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You need some key items to make peppermint snowball cookies. Here’s what to gather: - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon peppermint extract - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup cornstarch - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies (or candy canes) These ingredients blend together to create a soft, buttery cookie with a minty twist. To give your cookies a special touch, you can add some optional items: - A pinch of cocoa powder for a chocolatey flavor - Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch - A drop of food coloring for a festive look These extras can make your cookies unique and fun for the holidays. To bake these cookies, you’ll need some basic tools: - Baking sheet - Parchment paper - Large mixing bowl - Whisk for mixing dry ingredients - Cookie scoop or spoon for shaping dough - Wire rack for cooling Having the right equipment makes baking easier and more enjoyable. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by getting your area ready. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures your cookies bake evenly. Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps the cookies not stick. Gather all your ingredients. Having everything in one spot makes baking easier. In a large mixing bowl, add 1 cup of softened unsalted butter. Then, mix in 1/2 cup of powdered sugar. Beat them together until the mix is light and fluffy. Add 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract and 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract. Mix until everything blends well. In another bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of cornstarch, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Gradually add this dry mix to your butter mixture. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Fold in 1/2 cup of crushed peppermint candies. Ensure they spread evenly in the dough for bursts of flavor. Now, it's time to shape the cookies. Use your hands to form the dough into 1-inch balls. Place these balls on your lined baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart. Bake in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. The edges should look lightly golden while the centers remain soft. After baking, let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, dust them with extra powdered sugar. This makes them look like snowy treats, perfect for the holidays! To make your cookies soft and melt-in-your-mouth, use room temperature butter. Cream it well with powdered sugar. This step adds air, making them fluffy. Mix the dry ingredients gently. Overmixing can make cookies tough. When you bake, check for light golden edges. They should look soft but will firm up as they cool. If you have allergies, you can swap the butter for a dairy-free version. Use coconut oil or a vegan butter. For a gluten-free option, try almond flour or a gluten-free blend. You can also replace peppermint extract with vanilla for a milder taste. Just adjust the amount to your liking. Dusting with powdered sugar gives the cookies a lovely snowy look. Wait until the cookies cool completely. If they are warm, the sugar will melt. Use a fine sieve or a sifter for even coverage. You can also add more crushed peppermint candies for extra flavor and color. Pro Tips Chill the Dough: For an even better texture, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies maintain their shape. Use Fresh Peppermint: For the best flavor, use fresh peppermint candies or crushed candy canes rather than stale ones. This enhances the peppermint taste. Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. They should be set but soft in the middle; overbaking can lead to dry cookies. Perfect Dusting: Use a fine sieve to dust the powdered sugar on the cookies for an even, snowy finish that looks beautiful and festive. {{image_2}} Want to add chocolate to your cookies? It’s easy! You can swap out half the flour for cocoa powder. This change gives the cookies a rich chocolate flavor. Then, mix in the peppermint candies as usual. You’ll get a sweet treat that blends mint and chocolate perfectly. These cookies look great dusted with powdered sugar too! If you have guests with nut allergies, don’t worry. You can still serve delicious cookies! The original recipe is nut-free already. Just ensure that your baking ingredients are also free from nuts. Use a clean bowl and utensils to avoid cross-contamination. This way, everyone can enjoy peppermint snowball cookies safely. Feel free to get creative with flavors! Instead of peppermint extract, try using almond or vanilla extract. This change gives a new twist to the cookies. You could even mix in lemon or orange zest for a fresh taste. These swaps can make your cookies unique and fun for any holiday gathering. To keep your peppermint snowball cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. I find that metal or glass containers work best. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers of cookies. This keeps them from sticking together. Store the cookies at room temperature for up to one week. Freezing cookies is simple and keeps them tasty. To freeze peppermint snowball cookies, first cool them completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for about one hour until solid. After that, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe bag. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you want to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature. To maintain the flavor of your cookies, avoid exposing them to air. If you have leftover cookies, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. This extra layer helps keep moisture in. You can also add a slice of bread to the container. This keeps cookies soft for longer. Remember to check your supply and enjoy them while they’re fresh! Yes, you can make these cookies ahead of time. You have two options. First, you can prepare the dough and chill it in the fridge for up to three days. Just let it sit at room temperature for a bit before shaping. Second, bake the cookies and store them in an airtight container. They stay fresh for about a week. If you don’t have peppermint extract, try using mint extract. It gives a similar flavor. You can also use vanilla extract for a milder taste. If you want a more natural option, consider using crushed mint leaves. Just remember that the flavor will change a bit. To tell if the cookies are done, look for lightly golden edges. The centers will look soft, but they firm up as they cool. You can also gently press a cookie with your finger. If it springs back, it’s ready! Just be careful not to overbake them. Making Peppermint Snowball Cookies is simple and fun. We covered essential and optional ingredients, along with the tools you need. The step-by-step guide helps you mix, shape, and bake perfect cookies. Use tips to get the best texture and adapt for allergies. Explore variations for chocolate lovers and nut-free guests. Lastly, you learned how to store and freeze cookies for freshness. Enjoy indulging in this festive treat that brings joy to every bite.

Peppermint Snowball Cookies

Deliciously soft cookies with a hint of peppermint, perfect for the holiday season.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24
Calories 100 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 2 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 2 cup cornstarch
  • 1 4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 2 cup crushed peppermint candies (or candy canes)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
  • Add the vanilla extract and peppermint extract to the butter mixture and mix until combined.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
  • Fold in the crushed peppermint candies, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
  • Using your hands, form the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The cookies will look soft but will firm up upon cooling.
  • Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
  • Once completely cooled, dust the cookies generously with powdered sugar to create a snowy effect.

Notes

Arrange the cookies on a festive platter and garnish with extra crushed peppermint candies for a pop of color, perfect for holiday gatherings!
Keyword cookies, holiday, peppermint