Peppermint Snowball Cookies Recipe

If you’re dreaming of a cookie that’s both delightfully soft and bursting with festive flavor, let me introduce you to the Peppermint Snowball Cookies Recipe. These snowy white orbs are kissed with cool peppermint and crushed candy cane bits, delivering a perfect balance of sweet and refreshing with every bite. Imagine that luscious buttery dough melting in your mouth, generously coated in powdered sugar that looks as magical as fresh-fallen snow—this recipe is the holiday treat you never knew you needed but will want to bake again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting started with this Peppermint Snowball Cookies Recipe is truly simple, thanks to a handful of essential ingredients that each play a special role in creating the perfect texture and flavor. From the rich, creamy butter that gives the cookies their tender crumb to the crushed candy canes adding that festive crunch and minty zip, you’ll find these components familiar yet indispensable.

• Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Using softened butter ensures a smooth dough that bakes into tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies.
• Confectioners’ sugar (3/4 cup + 1 1/4 cups): One portion sweetens the dough evenly, while the extra is for that iconic snowy coating.
• Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and balances the peppermint sharpness for a rounded flavor profile.
• Peppermint extract (1 teaspoon): The star of the recipe, infusing cookies with refreshing coolness.
• All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups, spooned and leveled): Provides structure, ensuring the cookies hold their shape gracefully while staying soft.
• Salt (1/8 teaspoon): Just a pinch to heighten all the sweet flavors without overpowering them.
• Crushed candy canes (1/3 cup): Adds festive color, delightful crunch, and bursts of peppermint in every bite.

How to Make Peppermint Snowball Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by beating your softened butter until it’s luxuriously smooth and creamy—that’s the foundation of your cookie dough’s incredible texture. Then gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, keeping the mixer on low to avoid a sugar dust storm, and beat until everything is combined and fluffy. This step ensures your cookies will have just the right sweetness and richness.

Step 2: Add the Extracts

Next, beat in the vanilla and peppermint extracts—this double-dose of flavor transforms the dough from simple to super festive. The peppermint extract brings a crisp, wintry spirit to the cookies, while the vanilla adds a cozy counterbalance.

Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the flour and salt on low speed. At first, the dough may look dry and crumbly, but don’t worry! Boost the mixer speed to high, and watch the dough magically come together into a smooth, firm ball ready to be shaped. This patience is worth the beautiful dough consistency.

Step 4: Fold in Crushed Candy Canes

Gently fold in those crushed candy canes last, sprinkling their red and white bits throughout the dough for bursts of peppermint flavor and a touch of festive color. The candy canes will give your cookies a delightful textural surprise in every bite.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover your dough tightly and chill it in the refrigerator. At least 30 minutes is perfect, but if you let it rest up to 3 days, remember to bring it back to room temperature before rolling — this makes shaping much easier. Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape and enhances the flavors.

Step 6: Shape and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and prepare your baking sheets with parchment or silicone mats. Scoop or roll the dough into 1 tablespoon balls, spacing them about two inches apart so they can expand beautifully. Bake for roughly 15 minutes until the bottoms turn a soft golden brown and the tops are just barely colored — this indicates perfect doneness.

Step 7: Sugar Coating

Once out of the oven, let your cookies cool slightly on the baking sheet, then gently but thoroughly roll them in confectioners’ sugar. Allow them to cool completely on wire racks before rolling again for that iconic, snowy coating that clings deliciously to every nook and cranny.

How to Serve Peppermint Snowball Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

For an added festive touch, sprinkle a few extra crushed candy canes or a delicate drizzle of melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies. These little sprinkles of holiday magic make the presentation pop and add a little crunch or creamy contrast that complements the peppermint perfectly.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of hot cocoa, peppermint tea, or even a glass of cold milk. The creamy, rich beverages balance the minty coolness of the cookies and make for a comforting snack or dessert, especially after a day of holiday festivities.

Creative Ways to Present

Place these snowball delights in a clear glass jar or a decorative tin lined with red and white peppermint napkins to make a memorable gift. Alternatively, arrange them on a festive platter with little holiday-themed tags for cookie exchanges or parties—their snowy white appearance makes them instantly eye-catching on any dessert table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Peppermint Snowball Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. The powdered sugar coating will stay beautifully intact, and the cookies will remain soft and flavorful throughout.

Freezing

You can freeze both baked cookies and unbaked dough balls for up to three months. Freeze the dough balls on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. When ready, bake the frozen dough balls directly—just add an extra minute to the baking time. This way, you can enjoy peppermint snowballs anytime the craving hits!

Reheating

Reheat cookies gently in a warm oven at about 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes if you want them freshly soft. Allow them to cool slightly before enjoying to let the powdered sugar setting re-form its snowy coat, keeping that delightful texture and flavor intact.

FAQs

Can I substitute peppermint extract with peppermint oil?

Yes, you can, but be cautious as peppermint oil is much more concentrated than extract. Use only a fraction of the amount—start with a few drops and adjust to taste to avoid overpowering the cookies.

What type of candy canes work best for crushing?

Regular-size peppermint-flavored candy canes crush easily by placing them in a sealed bag and gently pounding with a rolling pin. Avoid sugar-free varieties as they may alter the texture and sweetness.

Is it necessary to chill the dough for this recipe?

Chilling is highly recommended as it helps the dough firm up, making it easier to shape and preventing cookies from spreading too much during baking. It also enhances the flavor development.

Can I make these cookies vegan or dairy-free?

To make a vegan or dairy-free version, substitute butter with a plant-based butter alternative and ensure your confectioners’ sugar does not contain bone char. Keep in mind the texture and flavor may vary slightly.

How do I prevent the powdered sugar coating from melting too quickly?

Roll the cookies in powdered sugar twice—once when they are warm and again after they have cooled completely. This double coating helps the sugar stick better and resist melting, keeping that festive snowball look.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to dive into this Peppermint Snowball Cookies Recipe. Whether you’re baking for holiday gatherings, cozy nights by the fire, or just because you love a little minty magic in your treats, these cookies deliver joy in every bite. Don’t be surprised if they become your new seasonal favorite; once you try them, you’ll want to keep these snowy delights around all winter long!

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