Short Description
Peppermint Snowball Cookies are melt-in-your-mouth treats with a buttery, crumbly texture and a refreshing hint of peppermint. Rolled in powdered sugar for a snowy finish, these cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive and perfect for the holiday season
- Buttery, delicate texture with a peppermint twist
- Only a few simple ingredients required
- Easy to make and great for gifting
- Can be customized with different flavor variations
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Unsalted butter
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Peppermint extract
- All-purpose flour
- Cornstarch
- Salt
- Crushed peppermint candies
- Additional powdered sugar (for coating)
Directions
- Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Flavoring: Mix in the vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and salt.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and cornstarch, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in Peppermint: Stir in the crushed peppermint candies.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Chill: Refrigerate the cookie dough balls for at least 30 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 12-15 minutes until lightly golden on the bottom.
- Coat in Powdered Sugar: While still warm, roll the cookies in powdered sugar. Let cool and roll again for a thicker coating.
- Serve & Enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Bake Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Variations
- Chocolate Peppermint: Add mini chocolate chips for a chocolatey twist.
- Nutty Snowballs: Mix in finely chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
- Citrus Twist: Replace peppermint extract with orange or lemon extract for a citrusy flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
- Extra Minty: Drizzle with melted white chocolate and sprinkle additional crushed peppermint candies on top.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Refrigeration: Keeps fresh in the fridge for up to a week.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months; bake from frozen with an extra minute added to baking time.
FAQs
Can I use regular sugar instead of powdered sugar?
No, powdered sugar is essential for the right texture.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough before baking helps maintain their shape.
Can I use candy canes instead of peppermint candies?
Yes! Crushed candy canes work just as well.
Why do I roll the cookies in powdered sugar twice?
Rolling twice ensures a thick, snowy coating for the perfect finish.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and freeze it for up to 3 months.
Do I need a stand mixer?
No, a hand mixer or even mixing by hand works fine.
What happens if I overbake them?
They may become too dry, so bake just until the bottoms are lightly golden.
Can I make these without peppermint?
Yes! You can omit the peppermint extract for classic snowball cookies.
How do I crush peppermint candies?
Place them in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
Can I add food coloring for a festive look?
Absolutely! A drop of red or green food coloring can make them even more festive.
Conclusion
Peppermint Snowball Cookies are the ultimate holiday treat, bringing together buttery richness and a refreshing peppermint flavor. Whether for a cookie exchange, a holiday gift, or just to enjoy at home, these delightful snowballs will be a festive favorite!
PrintPeppermint Snowball Cookies
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: ~52 minutes
Description
Peppermint Snowball Cookies Peppermint Snowball Cookies are buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treats with a festive peppermint twist. Rolled in powdered sugar, they look like little snowballs, making them perfect for holiday cookie platters.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for rolling)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup finely crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in vanilla and peppermint extract.
- Stir in flour and salt until just combined. Fold in crushed peppermint and nuts (if using).
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on the prepared baking sheet about 1 inch apart.
- Bake for 12–14 minutes, until the bottoms are lightly golden. Let cool for 5 minutes.
- While still warm, roll each cookie in powdered sugar. Let cool completely, then roll again for a thick, snowy coating.
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
Notes
- For a richer peppermint flavor, add a few drops of peppermint extract to the powdered sugar.
- If the dough feels too dry, add 1 tablespoon of milk.
- Try dipping the bottoms in melted chocolate for an extra treat.
Nutrition
- Calories: ~120
- Sugar: ~7g
- Sodium: ~30mg
- Fat: ~7g
- Saturated Fat: ~4g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: ~14g
- Fiber: ~1g
- Protein: ~1g
- Cholesterol: ~15mg
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