Peppermint Snowball Cookies – A Classic Holiday Cookie Everyone Loves
When the holiday season arrives, nothing feels more comforting than the aroma of freshly baked cookies filling the kitchen. These Peppermint Snowball Cookies are a timeless winter treat, combining rich buttery dough, refreshing peppermint flavor, and a beautiful coating of powdered sugar that looks just like freshly fallen snow. Each bite is soft, delicate, and melts effortlessly in your mouth, making these cookies completely irresistible.
Perfect for Christmas cookie trays, holiday parties, or cozy evenings with a warm drink, this recipe delivers both elegance and simplicity. With minimal ingredients and easy preparation, these cookies are ideal for beginner bakers while still impressive enough for seasoned home cooks. Their festive appearance and classic peppermint flavor make them a guaranteed seasonal favorite.
Ingredients and Their Purpose
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup / 2 sticks, softened) – The heart of the cookie, butter provides richness, flavor, and a tender crumb. Softened butter ensures smooth mixing and a light texture.
- Powdered Sugar (½ cup) – Powdered sugar blends seamlessly into the dough, creating a soft, melt-in-your-mouth consistency rather than a crisp cookie.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon) – Adds warmth and depth, balancing the cool peppermint and enhancing the overall flavor.
- Peppermint Extract (½ teaspoon) – The signature holiday flavor. A small amount delivers a refreshing minty taste without overpowering the cookie.
- All-Purpose Flour (2 ¼ cups) – Provides structure while keeping the cookies light and tender.
- Salt (½ teaspoon) – Enhances sweetness and sharpens the peppermint notes.
- Crushed Peppermint Candies or Candy Canes (¾ cup) – Adds festive color, gentle crunch, and natural peppermint sweetness.
- Powdered Sugar for Rolling (1 cup) – Creates the classic snowball look and adds an extra layer of sweetness.
- Extra Crushed Peppermint (optional) – For additional flavor and a decorative holiday finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light, fluffy, and pale in color.
- Mix in the vanilla extract and peppermint extract until fully combined.
- Add the flour and salt gradually, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing.
- Gently fold in the crushed peppermint candies.
2. Shape the Cookies
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll into smooth balls.
- Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 1–2 inches apart.
3. Bake
- Bake for 11–13 minutes, until the bottoms are lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool for 5 minutes.
4. Roll in Sugar
- While still warm, roll each cookie in powdered sugar.
- Once fully cooled, roll them again for a thick, snowy coating.
- Optional: Mix extra crushed peppermint with the powdered sugar for a festive look.
Why This Recipe Is So Popular
- Perfect holiday flavor with a balance of buttery richness and cool peppermint
- Melt-in-your-mouth texture thanks to powdered sugar and butter
- Beautiful presentation with a snowy white finish
- Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients
- Freezer-friendly for stress-free holiday baking
Pro Tips for Perfect Peppermint Snowball Cookies
- Crush peppermint candies finely to avoid cracks in the dough.
- Do not overbake; these cookies should remain pale on top.
- Rolling twice in powdered sugar creates the best texture and appearance.
- For extra holiday flair, drizzle with melted white chocolate after cooling.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Peppermint Snowball Cookies with hot chocolate, coffee, or peppermint tea. They look stunning on holiday cookie platters and make wonderful edible gifts when packaged in festive tins or boxes.
Conclusion
These Peppermint Snowball Cookies are proof that simple ingredients can create extraordinary results. With their delicate crumb, refreshing peppermint flavor, and elegant snowy finish, they capture the spirit of the holidays perfectly. Easy, beautiful, and irresistibly delicious, this recipe deserves a permanent place in your holiday baking tradition.
