Peppermint Snowball Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Peppermint Snowball Cookies are a festive and delightful treat perfect for the holidays. These soft, buttery cookies have a refreshing peppermint flavor and a lovely dusting of confectioners sugar that resembles fresh snow. They’re easy to make and sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 2 sticks (1 cup) salted butter, softened to room temperature
• 2/3 cup + 1 1/2 cups confectioners sugar (divided)
• 2 1/4 cups flour
• 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
• 1 tsp. pure peppermint extract
• Red or pink food dye

Instructions

1. Step 1: In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the butter and 2/3 cup confectioners sugar until smooth. Add flour, salt, and peppermint extract, then beat just until combined. Add food coloring a little at a time until the dough reaches your desired color.
2. Step 2: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 375°F and line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper.
3. Step 3: Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and roll them into uniform balls. Arrange the cookies on the prepared cookie sheet and bake for about 8 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly browned. Let the cookies cool on the pan for 5 to 10 minutes.
4. Step 4: Pour 1 1/2 cups confectioners sugar into a large Ziploc bag. Add a few warm cookies to the bag at a time, seal, and shake well to coat them evenly. Return the coated cookies to the cookie sheet. Repeat with the remaining cookies. Once all the cookies have been coated twice, let them cool completely. For a final touch, dust with a little more confectioners sugar before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use colored sugar sprinkles instead of food dye for a different festive look without changing the cookie color.
• If you don’t have peppermint extract, try vanilla extract for a classic snowball flavor.
• Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading and keeps the cookies thick and tender.
• For extra crunch, roll the dough balls in finely chopped nuts before baking.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want them to stay fresh longer, keep them in the refrigerator but allow them to reach room temperature before serving. The cookies can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw fully and recoat with confectioners sugar if needed before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter?

Yes, you can use unsalted butter. Just be sure to add a pinch more salt to balance the flavors in the dough.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents them from spreading too much in the oven.

Peppermint Snowball Cookies Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 96 reviews

Delightfully festive Peppermint Snowball Cookies combine a buttery, tender dough with refreshing peppermint flavor and a charming rosy tint. These melt-in-your-mouth cookies are coated generously in confectioners’ sugar for a snowy finish, perfect for holiday celebrations or anytime you want a sweet, minty treat.

• Author: Daniel
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Total Time: 53 minutes
• Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookie Dough

• 2 sticks (1 cup) salted butter, softened to room temperature
• 2/3 cup confectioners sugar
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp pure peppermint extract
• Red or pink food dye, as desired

Coating

• 1 1/2 cups confectioners sugar

Instructions

1. Cream Butter and Sugar: In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the softened butter and 2/3 cup confectioners sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, ensuring the sugar is well incorporated into the butter.
2. Mix Dough Ingredients: Add the flour, kosher salt, and peppermint extract to the creamed mixture. Beat just until combined to form a soft dough. Add red or pink food dye a few drops at a time until the dough reaches the desired color.
3. Chill Dough: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the dough to firm up, making it easier to handle.
4. Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
5. Shape Cookies: Scoop approximately 1-tablespoon portions of dough and roll them into uniform balls. Place the dough balls spaced evenly on the prepared cookie sheet.
6. Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies for 8 minutes or until the bottoms are slightly browned, indicating they are cooked through but maintaining a tender texture.
7. Cool Slightly: Allow the cookies to cool on the pan for 5 to 10 minutes so they firm up slightly but are still warm for coating.
8. Coat Cookies: Pour 1 1/2 cups confectioners sugar into a large Ziploc bag. Add a few warm cookies at a time, seal the bag, and shake gently to coat them thoroughly with sugar. Return the coated cookies to the cookie sheet.
9. Repeat Coating: Repeat the coating process with the remaining cookies. Once all are coated, let them cool completely.
10. Final Dusting and Serve: When the cookies are fully cooled, dust them lightly with additional confectioners sugar for a beautiful snowy finish. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

• Be sure to chill the dough well for easier shaping and better texture.
• Use pure peppermint extract for an authentic mint flavor—avoid artificial peppermint for best taste.
• Vary the amount of food coloring to achieve your preferred shade of pink or red.
• Coating cookies while warm helps the sugar stick better.
• Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to a week.

Keywords: Peppermint Snowball Cookies, holiday cookies, peppermint cookies, powdered sugar cookies, festive treats, peppermint extract, pink cookies