Every time I whip up a batch of Easy Melt-in-Your-Mouth Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies, I’m instantly transported back to my childhood kitchen, where the aroma of mint and chocolate filled the air. My mom would bake these delightful treats during the holidays, and I remember sneaking bites before they were even cool. It felt like magic, watching those little balls of dough transform into fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth goodness coated in powdered sugar. Each bite was a symphony of flavor that made our family gatherings even more special.
These cookies are perfect for any festive occasion, but honestly, they’re a treat you can enjoy year-round. The refreshing mint flavor paired with chocolate chips makes them a delightful surprise that’s loved by everyone. Whether it’s a holiday gathering, a cozy winter night, or just a sweet craving, these cookies are sure to bring smiles to your table. Trust me, once you make them, they’ll become a staple in your baking repertoire!
Why You’ll Love "Easy Melt-in-Your-Mouth Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies"
- Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy bakers.
- Only a handful of simple ingredients, making it budget-friendly.
- Family-friendly treat that everyone loves, from kids to adults.
- These cookies freeze beautifully, so you can enjoy them anytime!
- Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in.
- They’re fun to make and even more delightful to eat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup (2 sticks or 226g) Unsalted Butter, softened - I love using high-quality butter for the best flavor.
- ½ cup (100g) Granulated Sugar - This gives the cookies a nice sweetness without being overwhelming.
- 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract - Always go for pure; it makes a world of difference!
- 1 teaspoon Peppermint Extract - Trust me, don’t skip this; it’s what makes these cookies sing!
- 2 ¼ cups (270g) All-Purpose Flour - Make sure to spoon and level your flour for accuracy.
- ¼ teaspoon Salt - Just a pinch enhances all the flavors beautifully.
- 1 cup (170g) Mini Chocolate Chips - Use semi-sweet for a perfect balance; I prefer mini for the extra little bursts of chocolate!
- 1 ½ cups (180g) Powdered Sugar, divided - You’ll roll the cookies in this for that snowy finish!
- Optional: Green Food Coloring - Add a drop or two for a fun festive touch if you like!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- First things first, let’s get that oven preheating! Set it to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and hot when your cookies are ready to go in.
Cream the Butter and Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, add your softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar.
- Using an electric mixer or a sturdy wooden spoon, cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. It’s the key to those melt-in-your-mouth cookies!
Add Extracts
- Now, let’s add the magic! Pour in the pure vanilla extract and peppermint extract.
- Mix well until everything is combined. The aroma will be heavenly!
Combine Dry Ingredients
- Time to bring in the dry ingredients! Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to your butter mixture.
- Stir gently until just combined. Don’t overmix; we want these cookies to be tender and fluffy!
Fold in Chocolate Chips
- Now it’s time to add the fun part! Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips. If you’re feeling festive, add a few drops of green food coloring here to give your dough a cheerful hue!
- Make sure the chocolate chips are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Shape the Cookies
- Grab a tablespoon or a cookie scoop and start shaping your dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between each cookie because they’ll spread slightly while baking.
Bake the Cookies
- Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden on the bottom.
- Don’t worry if they look a little soft; they will firm up as they cool!
Cool and Roll in Sugar
- Once your cookies are done, take them out and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes.
- Then, while they’re still warm, roll them in the powdered sugar for that snowy finish!
- Allow the cookies to cool completely before rolling them in powdered sugar again for an extra touch of sweetness.
Variations
- Substitute almond extract for a nutty twist.
- Add crushed peppermint candies for extra crunch and festive flair.
- Use gluten-free all-purpose flour for a gluten-free option.
- Swap mini chocolate chips for dark chocolate or white chocolate chips.
- Make them dairy-free by using vegan butter and dairy-free chocolate chips.
- For a seasonal touch, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg during the holidays.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving
These cookies are best served at room temperature, allowing their flavors to shine through. Pair them with a warm cup of cocoa or your favorite holiday beverage for a delightful treat. They also make great gifts when packaged in festive tins!
Storage
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just remember to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking!
Helpful Notes
- If the dough feels too soft, refrigerate it for 30 minutes for easier handling.
- For a lighter version, you can replace half the butter with applesauce.
- Feel free to add nuts, like chopped pecans or walnuts, for added texture.
- These cookies are nut-free, making them a safe choice for school treats.
- Adjust the amount of peppermint extract to suit your taste – a little goes a long way!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, you can absolutely freeze these cookies! Just make sure they're fully cooled before placing them in an airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy them, just let them thaw at room temperature.
How can I substitute ingredients?
You can easily substitute ingredients in this recipe! For example, if you're out of unsalted butter, you can use margarine or coconut oil. If you prefer a healthier alternative, you could replace half of the butter with applesauce. Just keep in mind that the texture might vary a bit.
What if I don't have peppermint extract?
No worries! If you don't have peppermint extract, you can use almond extract for a different flavor profile, or even a bit of vanilla extract to keep that sweetness. Just remember that the minty flavor will be missing, but the cookies will still be delicious!
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited to bake these Easy Melt-in-Your-Mouth Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies as I am! They’re truly one of those recipes that fill your home with warmth and joy, perfect for sharing with loved ones or just indulging in for yourself. Remember, it’s all about the process and the little joys that come with it. So, tie on your apron, gather your ingredients, and let’s create some delicious memories together. I can’t wait for you to take that first bite and fall in love all over again!
Print
Easy Melt-in-Your-Mouth Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Delight
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy Melt-in-Your-Mouth Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks or 226g) Unsalted Butter, softened
- ½ cup (100g) Granulated Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
- 1 teaspoon Peppermint Extract
- 2 ¼ cups (270g) All-Purpose Flour
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
- 1 cup (170g) Mini Chocolate Chips
- 1 ½ cups (180g) Powdered Sugar, divided
- Optional: Green Food Coloring
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar.
- Add the vanilla and peppermint extracts, mixing well.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, stirring until combined.
- Fold in the mini chocolate chips and optional food coloring.
- Shape the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Let cookies cool for a few minutes, then roll in powdered sugar.
- Allow cookies to cool completely and roll in powdered sugar again before serving.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate dough for 30 minutes for a firmer texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies, Snowball Cookies, Holiday Cookies
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