Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite holiday treat: peppermint snowball cookies! These little gems are like a winter wonderland in cookie form. Every bite is a dreamy, buttery delight, perfectly complemented by the refreshing kick of peppermint. I remember the first time I made them; my kitchen was filled with a sweet, minty aroma that just screamed “the holidays.” It’s a tradition in my house to whip these up while blasting festive music and sipping hot cocoa. They’re not just cookies; they’re memories wrapped in powdery sweetness! Trust me, there’s something oh-so-satisfying about rolling them in powdered sugar, giving them that snowy look, and watching my friends and family’s eyes light up when they take a bite. If you want a treat that screams festive cheer, these peppermint snowball cookies are your answer. Let’s get baking and make some holiday magic!
Ingredients for Peppermint Snowball Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – This is the star of the show! Make sure it’s nice and soft for easy mixing.
- 1 cup powdered sugar – We’ll use this for the dough and for rolling the cookies later, giving them that lovely sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – This adds a warm, comforting flavor that pairs beautifully with peppermint.
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract – The essence of the holidays! You can adjust this if you want a stronger minty kick.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – The backbone of our cookies, providing structure and texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance the flavors.
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies – These will add a delightful crunch and a burst of peppermint flavor in every bite!
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar for rolling – This gives our cookies that snowy, festive finish that’s just too cute to resist.
How to Prepare Peppermint Snowball Cookies
Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating! Set it to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it helps our cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden hue. Trust me, a well-preheated oven is the secret to cookie success!
Cream the Butter and Sugar
Now, grab a large mixing bowl and add your softened butter and 1 cup of powdered sugar. Using an electric mixer, cream them together for about 3-5 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key because it incorporates air into the dough, making our cookies tender and delightful!
Incorporate Extracts
Next up, let’s add the magic! Pour in the vanilla extract and peppermint extract, and mix well to combine all those lovely flavors. The smell alone will transport you to a cozy holiday gathering!
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the salt throughout the flour. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Don’t overmix here; we want those cookies to be soft and tender!
Add Peppermint Candies
Now it’s time for the fun part—fold in the crushed peppermint candies! Use a spatula to gently mix them into the cookie dough. You want to make sure they’re evenly distributed, but be careful not to overwork the dough!
Shape and Bake Cookies
Get ready to shape those cookies! Form small balls of dough (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some space between each ball because they’ll spread a little while baking. Pop them in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until they’re just lightly golden around the edges.
Roll in Powdered Sugar
Once they’re out of the oven, let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. This will make them easier to handle. Then, while they’re still warm, roll them in the extra powdered sugar. This gives them that signature snowy look! Let them cool completely on a wire rack before indulging.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: You can whip these up in just about 20 minutes! Perfect for those last-minute holiday baking sessions.
- Festive Flavors: The combination of buttery goodness and refreshing peppermint creates a delightful holiday flavor that everyone adores.
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and ingredients, even novice bakers can enjoy making these delicious cookies.
- Great for Gifting: Pack them in a cute box or tin, and you’ve got a thoughtful homemade gift that’s sure to impress!
- Perfect for Any Occasion: While they scream “holiday,” these cookies are delightful year-round—just change up the decorations!
- Fun to Customize: Feel free to add in some chocolate chips or even a dash of food coloring for a festive twist!
Tips for Success
Want to make your peppermint snowball cookies even more fabulous? Here are some tips that’ll take your baking game to the next level! First, always use room temperature butter for the best texture—this helps create that light, fluffy base we love. If you’re a peppermint fanatic, feel free to add an extra sprinkle of crushed candies into the dough for an even bolder flavor!
For storage, keep these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They also freeze beautifully, so if you want to save some for a snowy day, just pop them in a freezer bag and they’ll be good for a couple of months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature.
And remember, if you want to mix things up, you can swap some of the crushed peppermint for mini chocolate chips or even a dash of festive sprinkles to make them even more eye-catching. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each peppermint snowball cookie. Keep in mind that these values can vary a bit based on specific ingredients and portion sizes, but this should give you a good idea of what to expect:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 1g
These cookies are a delightful indulgence, so enjoy them as part of a balanced diet! Happy baking and snacking!
FAQ Section
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While I love the rich flavor that unsalted butter brings, you can use margarine in a pinch. Just keep in mind that the taste and texture might be slightly different!
How do I store leftover peppermint snowball cookies?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, they freeze beautifully—just make sure to wrap them well!
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and chill it in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking. Just let it sit at room temperature for a bit before shaping and baking.
What can I substitute for crushed peppermint candies?
If you can’t find crushed peppermint candies, feel free to use candy canes or even peppermint bark, chopped into small pieces. They’ll give you that same wonderful minty flavor!
Are peppermint snowball cookies gluten-free?
To make these cookies gluten-free, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Just make sure to check that your peppermint candies are gluten-free as well!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once your peppermint snowball cookies are baked and cooled, it’s time to think about storage! To keep them fresh and delicious, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay tasty for up to a week, perfect for snacking or sharing with friends and family.
If you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare but can happen!), these cookies freeze beautifully! Just wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for about two months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply take out the desired amount and let them thaw at room temperature for a little while. No need to reheat—these cookies are delightful at room temperature and still packed with that festive flavor!
So, go ahead and make a batch (or two!), and feel free to indulge whenever the holiday spirit strikes!
Print
Delightful Peppermint Snowball Cookies: A Cozy Holiday Treat
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious peppermint-flavored cookies perfect for the holidays.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 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 candies
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the butter and 1 cup of powdered sugar.
- Add vanilla and peppermint extracts, mix well.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
- Gradually add flour mixture to the butter mixture.
- Stir in crushed peppermint candies.
- Form dough into small balls and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Allow cookies to cool slightly, then roll in powdered sugar.
- Let cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- For more peppermint flavor, add more crushed candies.
- These cookies freeze well.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: peppermint snowball cookies, holiday cookies, festive cookies