Let me introduce you to Minty Snowball Cookies: buttery, melt-in-your-mouth confections with a burst of cool peppermint and a festive shower of powdered sugar! These cookies are my go-to when the holidays roll around, but honestly, they’re too easy and irresistible not to enjoy all winter long. With bits of crunchy peppermint candies nestled inside a delicate, nutty dough, each bite delivers pure seasonal joy. Whether you’re baking for your family or packing up treats for friends, Minty Snowball Cookies capture the magic of the season in every sweet, snow-dusted bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Minty Snowball Cookies lies in their simplicity—classic ingredients come together to make something truly extraordinary. Each component plays its part, lending flavor, texture, or that signature snowy look you just can’t resist.
- Unsalted Butter: The secret behind that rich, tender crumb; make sure it’s softened for effortless creaming.
- Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and a light texture, plus creates that enchanting “snowball” finish when rolled.
- Peppermint Extract: Brings refreshing, cool minty flavor that makes these cookies unforgettable.
- All-Purpose Flour: The sturdy base that holds all your wintery flavors together.
- Chopped Peppermint Candies or Candy Canes: Lend crunch and pops of peppermint throughout; a food processor makes quick work of crushing them!
- Chopped Walnuts or Pecans: Add a subtle nutty crunch—pecans for extra buttery notes, walnuts for a slightly heartier bite.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors and balances the cookie’s sweetness.
How to Make Minty Snowball Cookies
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Pan
Begin by heating your oven to 350°F, letting it get nice and toasty while you line your baking sheet with parchment paper. This not only prevents sticking but also ensures those delicate Minty Snowball Cookies lift right off the pan looking perfect.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar. You’ll know you’ve got it right when the mixture is light, fluffy, and almost cloud-like—this is what gives each cookie that ethereal texture.
Step 3: Add Peppermint
Pour in the peppermint extract, blending it evenly into your butter-sugar base. That minty aroma will sweep through the kitchen and set the stage for the festive treat to come.
Step 4: Mix In Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour and salt, stirring gently. You want to bring everything together just until incorporated—this keeps your snowballs tender, not tough.
Step 5: Fold In Candies and Nuts
Now, gently fold in the finely chopped peppermint candies and walnuts or pecans. Watch the dough transform with little flecks of red and white, promising crunch and flavor in every bite.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Scoop out tablespoon-sized amounts of dough, roll them between your palms into balls, and space them out one inch apart on your prepared pan. This rolling step is a touch meditative; enjoy it!
Step 7: Bake
Slide your cookies into the oven and bake for 12 to 14 minutes, just until the bottoms turn a gentle golden shade. Keep an eye on them—they’re ready when still pale on top but fragrant and set.
Step 8: Roll in Sugar for the Snowball Effect
After letting the cookies cool for five minutes, gently roll them in powdered sugar while they’re still slightly warm. Once cooled completely, give them a second roll—this double-dusting is what gives Minty Snowball Cookies their signature snowy look and melt-in-your-mouth finish.
How to Serve Minty Snowball Cookies
Garnishes
The “snow” of powdered sugar is classic, but you can sprinkle crushed peppermint candies over the top for an extra crunch and sparkling finish. Edible glitter or a gentle drizzle of white chocolate adds a whimsical flair that makes each Minty Snowball Cookie feel even more magical.
Side Dishes
Pair your Minty Snowball Cookies with mugs of hot cocoa, a steamy cup of peppermint tea, or even creamy coffee for a dreamy winter treat. For a party platter, surround them with chocolate crinkle cookies, gingerbread, or your favorite shortbreads to create a holiday cookie wonderland.
Creative Ways to Present
Minty Snowball Cookies look gorgeous nestled in festive tins, gathered on a snowy white platter, or tucked in cellophane bags as delicious homemade gifts. Stack them in clear jars with a peppermint stick or add a ribbon-tied tag for a sweet touch—they’re a showstopper wherever you take them!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Minty Snowball Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay soft and flavorful for up to a week. Just add a piece of parchment between layers to protect their beautiful powdered sugar coating.
Freezing
These cookies freeze like a dream! Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers. They’ll keep well for up to two months. When you’re ready to serve, defrost at room temperature, then give them a fresh roll in powdered sugar to revive their snowy charm.
Reheating
No need to reheat Minty Snowball Cookies, as they’re best enjoyed at room temperature. If you’d like to bring back a bit of freshness, simply dust them with a touch more powdered sugar before serving—instant winter wonderland!
FAQs
Can I make Minty Snowball Cookies without nuts?
Absolutely! If you prefer a nut-free version, simply skip the nuts and add a tablespoon or two of extra flour if the dough seems overly soft. The cookies will be just as delicious and still packed with pepperminty cheer.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Since this dough is quite buttery, make sure it isn’t too warm when baking. If it feels overly soft after shaping, pop the tray into the fridge for 10 minutes before baking—this helps the cookies hold their ball shape perfectly.
Can I use different extracts or flavors?
Peppermint is classic for Minty Snowball Cookies, but you can experiment with almond or vanilla extract for a twist. For that signature holiday flavor, though, peppermint really is the star!
What’s the best way to crush peppermint candies?
Place the candies or candy canes in a zip-top bag and gently crush them with a rolling pin, or use a food processor for a quicker, more uniform chop. Avoid over-processing, as too much powder can melt into the dough and change the texture.
How long will Minty Snowball Cookies stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container, these cookies will stay fresh and soft for about a week. The flavor from the peppermint even intensifies over a couple days, making them a great make-ahead treat!
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited to try these Minty Snowball Cookies as I am to share them with you! With their frosty powdered sugar coating and cool peppermint crunch, they’re the kind of treat you’ll want to make again and again—especially when you want to spread a little extra joy. Happy baking, and don’t forget to savor every snowy bite!
Print
Minty Snowball Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 29 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Minty Snowball Cookies are a delightful treat, perfect for the holiday season. With a hint of peppermint and a snowy powdered sugar coating, they are sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ½ cup powdered sugar (plus more for rolling)
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup finely chopped peppermint candies or candy canes
- ½ cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the peppermint extract.
- Add dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt, stirring until just combined. Fold in the chopped peppermint candies and nuts.
- Shape and bake: Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll into balls, placing them 1 inch apart on the baking sheet. Bake for 12–14 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly golden.
- Finish with sugar: Let cool for 5 minutes, then roll warm cookies in additional powdered sugar. Once completely cooled, roll again in powdered sugar for a snowy finish.
Notes
Notes:
- You can use a food processor to finely crush peppermint candies.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to a week.
- For a nut-free version, omit the nuts and increase flour slightly if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
