Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are a festive twist on the classic snowball or Russian tea cake cookie that so many people love during the holiday season. Soft, buttery, and coated generously in powdered sugar, these cookies melt in your mouth while delivering a refreshing mint flavor and bursts of rich chocolate chips in every bite. Their signature green interior makes them especially eye-catching on Christmas cookie platters and dessert tables.
Snowball cookies have long been a holiday staple, known for their simple ingredients and irresistible texture. By adding mint extract and chocolate chips, this version transforms the traditional recipe into a holiday favorite that feels both nostalgic and exciting. The mint adds brightness, while the chocolate brings balance and indulgence—making these cookies perfect for Christmas baking, cookie exchanges, and homemade edible gifts.
What makes Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies even better is how easy they are to make. There’s no rolling pin, no cookie cutters, and no complicated steps. The dough comes together quickly, the cookies bake evenly, and the powdered sugar coating gives them that signature snow-covered look with minimal effort.
Whether you’re building a Christmas cookie platter, looking for easy Xmas cookies, or searching for festive green cookies with powdered sugar, this recipe is guaranteed to become a seasonal favorite.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Mix until light, fluffy, and pale in color, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add peppermint extract and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix until fully incorporated. If using green food coloring, add a few drops and mix until evenly colored.
- Gradually add the flour and salt to the mixture. Mix on low speed until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
- Using a spatula, gently fold in the mini chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it between your palms to form a smooth ball. Place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing cookies about 1½ inches apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cookies are set but not browned. The bottoms should be lightly golden, while the tops remain pale.
- Allow the cookies to cool for about 5 minutes. While still warm, gently roll them in powdered sugar and place them on a cooling rack.
- Once the cookies are completely cooled, roll them in powdered sugar again for a thick, snowy finish.
Notes
Nutritional Facts and Total Calories (Approximate Per Cookie)
- Calories: 110–130 kcal
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Protein: 1–2g
- Sugar: 7g
- Fiber: 0–1g
Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
Ingredient Notes
Unsalted Butter
Butter is the foundation of snowball cookies. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt level and ensures a rich, smooth flavor. The butter should be softened—not melted—so it creams properly with the powdered sugar, creating a light, tender texture in the cookies.
Powdered Sugar (for Dough)
Powdered sugar is used instead of granulated sugar in snowball cookies because it creates a softer, more delicate crumb. It dissolves easily into the butter, resulting in a smooth dough and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Peppermint Extract
Peppermint extract gives these cookies their signature mint flavor. A little goes a long way—too much can overpower the cookies. Always measure carefully for a balanced, refreshing taste.
Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract rounds out the mint flavor and adds warmth and depth. It helps balance the coolness of the peppermint and enhances the overall cookie flavor.
All-Purpose Flour
Flour provides structure to the cookies. Measuring accurately is important; too much flour can make the cookies dry. Spoon flour into the measuring cup and level it off for best results.
Salt
A small amount of salt enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness. Even in dessert recipes, salt is essential for depth.
Mini Chocolate Chips
Mini chocolate chips work best because they distribute evenly throughout the dough and ensure chocolate in every bite. Regular chocolate chips can be used, but chopping them slightly improves texture.
Green Food Coloring (Optional)
Green food coloring gives these cookies their festive mint-chocolate appearance. It’s optional but highly recommended for holiday presentation. Gel food coloring works best because it doesn’t thin the dough.
Powdered Sugar (for Rolling)
The final coating of powdered sugar is what turns these cookies into snowballs. Rolling the cookies twice—once warm and once cooled—creates a thick, snowy coating.
Serving Instructions
- Serve at room temperature
- Arrange on a Christmas cookies platter with other holiday treats
- Pair with:
- Hot chocolate
- Coffee or espresso
- Peppermint tea
- Ideal for:
- Holiday parties
- Cookie exchanges
- Homemade gift boxes
Tips
- Use mini chocolate chips for even distribution
- Chill dough for 15 minutes if it feels too soft
- Don’t overbake—snowball cookies should stay pale
- Roll cookies gently to avoid cracking
- Double roll in powdered sugar for best appearance
- Store separately from moist desserts to maintain texture
Storage Information
- Room Temperature:
Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. - Refrigerator:
Can be stored for up to 7 days, though room temperature is preferred. - Freezing:
Freeze baked cookies (before sugar coating) for up to 2 months. Thaw, then roll in powdered sugar before serving.
FAQs
1. Why are my snowball cookies crumbly?
Snowball cookies are naturally tender, but excessive crumbling can happen if too much flour is added. Measure flour carefully.
2. Can I use mint chocolate chips instead of regular?
Yes. Mint chocolate chips enhance the mint flavor and work beautifully in this recipe.
3. Do I have to use food coloring?
No. Food coloring is optional and only for appearance. The cookies taste the same without it.
4. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes. The dough can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.
5. Why roll cookies twice in powdered sugar?
Rolling twice creates a thicker, more even coating that gives the cookies their signature snowball look.
Hi, I’m James Andrew — the chef behind these keto recipes. I love creating food that’s simple, delicious, and good for the body. My goal is to make healthy eating feel enjoyable, not strict or complicated. I hope my recipes inspire you to enjoy every meal on your keto journey.
