Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite holiday treat—peppermint snowball cookies! These delightful little bites are soft, buttery, and bursting with refreshing peppermint flavor. Every year, as the holiday season rolls around, I find myself craving these cookies. There’s just something magical about their snowy appearance, dusted in powdered sugar, that brings a cozy warmth to chilly winter days.
I’ve been making peppermint snowball cookies since I was a kid, standing on a stool beside my mom in the kitchen. The smell of that peppermint extract combined with the buttery goodness is enough to make anyone feel festive! Trust me, they’re perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings or even just to enjoy with a cup of hot cocoa on a quiet evening. Each bite is like a little cloud of winter magic, and I can’t wait for you to try them!
Ingredients List
To make the most delightful peppermint snowball cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus more for coating
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, for sweetness
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract, to really pack that minty punch
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, for the perfect cookie base
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, to balance the flavors
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candy, for that festive crunch
- 1/4 cup additional powdered sugar, for rolling after baking
Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be set for an afternoon of baking joy!
How to Prepare Peppermint Snowball Cookies
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because it ensures that your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly soft and buttery.
Creaming the Butter and Sugar
Next, grab a mixing bowl and cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until it’s light and fluffy. I usually do this for about 2-3 minutes. The right consistency should feel almost like whipped cream—smooth, airy, and inviting!
Adding Extracts and Dry Ingredients
Now it’s time to add in those magical extracts! Pour in the vanilla and peppermint extracts, mixing well until combined. Then, gradually add the flour and salt into the mixture. I like to do this in batches to keep everything nice and smooth—don’t worry if it looks a bit crumbly at first; it’ll come together!
Incorporating Crushed Peppermint Candy
With your dough coming together, gently fold in the crushed peppermint candy. This is what gives your cookies that delightful crunch and festive flair! Just be careful not to overmix; we want those candy pieces to remain intact.
Shaping the Cookies
Now, take small portions of dough and roll them into balls about 1 inch in diameter. Space them out on your baking sheet to give them room to spread—about 2 inches apart should do it. Trust me, they’ll puff up beautifully!
Baking the Cookies
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want them to be lightly golden on the bottoms while still soft in the center. Wow, the aroma will be incredible!
Final Touch with Powdered Sugar
Once your cookies are out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet. Then, roll them in powdered sugar while they’re still warm. This gives them that classic snowy look and adds a lovely sweetness that you won’t want to miss!
Nutritional Information
Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional content for each peppermint snowball cookie. You’ll find about 100 calories, 6g of fat, 1g of protein, and 10g of carbohydrates per cookie. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on your specific ingredients, but it gives you a good idea of what to expect!
FAQ Section
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. When you’re ready to bake, simply roll the dough into balls and follow the baking instructions. You can also freeze the shaped dough for up to a month—just thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking!
What can I substitute for peppermint extract?
If you don’t have peppermint extract on hand, you can use mint extract for a similar flavor profile. Alternatively, a dash of almond extract can add a unique twist, though it won’t have that classic peppermint taste. Just keep in mind that the minty freshness will be less pronounced!
How do I store leftover cookies?
To keep your peppermint snowball cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe container. Just make sure to layer parchment paper between the cookies to prevent sticking!
Why You’ll Love Peppermint Snowball Cookies
- Quick and Easy: These cookies come together in just 35 minutes, making them a perfect last-minute treat for unexpected guests or holiday gatherings.
- Festive Flavor: The refreshing peppermint flavor combined with buttery goodness creates a delightful taste that perfectly captures the spirit of the season.
- Great for Sharing: With a yield of 24 cookies, they’re ideal for cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or simply to enjoy with family while cozying up by the fire.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the peppermint intensity or even experiment with different crushed candies for a unique twist!
Tips for Success
To ensure your peppermint snowball cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are some tried-and-true tips! First, make sure your butter is really softened but not melted; this helps achieve that creamy texture for the dough. Don’t forget to sift your powdered sugar before mixing it in; it makes a world of difference in getting rid of lumps!
When rolling your dough into balls, it’s helpful to keep your hands slightly damp to prevent sticking. And if you want that perfect snowy finish, roll the cookies in powdered sugar while they’re still warm, so it clings better. Trust me, these little details make all the difference!
Serving Suggestions
There are so many delightful ways to enjoy peppermint snowball cookies! For a cozy treat, pair them with a steaming cup of hot chocolate or a rich coffee—trust me, the combination is heavenly! If you’re hosting a holiday gathering, arrange these snowy cookies on a festive platter alongside other holiday treats for an eye-catching dessert table.
Another fun idea is to package them in clear bags tied with colorful ribbons for sweet party favors. Guests will love taking a little taste of the holidays home with them! No matter how you serve them, these cookies are sure to spread festive cheer and warm hearts!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your peppermint snowball cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll maintain their delightful flavor and texture for about a week. If you want to enjoy them a little longer, you can freeze them! Just place the cookies in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
When you’re ready to indulge again, simply thaw the cookies in the fridge overnight or let them sit at room temperature for about an hour. If you prefer them warm, pop them in the microwave for just a few seconds to bring back that fresh-baked goodness. Enjoy!
Print
Peppermint Snowball Cookies: 6 Steps to Festive Delight
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Peppermint snowball cookies are soft, buttery treats with a refreshing peppermint flavor, perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candy
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar for coating
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar.
- Add the vanilla and peppermint extracts, and mix well.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until combined.
- Fold in the crushed peppermint candy.
- Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool for a few minutes, then roll them in powdered sugar.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Adjust peppermint flavor to your liking.
- Try using different types of crushed candy for variety.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: peppermint snowball cookies
