Imagine the festive aroma of peppermint snowball cookies wafting through your home, filling the air with sweet, minty bliss. These delightful treats are like a winter wonderland for your taste buds, combining buttery goodness with a frosty touch of peppermint that will have you dreaming of snowflakes and holiday cheer.
As you take a bite, the powdery exterior gives way to a melt-in-your-mouth texture that dances on your tongue. Each cookie is a little celebration, perfect for cozy family gatherings or an unsuspecting snack while binge-watching your favorite holiday movies. Trust me, once you make these peppermint snowball cookies, every occasion will feel like a reason to indulge.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These peppermint snowball cookies are simple to prepare and require minimal ingredients
- The flavor is a delightful balance of buttery sweetness and refreshing mint
- Their snowy appearance makes them visually stunning on any dessert platter
- Perfect for holiday parties or as thoughtful gifts for friends and family
I remember the first time I made these cookies. My friends were practically fighting over the last one, and I felt like the cookie hero of the day!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Unsalted Butter: Use room temperature butter for easy creaming with sugar; it creates that rich flavor we all crave.
Powdered Sugar: This sugar gives the cookies their signature sweetness and delightful texture; always sift it for best results.
All-Purpose Flour: Regular flour works wonders here; just make sure to measure accurately for perfectly soft cookies.
Peppermint Extract: Opt for pure extract; it delivers an intense mint flavor that elevates these cookies from good to extraordinary.
Chopped Nuts (optional): Walnuts or pecans add crunch and depth; however, skip them if you’re going nut-free!
Granulated Sugar (for rolling): This sugar adds a lovely sparkle on the outside; it’s all about that presentation!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make peppermint snowball cookies
Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper so that those cookies don’t stick around longer than they should.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat together unsalted butter and powdered sugar until fluffy and light. You want it airy – think clouds but made of deliciousness.
Add in Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix in all-purpose flour and chopped nuts if using. Don’t be afraid to get in there with your hands – just remember to wash them first!
Incorporate Peppermint Extract: Pour in that fabulous peppermint extract and mix until combined. The aroma should be enough to convince you this is going to be amazing.
Shape into Balls: Roll dough into small balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place them onto your lined baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie because they need room to spread out like they’re at a party.
Bake Until Golden: Bake for 10-12 minutes until slightly golden at the edges but still soft in the center. Allow them to cool slightly before rolling them in granulated sugar – it’s like giving them their winter coats!
Enjoy these peppermint snowball cookies fresh out of the oven or let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container where they’ll stay fresh…if they last that long!
You Must Know
- Peppermint snowball cookies are not just festive; they bring joy with every bite
- The delightful aroma of peppermint fills the kitchen, and the melting texture will have everyone asking for more
- Perfect for holiday gatherings, they’re easy to make and even easier to eat!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by creaming the butter and sugar until fluffy, then gradually add dry ingredients for a smooth batter. This sequence ensures a light and airy cookie.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out peppermint extract for vanilla if you want a milder flavor. You can also add chocolate chips or nuts for extra texture.
Storing & Reheating
Store your peppermint snowball cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Reheat briefly in the microwave to restore softness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use room temperature butter for better mixing; it creates a smoother dough
- Chill the dough before baking to help maintain shape and enhance flavor
- Always check your oven temperature with a thermometer for consistency during baking
I once brought these peppermint snowball cookies to a holiday party, and they disappeared faster than I could say “cookie monster.” Friends kept asking for the recipe, which made my heart swell with joy!
FAQ
What are peppermint snowball cookies?
Peppermint snowball cookies are buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treats flavored with peppermint.
Can I freeze peppermint snowball cookies?
Yes, you can freeze them in an airtight container for up to three months.
How do I store peppermint snowball cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate for freshness.
Peppermint Snowball Cookies
Indulge in the festive spirit with these peppermint snowball cookies, where buttery goodness meets a refreshing minty flavor. With a powdery exterior that melts in your mouth, these treats are perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy movie nights. Easy to make and visually stunning, they are bound to be a hit at any celebration!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar (sifted)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- ½ cup chopped nuts (optional)
- Granulated sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the room temperature butter and sifted powdered sugar until fluffy.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour and chopped nuts (if using), mixing until well combined.
- Stir in the peppermint extract until evenly distributed.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are slightly golden but centers remain soft.
- Let cookies cool slightly before rolling them in granulated sugar.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (20g)
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: For a milder flavor, substitute peppermint extract with vanilla extract. Add chocolate chips or extra nuts for added texture. Chill the dough for about 30 minutes prior to baking to maintain shape.
