Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite holiday treat: peppermint snowball cookies! These little gems are like tiny bites of winter wonderland, bursting with that cheerful peppermint flavor that just screams festive cheer. Honestly, every time I bake them, it feels like the holidays have officially begun. I remember the first time I made these with my grandma; we spent the entire afternoon laughing and rolling dough into little balls, powdered sugar flying everywhere! It was such a joyous mess, but the smell of peppermint wafting through the house made it all worth it. Trust me, once you take a bite of these cookies, you’ll be transported to a cozy holiday gathering, no matter what time of year it is. So, let’s dive into the magic of making these delightful peppermint snowball cookies together!

Ingredients List

Alright, let’s gather all the deliciousness we need to whip up these peppermint snowball cookies! Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – This is the base of our cookies, giving them that rich, creamy texture.
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar – This adds sweetness and a touch of smoothness to our dough.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Just a hint of vanilla to enhance all those lovely flavors.
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract – This is where the magic happens! It gives our cookies that delightful peppermint kick.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour – The backbone of our cookie dough, helping it hold its shape.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt – A little pinch to balance out the sweetness.
• 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies – These will add a festive crunch and extra burst of peppermint flavor.
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar for rolling – This is for the final touch, giving our cookies that snowy appearance.

Make sure you have everything ready before we start baking—it’ll make the process so much smoother and more enjoyable!

How to Prepare Peppermint Snowball Cookies

Now that we’ve got all our ingredients ready, let’s jump into the fun part: making these incredible peppermint snowball cookies! Follow these steps, and I promise you’ll have a batch of delicious treats in no time.

Preheat the Oven

First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because it ensures that our cookies bake evenly and come out just right. While the oven is warming up, we can get started on the dough!

Creaming the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, grab that softened unsalted butter and add in 1/2 cup of powdered sugar. Using an electric mixer or a good old-fashioned wooden spoon, cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This typically takes about 2-3 minutes. The texture here is key—it should be smooth and airy, which helps our cookies stay tender and melt-in-your-mouth delicious!

Adding Flavors

Next, it’s time to add the magic! Pour in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract. Mix it all together until those flavors are fully incorporated. Oh man, you’ll start to smell that festive peppermint aroma, and it’s just the best!

Mixing the Dry Ingredients

Now, let’s gradually blend in our dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Slowly add this flour mixture to the butter-sugar mixture, a little at a time, while mixing on low speed. This prevents any flour clouds from forming in your kitchen! Keep mixing until everything is combined and you have a nice, soft dough.

Incorporating Peppermint Candies

Alright, it’s crunch time! Gently fold in 1/2 cup of crushed peppermint candies into the dough. If you want a stronger peppermint flavor, feel free to swap them out for crushed candy canes! Just make sure those pieces are small enough to incorporate well without overpowering the cookie.

Shaping the Cookies

Now comes the fun part—shaping the cookies! Take a tablespoon of dough and roll it into a small ball, about 1 inch in diameter. Place the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each one to give them room to spread while baking. I usually fit about 12 on a sheet.

Baking the Cookies

Pop those beauties into the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges start to turn a lovely light golden brown. But don’t overbake! They’ll firm up a bit as they cool, so you want them to be just set in the middle.

Rolling in Powdered Sugar

Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes—just long enough to handle without burning your fingers. Then, while they’re still warm, roll them in a bowl filled with 1/4 cup of powdered sugar. This gives them that beautiful snowy finish and adds a sweet touch! Place them on a wire rack to cool completely, and they’ll be ready to enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick preparation time—these cookies come together in just about 20 minutes!
• Festive flavors that capture the spirit of the holidays with every bite.
• Perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings or as gifts for friends and family.
• Easy clean-up, especially if you line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
• Delightful texture—soft and buttery on the inside, with a sweet, sugary coating.
• Adaptable recipe—feel free to experiment with different extracts or mix-ins!
• A fun baking activity to do with kids or loved ones, creating sweet memories together.

Tips for Success

Alright, before you dive into baking these peppermint snowball cookies, let me share some of my favorite tips to ensure your cookies turn out absolutely perfect! Trust me, a little preparation goes a long way, and with these nuggets of wisdom, you’ll be a snowball cookie pro in no time.

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature. This helps it blend smoothly with the sugar, creating that fluffy texture we love. If it’s too hard, your dough will turn out dense!
• Measure Flour Properly: Spoon your flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Avoid scooping directly from the bag, as this can pack the flour down and lead to dry cookies. Nobody wants that!
• Don’t Overmix: When you’re blending in the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, making your cookies tough instead of tender. We want melt-in-your-mouth magic here!
• Experiment with Peppermint: If you love a strong peppermint flavor, feel free to add a bit more peppermint extract or use crushed candy canes instead of peppermint candies. Just be cautious not to overdo it, or it might overpower the other flavors.
• Cool Before Rolling: Let the cookies cool a bit before rolling them in powdered sugar. If you do it too soon, the sugar will just melt into the cookie. Wait until they’re warm but not hot for the best snowy finish!
• Storage is Key: Store your cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They’re best enjoyed within a week, but if they last that long! If you want to freeze them, just make sure they’re fully cooled before wrapping them up.
• Test a Batch: If you’re unsure about the baking time, bake just a couple of cookies first to see how they turn out. This way, you can adjust the time for the rest of the batch if needed.

With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to creating the most delightful peppermint snowball cookies. Happy baking, and remember, it’s all about having fun in the kitchen!

Nutritional Information Section

Alright, let’s talk about the nitty-gritty of those delightful peppermint snowball cookies! Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutritional values per cookie, so you know exactly what you’re indulging in. Keep in mind that these values are estimates based on standard ingredients and can vary slightly based on your specific brands and measurements.

• Calories: 120
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 30mg
• Sodium: 50mg
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 6g
• Protein: 1g

So there you have it! Now you can enjoy these cookies with a little knowledge in your back pocket. Remember, it’s all about balance—indulging in these festive treats is part of the joy of the holiday season!

FAQ Section

Got questions about these delightful peppermint snowball cookies? No worries—I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries and my answers to help you on your baking journey.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?
You can, but I highly recommend sticking with unsalted butter for the best flavor and texture. Margarine can change the consistency, making the cookies less tender.

What if I don’t have peppermint extract?
If you’re in a pinch, you can use a bit more vanilla extract for flavoring. Just keep in mind that the peppermint flavor will be less pronounced, but they’ll still be delicious!

How should I store leftover cookies?
Store your peppermint snowball cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them—just make sure they’re fully cooled and wrapped well!

Can I add nuts to the dough?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans would make a lovely addition. Just fold them in with the crushed peppermint candies for some extra crunch!

What can I do if the dough is too crumbly?
If your dough feels too crumbly, try adding a teaspoon of milk or water at a time until it comes together. Just be careful not to add too much—better to add gradually!

Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure to check that it has xanthan gum in it, or add it separately to help with texture.

How can I make these cookies more festive?
You can drizzle melted chocolate on top or sprinkle colored sugar for a fun holiday touch! You could also add some festive sprinkles before rolling them in powdered sugar.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Definitely! 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 few minutes before rolling and baking.

Why are my cookies flat?
Flat cookies can happen if your butter is too warm or if you’ve overmixed the dough. Make sure to cream the butter until fluffy and chill the dough if it’s too soft before baking!

Feel free to reach out if you have more questions or need further guidance. Happy baking, and enjoy those peppermint snowball cookies!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Now that you’ve created your delicious peppermint snowball cookies, you’ll want to make sure they stay fresh and tasty for as long as possible! Here’s how to store them and even reheat them if you want that fresh-baked taste all over again.

To store your cookies, simply place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week, but trust me, they might not last that long—they’re just too good to resist! If you’d like to keep them for a little longer, you can freeze them. Just make sure they’re completely cooled, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll hold up well in the freezer for up to two months.

When you’re ready to enjoy those frozen beauties, just take them out and let them sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. If you prefer them warm, you can pop them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This will bring back that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and make your kitchen smell heavenly again!

So there you have it! With these simple storage and reheating tips, you can savor those delightful peppermint snowball cookies any time you want. Enjoy!

Peppermint Snowball Cookies: 7 Cozy Bites of Holiday Joy

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• Author: Julia marin
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delicious peppermint-flavored snowball cookies, perfect for the holidays.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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
• 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar for rolling

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, cream together the butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar.
3. Add vanilla and peppermint extracts; mix well.
4. Gradually blend in flour and salt.
5. Stir in crushed peppermint candies.
6. Shape dough into small balls and place on a baking sheet.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
8. Let cookies cool for a few minutes, then roll in powdered sugar.

Notes

• Store cookies in an airtight container.
• Can substitute crushed candy canes for a stronger peppermint flavor.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 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: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: peppermint snowball cookies, holiday cookies, Christmas cookies