Get ready to spread holiday cheer with my Peppermint Snowball Cookies! These sweet treats bring the festive spirit right to your kitchen. With a burst of peppermint flavor and a snowy sugar coating, they’re perfect for sharing. You need just a few simple ingredients to create these delightful cookies. Let’s dive into the easy steps that will have your home smelling like a winter wonderland!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Festive Flavor: The combination of buttery texture and refreshing peppermint makes these cookies a perfect holiday treat.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies are perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Beautiful Presentation: Dusting with powdered sugar gives these cookies a snowy appearance, making them visually stunning on any holiday table.
- Fun for All Ages: Kids and adults alike will enjoy crushing the peppermint candies and shaping the dough into delightful snowballs!
Ingredients
To make peppermint snowball cookies, you need just a few simple ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating that festive flavor and texture. Here’s what you will need:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting
– 2 teaspoons pure peppermint extract
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup cornstarch
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
Let’s break it down:
1. Butter: Softened butter gives these cookies a rich, creamy base. It helps make the cookies tender and fluffy.
2. Powdered Sugar: This sugar adds sweetness and helps create a nice texture. You’ll use some in the dough and some for dusting.
3. Peppermint Extract: This gives the cookies their fresh minty flavor. Make sure to use pure extract for the best taste.
4. All-Purpose Flour: Flour forms the main structure of the cookies. It helps hold everything together.
5. Cornstarch: Adding cornstarch makes the cookies soft and crumbly. It helps with that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
6. Salt: A little salt balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors in the cookies.
7. Crushed Peppermint Candies: These add a fun crunch and extra minty flavor. They are what make these cookies a festive treat.
Gather these ingredients, and you’re ready to create some delicious peppermint snowball cookies.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for even baking. While the oven warms up, line your baking sheet with parchment paper. This keeps the cookies from sticking and helps with easy cleanup.
Mixing the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, take 1 cup of softened butter. Add in 1/2 cup of powdered sugar. Cream them together until the mix is light and fluffy. This process adds air and makes the cookies soft. After that, pour in 2 teaspoons of pure peppermint extract. Mix well until everything is combined.
Combining Dry Ingredients
Now, grab a separate bowl. Whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of cornstarch, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. This mix gives the cookies their structure. When done, slowly add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as it can make the cookies tough.
Forming and Baking the Cookies
Next, fold in 1/2 cup of crushed peppermint candies. This will add a nice crunch and flavor. Use a tablespoon or a cookie scoop to form small balls of dough, about 1 inch wide. Place them on your prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each ball. Bake these in the oven for 12-15 minutes. Look for lightly golden edges to know they’re done.
Cooling and Dusting with Powdered Sugar
Once baked, take the cookies out and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This helps them firm up. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. When cooled, dust them generously with extra powdered sugar. This gives them that snowy look. For extra flair, sprinkle a few more crushed peppermint candies on top.
Tips & Tricks
How to Achieve Perfect Texture
To get the right texture for your Peppermint Snowball Cookies, start with room temperature butter. Softened butter mixes better. Mix until light and fluffy. This step gives your cookies a soft, melt-in-your-mouth feel. Be careful not to overmix the dough. Overmixing makes cookies dense.
Best Practices for Creaming Butter
When creaming butter, use a large bowl. Start with the butter and powdered sugar. Mix on medium speed until it looks pale and fluffy. Scrape the bowl sides to mix evenly. This step helps create air pockets, which make the cookies light. Remember, patience is key here.
Tips for Using Peppermint Candies
Crushed peppermint candies add a nice crunch. Use a ziplock bag and a rolling pin to crush them. Be sure to leave some larger pieces for texture. Mix them in gently to avoid breaking all the bits. The pieces should be visible in the dough. This adds color and flavor to your cookies.
Pro Tips
- Chill the Dough: For a firmer dough that’s easier to shape, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before forming the cookies.
- Use Fresh Peppermint Extract: Ensure you’re using pure peppermint extract for the most authentic flavor. Avoid imitation extracts as they can alter the taste.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies while baking. They should be set but still soft in the center to achieve the best texture.
- Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to add other toppings like white chocolate drizzle or festive sprinkles for added flavor and decoration.
Variations
Chocolate Peppermint Snowball Cookies
You can easily add chocolate to your peppermint snowball cookies. Just mix in 1/2 cup of cocoa powder when you combine the dry ingredients. This change adds a rich taste. The chocolate pairs well with the minty flavor. After baking, dust your cookies with powdered sugar. The white sugar on dark cookies looks festive.
Nut-Free Version
If you want nut-free cookies, you are in luck! This recipe is already nut-free since it does not use any nuts. Just keep an eye on the candy you use. Some brands may have traces of nuts. Always check ingredient labels for safety. Enjoy making these cookies for everyone.
Gluten-Free Substitutions
You can make these cookies gluten-free, too. Just swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Look for a blend that includes xanthan gum for the best texture. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly. Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. They should still be lightly golden on the edges.
Storage Info
Best Way to Store Cookies
To keep your peppermint snowball cookies fresh, use an airtight container. Line the container with parchment paper. Place layers of cookies in the container, separating them with more parchment. This method prevents them from sticking together. Store the container at room temperature. Avoid direct sunlight for the best taste.
Freezing Cookies for Later Use
Freezing is a great way to enjoy these cookies later. Allow the cookies to cool completely first. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about two hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. You can freeze the cookies for up to three months.
Shelf Life and Freshness Tips
Peppermint snowball cookies stay fresh for about one week at room temperature. For longer freshness, keep them in the fridge. They can last up to two weeks when stored properly in the fridge. Always check for any signs of spoilage, like an off smell or changes in texture. This ensures you enjoy every bite at its best.
FAQs
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can use margarine if you need to. It may change the taste and texture a bit. Butter gives a richer flavor. Margarine can work, but the cookies might not be as soft.
What can I substitute for peppermint extract?
If you don’t have peppermint extract, try using mint extract. You could also use a bit of vanilla extract with crushed peppermint candies. This will give a nice flavor, but it won’t taste as minty.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Watch the edges of the cookies closely. They should be lightly golden when done. The center may look soft, but it will firm up as they cool. A toothpick can help check the doneness too. If it comes out clean, they are ready.
Can I add chocolate chips to the recipe?
Yes, you can add chocolate chips! This will give a nice mix of mint and chocolate. Just fold in about half a cup of chips with the crushed peppermint. It’s a fun twist on the classic recipe!
In this post, we explored the key ingredients for peppermint cookies. I shared step-by-step instructions for easy baking. You learned tips for the perfect texture and variations to try. We also covered storage info and answered common questions.
Now, have fun baking and enjoy these delicious cookies. Mix in your favorite flavors or store them for later! Happy bakin
