Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are what happens when a mug of mint hot chocolate turns into the coziest little bite-sized cookie. They’re buttery and tender, scented with cool peppermint, loaded with melty chocolate chips, and finished in a blizzard of powdered sugar that makes them look like tiny snowballs.

These are the cookies I reach for when I want something that feels festive but still comfortingly simple—no fussy decorating, no chilling overnight, just scoop, bake, and roll. They’re perfect for Christmas cookie trays, St. Patrick’s Day parties, winter game nights, or any time you’re craving that classic mint chocolate chip ice cream flavor in cookie form.

Why You’ll Love These Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

If you love mint chocolate anything, these little cookies will disappear fast. The dough bakes up incredibly soft, almost like a shortbread-cloud hybrid, with just enough peppermint to taste fresh without overwhelming the chocolate. They’re rich but not heavy, and the powdered sugar coating melts on your tongue with every bite.

They also happen to be wonderfully practical. The dough is sturdy enough to roll easily, so it’s great for baking with kids. The cookies stay pretty for days, travel well in tins, and the recipe doubles like a dream for cookie exchanges or office treats. Plus, they’re naturally egg-free, which is a bonus if you’re baking for anyone with egg allergies.

What Makes These Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies So Soft and Snowy?

These cookies get their signature melt-in-your-mouth texture from a combination of butter, powdered sugar, and a bit of cornstarch in the dough. Instead of spreading, they puff gently as they bake, staying round and tender in the center.

Once they come out of the oven, they’re rolled—twice—in powdered sugar. The first roll happens while the cookies are still slightly warm so the sugar clings to the surface. The second coat goes on after they cool, creating that thick, snowy layer that looks like they’ve been dusted in fresh powder.

Ingredients for Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

Before we dive into mixing, let’s talk about what each ingredient is doing for you. This helps you tweak the recipe later if you need to swap something or adjust the flavor.

Unsalted butter – The base of the cookie and the reason these snowballs practically melt on your tongue. Using unsalted butter lets you control the salt level.
Powdered sugar – Sweetens the dough gently and keeps the texture ultra-soft. It also forms that classic snowy coating on the outside.
Vanilla extract – Rounds out the flavor and keeps the peppermint from tasting too sharp or toothpaste-y.
Peppermint extract – Brings the cool, refreshing mint flavor that pairs so well with chocolate.
All-purpose flour – Gives the cookies structure while still allowing them to stay tender and delicate.
Cornstarch – Softens the crumb and helps the cookies hold their rounded, snowball shape instead of spreading.
Fine salt – Just a pinch to balance all the sweetness and make the mint and chocolate pop.
Mini chocolate chips – Tiny bursts of chocolate in every bite; the small size keeps the dough easy to roll.
Green gel food coloring (optional) – A few drops tint the dough that pretty minty green that makes these extra fun for winter holidays.
Extra powdered sugar for rolling – Essential for the double-dip coating that gives the cookies their frosted, snowball look.

How To Make Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

These cookies come together quickly with simple steps: cream, mix, roll, bake, and coat. If you can stir batter and roll play-dough, you can absolutely make these.

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats so the cookies release easily and stay pale on the bottoms.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with powdered sugar until the mixture looks light, creamy, and a bit fluffy. This step adds just enough air so the cookies stay tender instead of dense.

Step 3: Add Flavor and Color

Beat in the vanilla extract and peppermint extract until fully combined. If you’re using green gel food coloring, mix in a few drops now, adding more as needed until the dough is a soft minty green.

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt. Whisking distributes the cornstarch and salt evenly, so you don’t get pockets of flour or uneven seasoning.

Step 5: Bring the Dough Together

Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix on low speed, or stir with a spatula, just until a soft dough forms. It may look crumbly at first, but keep gently mixing until it comes together and you can press it into a ball with your hands.

Step 6: Fold in the Chocolate Chips

Pour in the mini chocolate chips and fold them through the dough so they’re evenly distributed. If any chips fall out while you’re rolling, just press them back into the dough balls.

Step 7: Shape the Snowballs

Scoop out about a tablespoon of dough at a time and roll it between your palms to form smooth balls. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about an inch of space between each cookie. They won’t spread much, but they do puff slightly.

Step 8: Bake Until Just Set

Bake the cookies for about 11–13 minutes, or until the bottoms are barely golden and the tops look set but still pale. You don’t want browning on top; keeping them light is key to that soft, snowball texture.

Step 9: Roll in Powdered Sugar—Twice

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes so they’re firm enough to handle but still warm. Gently roll each cookie in powdered sugar and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. Once they’re cool, give them a second generous roll in powdered sugar for that thick, snowy coating.

Serving and Storing Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

These cookies are best served at room temperature when the centers are soft and the powdered sugar coating is fully set. Arrange them in a shallow bowl or on a platter so the green dough and chocolate chips peek through the sugar—it makes them look like little scoops of mint chocolate chip ice cream.

A single batch makes about 30 small cookies, which is usually enough to serve 8–10 people if everyone takes a few. For big gatherings or cookie exchanges, you can easily double the recipe and bake in batches.

To store, keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If they lose a bit of their sugar coating, you can always sift a little extra powdered sugar over the top right before serving.

These cookies also freeze well. Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to firm up, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers. Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw at room temperature. Dust with a fresh sprinkle of powdered sugar after thawing if needed.

What to Serve With Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

Minty, chocolate-studded cookies play well with so many cozy drinks and desserts. Here are some fun pairings to round out your dessert table.

Classic Hot Chocolate

A rich mug of hot chocolate makes these cookies taste even more like a deconstructed mint mocha. Stir a cookie right into the mug for an extra-indulgent treat.

Peppermint Mocha or Latte

If you’re serving adults, pair the cookies with peppermint mochas or lattes. The espresso cuts the sweetness while echoing the mint-chocolate flavors.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Serve the cookies alongside scoops of vanilla or chocolate chip ice cream. Crumble a few cookies over the top for a crunchy, minty sundae.

Festive Holiday Punch

A fizzy cranberry or citrus holiday punch adds a bright, fruity contrast to the cool mint and rich chocolate.

Coffee or Espresso

Simple, strong coffee or a shot of espresso is always a win with buttery cookies. These snowballs are especially good with a medium or dark roast.

After-Dinner Dessert Board

Add these cookies to a dessert grazing board with chocolate truffles, fresh berries, and a few savory nibbles like nuts or cheese. The mint keeps everything tasting fresh.

Late-Night Snack with Milk

Sometimes the best pairing is the simplest: a plate of snowball cookies and a cold glass of milk for a midnight snack.

If these Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies have you in a baking mood, you’ll probably fall in love with a few more fun cookie recipes from the blog:

Whipped Shortbread Cookies for a classic, buttery cookie that melts in your mouth.
Banana Bread Cookies when you’re craving all the cozy banana bread flavor in soft cookie form.
Christmas Cookie Pinwheels to brighten up your holiday trays with colorful swirls.
No-Bake Preacher Cookies for days when you want a chocolatey cookie fix without turning on the oven.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save these Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies to your favorite Pinterest cookie or holiday baking board so you can find them whenever the mint chocolate craving hits.

If you make a batch, I’d love to hear how they turned out. Did you go bold with the mint or keep it subtle? Did you tint them a pale pastel green or leave them naturally buttery under the sugar?

Share your tweaks, questions, and photos—I’m all about seeing how you make these recipes your own and helping you bake with confidence.

Want even more inspiration? Explore more recipes and daily baking ideas on my Nora Nosh Pinterest board and discover your next cozy treat.