Introduction
Get ready to welcome the festive season with these delightful Peppermint Snowball Cookies! With their tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture and a burst of cool peppermint flavor, these treats are not only a feast for the eyes but also a delightful addition to any holiday cookie platter. The contrasting textures of soft, buttery cookies coated in a sweet layer of powdered sugar will have you and your loved ones reaching for seconds. Perfect for sharing and even better for gifting, these cookies will leave you with the warmest holiday memories.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
- 1/2 cup additional powdered sugar for rolling
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar. Beat them together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and has a lovely pale color.
- Add the vanilla and peppermint extracts to the butter mixture. Stir well, allowing those sweet and minty aromas to fill your kitchen.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually incorporate this dry mixture into the butter mixture, stirring until everything is combined. The dough will start to come together beautifully.
- Gently fold in the crushed peppermint candies, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough for a delightful crunch in every bite.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough and roll them into balls. Place these on your prepared baking sheet, keeping them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading while baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden brown and your kitchen is perfumed with fresh peppermint goodness.
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then, while they are still warm, roll each cookie in the additional powdered sugar for that classic snowball look.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack; for an extra touch of sweetness, roll them in powdered sugar one more time before serving.
Notes or Tips
- For an added peppermint punch, consider using mini chocolate chips alongside the crushed peppermint candies.
- These cookies can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to a week or frozen for up to a month.
- If you want more of a peppermint kicker, feel free to increase the peppermint extract slightly, but be careful not to overwhelm the other flavors.
Cooking Techniques
These cookies are perfect for learning how to cream butter and sugar together effectively, which is crucial for many baking recipes. You’ll notice the texture change as you beat the mixture—this aeration helps create light and fluffy cookies! Folding in the crushed peppermint candies gently preserves their texture and ensures that you get that delightful crunch in every bite.
FAQ
- Can I use salted butter? While you can use salted butter, the addition of salt in the recipe is intended for balance, so using unsalted butter is recommended for the best result.
- What can I substitute for peppermint extract? If peppermint extract isn’t available, you can use almond extract for a different flavor profile, though it will change the taste of the cookies.
Conclusion
These Peppermint Snowball Cookies are not just treats, they are a celebration of the holiday spirit! With their inviting sweetness and refreshing minty flavor, they are sure to bring smiles and warmth to any gathering. So roll up your sleeves, gather your loved ones, and enjoy the blissful experience of baking—and, of course, tasting—these delightful cookies. Happy baking!