Peppermint Crunch Snowball Cookies Recipe
Introduction
These Peppermint Crunch Snowball Cookies are a festive twist on the classic snowball cookie, bursting with refreshing peppermint flavor and a delightful crunch. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy winter treat, they’re simple to make and sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 1 Cup butter, softened
- 1/2 Cup confectioner’s sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract, optional
- 2 1/4 Cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 Cup crushed peppermint candies
- 3/4 Cup confectioner’s sugar, for rolling cookies in
- 1 Tablespoon crushed peppermint candies, for rolling cookies in
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly spray it with non-stick cooking spray.
- Step 2: Cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup confectioner’s sugar until smooth. Add in vanilla and peppermint extracts and beat until creamy.
- Step 3: Gradually add the flour and 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies, mixing until the dough comes together. It may be stiff but should hold when pressed.
- Step 4: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the bottoms just start turning golden brown.
- Step 5: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2-4 minutes, or until they can be handled without falling apart.
- Step 6: In a small bowl, stir together 3/4 cup confectioner’s sugar and 1 tablespoon crushed peppermint candies.
- Step 7: Roll each cookie in the sugar and peppermint mixture to coat them thoroughly.
- Step 8: Transfer the coated cookies to a wire rack and let them cool completely. If the sugar coating melts into some cookies, roll them again for an even crunch.
Tips & Variations
- For a stronger peppermint flavor, increase the peppermint extract to 1 teaspoon or add more crushed peppermint candies to the dough.
- Use finely crushed candy canes for the coating to add extra texture and color contrast.
- If you prefer a softer cookie, reduce the baking time slightly.
- These cookies can be decorated with a drizzle of melted white chocolate for an elegant touch.
Storage
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them for up to three months, separating layers with parchment paper. To reheat, let frozen cookies thaw at room temperature or warm gently in a low oven for a few minutes.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these cookies without peppermint extract?
Yes, you can omit the peppermint extract if you prefer a milder flavor. The crushed peppermint candies will still provide a nice minty crunch.
What can I use instead of crushed peppermint candies?
If you don’t have peppermint candies, try finely chopped candy canes or replace them with white chocolate chips or crushed nuts for a different texture and flavor.
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Peppermint Crunch Snowball Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
Peppermint Crunch Snowball Cookies are delightful buttery cookies infused with festive peppermint flavor and crunchy peppermint candy pieces. Rolled in a sweet peppermint confectioner’s sugar coating, these cookies offer a perfect balance of soft texture and refreshing minty crunch, making them an ideal treat for holiday celebrations or any time you crave a sweet, mint-flavored bite.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 Cup butter, softened
- 1/2 Cup confectioner’s sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract, optional
- 2 1/4 Cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 Cup crushed peppermint candies
Coating
- 3/4 Cup confectioner’s sugar
- 1 Tablespoon crushed peppermint candies
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly spraying it with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup confectioner’s sugar until smooth and creamy. Then add the vanilla extract and optional peppermint extract, beating until fully incorporated and creamy in texture.
- Mix Dough: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies to the butter mixture. Beat slowly until the dough becomes a bit stiff but holds together when pressed.
- Form Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls using your hands and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the bottoms of the cookies start to turn a light golden brown.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the baking sheet from the oven, and let the cookies cool for 2 to 4 minutes until they are cool enough to handle without breaking.
- Prepare Coating: In a small bowl, mix together 3/4 cup confectioner’s sugar and 1 tablespoon crushed peppermint candies to create a festive coating mix.
- Roll Cookies in Coating: Carefully roll each warm cookie in the peppermint confectioner’s sugar mixture to coat them completely, giving them a beautiful snowy peppermint crunch finish.
- Cool Completely: Transfer the coated cookies onto a wire rack to cool fully. If the confectioner’s sugar coating melts into the cookies for some, roll them again to restore the peppermint sugar coating.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is properly softened for easier creaming and smooth dough texture.
- The peppermint extract is optional but enhances the mint flavor; adjust quantity to taste.
- Use crushed peppermint candies for a crunchy texture; can substitute with candy canes if needed.
- Roll the cookies in the sugar mixture while still warm for the best coating adherence.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- For a festive touch, try adding a few drops of red food coloring to the dough before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Peppermint snowball cookies, peppermint cookies, holiday cookies, peppermint crunch cookies, festive cookies
