Oh my goodness, peppermint snowball cookies are like little bites of holiday magic! These delightful treats are not just adorable; they melt in your mouth and fill the air with that unmistakable festive scent of peppermint. I remember the first time I made them for a holiday gathering—everyone’s eyes lit up when they took a bite! They’re perfect for sharing, whether you’re hosting a party or just cozying up at home with loved ones. Trust me, there’s something so joyful about rolling these snowy cookies in powdered sugar and watching them disappear in a blink. They truly capture the spirit of the season!
Ingredients for Peppermint Snowball Cookies
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these delicious peppermint snowball cookies! Here’s what you’ll need:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
1/2 cup additional powdered sugar for dusting
Make sure your butter is softened for easy creaming, and don’t skimp on the crushed peppermint candies; they give these cookies that wonderful festive charm! Everything here is straightforward, so let’s get baking!
Making peppermint snowball cookies is a delightful and simple process! Let’s dive into the steps to create these festive treats that will impress everyone at your holiday gatherings.
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures your cookies bake evenly and turn out just right!
Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together your softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is nice and smooth. You’re aiming for a light, fluffy texture that will make your cookies melt in your mouth. Trust me, this step sets the stage for deliciousness!
Mix in Vanilla and Dry Ingredients
Next, add in the vanilla extract, mixing well to combine. Then, gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt. Be gentle here—mix until just combined to avoid overworking the dough. We want it to stay tender and yummy!
Add Peppermint Candies
Now, it’s time for the fun part! Stir in those crushed peppermint candies. You’ll love how they add a festive crunch and a burst of flavor to every bite!
Shape and Bake the Cookies
Form the dough into small balls, about one inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake them in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until they’re lightly golden. You’ll know they’re done when your kitchen starts smelling like a winter wonderland!
Cooling and Dusting
Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The final touch? Dust them with powdered sugar before serving! This snowy coating not only looks gorgeous but adds that extra sweetness we all love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, these cookies come together quickly, making them perfect for bakers of all skill levels!
Festive Appeal: Their snowy appearance and delightful peppermint flavor make them a standout treat at any holiday gathering.
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: The buttery, crumbly goodness of these cookies will have everyone coming back for seconds (or thirds!).
Perfect for Sharing: Whether it’s a cookie exchange or a cozy night in, these treats are sure to spread joy and smiles all around.
Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different mix-ins or flavors, but I promise the classic peppermint version is a winner every time!
Tips for Success
To make sure your peppermint snowball cookies turn out perfectly every time, I’ve got some tried-and-true tips for you! These little nuggets of wisdom will help you achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture and burst of flavor that everyone loves.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Always start with softened butter. It helps create that creamy, fluffy texture when creaming with sugar. If you forget to take it out ahead of time, you can microwave it for just a few seconds—watch closely, though, you don’t want it to melt!
Don’t Overmix: When you’re combining the dry ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we definitely don’t want that!
Chill the Dough: If you have time, chill your dough for about 30 minutes before shaping into balls. This helps the cookies hold their shape and gives them a better texture after baking.
Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Every oven is different! Start checking your cookies at the 10-minute mark. You want them to be lightly golden, but not too brown. They’ll firm up a bit as they cool, so don’t worry if they seem a tad soft right out of the oven.
Experiment with Peppermint: If you really love that peppermint flavor, feel free to add a bit more crushed candies into the dough. Just be careful not to go overboard, as too much can affect the texture!
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to cookie perfection. Happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your peppermint snowball cookies properly is essential to keep them delicious and fresh! Once the cookies are completely cooled, place them in an airtight container. They’ll stay tasty at room temperature for about a week—if they last that long, that is!
If you want to enjoy them later, you can freeze the cookies too! Just layer them between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container, and they’ll be good for up to two months. When you’re ready to indulge, simply take them out and let them thaw at room temperature for a bit.
Reheating isn’t usually necessary since they’re best enjoyed as they are, but if you prefer them warm, pop a couple in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overdo it; we don’t want them to get too hot and lose that lovely melt-in-your-mouth texture!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Please note that the nutritional information provided for these peppermint snowball cookies is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. While I strive to offer accurate information, it’s important to consider that variations in serving sizes and ingredient substitutions may affect the final values.
Typically, each cookie contains about 120 calories, 8g of fat, 1g of protein, and 12g of carbohydrates. If you have specific dietary needs or are tracking your intake, I recommend using a nutrition calculator for the most precise information based on your chosen ingredients.
Happy baking and enjoy these delicious treats, knowing they’re made with love!
FAQ About Peppermint Snowball Cookies
I know you might have a few questions about these delightful peppermint snowball cookies, so let’s tackle some common ones together!
Can I use other types of peppermint candies?
Absolutely! While crushed peppermint candies are traditional, you can also use candy canes or peppermint bark for a fun twist. Just make sure to crush them well so they blend nicely into the dough!
What if I don’t have powdered sugar?
No worries! You can make your own by blending granulated sugar in a food processor until fine. It’s super easy, and you’ll have fresh powdered sugar ready to go!
Can I substitute the butter for margarine?
Yes, margarine works well in this recipe if you need a dairy-free option. Just make sure it’s softened like butter for the best results!
How should I store leftover cookies?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They’re so tasty, they probably won’t last that long anyway! If you want them to last longer, freeze them as mentioned earlier.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just let it sit out for a few minutes to soften before shaping and baking. Perfect for holiday prepping!
What are some fun variations I can try?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! You could add chocolate chips for a mint chocolate flavor, or even try using different extracts like almond for a unique twist. Don’t forget about rolling the cookies in crushed nuts or coconut for an extra festive touch!
Hopefully, that clears up any questions you had about these peppermint snowball cookies. Happy baking, and I can’t wait for you to share them with friends and family!
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