Description of this recipe
These Minty Snowball Cookies, also known as Russian Tea Cakes or Mexican Wedding Cookies, are delicate, melt-in-your-mouth treats infused with a refreshing peppermint flavor and coated in a generous layer of powdered sugar. This recipe takes the classic snowball cookie and elevates it with a cool minty twist, making it perfect for holiday gatherings, winter celebrations, or simply enjoying a cozy afternoon.
Why you will love this recipe
You will absolutely adore these Minty Snowball Cookies for several reasons:
- Melt-in-your-mouth texture: The combination of butter and powdered sugar creates an incredibly tender and delicate crumb that simply melts in your mouth.
- Refreshing minty flavor: The peppermint extract adds a delightful coolness that perfectly complements the sweetness of the cookie, making it a unique and irresistible treat.
- Festive and elegant: The snowy coating of powdered sugar gives these cookies a beautiful and elegant appearance, making them perfect for gifting or serving at holiday parties.
- Easy to make: This recipe is surprisingly simple to follow, requiring only a few basic ingredients and minimal effort.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe to your liking by adding nuts, chocolate chips, or other flavorings.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar, plus more for coating
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2¼ cups (280g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup (90g) finely chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- ½ cup (85g) mini chocolate chips (optional)
Preparation:
Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 2–3 minutes. Ensure that the butter is properly softened but not melted; it should be pliable enough to cream easily. Properly creaming the butter and sugar is crucial for achieving the right texture in the cookies. The mixture should be pale and airy, incorporating air that will help the cookies rise and create a tender crumb. Don’t rush this step; take your time to ensure the butter and sugar are fully combined.
Step 2: Add Peppermint Extract: Once the butter and sugar are creamed, add the peppermint extract to the bowl. Mix until the peppermint extract is evenly incorporated throughout the butter-sugar mixture. The peppermint extract provides the cookies with their signature minty flavor. Be careful not to add too much extract, as it can overpower the other flavors.
Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the bowl. Mix on low speed until the dough starts to come together. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined and a soft dough forms. If the dough seems too dry, add a teaspoon of water at a time until it comes together.
Step 4: Add Optional Ingredients: If using, stir in the finely chopped pecans or walnuts and mini chocolate chips. Mix until the nuts and chocolate chips are evenly distributed throughout the dough. The nuts add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor, while the chocolate chips provide a touch of sweetness and richness. Feel free to experiment with other additions, such as dried cranberries, chopped almonds, or white chocolate chips.
Step 5: Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough is essential for preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking. The cold butter in the dough will solidify, which helps the cookies hold their shape in the oven. If you’re short on time, you can chill the dough for a shorter period, but the longer it chills, the better the cookies will turn out.
Step 6: Shape and Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents the cookies from sticking to the baking sheet and makes cleanup easier. Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each cookie.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies: Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the cookies are just lightly golden underneath. Keep a close eye on the cookies while they’re baking to prevent them from browning too much. The cookies should be soft and slightly puffed. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before rolling them in powdered sugar.
Step 8: Coat in Powdered Sugar: While the cookies are still warm, gently roll them in powdered sugar until they are completely coated. The warmth of the cookies will help the powdered sugar adhere to them. Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack. Once the cookies are completely cooled, roll them in powdered sugar again for a second coating. This double coating of powdered sugar gives the cookies their signature snowy appearance.
Step 9: Serve or Store: Serve the Minty Snowball Cookies immediately or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. These cookies are perfect for enjoying with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve these cookies with a warm beverage, such as coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
- Arrange them on a platter for a festive holiday presentation.
- Package them in a decorative tin for gifting.
- Pair them with other holiday treats, such as gingerbread cookies or fudge.
Tips:
- Use high-quality butter for the best flavor and texture.
- Make sure the butter is softened but not melted.
- Don’t overmix the dough.
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll the cookies in powdered sugar while they are still warm.
- Double coat the cookies in powdered sugar for a snowy finish.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cook Time:
12-14 minutes
Total Time:
45 minutes
Nutritional Information: (estimated, per cookie)
Calories: 120 Protein: 1g Sodium: 20mg
Conclusion
These Minty Snowball Cookies are a delightful twist on a classic holiday treat. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture, refreshing minty flavor, and snowy appearance make them a perfect addition to any winter celebration. This recipe is easy to follow and customizable, so you can create your own unique version of these delicious cookies. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, gifting to loved ones, or simply indulging in a sweet treat, these Minty Snowball Cookies are sure to bring joy and warmth to your day. Enjoy the magic of winter with every bite of these irresistible cookies!
Questions and Answers about this Recipe
Q1: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
A: While it’s best to use unsalted butter to control the amount of salt in the recipe, you can substitute salted butter. If you do, reduce the amount of salt in the recipe by half (use 1/8 teaspoon instead of 1/4 teaspoon). Keep in mind that the flavor of the cookies may be slightly different.
Q2: Can I make these cookies without nuts?
A: Absolutely! The nuts are optional, so you can easily omit them if you prefer. The cookies will still be delicious without the added crunch.
Q3: Can I use a different type of extract instead of peppermint?
A: Yes, you can experiment with other extracts, such as vanilla, almond, or lemon. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile of the cookies will change accordingly. Vanilla extract will give you a more classic snowball cookie flavor, while almond or lemon extract will add a unique twist.
Q4: How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking?
A: Chilling the dough is key to preventing the cookies from spreading. Make sure to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes, or even longer if you have time. This will allow the butter to solidify, which helps the cookies hold their shape in the oven.
Q5: Can I freeze these cookies?
A: Yes, you can freeze these cookies for up to 2-3 months. To freeze, place the baked and cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen cookies to an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to serve, thaw the cookies at room temperature and roll them in powdered sugar again before serving.
