Peppermint Snowball Cookies are a delightful treat that brings a touch of winter magic to your baking. With their soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and a refreshing peppermint flavor, these cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy evenings at home. Each bite is like a little snowball of joy!
Why Make This Recipe
These cookies are not only easy to make but also bring a festive spirit to any occasion. The combination of buttery goodness, sweet powdered sugar, and crushed peppermint candies creates a unique flavor that everyone will love. Plus, they look beautiful dusted in powdered sugar, making them a great addition to your holiday cookie platter.
How to Make Peppermint Snowball Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus more for dusting
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
- Pinch of salt
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Stir in the peppermint extract and vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the butter mixture until just combined.
- Fold in the crushed peppermint candies.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
- Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- While still warm, dust the cookies with powdered sugar. Enjoy!
How to Serve Peppermint Snowball Cookies
These cookies are great on their own or served with a warm cup of cocoa or coffee. You can arrange them on a festive plate to share at gatherings, or package them up as thoughtful homemade gifts for friends and family.
How to Store Peppermint Snowball Cookies
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them! Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Tips to Make Peppermint Snowball Cookies
- Make sure your butter is softened for easy mixing.
- Use a light hand when mixing the dough to keep the cookies tender.
- Experiment with the amount of peppermint if you want a stronger flavor.
- You can substitute crushed chocolate candies for a different twist.
Variation
If you want to switch it up, try adding chopped nuts or using vanilla extract instead of peppermint for a different flavor profile. You can also roll the cookies in chocolate sprinkles before baking for a fun twist!
FAQs
Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
A: Yes, but you may want to reduce the pinch of salt in the recipe to balance the flavors.
Q: How can I tell when my cookies are done?
A: The bottoms should be lightly golden when they are ready. Be careful not to over-bake!
Q: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Enjoy making and sharing these delightful Peppermint Snowball Cookies!
Print
Peppermint Snowball Cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful peppermint-flavored cookies with a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus more for dusting
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Stir in the peppermint extract and vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the butter mixture until just combined.
- Fold in the crushed peppermint candies.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
- Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- While still warm, dust the cookies with powdered sugar. Enjoy!
Notes
Make sure your butter is softened for easy mixing. Use a light hand when mixing the dough to keep the cookies tender.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: peppermint cookies, holiday cookies, festive treats, winter baking