroma will warm any atmosphere.
FAQs
What can I do if the dough is too sticky?
If the dough feels overly sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will firm it up and make it easier to scoop and handle.
How can I adjust the mint flavor in these cookies?
You can modify the peppermint extract to suit your taste. Start with the recommended amount and add more gradually until you reach your desired level of mintiness.
What should I do if my cookies spread too much during baking?
If the cookies spread too much, try chilling the dough before baking or ensure your oven temperature is accurate, as overly warm dough can lead to excessive spreading.
Can I substitute the chocolate chips for another mix-in?
Certainly! You can use white chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even crushed peppermint candies as an alternative to customize your snowball cookies.
Why did my cookies turn out too dense?
Dense cookies may be a result of overmixing the dough after adding the flour. Mix just until combined for a lighter texture.
Is it okay to use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter. Just reduce the added salt in the recipe to avoid overpowering the cookies with saltiness.
Conclusion
Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are a wonderful way to celebrate both traditional baking and innovative flavors. Their unique combination of mint and chocolate makes them a standout choice for any cookie platter or as a delightful treat for yourself. Whether gifted to friends or savored at home, these cookies are bound to bring joy.
With their tender texture and inviting appearance, it's hard to resist reaching for just one more. Try baking a batch soon, and let the warmth of mint and chocolate fill your kitchen with joy this season.
Recipe Card
Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Delight
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- 2 teaspoons peppermint extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- Powdered sugar for coating
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add in the peppermint extract and mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the mini chocolate chips gently using a spatula.
- Using a spoon, scoop tablespoon-size amounts of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each dollop.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Once cooled, roll the cookies in powdered sugar to coat them lightly.
Notes
Additional serving suggestions: pair with a crisp salad, garlic bread, or roasted seasonal vegetables for balance.
For make-ahead, prep components separately and assemble just before heating to preserve texture.
Taste and adjust with acid (lemon/vinegar) and salt right at the end to wake up flavors.
