PEPPERMINT SNOWBALL COOKIES
These Peppermint Snowball Cookies are a festive holiday treat with a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Featuring crushed peppermint candy, they’re coated in powdered sugar, making them the perfect balance of sweet and refreshing for your holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- ¾ cup powdered sugar plus extra for rolling
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup crushed peppermint candy canes
For Decoration (Optional):
- Additional powdered sugar for rolling
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Make the Cookie Dough:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla and peppermint extracts, and mix until combined. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until the dough forms. Fold in the crushed peppermint candy.
Shape the Cookies:
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake:
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Decorate:
- While still warm, roll the cookies in powdered sugar to coat them. Allow the cookies to cool completely and roll in powdered sugar again before serving, if desired.
Notes
Make Ahead:
The dough can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Customizing the Flavor:
For a stronger peppermint flavor, you can add a little more peppermint extract or mix in mini chocolate chips for extra indulgence. Serving Suggestions:
Serve these cookies at holiday parties, gift them to loved ones, or enjoy them with a warm cup of cocoa. Allergy-Friendly Options:
For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with a plant-based butter alternative. Storage Tips:
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you’re planning to freeze them, do so before rolling in powdered sugar.
The dough can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Customizing the Flavor:
For a stronger peppermint flavor, you can add a little more peppermint extract or mix in mini chocolate chips for extra indulgence. Serving Suggestions:
Serve these cookies at holiday parties, gift them to loved ones, or enjoy them with a warm cup of cocoa. Allergy-Friendly Options:
For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with a plant-based butter alternative. Storage Tips:
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you’re planning to freeze them, do so before rolling in powdered sugar.