Holiday Cookies

Buttery and delightful, Holiday Cookies are perfect for any festive occasion. These snowball cookies, infused with a hint of mint and loaded with chocolate chips, deliver a unique twist on a classic treat. Their charming green hue and powdered sugar coating make them visually appealing, while their melt-in-your-mouth texture ensures they will be a favorite at holiday gatherings or cozy family nights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and minimal prep time, these cookies are perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Festive Flavor: The combination of mint and chocolate creates a refreshing taste that embodies the spirit of the holidays.
• Versatile Treat: Ideal for cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or just as a sweet treat for yourself.
• Batch-Friendly: This recipe yields 30 cookies, making it great for sharing or freezing for later.
• Beautiful Presentation: The rolled powdered sugar finish adds a lovely touch that makes them stand out on any dessert table.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Electric mixer
• Cookie sheet
• Parchment paper
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugar together until fluffy.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy when baking your delicious cookies.

Ingredients

Buttery snowball cookies infused with mint and studded with chocolate chips, rolled in powdered sugar for a festive treat.

For the Cookies

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened.
• ⅔ cup powdered sugar, sifted.
• 2¼ cups all-purpose flour.
• ½ teaspoon salt.
• 1 teaspoon mint extract.
• Green food coloring (gel preferred).
• ¾ cup mini chocolate chips.

For Coating

• Additional powdered sugar for coating.

How to Make Holiday Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet

Line your cookie sheet with parchment paper. This will ensure that your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Mix in the all-purpose flour, salt, and mint extract. Stir until just combined. Add green food coloring to achieve your desired shade.

Step 4: Add Chocolate Chips

Fold in the mini chocolate chips, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Form tablespoon-sized dough balls. Place them on the prepared cookie sheet. Chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to firm up the dough.

Step 6: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 7: Bake Cookies

Bake in the preheated oven for 7-8 minutes or until they are barely browned on the bottom. Once done, allow them to cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes.

Step 8: Coat in Powdered Sugar

While still warm, roll each cookie in powdered sugar. After they have completely cooled, roll them again in fresh powdered sugar for an extra sweet touch.

Enjoy your delightful Holiday Cookies, perfect to share with friends or enjoy yourself!

How to Serve Holiday Cookies

Serving Holiday Cookies can elevate your festive gatherings and make them more memorable. These delightful mint-infused treats are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways to please your guests.

Festive Cookie Platters

• Arrange an assortment of holiday cookies on a decorative platter for a colorful display.
• Include different types of cookies alongside your Holiday Cookies for variety.

Gift Boxes

• Package your Holiday Cookies in cute boxes or tins as thoughtful gifts.
• Adding a personal note makes these gifts even more special.

Dessert Bars

• Set up a dessert bar at holiday parties featuring Holiday Cookies alongside other sweet treats.
• This encourages guests to mix and match their favorites.

Pair with Beverages

• Serve warm drinks like hot cocoa or peppermint tea alongside your Holiday Cookies.
• The flavors complement each other perfectly, enhancing the overall experience.

How to Perfect Holiday Cookies

Making the perfect Holiday Cookies is all about technique and attention to detail. Follow these tips for the best results:

• Use softened butter: This helps create a light and fluffy texture that is essential for great cookies.
• Sift powdered sugar: Sifting reduces lumps, ensuring a smooth coating on your cookies after baking.
• Chill the dough: Chilling helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking and enhances flavor.
• Watch the baking time: Bake until barely browned on the bottom for soft, chewy cookies.
• Roll in sugar twice: Rolling warm cookies in powdered sugar right after baking ensures they are nicely coated.

Best Side Dishes for Holiday Cookies

When serving Holiday Cookies, consider pairing them with delicious side dishes that complement their flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad balances the sweetness of the cookies with its natural tartness.
2. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can provide a savory contrast to the sweet treats.
3. Chocolate Fondue: Guests can dip fruits or additional cookies into warm chocolate for an interactive dessert experience.
4. Mini Cupcakes: Offer mini cupcakes in festive flavors to add variety to your dessert table.
5. Nut Mixes: A mix of spiced nuts adds crunch and pairs well with the soft texture of the cookies.
6. Ice Cream: Serve a scoop of vanilla or mint ice cream as a cold treat that complements your warm cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When baking holiday cookies, small errors can lead to less-than-stellar results. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.

• Skipping the butter softening: Using cold butter can result in dense cookies. Always soften your butter at room temperature before mixing.
• Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can make cookies tough. Mix just until ingredients are combined to keep them light and fluffy.
• Not chilling the dough: Chilling helps prevent spreading during baking. Don’t skip the chilling step; it makes a big difference in texture.
• Using stale ingredients: Old baking powder or flour can ruin your cookies. Always check expiration dates for freshness before starting.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can affect cookie texture. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover holiday cookies in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 1 week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Holiday Cookies

• You can freeze these cookies for up to 3 months.
• Place them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers.

Reheating Holiday Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 10-15 seconds per cookie.
• Stovetop: Place in a pan over low heat, covering with a lid for a few minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about holiday cookies that you might find helpful.

What makes these holiday cookies special?

These holiday cookies are infused with mint and chocolate, making them a festive treat perfect for any celebration.

Can I customize my holiday cookies?

Absolutely! You can add nuts or different types of chocolate chips based on your preference.

How long do holiday cookies stay fresh?

When stored properly, holiday cookies can stay fresh for about a week in the refrigerator or up to three months in the freezer.

Are these cookies suitable for gifting?

Yes! These delightful holiday cookies wrapped nicely make great gifts for friends and family during the festive season.

Final Thoughts

These buttery snowball holiday cookies are not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. With their minty flavor and chocolatey goodness, they are sure to impress your guests. Feel free to customize them by adding your favorite ingredients or changing the colors for different occasions. Enjoy baking!