There’s something purely magical about a tray of Peppermint Snowball Cookies on the table — little globes of buttery shortbread that melt in your mouth, dusted in snowy powdered sugar and sparkling with crushed peppermint candies. The balance of sweet vanilla, cool mint, and a festive crunch makes these cookies a must-bake for the holidays or anytime you’re craving cozy, nostalgic flavors. Whether you’re sharing them at a cookie swap or enjoying them with a mug of cocoa, one bite and you’ll understand why Peppermint Snowball Cookies are a cherished winter tradition.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how a handful of simple, classic ingredients can come together to create cookies bursting with flavor and charm. Each element plays a delicious role in the distinctive taste and irresistible texture of Peppermint Snowball Cookies.
- Unsalted butter: It’s the base that makes every bite soft, rich, and melt-in-your-mouth tender; using it at room temperature gives you a perfectly creamy dough.
- Powdered sugar: Used twice in this recipe, it adds a delicate sweetness to the dough and a powdery, snow-like finish on the outside.
- Vanilla extract: This brings classic warmth and rounds out the flavor — don’t skip it!
- Peppermint extract: Just a touch is enough for an unmistakable burst of cool, refreshing mint that feels like winter in every bite.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy backbone that gives the cookies their structure, holding all that buttery goodness together.
- Salt: A pinch brings out the other flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
- Crushed peppermint candies or candy canes: These create a lovely crunch and classic holiday color (feel free to choose red-and-white for extra festivity!).
- Additional powdered sugar (for rolling): After baking, this transforms your cookies into true snowballs with a sweet, snowy coating.
How to Make Peppermint Snowball Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheet and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper — this not only prevents sticking but also makes cleanup a breeze. While the oven heats, gather all your ingredients so you’re ready to go.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the unsalted butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar with an electric mixer until the mixture is light, creamy, and fluffy. This step is the secret to those dreamy, melt-in-your-mouth cookies everyone raves about.
Step 3: Add Flavorings
Beat in both the vanilla extract and peppermint extract. The sweet warmth of vanilla pairs perfectly with the brisk, cool zing of peppermint; together, they turn this classic shortbread into something extra special.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour and salt to the creamed mixture. Mix just until combined — don’t overwork it! The dough should come together but not be totally smooth, keeping those cookies tender.
Step 5: Fold in Peppermint Candies
Using a spatula or spoon, gently fold in the finely crushed peppermint candies or candy canes. Little bursts of red and white will dot the dough, promising a fun crunch and festive look in every bite.
Step 6: Shape Cookie Balls
Scoop out generous tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them between your palms into smooth balls. This part is oddly soothing — plus, it’s a great activity for helpers big and small!
Step 7: Bake
Arrange the dough balls on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Bake for 12-14 minutes, keeping an eye out for slightly golden bottoms and pale, set tops. You want them just barely baked for the most delicate crumb.
Step 8: Sugar Coat
Let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes and then, while they’re still warm, gently roll them in the remaining powdered sugar. After they finish cooling on a wire rack, give them one more generous roll in powdered sugar for that extra snowy finish.
How to Serve Peppermint Snowball Cookies
Garnishes
Give your Peppermint Snowball Cookies a picture-perfect touch by sprinkling a few extra crushed peppermint candies on top or dusting them with a bit more powdered sugar just before serving. If you’re feeling extra fancy, drizzle a little white chocolate over the tops or even dip the bottoms in melted chocolate for a truly decadent finish.
Side Dishes
Personally, I love pairing these cookies with a mug of hot cocoa, peppermint tea, or a strong cup of coffee. For a holiday platter, try mixing the snowballs with chocolate crinkle cookies, gingerbread, or other colorful bites to create a festive array sure to delight your guests.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack Peppermint Snowball Cookies in clear jars for adorable homemade gifts, or arrange them in pretty tins lined with festive tissue paper. For a more dramatic dessert tray, pile them onto a cake stand with fresh holly or sprigs of mint for a wintry woodland feel. You can even thread ribbon through cooled cookies (gently) to use as tasty edible ornaments!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your Peppermint Snowball Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay deliciously fresh and tender for up to a week, so you can enjoy them throughout the holiday season or make them in advance for special gatherings.
Freezing
These cookies freeze fabulously! After completely cooling and dusting them with powdered sugar, arrange the cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, using parchment between layers if needed. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Let them thaw at room temperature and, if desired, give them another dusting of powdered sugar before serving.
Reheating
If you want to refresh your Peppermint Snowball Cookies, simply set them out at room temperature until thawed, or warm them on a baking sheet in a 250°F (120°C) oven for about 5 minutes. This restores their melt-in-your-mouth texture and revives that irresistible fresh-baked aroma.
FAQs
Can I make Peppermint Snowball Cookies in advance for a party?
Absolutely! These cookies are actually perfect for making ahead since their flavor and texture improve after a day or two. Bake them a couple of days before your event and keep them stored in an airtight tin until you’re ready to serve.
Do I have to use candy canes, or will any peppermint candy work?
You can use either traditional candy canes or any hard peppermint candies for this recipe. Just make sure to crush them finely to avoid large, sticky pieces and to evenly distribute that festive crunch.
What’s the best way to crush peppermint candies without making a mess?
The easiest way is to place the candies in a sturdy zip-top bag, seal it, and use a rolling pin or meat mallet to gently crush them. This keeps everything contained and saves clean-up time — plus, kids love to help with this step!
Can I use other extracts or add-ins to customize the cookies?
Definitely! While peppermint is classic, you could add a hint of almond or orange extract for a twist. You might also mix in mini chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate over the finished cookies for extra flair.
How should I package Peppermint Snowball Cookies for gifting?
Layer them neatly in airtight containers or decorative tins, separating layers with parchment or wax paper. Add a cheerful ribbon and a handwritten tag for a thoughtful, personal touch — perfect for neighbors, friends, or teachers during the holidays.
Final Thoughts
There’s just no resisting the charm of Peppermint Snowball Cookies — one batch and you’ll be hooked! Their buttery, powdered sugar-dusted goodness and cool peppermint sparkle make every bite a holiday celebration. Give this recipe a try, share with loved ones, and let these cookies bring a delightful burst of winter magic to your kitchen.
Print
Peppermint Snowball Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 29 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Peppermint Snowball Cookies are a delightful holiday treat with a buttery, minty flavor and a snowy powdered sugar coating. Perfect for Christmas or any festive occasion!
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup finely crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
For Rolling:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla and peppermint extracts.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix in flour and salt until just combined. Fold in crushed peppermint candies.
- Shape Dough: Roll tablespoon-sized portions into balls and place on baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 12-14 minutes until bottoms are golden. Cool for 5 minutes.
- Roll in Sugar: Roll warm cookies in remaining powdered sugar. Cool completely on wire rack.
- Final Coating: Roll cooled cookies again in powdered sugar for a snowy effect.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- For a colorful touch, try using different colored peppermint candies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
