These Peppermint Snowball Cookies are the epitome of holiday cheer in every bite. With their buttery texture, refreshing peppermint flavor, and a generous dusting of powdered sugar, they’re a delightful addition to any festive gathering. The crushed peppermint candies add a subtle crunch that contrasts beautifully with the melt-in-your-mouth cookie, making these a perfect holiday treat. Perfect for a holiday cookie exchange or as a sweet gift, these cookies are as easy to make as they are to enjoy. Whether you’re a fan of classic snowball cookies or looking for something with a peppermint twist, these cookies will surely be a hit at any celebration. Serve them alongside a cup of hot cocoa for the ultimate cozy treat!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus more for coating
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup finely crushed peppermint candies
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add vanilla extract and peppermint extract, and mix until combined.
- Gradually add flour and salt, mixing just until incorporated.
- Stir in crushed peppermint candies and chopped pecans (if using).
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on an ungreased baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden.
- Allow cookies to cool for 5 minutes, then roll them in powdered sugar while still warm.
- Once completely cool, roll the cookies again in powdered sugar for a festive, snowball-like coating.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 150 kcal | Servings: 24 cookies
Peppermint Snowball Cookies are the perfect treat to celebrate the holiday season. These bite-sized cookies are not only delicious but also visually stunning, thanks to their festive powdered sugar coating that resembles freshly fallen snow. The peppermint flavor adds a refreshing twist to a traditional snowball cookie, giving it a wintery, holiday feel. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, participating in a cookie exchange, or simply craving a sweet treat to enjoy with a cup of hot cocoa, these cookies are a great addition to your holiday baking repertoire.
A Classic Cookie with a Festive Twist
Snowball cookies, also known as Russian Tea Cakes or Mexican Wedding Cookies, have been around for decades, if not centuries. They are typically made with butter, flour, and sugar, rolled into small balls, and dusted with powdered sugar after baking. What sets Peppermint Snowball Cookies apart is the addition of peppermint extract and crushed peppermint candies, giving them a distinctly festive and refreshing flavor profile. This peppermint twist is perfect for the holiday season when minty flavors are often associated with winter and Christmas celebrations.
The cookies are light, crumbly, and practically melt in your mouth. They are sweet, but not overwhelmingly so, which makes them a versatile addition to any dessert table. The peppermint flavor adds a hint of coolness that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the buttery cookie base. The crushed peppermint candies not only enhance the flavor but also provide a subtle crunch, adding texture to the otherwise soft cookie.
The Appeal of Peppermint Snowball Cookies
One of the reasons why Peppermint Snowball Cookies are such a popular choice for holiday baking is that they are incredibly easy to make. With just a few basic ingredients, these cookies come together quickly, making them ideal for last-minute holiday baking or busy schedules. Even novice bakers can achieve impressive results with this recipe, as it doesn’t require any special techniques or equipment.
Another appealing factor is their versatility. While the peppermint flavor is perfect for Christmas and winter-themed occasions, you can easily customize these cookies to suit other tastes or preferences. For instance, you can substitute the peppermint extract with vanilla, almond, or even cinnamon extract for a different twist. The crushed peppermint candies can also be swapped for other types of candies or chocolate chips, depending on your preferences.
These cookies also make for an excellent homemade gift. Packaged in a decorative tin or festive bag, they are a thoughtful and delicious present that anyone would appreciate. Plus, because they keep well, they are a great option for shipping or for making ahead of time during the busy holiday season.
Perfect for Cookie Exchanges and Holiday Gatherings
If you’re attending a cookie exchange or hosting a holiday party, Peppermint Snowball Cookies are a crowd-pleaser. They offer a balance of sweetness and minty freshness, making them a refreshing addition to a holiday dessert spread. Their snowball-like appearance is also visually appealing, adding to the festive atmosphere. Because they are bite-sized, they are easy to serve and eat, which is always a bonus when entertaining.
These cookies can be part of a larger cookie platter alongside other holiday favorites like gingerbread, shortbread, and chocolate chip cookies. Their unique peppermint flavor will stand out while complementing other holiday treats. They’re also a fun way to get creative with your presentation. You can roll the cookies in colored powdered sugar or edible glitter to add a little extra sparkle to your cookie tray.
A Kid-Friendly Baking Project
Peppermint Snowball Cookies are also a great baking project for kids. Rolling the dough into little balls and then rolling the baked cookies in powdered sugar is a fun and hands-on activity that children can easily participate in. It’s a fantastic way to get kids involved in holiday preparations and to create lasting memories together in the kitchen.
Additionally, because the recipe is so simple, it’s a great way to teach children the basics of baking. They can learn how to measure ingredients, mix dough, and handle cookies while having fun with a festive activity. The reward at the end – a plate of delicious cookies – makes the experience even sweeter.
A Balance of Flavor and Texture
One of the key reasons why Peppermint Snowball Cookies are so delightful is the balance between flavor and texture. The cookie itself is buttery and crumbly, providing a melt-in-your-mouth experience. The sweetness from the powdered sugar complements the richness of the butter, while the peppermint provides a cool, refreshing finish.
The crushed peppermint candies add a slight crunch, which contrasts nicely with the soft texture of the cookie. This balance of textures makes the cookie more interesting to eat, as each bite offers something different. The peppermint flavor also adds a seasonal twist, evoking memories of candy canes, Christmas trees, and winter festivities.
Storing and Sharing Peppermint Snowball Cookies
Another great thing about Peppermint Snowball Cookies is that they store well, making them perfect for holiday gift-giving or preparing in advance. After baking, they can be kept in an airtight container for up to a week, and they actually taste even better a day or two after baking, as the flavors have time to meld together. You can also freeze the dough before baking, which is helpful if you want to make them ahead of time and bake them fresh for a special occasion.
When it comes to sharing these cookies, they make for a beautiful and thoughtful homemade gift. You can package them in holiday-themed tins, bags, or boxes and give them to friends, family, or coworkers. Because they are relatively sturdy cookies, they also ship well, making them a great choice for sending to loved ones who may not be able to join you for the holidays.
Conclusion:
Peppermint Snowball Cookies are more than just a delicious treat – they’re a holiday tradition waiting to happen. Easy to make, festive, and full of flavor, they are the perfect addition to your holiday baking list. Whether you’re hosting a party, participating in a cookie exchange, or simply looking for a festive snack to enjoy with your family, these cookies fit the bill.
Their simple ingredients and straightforward preparation make them accessible to bakers of all skill levels, while their festive appearance and delightful peppermint flavor make them a standout on any dessert table. Plus, they’re versatile enough to be customized to your taste, and they make wonderful homemade gifts.
