Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

These Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are a delightful holiday treat that combines the refreshing flavor of peppermint with the indulgence of mini chocolate chips. The soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture of these cookies makes them a perfect addition to any festive spread. They are easy to make and require minimal ingredients, yet they look and taste like a special occasion cookie.

Ingredients

1 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
Additional powdered sugar for rolling

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the peppermint extract and continue to mix until well combined.
4. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until everything is fully incorporated.
5. Stir in the mini chocolate chips to evenly distribute them throughout the dough.
6. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cookies are set but not browned.
8. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes.
9. Roll the warm cookies in additional powdered sugar to coat them.
10. Let the cookies cool completely before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 24 cookies
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 25-27 minutes

Variations

1. Chocolate-Dipped Snowball Cookies: After baking, dip the cooled cookies in melted chocolate and sprinkle with crushed peppermint for an extra festive touch.
2. Add Nuts: For added crunch, mix in some finely chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans.
3. White Chocolate Chips: Substitute mini chocolate chips with white chocolate chips for a different twist on this classic flavor combination.
4. Cocoa Powder: For a richer chocolate flavor, add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the flour mixture.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you’d like them to stay fresh longer, you can refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks.
• Freezing: These cookies freeze well! To freeze, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag, where they can be stored for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: If frozen, let the cookies thaw at room temperature. You can also warm them briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a freshly baked taste.

10 FAQs

1. Can I make these cookies ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Roll into balls and bake when ready to serve.
2. Can I use regular-sized chocolate chips instead of mini ones? Yes, but mini chocolate chips distribute more evenly throughout the dough. If you use regular-sized chips, you may want to chop them into smaller pieces.
3. How can I make these cookies gluten-free? To make these cookies gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour.
4. Can I use margarine instead of butter? While margarine can be used, butter provides the best flavor and texture for these cookies.
5. Can I omit the peppermint extract? Yes, if you prefer a non-mint version, you can omit the peppermint extract and add a splash of vanilla extract instead.
6. Can I roll the cookies in something other than powdered sugar? Yes, you could roll the cookies in a mixture of granulated sugar and cinnamon for a different flavor profile.
7. Can I freeze the dough? Yes, you can freeze the dough. Roll it into balls, place them on a baking sheet to freeze until solid, and then store them in a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
8. What’s the best way to store these cookies? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze them.
9. Why are these cookies called “snowball” cookies? These cookies are called snowballs because they are rolled in powdered sugar, giving them the appearance of small snowballs.
10. How do I know when these cookies are done baking? These cookies are done when they are set but not browned. They should look slightly firm around the edges.

Conclusion

Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are a fun and festive treat, perfect for holiday celebrations or as a sweet gift. Their soft texture, rich flavor, and easy-to-follow recipe make them an ideal choice for both beginner and experienced bakers. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just indulging yourself, these cookies are sure to delight with every bite!

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