Description
These Delightful Peppermint Snowball Cookies are a perfect cozy holiday treat featuring buttery soft cookies infused with peppermint flavor and rolled in powdered sugar. With a tender crumb and a festive candy crunch, they bring a refreshing twist to classic snowball cookies that are easy to make and sure to impress at any holiday gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
For Coating
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it is at the correct temperature when you are ready to bake the cookies.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which will help create a tender cookie texture.
- Add Extracts: Mix in the vanilla extract and peppermint extract thoroughly to infuse the dough with aromatic flavors.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt to evenly distribute the salt and prevent lumps.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture into the butter mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Incorporate Peppermint Candies: Fold in the crushed peppermint candies evenly throughout the dough to add festive flavor and a pleasant crunch.
- Form Cookies: Shape the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and arrange them spaced apart on an ungreased baking sheet to allow even baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the bottoms and edges are just lightly golden, indicating they are done but still tender inside.
- Roll in Powdered Sugar: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool slightly until they are warm but manageable. Then, roll each cookie in the 1/2 cup of powdered sugar to coat thoroughly.
- Cool Completely: Place the sugar-coated cookies on a wire rack and allow them to cool completely before serving, which helps the coating set and enhances flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened but not melted for optimal creaming results.
- Crush peppermint candies finely but not to powder to maintain texture.
- You can substitute peppermint extract with a similar amount of vanilla extract if preferred.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For an extra festive look, use colored peppermint candies or add a drizzle of melted white chocolate.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
