Peppermint Snowball Cookies

Peppermint Snowball Cookies are a delightful holiday treat that combines the buttery texture of classic snowball cookies with the refreshing taste of peppermint. Coated in powdered sugar for a snowy appearance, these cookies are festive, easy to make, and perfect for cookie exchanges or as a sweet addition to your holiday dessert spread.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Buttery, crumbly texture that melts in your mouth.
• A refreshing peppermint flavor that’s perfect for the holiday season.
• Simple to make with just a handful of ingredients.
• Beautiful and festive, ideal for gifting or adding to a holiday cookie platter.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Unsalted butter, softened
• Powdered sugar (for dough and coating)
• Vanilla extract
• Peppermint extract
• All-purpose flour
• Salt
• Crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
• Optional: Red or green sanding sugar for decoration

Directions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla and peppermint extracts.
3. Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix in the flour and salt until a soft dough forms. Fold in the crushed peppermint candies.
4. Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spaced about 1 inch apart.
5. Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. The cookies will remain pale on top.
6. Cool and Coat: Allow the cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheet. While still warm, roll them in powdered sugar. Let them cool completely, then roll them in powdered sugar again for a thicker coating.
7. Serve: Arrange on a platter or store in an airtight container.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes approximately 24 cookies
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Cooling Time: 15 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate Peppermint Snowballs: Add mini chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate over the cookies.
• Nutty Peppermint Snowballs: Mix in finely chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture.
• Colorful Snowballs: Roll the cookies in a mixture of powdered sugar and red or green sanding sugar for a festive look.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary needs.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store Peppermint Snowball Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze uncoated cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw and roll in powdered sugar before serving.
• Reheating: These cookies do not require reheating; enjoy them at room temperature.

FAQs

1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to balance the flavor.

2. Can I make these cookies without peppermint?

Absolutely! Omit the peppermint extract and candies for a classic snowball cookie.

3. How do I crush peppermint candies?

Place the candies or candy canes in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin or a meat mallet.

4. Can I use food coloring to make the cookies more festive?

Yes, you can add a few drops of red or green food coloring to the dough for a colorful twist.

5. Why do the cookies crack during baking?

Cracking is normal and adds to their rustic charm. It won’t affect their taste or texture.

6. Can I prepare the dough in advance?

Yes, the dough can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature before shaping and baking.

7. What’s the best way to prevent sticking when rolling in powdered sugar?

Roll the cookies in powdered sugar while they’re still slightly warm to ensure the coating sticks.

8. Can I use granulated sugar instead of powdered sugar?

Powdered sugar is essential for the coating and texture of these cookies. Substituting with granulated sugar is not recommended.

9. Can I make these cookies vegan?

Yes, use a plant-based butter alternative and a powdered sugar that is certified vegan.

10. How do I prevent the peppermint candies from melting?

Use finely crushed candies and fold them into the dough evenly to avoid large chunks that may melt.

Conclusion

Peppermint Snowball Cookies are a delightful holiday treat that combines the refreshing flavor of peppermint with the buttery goodness of classic snowballs. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, they’re the perfect addition to your holiday baking list. Whether for gifting, parties, or indulging at home, these cookies are sure to spread holiday cheer!

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