Peppermint Snowball Cookies That Melt Before You Blink

 

Ever dream of a cookie that’s both festive and melts in your mouth? These Peppermint Snowball Cookies are your answer! These little bites of heaven are perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy night in. Inspired by classic snowball cookies but with a refreshing peppermint twist, they’re sure to become a family favorite. Let’s dive into the magic of these delightful treats!

Why You’ll Love These Peppermint Snowball Cookies

These Peppermint Snowball Cookies are more than just delicious; they’re a joy to make and share. Here’s why you’ll fall in love:

• Effortless Recipe: Simple enough for even beginner bakers.
• Festive Flavors: The perfect blend of buttery sweetness and refreshing peppermint.
• Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: These cookies practically dissolve on your tongue.
• Crowd-Pleaser: A guaranteed hit at any holiday gathering.
• Budget-Friendly: Made with pantry staples.
• Quick Prep: Get these cookies in the oven in just minutes!
• Adorable Appearance: Their snowball shape and peppermint candy pieces are irresistibly cute.
• Kid-Friendly: A fun baking project for the whole family.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to create these melt-in-your-mouth Peppermint Snowball Cookies:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened (113g)
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus more for coating (60g), ensure it’s finely ground.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5ml), use pure extract for the best flavor.
• 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract (1.25ml), a little goes a long way!
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (150g), spoon and level for accuracy.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (1.5g), balances the sweetness perfectly.
• 1/2 cup finely crushed peppermint candies (80g), use a food processor or rolling pin.

For the butter, make sure it’s softened but not melted to ensure the right cookie texture. The fresher the peppermint candies, the more vibrant the peppermint flavor will be in your cookies!

Essential Equipment List

Here’s a quick rundown of the essential equipment you’ll need to whip up these delicious Peppermint Snowball Cookies.

• Baking Sheets: For even baking.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and easy cleanup.
• Large Bowl: For mixing the dough.
• Electric Mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugar a breeze.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key!
• Whisk: To combine the dry ingredients.
• Wire Rack: For cooling the cookies.

While a stand mixer is helpful, a hand mixer works just as well. If you don’t have parchment paper, lightly grease your baking sheets.

Recipe Details

• • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
  • Total Time: 25-27 minutes

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• Servings: About 24 cookies
• Difficulty: Easy

This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy holiday treat. Scale up the recipe for larger gatherings!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to bake perfect Peppermint Snowball Cookies every time:

Step 1: Get Ready to Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a snap.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.

Step 3: Add Extracts

Beat in the vanilla extract and peppermint extract. Be careful not to add too much peppermint extract, as it can overpower the other flavors.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. This ensures that the salt is evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix. Overmixing can result in tough cookies.

Step 6: Add Peppermint Candies

Stir in the crushed peppermint candies. Make sure the candies are finely crushed for even distribution.

Step 7: Shape the Cookies

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets. Leave a little space between each cookie.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.

Step 9: Cool Slightly

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them hold their shape.

Step 10: Coat with Powdered Sugar

Once the cookies are cool, roll them in powdered sugar to coat. Repeat for a thicker coating, if desired. This gives them their signature snowball look!

YOU MIGHT LOVE: Apple Bread: The Perfect Fall Treat – A delicious and easy bread recipe perfect for a cozy day.

Tips for Success

Here are a few tips to ensure your Peppermint Snowball Cookies turn out perfectly every time:

• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies.
• Chill the Dough: If your dough is too soft to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes.
• Use Softened Butter: Softened butter creams better with sugar, creating a light and fluffy dough.
• Finely Crush the Peppermint Candies: Large pieces of peppermint candy can make the cookies difficult to roll.
• Cool Completely Before Coating: Coating warm cookies with powdered sugar will cause the sugar to melt.

A little extra care will result in the most delightful cookies!

Variations & Substitutions

Want to mix things up? Here are a few fun variations and substitutions for your Peppermint Snowball Cookies:

• • Chocolate Peppermint: Add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a chocolatey twist.
  • Nutty Snowballs: Add 1/2 cup of finely chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough.

• Citrus Zest: Add the zest of one orange or lemon for a bright, refreshing flavor.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

Experiment and make these cookies your own!

Serving Suggestions & Pairings with Peppermint Snowball Cookies

These Peppermint Snowball Cookies are fantastic on their own, but they also pair beautifully with other treats and beverages:

• Hot Chocolate: The classic pairing for a cozy winter night.
• Coffee or Tea: A perfect afternoon treat.
• Ice Cream: Crumble the cookies over vanilla or chocolate ice cream.
• Holiday Dessert Platter: Add these cookies to a festive dessert platter with other holiday favorites.

These cookies are a delightful addition to any holiday spread!

Health Benefits

While these Peppermint Snowball Cookies are a treat, they do offer some nutritional value. The butter provides fat-soluble vitamins, and the flour contributes some carbohydrates for energy. The peppermint candies offer a refreshing flavor and can soothe digestion. Remember, moderation is key to enjoying these cookies as part of a balanced diet.

Storage & Reheating

To keep your Peppermint Snowball Cookies fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

There’s no need to reheat these cookies, as they are best enjoyed at room temperature. Keep them away from direct sunlight or heat to prevent the powdered sugar from melting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of extract?

Yes! Almond or lemon extract can be great alternatives to peppermint extract. Adjust the amount to your taste preference.

Can I use a different type of candy?

Absolutely! Crushed hard candies or even chocolate chips can be used in place of peppermint candies.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the dough before baking can help prevent the cookies from spreading too much. Also, make sure your oven is at the correct temperature.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes! The dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can also bake the cookies ahead of time and store them in an airtight container.

How do I get the powdered sugar to stick better?

Rolling the cookies in powdered sugar while they are still slightly warm can help the sugar adhere better.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 75
• Total Fat: 4g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5g
• Cholesterol: 15mg
• Sodium: 25mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 9g
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Total Sugars: 4g
• Protein: 1g

Please note that nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.

More Delicious Dishes to Explore

Craving more holiday treats? Try these other delicious recipes:

• Chocolate Peppermint Swirl Cookies: A Festive Treat for the Holidays – These cookies combine chocolate and peppermint for an irresistible holiday flavor.
• Apple Bread: The Perfect Fall Treat – The perfect bread for fall baking.
• Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting – These soft pumpkin cookies are the perfect treat for fall.

Conclusion

These Peppermint Snowball Cookies are fast, festive, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whip up a batch tonight and experience the joy of these melt-in-your-mouth treats! Share this recipe with your friends and family who would love it! Join our vibrant community on Facebook and Pinterest for daily recipe inspiration, cooking tips, and more tasty ideas! Happy cooking!

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