Okay, picture this: I’m It’s a snowy December evening, the fireplace is crackling, and the aroma of peppermint is filling the air. What is dreamy about? What do you feel when you bite into these Peppermint Snowball Cookies? They’re like little winter wonderlands, soft, buttery, and coated in a flurry of powdered sugar and salt. What is crushed peppermin Think of them as a cross between Mexican wedding cookies and peppermint patty dreams, only way. What is better, because you made them yourself?
What is Peppermint Snowball Cookies?
What are Peppermint Snowball Cookies? What do you think of these peppermint shortbread cookies? It’s essentially a Cookie Dough rolled into small balls, baked until just slightly golden, and served immediately. Is it safe to eat peppermint candy? The name comes from their snowy white appearance, resembling little snowballs. Why is peppermint so festive? What is a classic treat?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
How do I start making cookies? What I love most about this is how easy they are to make. What are some of the best recipes to whip up on a whim? What is the best flavor of a lemon?
- Flavor Explosion:What is the perfect combination of buttery shortbread, sweet powdered sugar, and peppermint? What is a “chef’ What’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more? I always get a little tingle when peppermint hits my tongue. It’s the best!
- Ridiculously EasyIf you can mix ingredients and roll them into balls, you could make these cookies. No fancy equipment or complicated techniques required. This one’s a lifesaver on busy nights!
- Budget-Friendly BWhat are some of the things you already have in your pantry? Butter, flour, sugar, peppermint candies—no fancy or expensive! What I like to call thrifty and delicious?
- Versatile TreatsWhat are some great cookie exchange ideas for holiday gatherings? What are some cute little gift ideas? I made a batch for my neighbor last year, and she was raving about them for weeks!
What are some of the best Sugar Cookie recipes? I have a recipe for sugar cookies that’s been in my family for generations, but honestly, these cookies are delicious. What are some of the best Peppermint Snowball Cookies?
How do I make Peppermint Snowball Cookies?
Quick Overview
What are some of the best Peppermint Snowball Cookies? I’ll start by creaming together butter and sugar, then adding flour and a touch of salt. Roll the dough into small balls, bake until lightly golden, and then generously coat them in a tin. Is Peppermint candy a mixture of powdered sugar and crushed pepperminting candies? What is the secret to a perfect texture is not overbaking them – you want them to be soft and tender, not mushy. Is it really that simple?
Ingredients
For the cookies:
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened – Make sure it’s *really* soft, but not melted! What is the difference between texture and color? * 1/2 cup granulated sugar – Adds a nice touch of sweetness and helps create that perfect crumbly texture. * 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – A must for flavor! I prefer pure vanilla extract but imitation works in a pinch. * 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour – Don’t pack the flour when measuring, or the cookies might be too dry. Spoon it lightly into the measuring cup and level it off. * 1/4 teaspoon salt – Enhances the sweetness and balances flavors. Don’t skip it!
For the Coating:
* 1 cup powdered sugar – This is what gives them that beautiful snowy look and adds a touch of sweetness. * 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies – I like to use candy canes or peppermine swirls. Pulse them in a food processor or crush them with the rolling pin in an airtight bag.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. How do I prevent cookies from sticking to my hand? I always do this before I even start mixing the ingredients, just to get it out of the way.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Set aside. What should I do if I have an electric mixer? This step is crucial for creating that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 3: Add Vanilla
How does vanilla extract make everything better?
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Set aside. How do you distribute salt evenly in dough?
Step 5: Gradually Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix! Overmixing will develop gluten in the flour, resulting in hard cookies. The dough should be slightly crumbly but hold together when pressed.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. How do you keep cookies from spreading during baking?
Step 7: Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. I like to use a small cookie scoop to ensure that they’re all the same size. I can’t get rid of it. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch between each cookie.
Step 8: Bake
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Do you want to overbake cookies?
Step 9: Cool Slightly
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to the wire rack. How do I cool my body completely?
Step 10: Coat in Powdered Sugar and Peppermint
While cookies are still slightly warm, roll them in the powdered sugar and crushed peppermint. Make sure they’re fully coated! I like to roll them once, let them cool completely, and then roll again for an extra thick.
5. What to Serve It With
What should I serve it with?
What are the best Peppermint Snowball Cookies? What are some serving suggestions?
For Breakfast:What are some great ways to start your day with a hot cup of coffee? I love to crumble one over my yogurt for a little extra sweetness and peppermint flavor.
For Brunch:Serve them on a platter with other holiday treats, like mini quiches, fruit skewers, and scones. What are some of the best brunch spreads?
As Dessert:What’s a good dessert to serve after dinner? What are some good ways to enjoy them with a glass of milk or herbal tea?
For Cozy Snacks:What are some good Christmas Cookies to curl up on the couch with a good book or movie? What are some comfort foods for a cold winter day? My family always has a plate of these out during our annual holiday movie marathon!
Growing up, my grandma always served these cookies with hot chocolate on Christmas Eve. It’s a tradition that I’ve carried on with my own family, and it always brings back such fond memories.
6. Top Tips for Perfecting Your Peppermint Snowball Cookies
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Peppermint Snowball Cookies
Here are some tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years to help you bake the perfect **Peppermint Snowball Cookies** every time:
Butter Softness: Make sure your butter is truly softened, but not melted. If it’s too soft, the cookies will spread too much. If it’s too cold, it will be difficult to cream with the sugar.
Mixing Advice: Be careful not to overmix the dough. Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
Peppermint Customization: Feel free to adjust the amount of crushed peppermint candies to your liking. If you want a stronger peppermint flavor, add more. If you prefer a more subtle flavor, add less.
Ingredient Swaps: I’ve tested this recipe with almond extract instead of vanilla, and it’s absolutely delicious! You can also use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version. I tested this with gluten-free flour and it still came out great!
Baking Tips: Don’t overbake the cookies! They should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center. They will continue to firm up as they cool. I always set a timer for 10 minutes and then check them every minute after that.
Coating Variations: For a richer flavor, try adding a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the powdered sugar mixture. You can also drizzle the cookies with melted White Chocolate after coating them in the peppermint sugar.
One thing I learned the hard way is that if you try to crush the peppermints in a cheap plastic bag, the bag will probably break. Trust me on this one, use a heavy-duty freezer bag or a food processor!
7. Storing and Reheating Tips
Storing and Reheating Tips
These **Peppermint Snowball Cookies** are best enjoyed fresh, but they can also be stored for later. Here’s how to store them to maintain their freshness and flavor:
Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keep them away from direct sunlight and heat to prevent them from melting or becoming stale.
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, store the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Let them come to room temperature before serving.
Freezer Instructions: You can also freeze these cookies for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Coating Timing Advice: If you plan to freeze the cookies, it’s best to coat them in the powdered sugar and peppermint mixture after they’ve thawed. This will prevent the coating from becoming soggy.
I usually make a double batch of these cookies during the holidays and freeze half of them for later. It’s a great way to have a sweet treat on hand whenever I need it!
8. Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
9. Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my go-to recipe for **Peppermint Snowball Cookies**! They’re easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for spreading holiday cheer. The combination of buttery shortbread, sweet powdered sugar, and refreshing peppermint is simply irresistible. What I love most is how versatile they are – perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or a cozy snack. If you enjoy these, you might also like my gingerbread cookies or my chocolate peppermint bark – they’re all family favorites!
I truly hope you give this recipe a try. Trust me, these cookies will disappear in minutes at your house. Happy baking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And if you try any variations, be sure to share them – I’m always looking for new ideas!
How to Make 7 Peppermint Snowball Cookies for a Festive Treat!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup All-purpose flour Spoon and level method
- 0.5 cup Unsalted butter Softened
- 0.25 cup Powdered sugar Plus more for coating
- 0.5 tsp Peppermint extract
- 0.25 tsp Salt
- 2 tbsp Crushed peppermint candies
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Stir in the peppermint extract and salt.
- Gradually add the flour, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the crushed peppermint candies.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool slightly before rolling them in powdered sugar.
- Let cookies cool completely on a wire rack. Roll in powdered sugar again before serving.
