Description of this recipe: These Peppermint Snowball Cookies are a delightful holiday treat, perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying alongside a warm beverage. These cookies are not only visually appealing but also offer a burst of festive flavor. The buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture is complemented by the refreshing taste of peppermint, making them an irresistible addition to any holiday dessert platter. Their simple yet elegant appearance makes them ideal for gifting, and their ease of preparation makes them a great option for bakers of all skill levels.
Why you will love this recipe:
- Festive Flavor: The combination of buttery cookie and refreshing peppermint creates a distinctly holiday flavor profile.
- Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: The high butter content and powdered sugar ensure a tender, delicate crumb that practically melts in your mouth.
- Easy to Make: With minimal ingredients and straightforward instructions, these cookies are simple enough for even novice bakers to master.
- Perfect for Gifting: Their charming snowball appearance and delicious flavor make them a thoughtful and appreciated gift.
- Visually Appealing: The white powdered sugar coating and festive peppermint garnish create an elegant and festive presentation.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar, plus more for coating
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup crushed peppermint candies (about 10–12 candies or candy canes)
- For Coating:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons crushed peppermint, for garnish
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and ½ cup of powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This may take a few minutes, but it’s essential to properly aerate the butter and sugar for a tender cookie.
Step 3: Add the vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture, and mix until well combined. Vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the cookies and complements the peppermint.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. This step ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies.
Step 6: Gently fold in the crushed peppermint candies until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. The peppermint candies add a burst of flavor and a festive touch to the cookies.
Step 7: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 8: Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the bottoms of the cookies are lightly golden but the tops remain pale. The cookies should be soft and slightly puffed.
Step 9: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before rolling them in powdered sugar.
Step 10: While the cookies are still warm, gently roll them in powdered sugar until they are completely coated. This creates the classic snowball appearance.
Step 11: Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack. Once they are cool, roll them in powdered sugar again to create a thicker coating.
Step 12: Sprinkle the cookies with crushed peppermint for garnish.
Step 13: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
COOKING Rating: Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a warm cup of cocoa or coffee.
- Include them on a holiday dessert platter.
- Package them in decorative tins or boxes for gifting.
- Pair them with other holiday cookies, such as gingerbread or sugar cookies.
- Enjoy them as a sweet treat any time of day.
Tips:
- Use high-quality butter for the best flavor and texture.
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature before creaming it with the sugar.
- Don’t overmix the dough, or the cookies will be tough.
- Roll the cookies in powdered sugar while they are still warm for the best coating.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
- For a more intense peppermint flavor, use peppermint extract in addition to crushed peppermint candies.
- To prevent the cookies from spreading too much, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- If you don’t have parchment paper, you can grease the baking sheet with butter or cooking spray.
- For a variation, try using different types of candies, such as chocolate chips or nuts.
- You can also add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warmer flavor.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 30-32 minutes
Nutritional Information: (per cookie, approximate)
Calories: 120
Protein: 1g
Sodium: 20mg
Conclusion:
These Melt-in-Your-Mouth Peppermint Snowball Cookies are a festive and delicious treat that are perfect for the holiday season. With their simple ingredients, easy preparation, and melt-in-your-mouth texture, they are sure to be a hit with bakers of all skill levels. Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat to share with loved ones or a thoughtful gift to give to friends and family, these cookies are a perfect choice. The combination of buttery cookie and refreshing peppermint creates a distinctly holiday flavor profile that will leave you wanting more. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these irresistible cookies. Your taste buds (and your loved ones) will thank you! Enjoy the magic of the holiday season with every bite of these delightful Peppermint Snowball Cookies.
Questions and Answers about this recipe:
Q1: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
A: While unsalted butter is recommended for most baking recipes to control the amount of salt in the final product, you can use salted butter if you prefer. However, you should reduce the amount of salt added to the dough by ¼ teaspoon to compensate for the salt in the butter. Keep in mind that using salted butter may slightly alter the overall flavor of the cookies.
Q2: Can I use a different type of flour, such as whole wheat flour?
A: While you can experiment with different types of flour, all-purpose flour is recommended for these cookies to achieve the desired tender texture. Whole wheat flour may result in a denser, chewier cookie. If you do decide to use whole wheat flour, start by substituting only half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
Q3: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. When you’re ready to bake the cookies, let the dough sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to soften slightly before rolling it into balls.
Q4: Can I freeze the baked cookies?
A: Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 2 months. Place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the cookies to an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to serve the cookies, let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
Q5: Can I add other ingredients to the dough?
A: Yes, you can customize the dough by adding other ingredients, such as chocolate chips, nuts, or spices. For example, you could add ½ cup of mini chocolate chips or chopped walnuts to the dough. You could also add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warmer flavor. Feel free to get creative and experiment with different flavor combinations.
