Peppermint Snowball Cookies are like little bites of winter wonderland! Imagine delicate, buttery cookies rolled in powdered sugar, sprinkled with crushed peppermint candies that give each mouthful a refreshing zing. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will remind you of cozy nights by the fireplace, wrapped in warm blankets and sipping hot cocoa. If you’re looking for a treat that screams holiday magic, these cookies are your answer. For more inspiration, check out this Easter Shortbread Cookies recipe.
I can still picture the first time I baked Peppermint Snowball Cookies with my grandma. We turned the kitchen into our little workshop, flour flying everywhere as we giggled over our less-than-perfect shapes. These cookies have become a staple at our family gatherings, bringing joy and laughter to every occasion. They are perfect for holiday parties or simply enjoying while binge-watching your favorite holiday movies. Get ready for a flavor experience that will leave you dreaming of snowflakes and candy canes!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Peppermint Snowball Cookies are super easy to make and require minimal ingredients.
- Their rich buttery flavor combined with a refreshing peppermint twist is irresistible.
- Visually stunning with that snowy white appearance, they make an impressive addition to any dessert table.
- Perfect for holiday gatherings or as thoughtful gifts for friends and family!
Ingredients for Peppermint Snowball Cookies
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Unsalted Butter: Use room temperature butter for better mixing; it adds richness and flavor to the cookies.
- Powdered Sugar: Essential for sweetness and rolling the cookies, it gives them their signature snowy appearance.
- All-Purpose Flour: This forms the base of your cookie dough; make sure to sift it for a lighter texture.
- Salt: Just a pinch helps balance the sweetness and enhances all the flavors in the cookies.
- Crushed Peppermint Candies: These add that delightful minty crunch use fresh ones for best results!
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla elevates the flavor profile and complements the peppermint perfectly.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Peppermint Snowball Cookies
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial; it sets the stage for those melt-in-your-mouth vibes!
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
Gradually mix in all-purpose flour and salt until just combined. Don’t overmix; we want tender cookies here! Stir in crushed peppermint candies and vanilla extract.
Step 4: Shape the Dough
Using your hands (or a cookie scoop if you’re fancy), form small balls of dough about one inch in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Bake in preheated oven for around 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers might look soft, but they’ll firm up as they cool!
Step 6: Roll in Sugar
Allow cookies to cool slightly before rolling them in powdered sugar generously. Let them cool completely on wire racks before indulging!
Transfer to plates, arrange beautifully, and watch everyone swoon over these delicious Peppermint Snowball Cookies! Enjoy their delightful crunch paired with a soft center as you sip on your favorite hot beverage this winter season!
You Must Know
- These delightful Peppermint Snowball Cookies bring a festive touch to any gathering.
- With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and refreshing minty flavor, they are a holiday favorite.
- Plus, they’re simple to make, allowing you to whip up a batch in no time and impress your guests!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve the ultimate Peppermint Snowball Cookies, start by creaming the butter and sugar together until fluffy. Then, gradually mix in the dry ingredients while incorporating crushed peppermint candies. Finally, roll into balls and bake until set for perfect results.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your Peppermint Snowball Cookies by using different nuts or swapping out peppermint for other flavors like chocolate or almond extract. healthy dessert alternative You can even drizzle melted chocolate on top for an extra decadent twist!
Storing & Reheating
Store your Peppermint Snowball Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to savor them longer, freeze them for up to three months. No reheating necessary; just enjoy them as they are!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use softened butter for easy blending and optimal texture in your cookies.
- Don’t overbake; they should be slightly soft when you take them out.
- Experiment with different toppings like crushed candy canes or sprinkles for added fun!
I remember the first time I made these Peppermint Snowball Cookies for a holiday party. Everyone raved about them, and one friend even claimed they were better than his grandma’s! What a compliment!
FAQs:
What are Peppermint Snowball Cookies?
Peppermint Snowball Cookies are delightful holiday treats that combine the refreshing flavor of peppermint with a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture. These cookies typically consist of a simple dough made from flour, powdered sugar, butter, and crushed peppermint candies or extract. perfect festive cocktail They are rolled into balls and baked until lightly golden, then coated in powdered sugar for a beautiful finish. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a festive gift, these cookies bring a touch of winter wonder to any dessert table.
How do I store Peppermint Snowball Cookies?
To keep your Peppermint Snowball Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain delicious for up to one week this way. If you want to keep them for a longer period, consider freezing them. Place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before freezing. delicious vegan dessert option Once solid, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag, where they can last for up to three months. Just remember to dust them with powdered sugar again after thawing for the best presentation. For more inspiration, check out this Chocolate Cake Mix Waffles recipe.
Can I make Peppermint Snowball Cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare Peppermint Snowball Cookies ahead of time, which is perfect for busy holiday schedules. You can either bake them and store them as mentioned earlier or freeze the unbaked dough. To freeze the dough, roll it into balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. After they freeze solid, transfer the dough balls to an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from frozen.
What can I substitute for peppermint extract in these cookies?
If you don’t have peppermint extract on hand or prefer not to use it, there are several substitutes you can try in your Peppermint Snowball Cookies. You could use almond extract for a different flavor profile that still complements the sweetness of the cookies or vanilla extract for a milder taste. sweet treat to complement cookies Additionally, crushed candy canes can be incorporated into the dough for both flavor and texture while maintaining that peppermint essence. Just remember that each substitute will slightly alter the final taste.
Conclusion for Peppermint Snowball Cookies:
Peppermint Snowball Cookies are a festive treat that perfectly captures the essence of winter with their rich buttery flavor and refreshing peppermint notes. They are simple to make and ideal for holiday celebrations or gifting. By storing them properly and considering some substitutions when necessary, you can enjoy these delightful cookies any time during the season. Whether you bake them fresh or prepare ahead of time, these cookies will surely bring joy to your festivities.
Peppermint Snowball Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Peppermint Snowball Cookies are a festive delight that capture the essence of winter in every bite. With their buttery texture and refreshing hint of peppermint, these cookies are rolled in powdered sugar for a stunning snowy finish. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as thoughtful gifts, they bring joy and warmth to any celebration. Easy to make with just a few ingredients, these melt-in-your-mouth treats will become a cherished favorite during the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- ½ cup powdered sugar, plus more for rolling
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup crushed peppermint candies
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour and salt until just combined. Fold in crushed peppermint candies and vanilla extract.
- Shape the dough into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Allow to cool slightly before rolling in powdered sugar.
- Let cool completely on wire racks before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Holiday
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (20g)
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: - For added flavor, consider drizzling melted chocolate over cooled cookies. - To store, keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or freeze for up to three months.
