Peppermint Snowball Cookies: The Ultimate Holiday Recipe

Peppermint Snowball Cookies: Prepare to be transported to a winter wonderland with every delectable bite! These aren’t just cookies; they’re tiny orbs of holiday magic, guaranteed to bring a smile to even the grinchiest of faces. Imagine a delicate, buttery shortbread, infused with the refreshing coolness of peppermint, and then generously coated in a flurry of powdered sugar – resembling a perfect, miniature snowball.

While the exact origins of snowball cookies are debated, many believe they evolved from traditional European butter cookies, adapted with regional flavors and ingredients. In some cultures, they’re known as Russian Tea Cakes or Mexican Wedding Cookies, each variation carrying its own unique story and festive charm. What remains consistent across these cultures is the association with celebrations, gatherings, and the joy of sharing something sweet with loved ones.

So, why are peppermint snowball cookies so universally adored? It’s a delightful combination of textures and tastes. The crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread provides a comforting base, while the peppermint adds a refreshing zing that cuts through the richness. And let’s not forget the powdered sugar coating – it’s not just for aesthetics; it adds a subtle sweetness and a delightful, almost ethereal, quality to each cookie. Plus, they are incredibly easy to make, making them the perfect treat to bake with family and friends during the holiday season. Get ready to create some sweet memories!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus more for coating
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup finely crushed peppermint candies (about 10-12 candy canes)

Preparing the Dough:

1. First things first, let’s get that butter nice and creamy! In a large bowl, or the bowl of your stand mixer, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Don’t rush this step; it’s important for the texture of the cookies. I like to use my stand mixer with the paddle attachment, but a hand mixer works just as well. Just make sure your butter is properly softened – not melted!
2. Now for the flavor! Add the vanilla extract and peppermint extract to the butter mixture. Mix until well combined. The peppermint extract is potent, so start with 1/4 teaspoon and add a tiny bit more if you want a stronger peppermint flavor. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. This ensures that the salt is evenly distributed throughout the dough. Nobody wants a salty bite in their snowball cookie!
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we want these snowballs to be tender and melt-in-your-mouth.
5. Time for the peppermint crunch! Gently fold in the crushed peppermint candies. I like to use a food processor to crush the candies into a fine powder with some slightly larger pieces for texture. You can also put them in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin. Just be careful not to crush them too finely – you want some visible pieces in the cookies.
6. Now, this is important: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax and prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. I often chill mine for an hour or even longer if I have the time. The colder the dough, the easier it is to handle.

Shaping and Baking the Cookies:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Parchment paper is your best friend when baking cookies! It prevents them from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
2. Remove the dough from the refrigerator. It will be firm, but still pliable.
3. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. I like to use a small cookie scoop to ensure that all the cookies are the same size. This helps them bake evenly.
4. Place the cookie dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie. They won’t spread much, but you still want to give them some room.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. The cookies should still be pale in the center. Don’t overbake them! Overbaked snowball cookies will be dry and crumbly.
6. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Coating the Cookies:

1. While the cookies are still slightly warm, roll them in powdered sugar. This first coating will melt slightly and create a sticky base for the second coating.
2. Let the cookies cool completely.
3. Roll the cookies in powdered sugar again. This second coating will give them that signature “snowball” appearance. Be generous with the powdered sugar!
4. And that’s it! Your Peppermint Snowball Cookies are ready to enjoy. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They’re also great for gifting!

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Snowball Cookies:

• Use high-quality butter: The flavor of the butter really shines through in these cookies, so use the best quality you can find.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
• Chill the dough: Chilling the dough is essential for preventing the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
• Don’t overbake the cookies: Overbaked snowball cookies will be dry and crumbly. Bake until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers are still pale.
• Roll the cookies in powdered sugar while they’re still warm: This helps the powdered sugar adhere to the cookies.
• Double coat the cookies in powdered sugar: This gives them that signature “snowball” appearance.
• Add nuts: For a variation, add 1/2 cup of finely chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough.
• Use different extracts: Experiment with different extracts, such as almond extract or lemon extract.
• Make them chocolate: Add 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for chocolate snowball cookies.
• Store them properly: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Troubleshooting:

• Cookies are spreading too much: This is usually caused by using butter that is too soft or not chilling the dough long enough. Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and chill the dough for at least 30 minutes.
• Cookies are dry and crumbly: This is usually caused by overbaking the cookies. Bake until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers are still pale.
• Powdered sugar isn’t sticking to the cookies: Make sure you roll the cookies in powdered sugar while they’re still slightly warm. The heat will help the powdered sugar adhere.
• Cookies are too hard: This could be due to overmixing the dough or using too much flour. Be careful not to overmix the dough, and measure the flour accurately.
• Cookies are too soft: This could be due to using too much butter or not chilling the dough long enough. Make sure you use the correct amount of butter, and chill the dough for at least 30 minutes.

Variations:

• Mexican Wedding Cookies: These are essentially the same as snowball cookies, but they often include nuts, such as pecans or walnuts.
• Russian Tea Cakes: These are another variation of snowball cookies, and they are often flavored with vanilla or almond extract.
• Lemon Snowball Cookies: Add lemon zest and lemon extract to the dough for a bright and citrusy twist.
• Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies: Fold in mini chocolate chips for a chocolatey treat.
• Cranberry Pistachio Snowball Cookies: Add dried cranberries and chopped pistachios for a festive and colorful cookie.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve these cookies with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee.
• Package them in a decorative tin for a thoughtful gift.
• Add them to a holiday cookie platter.
• Enjoy them as a sweet treat any time of year!

Nutritional Information (approximate, per cookie):

• Calories: 80
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 15mg
• Sodium: 15mg
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Sugar: 4g
• Protein: 0.5g

Enjoy your delicious Peppermint Snowball Cookies!

Conclusion:

This isn’t just another cookie recipe; it’s a ticket to holiday bliss! These Peppermint Snowball Cookies are truly a must-try this season, and I’m confident they’ll become a cherished tradition in your home, just as they have in mine. The delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture combined with the refreshing burst of peppermint is simply irresistible. They’re the perfect balance of sweet and minty, making them a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

But what truly sets these cookies apart is their versatility. While they’re fantastic as is, there are so many ways to customize them to your liking. For a richer, more decadent experience, try using browned butter instead of regular melted butter. The nutty notes of browned butter will complement the peppermint beautifully. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough for a delightful crunch.

Serving suggestions? Oh, the possibilities are endless! These Peppermint Snowball Cookies are the perfect accompaniment to a steaming mug of hot chocolate or a festive glass of eggnog. They also make a wonderful addition to a holiday cookie platter, adding a touch of elegance and refreshing flavor. Consider packaging them in small, decorative tins as thoughtful gifts for friends, family, and neighbors. Trust me, they’ll be incredibly grateful!

For a fun twist, you can even dip the finished cookies in melted white chocolate and sprinkle them with crushed peppermint candies. This adds an extra layer of sweetness and visual appeal, making them even more festive. Another variation I love is to add a teaspoon of peppermint extract to the powdered sugar coating for an intensified peppermint flavor. Just be careful not to add too much, as it can become overpowering.

I’ve poured my heart and soul into perfecting this recipe, and I’m so excited for you to try it. I truly believe that these Peppermint Snowball Cookies will bring joy and warmth to your holiday season. They’re relatively easy to make, even for novice bakers, and the results are simply stunning. The aroma that fills your kitchen as they bake is enough to put anyone in the holiday spirit!

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create some holiday magic. I’m confident that you’ll fall in love with these cookies just as much as I have. And remember, baking is all about having fun and experimenting, so don’t be afraid to put your own personal touch on the recipe.

Once you’ve made these delightful Peppermint Snowball Cookies, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Share your photos and stories with me – did you try any of the variations I suggested? Did you add your own unique twist? What did your family and friends think? Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me continue to improve and share even more delicious recipes with you. You can find me on [Social Media Platform 1] and [Social Media Platform 2] – I can’t wait to see your creations! Happy baking, and happy holidays!