Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite treat: minty snowball cookies! These little gems are not just cookies; they’re a delightful bite of nostalgia that takes me right back to family gatherings and holiday celebrations. The moment you pop one in your mouth, you’re met with a burst of minty goodness that’s both refreshing and comforting at the same time. Trust me, there’s something magical about the way they melt in your mouth, coated in that sweet powdered sugar—it’s pure bliss!
What I love most about these minty snowball cookies is how versatile they are! Whether it’s a cozy winter evening, a festive holiday party, or just a casual get-together with friends, these cookies fit right in. They’re super easy to whip up, and I often find myself making a double batch because they disappear so quickly! The best part? Everyone loves them. Kids, adults, even my picky uncle who usually turns his nose up at desserts can’t resist these minty bites. Seriously, once you try them, you’ll understand why they’ve become a staple in my home. So, let’s get baking and make some magic happen in your kitchen!
Ingredients for Minty Snowball Cookies
To make these delightful minty snowball cookies, you’ll need some simple ingredients that come together to create that melt-in-your-mouth experience. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional, but I highly recommend it for added texture!)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar for coating
Make sure your butter is nice and soft—it really helps with the creaming process and gives the cookies that tender texture we all love. And don’t skimp on the extracts; the combination of vanilla and peppermint is what gives these cookies their signature flavor. Now, gather your ingredients and let’s get ready to bake up some magic!
How to Prepare Minty Snowball Cookies
Alright, let’s dive into the fun part—making these minty snowball cookies! The process is super simple, and I promise it’ll be a breeze. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be rewarded with a batch of cookies that everyone will rave about.
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is a crucial step, so don’t skip it! A hot oven is key for getting those cookies just right.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar. I like to use an electric mixer for this part, but a good old-fashioned whisk works too. You want it to be light and fluffy—trust me, this makes a difference!
- Next, add in the vanilla and peppermint extracts. Mix them in well. The aroma at this point is already heavenly, isn’t it?
- Now, gradually add in the all-purpose flour and salt. Just mix until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix—overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we want them melt-in-your-mouth tender!
- If you’re feeling adventurous, fold in the chopped nuts at this stage. They add a lovely crunch that complements the soft cookie perfectly.
- Once your dough is ready, it’s time to shape it! 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 or a silicone baking mat.
- Pop those cookies into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them—no one likes overbaked cookies!
- When they come out of the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for just a few minutes. This is important because they’ll firm up a bit as they cool. Then, while they’re still warm, roll them in the remaining powdered sugar for that classic snowball look!
And voilà! Your minty snowball cookies are ready to be devoured. Let them cool completely on a wire rack, and then you can store them in an airtight container—or just dive in! You won’t regret it, I promise.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- These minty snowball cookies are incredibly easy to make—perfect for bakers of all skill levels!
- The delightful combination of buttery dough and refreshing mint flavor is simply irresistible.
- They’re versatile enough for any occasion—holiday gatherings, birthday parties, or just a cozy night in.
- The powdered sugar coating gives them an elegant touch, making them look as good as they taste!
- Each cookie melts in your mouth, leaving behind a sweet and minty finish that will have everyone coming back for more.
- They’re also a fantastic make-ahead treat; just store them in an airtight container for later enjoyment.
- Feel free to customize with your favorite nuts or add-ins for a personal twist!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of these delicious minty snowball cookies! While they’re definitely a treat, it’s good to know what you’re enjoying. Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutrition for each cookie:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 8g
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Fiber: 1g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. So, enjoy these cookies in moderation—because trust me, they’ll be hard to resist! Happy baking!
Tips for Success
Alright, friends, let’s make sure your minty snowball cookies turn out absolutely perfect! I’ve got some tried-and-true tips that will help you avoid common pitfalls and elevate your cookie game. Get ready to impress!
- Use softened butter: This is key! Make sure your butter is at room temperature so it creams easily with the sugar. If you forget to take it out ahead of time, you can pop it in the microwave for just a few seconds—just don’t melt it!
- Measure flour correctly: Too much flour can lead to dry cookies. I recommend spooning the flour into your measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife. No scooping directly from the bag—trust me, it makes a difference!
- Don’t overmix: Once you add the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tougher cookies. We want them to be soft and tender, remember?
- Keep an eye on baking time: Every oven is different, so start checking your cookies a minute or two before the timer goes off. They’re ready when the bottoms are lightly golden but the tops still look pale.
- Let them cool: Allow your cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set up just right and makes rolling them in powdered sugar easier!
- Coat while warm: Rolling the cookies in powdered sugar while they’re still warm helps the sugar stick better. It gives them that beautiful snowball look and adds a lovely sweetness!
- Experiment with flavors: Don’t hesitate to play around! Try using a bit of almond extract in addition to the vanilla and peppermint, or swap out the nuts for chocolate chips for a fun twist.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to creating the most delicious minty snowball cookies that everyone will love. Happy baking, and enjoy the sweet rewards of your hard work!
Variations
Now, let’s have some fun with these minty snowball cookies! One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to switch things up and make it your own. Here are a few creative ideas to inspire you:
- Chocolate Minty Snowballs: Add 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips to the dough for a delicious chocolatey twist. The combination of mint and chocolate is always a winner!
- Nutty Delight: Try different nuts! Instead of just using chopped walnuts or pecans, experiment with almonds or even hazelnuts for a unique flavor and texture.
- Coconut Dreams: Fold in 1/2 cup of sweetened shredded coconut into the dough. This adds a chewy texture and a lovely tropical hint that pairs beautifully with the mint.
- Citrus Zing: Brighten things up by adding a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the dough. It adds a refreshing citrus note that complements the mint nicely!
- Matcha Magic: For a fun green twist, mix in a tablespoon of matcha powder to the dough. It gives the cookies a unique flavor and beautiful color—plus, it’s packed with antioxidants!
- Spiced Variation: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor. It’s a cozy touch that’s perfect for the colder months.
- Festive Sprinkles: Roll the cookies in colorful sprinkles or crushed peppermint candies instead of just powdered sugar for a festive look, especially around the holidays!
These variations are just the tip of the iceberg! Feel free to get creative and mix and match flavors that you love. The beauty of these minty snowball cookies is that they can easily adapt to your taste preferences while still delivering that melt-in-your-mouth goodness. Happy experimenting!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, let’s talk about how to keep those delicious minty snowball cookies fresh and tasty! After all that hard work, you want to make sure they stay as delightful as the moment they came out of the oven.
To store your cookies, simply place them in an airtight container. I like to layer them with parchment paper in between to prevent them from sticking together. This way, you can keep them fresh for up to a week at room temperature—if they last that long, that is!
If you’re looking to keep them around for even longer, you can pop them in the freezer! Just make sure to wrap each cookie tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll stay good for about 2 months. When you’re ready for a treat, just let them thaw at room temperature, and they’ll be just as delicious as the day you made them.
As for reheating, minty snowball cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, but if you prefer them slightly warm, you can give them a quick zap in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overdo it—you don’t want them to become too soft. Trust me, the perfect balance of warmth and that sweet dusting of powdered sugar is heavenly!
So, whether you’re stashing some away for later or indulging right away, these tips will help you enjoy your minty snowball cookies to the fullest!
FAQ Section
Got questions about minty snowball cookies? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common queries I hear, along with my answers to help you out.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! Minty snowball cookies are perfect for making ahead. You can bake them a few days in advance and store them in an airtight container. Just remember to coat them in powdered sugar right before serving for that fresh, snowy look!
What can I use instead of nuts?
If you’re not a fan of nuts, feel free to skip them altogether! You can also substitute them with chocolate chips for a delicious mint chocolate twist, or even leave them out completely—these cookies are still fantastic without any add-ins!
Can I use a different extract?
Of course! While peppermint gives these cookies their signature flavor, you can experiment with other extracts. Almond extract or even a splash of orange extract can add a delightful twist to your minty snowball cookies.
How should I store leftover cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to save them for longer, you can freeze them! Just wrap each cookie tightly in plastic wrap and pop them in a freezer-safe container.
Why did my cookies flatten out?
If your cookies spread too much, it could be due to the butter being too warm or not enough flour in the dough. Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and be sure to measure your flour accurately for the best results!
Minty Snowball Cookies That Melt in Your Mouth: 7 Tips
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These minty snowball cookies are a delightful treat, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar for coating
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar.
- Add vanilla and peppermint extracts, mixing well.
- Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until combined.
- If using nuts, fold them into the dough.
- Shape dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly golden.
- Let cookies cool slightly, then roll them in powdered sugar.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Use fresh mint extract for a stronger flavor.
- Adjust the amount of powdered sugar in the coating to your taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: minty snowball cookies
