Frosty Peppermint Snowball Cookies Recipe for Winter Treats

These delicate, melt-in-your-mouth peppermint snowball cookies capture the essence of winter’s magical charm.

Powdered sugar dusts these delightful treats like fresh fallen snow.

Crisp peppermint pieces dance through buttery dough, creating a delectable winter sensation.

Each bite brings a cool, minty crunch that whispers holiday memories.

Soft and tender, these cookies sparkle with festive spirit and sweet elegance.

Bake a batch and watch smiles bloom as friends and family savor these delightful winter morsels.

How To Shape Peppermint Snowball Cookies

• Butter Preparation

Soften butter to room temperature. This helps create a smooth, creamy base for our delightful cookies that will melt in your mouth.

• Dough Creation

Blend softened butter with powdered sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Add vanilla and peppermint extracts to infuse a delicious holiday flavor that will make your kitchen smell amazing.

• Flour Mixture

Combine flour and salt in a separate bowl. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, creating a soft, tender dough. Sprinkle in crushed peppermint candies for a festive crunch.

• Cookie Shaping

Scoop small portions of dough and roll into delicate balls. Arrange these little treasures on a baking sheet, giving them just enough space to breathe and bake perfectly.

• Baking Magic

Pop the cookies into a preheated oven and watch them transform. Bake until the edges turn a delicate golden brown, filling your home with an irresistible aroma.

• Final Touches

Once cooled, give these winter wonders a luxurious coat of powdered sugar. For an extra festive sparkle, mix some crushed peppermint candies into the sugar coating.

Tips To Sweeten Peppermint Snowball Cookies Just Right

• Chilling Dough Magic: Refrigerate the cookie dough for 30 minutes before shaping to prevent spreading and maintain a perfect round shape during baking.
• Make-Ahead Maestro: Prepare and freeze unbaked cookie dough balls up to 3 months in advance. Simply thaw and bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes to baking time.
• Gluten-Free Delight: Swap traditional flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookies celiac-friendly. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for best texture.
• Dairy-Free Twist: Replace butter with vegan butter or coconut oil for a dairy-free version. The cookies will maintain their delicate texture and peppermint charm.
• Storage Secrets: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper. They'll stay fresh for up to 5 days at room temperature or can be frozen for longer preservation.

Serve Peppermint Snowball Cookies For The Holidays

• Holiday Party Platter: Arrange these festive cookies on a decorative holiday tray with fresh pine sprigs and silver candy canes for a stunning dessert presentation.
• Cocoa Companion: Serve these peppermint snowballs alongside a warm mug of rich hot chocolate topped with whipped cream for a cozy winter treat.
• Gift-Worthy Packaging: Pack the cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with red and white ribbons, perfect for homemade holiday gifts or cookie exchanges with friends and family.
• Winter Dessert Pairing: Create a delightful dessert spread by complementing these cookies with vanilla bean ice cream or a light peppermint mousse for added elegance.

How To Keep Peppermint Snowball Cookies Fresh

Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor.

• Freezing Frenzy: Wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze up to 3 months for later enjoyment, perfect for surprise sweet treats.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare cookie dough in advance and refrigerate for 2-3 days before baking. This technique allows flavors to develop and makes holiday prep easier.
• Temperature Tactics: Store cookies in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight. Avoid humid areas to prevent softening and maintain their delightful crisp texture.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 27 minutes

Calories: 146 kcal

Servings: 23

Ingredients That Make Peppermint Snowball Cookies Shine

• Butter: Provides rich, creamy foundation that helps cookies hold together with a luxurious melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates delicate sweetness and contributes to the soft, tender cookie consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, classic undertone that enhances overall cookie flavor profile.
• Peppermint Extract: Delivers refreshing, cool mint sensation that defines the snowball's festive character.

• All-Purpose Flour: Builds cookie's structural framework with tender, crumbly characteristics.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies other ingredient flavors subtly.

• Peppermint Candies: Introduces delightful crimson specks and provides delectable minty crunch throughout cookies.
• Additional Powdered Sugar: Provides elegant snow-like coating that creates visually stunning and sweet finishing touch.

Tools You’ll Need For Peppermint Snowball Cookies

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for creaming butter and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Electric mixer or hand mixer: Essential for beating butter and sugar to light, fluffy consistency.
• Baking sheet: Needed for evenly baking cookies and preventing sticking.
• Parchment paper: Helps cookies bake evenly and prevents burning.
• Whisk: Great for combining dry ingredients without lumps.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Wire cooling rack: Allows cookies to cool evenly and prevent soggy bottoms.
• Small bowl: Useful for mixing dry ingredients separately.
• Tablespoon or cookie scoop: Helps create uniform cookie sizes.

Festive Peppermint Snowball Cookies Recipe

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• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 23 1x

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Description

Festive peppermint snowball cookies bring holiday cheer with their minty, powdery charm. Crumbly, buttery shortbread melts in your mouth, leaving sweet peppermint memories of winter celebrations.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar (plus extra for rolling)
• ½ cup (75 g) finely crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp peppermint extract
• ¼ tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350F (175C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, creating an organized baking environment.
2. Creaming: Blend softened butter and powdered sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Incorporate vanilla and peppermint extracts, mixing thoroughly to develop a rich, aromatic base.
3. Dough Formation: Combine flour and salt, ensuring a smooth texture. Gradually integrate dry ingredients into the butter mixture, folding gently to create a uniform dough. Gently fold in crushed peppermint candies, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
4. Shaping and Initial Baking: Craft small, uniform spheres from the dough, about one tablespoon in size. Arrange cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving slight spacing between each. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, watching for a delicate golden edge that signals perfect completion.
5. Cooling and Finishing: Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for five minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Once at room temperature, generously coat each cookie in powdered sugar. For an enhanced festive appearance, blend finely crushed peppermint candies into the powdered sugar before the final rolling process.

Notes

• Choose Quality Butter: Select high-fat, unsalted butter at room temperature for smoother mixing and richer flavor in your snowball cookies.
• Prevent Crumbly Dough: Chill the dough for 30 minutes before shaping to help cookies maintain their round shape and prevent excessive spreading during baking.
• Manage Peppermint Intensity: Adjust peppermint extract量 carefully to balance flavor – start with less, as it can quickly become overpowering in the delicate cookie base.
• Roll Carefully: Coat cookies in powdered sugar while slightly warm for better sugar adhesion, but wait until they’re cool enough to handle without breaking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 23
• Calories: 146
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 10 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg