Peppermint Snowball Cookies

Are you looking for a delightful treat that captures the essence of the holiday season? Peppermint Snowball Cookies are an extraordinary choice that not only taste amazing but also evoke the cozy feel of winter celebrations. These cookies combine the richness of buttery dough with a refreshing hint of peppermint, making them a favorite among cookie lovers. If you’re curious about how to make these delicious bites and perhaps save some time in the kitchen, you’re in the right place.

Timing

Before diving into the recipe, it’s essential to know how much time you’ll need to whip up these delightful cookies. The total preparation and baking time for Peppermint Snowball Cookies is around 30 minutes, with about 15 minutes spent on prep and 15 minutes on baking. This timeframe is relatively swift when compared to many festive recipes, allowing you to enjoy these cookies sooner rather than later.

Nutritional Information

Understanding the nutritional content of your food can help you maintain a balanced diet while indulging occasionally. A serving of Peppermint Snowball Cookies typically contains:

Calories: 120
Total Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 20mg
Total Carbohydrates: 15g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 5g
Protein: 1g

While these treats are sweet, they can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet during the holidays.

Healthier Alternatives For Peppermint Snowball Cookies

Want to indulge in Peppermint Snowball Cookies without the guilt? Here are a few healthier alternatives to consider that maintain all the delicious flavors:

1. Almond Flour: Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour for a gluten-free option that also provides healthy fats.
2. Coconut Oil: Swap unsalted butter for coconut oil to introduce a dairy-free alternative rich in flavor.
3. Natural Sweeteners: Use honey or maple syrup instead of powdered sugar to sweeten your cookies naturally.
4. Dark Chocolate: Add dark chocolate pieces instead of traditional chocolate to get more antioxidants with every bite.
5. Reduce Sugar: Cut the quantity of powdered sugar used for rolling cookies, opting instead for a light dusting.

Embrace these substitutions to create a version of Peppermint Snowball Cookies that’s still a festive treat but aligns better with your dietary preferences.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving Peppermint Snowball Cookies, the possibilities are endless. Try these creative ideas to enhance your cookie experience:

1. Pair with Hot Chocolate: Serve alongside a cup of rich hot chocolate for a classic winter combination that warms the soul.
2. Cookie Platters: Create a vibrant dessert platter and add a variety of cookies, including Peppermint Snowball Cookies, to impress guests at holiday gatherings.
3. Ice Cream Sandwiches: Place a scoop of peppermint or vanilla ice cream between two cookies for an indulgent treat that’s sure to please.
4. Gifting: Package them beautifully in a holiday box or tin to share with friends and family, making them a perfect holiday gift.

Each of these serving suggestions adds an extra layer of joy to your homemade cookies.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Even the most seasoned bakers can run into some common pitfalls when making Peppermint Snowball Cookies. Here are a few mistakes to steer clear of:

1. Not Softening Butter: Ensure the unsalted butter is softened thoroughly for better mixing and fluffiness.
2. Over-Mixing Dough: Avoid over-mixing once you’ve added the flour; doing so can make your cookies tough instead of tender.
3. Incorrect Oven Temperature: Always preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) because baking at the wrong temperature can throw off cooking times.
4. Skipping Cooling Step: Allow cookies to cool slightly before rolling in powdered sugar. Otherwise, the sugar won’t stick as effectively.
5. Overloading with Sugar: Be careful not to overload the serving with rolling sugar; a light dusting enhances flavor without being overwhelmingly sweet.

By recognizing these potential mishaps, you can ensure your Peppermint Snowball Cookies turn out just right.

Storing Tips For Peppermint Snowball Cookies

After making a batch of these delightful cookies, you’ll want to keep them fresh. Here’s how you can store your Peppermint Snowball Cookies to maintain their flavor and texture:

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

Refrigeration: For extended freshness, place cookies in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, just make sure they are in a sealed container.

Freezing: To freeze, arrange cookies in a single layer and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature.

Ingredients Needed

1 cup unsalted butter: Softened to create a rich base for the cookies.
1/2 cup powdered sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender texture.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances flavor and complements the peppermint.
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract: Provides the signature peppermint flavor.
2 cups all-purpose flour: The main ingredient for structure.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
1 cup powdered sugar: For rolling to give a snowy appearance and added sweetness.

How to Make Peppermint Snowball Cookies

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Getting your oven ready is critical for proper cookie baking.

Step 2: Cream together butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.

Using an electric mixer can help achieve the desired fluffiness. This step incorporates air into the mixture.

Step 3: Add vanilla and peppermint extract, mixing until combined.

Make sure to blend thoroughly so the flavor disperses evenly through the dough.

Step 4: Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until the dough forms.

Do not rush this step. Gradually introducing the flour ensures a smooth dough with no lumps.

Step 5: Shape the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Aim for uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.

Step 6: Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly golden.

Keep an eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary.

Step 7: Allow cookies to cool for a few minutes, then roll in powdered sugar while still warm.

This helps the sugar stick better to the surface.

Step 8: Let cookies cool completely on a wire rack.

Cooling on a rack prevents them from becoming soggy from retained heat.

Step 9: Enjoy your peppermint snowball cookies!

Savor each bite of these festive favorites!

Conclusion

In summary, Peppermint Snowball Cookies are not just delicious but also a joy to make. With their buttery texture and refreshing peppermint flavor, they capture the spirit of the holiday season beautifully. Whether you’re baking for yourself, sharing with loved ones, or looking for creative serving suggestions, this recipe offers something for everyone.

I invite you to try this recipe and experience the delight of these cookies firsthand. Enjoy, share your thoughts in the comments, and explore more delicious recipes to add to your collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Peppermint Snowball Cookies gluten-free?

To make Peppermint Snowball Cookies gluten-free, substitute almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour.

Can I make these cookies in advance?

Absolutely! Make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. You can also freeze the baked cookies to enjoy later.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

Look for a lightly golden bottom; the cookies should be firm yet soft to the touch, signaling they are perfectly baked.

What if I don’t have peppermint extract?

You can substitute with additional vanilla extract, or crushed peppermint candies for a delightful twist.

Can I use other flavored extracts?

Certainly! Feel free to experiment with almond or vanilla extracts for different flavors to create your unique versions of Peppermint Snowball Cookies.

Print