There’s something magical about baking during the holidays, isn’t there? The aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house instantly puts me in a festive mood. My absolute favorite treat to whip up are these *peppermint snowball cookies*. They’re soft, buttery, and bursting with that delightful minty flavor. I remember making these with my grandma every Christmas—rolling the dough into little balls and watching them transform into sweet, snow-dusted delights! Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll feel like you’ve captured the spirit of the season in cookie form. Let’s dive into this deliciousness!
Ingredients for Peppermint Snowball Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy creaming!
- 1 cup powdered sugar: This gives the cookies that delightful sweetness and helps create a soft texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A classic flavor that balances the mint beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract: This is where the magic happens! It adds that refreshing minty kick.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of our cookie dough—be sure to spoon and level it for accuracy!
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: A pinch to enhance the flavors; trust me, it makes a difference.
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder: This helps the cookies puff up just enough.
- 1 cup crushed candy canes: These add a festive crunch and extra minty flavor—feel free to crush them into fine pieces or leave them a bit chunky!
- Additional powdered sugar for dusting: This is the final touch that makes these cookies look like little snowballs!
How to Prepare Peppermint Snowball Cookies
Let’s get those ovens preheating and dive into the delightful world of peppermint snowball cookies! You’ll see how easy it is to create these festive treats that are sure to impress.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is a crucial step, so don’t skip it! Your cookies will bake evenly and perfectly.
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes—don’t rush it!
- Add the extracts: Next, mix in the vanilla and peppermint extracts. Trust me, the aroma will be irresistibly festive!
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. This ensures everything is evenly distributed before combining.
- Mix the dough: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps the cookies tender!
- Fold in the candy canes: Gently fold in the crushed candy canes until they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Shape the cookies: Use your hands to form small balls of dough (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between each one.
- Bake: Pop the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden on the bottom. Keep an eye on them—they can go from perfect to overdone quickly!
- Cool and dust: Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once they’re cool, give them a generous dusting of powdered sugar to create that snowy finish.
And there you have it! A simple yet rewarding way to create these festive cookies that are bound to be a hit during the holiday season.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation: You can whip these up in under 30 minutes!
- Festive flavor: The combination of buttery goodness and refreshing mint makes these cookies a holiday favorite.
- Easy-to-follow instructions: Even if you’re a beginner, I promise you’ll feel like a pro in the kitchen!
- Perfect for sharing: These cookies are great for gifting or bringing to holiday gatherings.
- Customizable: Want a stronger mint flavor? Just add a little more peppermint extract!
Tips for Success
To ensure your peppermint snowball cookies turn out perfectly, here are some handy tips! First, if you love a strong mint flavor, feel free to add an extra 1/4 teaspoon of peppermint extract—just don’t go overboard, or it can get a bit overpowering! When it comes to crushing the candy canes, I like to use a zip-top bag and a rolling pin for a bit of fun. For storage, keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their softness. And if you want to make them ahead of time, these cookies freeze beautifully—just layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of these delightful peppermint snowball cookies! Keep in mind that the values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so the numbers are just a guideline. Each cookie typically contains around 120 calories, 6g of fat, 1g of protein, and 15g of carbohydrates. You’ll also find 8g of sugar in each cookie, making them a sweet treat for the holidays. If you’re watching your intake, it’s always good to enjoy these in moderation, but trust me, they’re worth every bite!
FAQ about Peppermint Snowball Cookies
Can I use margarine instead of butter? While butter gives these cookies their rich flavor, you can substitute margarine if needed. Just keep in mind the taste might be a bit different!
How do I store leftover cookies? Store your peppermint snowball cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They stay soft and delicious!
Can I freeze the dough? Absolutely! You can freeze the cookie dough for up to three months. Just shape the balls before freezing, then bake them straight from the freezer—just add a minute or two to the baking time.
What if I don’t have candy canes? No problem! You can use any crushed peppermint candy or even chocolate chips for a different twist.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free? Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend, and you’re good to go!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your peppermint snowball cookies as fresh and delightful as the day you baked them, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and tasty for up to a week—if they last that long! If you want to make them ahead of time, these cookies also freeze beautifully. Just layer them with parchment paper in an airtight container and they can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply let them thaw at room temperature—no need to reheat! They’re just as delicious chilled!
Print
Peppermint Snowball Cookies: 7 Steps to Holiday Joy
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive cookie with a minty twist, 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
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup crushed candy canes
- Additional powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream the butter and powdered sugar together.
- Add vanilla and peppermint extracts to the mixture.
- In another bowl, mix flour, salt, and baking powder.
- Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture.
- Fold in the crushed candy canes.
- Form dough into small balls and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden.
- Let cookies cool, then dust with powdered sugar.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- For a stronger mint flavor, add more peppermint extract.
- Can be frozen for up to three months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: peppermint snowball cookies, holiday cookies, mint cookies
