Peppermint Snowball Cookies: 7 Festive Treats to Delight

Name: Peppermint Snowball Cookies: 7 Festive Treats to Delight
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon peppermint extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon baking powder; 1 cup crushed candy canes; Additional powdered sugar for dusting

décembre 25, 2025

By:

Julia marin

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Oh, the magic of the holiday season! Every year, I look forward to making *peppermint snowball cookies* with my family. There’s just something about the combination of buttery goodness and that refreshing minty flavor that brings everyone together. I remember the first time we baked these delightful cookies; the kitchen was filled with laughter as my little ones crushed candy canes, their eyes wide with excitement. It became our little holiday tradition, and now, it wouldn’t feel like Christmas without them! The best part? They’re super easy to whip up, making them perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll understand why these cookies have a special place in my heart (and on my cookie plate!).

Ingredients List

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup crushed candy canes
Additional powdered sugar for dusting

How to Prepare Peppermint Snowball Cookies

Preheat Your Oven

First things first, let’s preheat that oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures your cookies bake evenly. Trust me, there’s nothing worse than cookies that are burnt on the outside and raw on the inside!

Cream the Butter and Sugar

Next, grab a mixing bowl and cream together your softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar. You’ll want to beat them until the mixture is light and fluffy—this usually takes about 3-5 minutes. This step is essential for achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes these cookies so special!

Add Flavorings

Now, it’s time to enhance that buttery goodness! Add in your vanilla extract and peppermint extract. The balance of these flavors is what makes these cookies shine, so mix them in well. I always take a moment to inhale that minty aroma—it’s pure holiday magic!

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. This helps to evenly distribute the baking powder, which is key for that perfect rise. Once it’s well combined, set it aside for the next step.

Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now, gradually add the dry mixture to your wet mixture. I do this in batches, mixing just until combined. You want the dough to be soft and slightly sticky but not overly wet. Don’t worry if it looks a bit crumbly at first; it’ll come together beautifully!

Incorporate Candy Canes

Here comes the fun part—fold in those crushed candy canes! Be gentle here; you want to keep that festive look without crushing them too much. The candy canes not only add a delightful crunch but also a pop of color that just screams holiday spirit!

Shape and Bake the Cookies

Now, scoop out small portions of dough and roll them into little balls—about the size of a tablespoon works perfectly. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them out a bit. Pop them in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until they’re lightly golden. You’ll want your kitchen to smell heavenly by this point!

Cool and Dust

Once they’re out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them firm up a bit. Finally, once they’re cool, dust them generously with powdered sugar. It’s like giving them a little snowy blanket—so festive and delicious!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

They bring a festive flair to any holiday gathering, making your cookie platter stand out!
Super simple to make, perfect for novice bakers and seasoned pros alike.
Delightfully minty flavor that’s refreshing and comforting at the same time.
Soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s hard to resist—trust me, one bite won’t be enough!
Great for sharing with friends and family, or keeping all to yourself (no judgment here!).
Customizable with extra candy cane pieces or even a drizzle of chocolate for a twist!
They store well, so you can make them ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the season.

Tips for Success

Adjusting Mint Flavor: If you love a strong minty kick, feel free to add a bit more peppermint extract—just do it gradually to avoid overwhelming the flavor. A little goes a long way, and you can always taste-test along the way!
Crushed Candy Canes: For extra crunch and a beautiful look, make sure to crush your candy canes into small pieces, but not too fine—about the size of a pea works great. This way, you get a nice festive pop in every bite!
Storage Suggestions: Store your cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to a week. If you want to enjoy them later, they freeze beautifully! Just layer them with parchment paper in a freezer-safe container, and they’ll be good for up to three months.
Cooling Time: Don’t skip the cooling step! Letting them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack helps them firm up and makes them easier to handle.
Dusting with Powdered Sugar: For a perfect snowy finish, wait until the cookies are fully cool before dusting with powdered sugar. This ensures that the sugar stays put and looks beautiful on your cookies!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional data for each of these delightful *peppermint snowball cookies*. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients you use, but this should give you a good idea:

Calories: 120
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 1g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 50mg
Carbohydrates: 15g
Sugar: 8g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 1g

These cookies are a sweet treat, and while they’re not exactly a health food, they definitely bring joy to the holiday season. Enjoy them in moderation, and they’ll make your celebrations even sweeter!

FAQ Section

How do I store *peppermint snowball cookies*?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should last about a week, but trust me, they’ll likely be gone long before then!

Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely! These cookies freeze beautifully. Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature, and they’ll taste just as delightful as fresh-baked!

How can I make *peppermint snowball cookies* gluten-free?
You can easily adapt this recipe by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure to choose one that’s a 1:1 replacement for best results. Also, check that your baking powder is gluten-free to keep everything in line!

Can I use fresh peppermint instead of extract?
Sure! If you’re feeling adventurous, you can use fresh peppermint. Just finely chop the leaves and add them to the dough. Keep in mind that fresh herbs can have a milder flavor than extracts, so you might want to adjust the amount to taste!

What if I don’t have candy canes?
No worries! If candy canes aren’t available, you can use crushed peppermint candies or even chocolate chips for a different twist. They’ll still be delicious and festive!

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to enjoying your *peppermint snowball cookies*, the right accompaniments can elevate the experience even further! Here are some delightful ideas to create a complete holiday treat experience:

Hot Cocoa: Nothing pairs better with these minty cookies than a warm mug of hot cocoa. I love adding a splash of peppermint schnapps for an extra festive kick—just be sure to sip slowly!
Eggnog: Whether you prefer it spiked or non-alcoholic, eggnog is a classic holiday drink that complements the minty sweetness of the cookies perfectly. The creaminess balances out the crunch and flavor of the snowball cookies beautifully.
Spiced Tea: A warm cup of spiced chai or peppermint tea can be a soothing pairing. The spices in the tea enhance the mint flavor, making each bite and sip a cozy delight.
Fruit Platter: For a refreshing contrast, serve your cookies with a vibrant fruit platter. Think juicy strawberries, crisp apples, and tangy oranges to cleanse the palate between cookies!
Chocolate Dipped Delights: If you’re feeling adventurous, try dipping your *peppermint snowball cookies* in melted chocolate for an indulgent twist. Dark or white chocolate works wonderfully, adding richness to the minty flavor.

These suggestions not only enhance the cookie experience but also create a festive atmosphere that everyone will love. Enjoy experimenting with different pairings and make your holiday gatherings even sweeter!

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