Peppermint Crunch Snowball Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Peppermint Crunch Snowball Cookies are a festive twist on a classic holiday treat. These buttery cookies have a refreshing peppermint flavor and a delightful crunchy texture from crushed peppermint candies. They’re perfect for sharing at winter gatherings or enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa.

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

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly spray it with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Step 2: Cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup confectioner’s sugar until smooth and fluffy. Add the vanilla and peppermint extracts, then beat until the mixture is creamy.
3. Step 3: Gradually beat in the all-purpose flour and 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies. The dough will be a bit stiff but will hold together when pressed.
4. 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 start to turn golden brown.
5. Step 5: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2-4 minutes or until they are cool enough to handle.
6. Step 6: In a small bowl, stir together 3/4 cup confectioner’s sugar and 1 tablespoon crushed peppermint candies.
7. Step 7: Roll each warm cookie in the sugar and peppermint mixture to coat completely.
8. Step 8: Transfer the coated cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. If some of the sugar coating melts, roll the cookies again in the sugar mixture for an even coating.

Tips & Variations

• For a stronger peppermint flavor, increase the peppermint extract slightly or add more crushed candies into the dough.
• Try dipping half of each cookie in melted white chocolate for an extra special touch.
• If you don’t have peppermint extract, you can omit it and rely on the crushed candies for flavor.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them fresh longer, you can freeze the uncoated cookies in a sealed container for up to three months; roll them in the peppermint sugar mixture after thawing. Reheat briefly in a warm oven if you prefer them slightly warm before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Be sure the blend contains xanthan gum or another binder for best results.

Why are my cookies not holding their shape?

If your dough is too soft or warm, the cookies may spread too much. Chill the dough for 30 minutes before shaping to help maintain their round shape during baking.

Peppermint Crunch Snowball Cookies Recipe

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Peppermint Crunch Snowball Cookies are festive, buttery treats that combine the classic melt-in-your-mouth texture of snowball cookies with a refreshing peppermint twist. These cookie balls are infused with crushed peppermint candies, rolled in a mixture of confectioner’s sugar and peppermint bits for a crunchy, sweet coating, perfect for holiday celebrations or anytime you crave a cool, minty dessert.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

Cookie Coating

• 3/4 Cup confectioner’s sugar
• 1 Tablespoon crushed peppermint candies

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly spraying it with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup confectioner’s sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and optional peppermint extract, beating until well combined and creamy.
3. Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually beat in the all-purpose flour and crushed peppermint candies. The dough will be somewhat stiff but should come together when pressed, forming a cohesive mixture.
4. Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls using your hands or a cookie scooper, ensuring even-sized portions for uniform baking.
5. Bake: Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the bottoms begin to turn a light golden brown, indicating they are cooked through.
6. Cool Slightly: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2-4 minutes, or until they are cool enough to handle without breaking.
7. Prepare Coating: In a small bowl, combine 3/4 cup confectioner’s sugar with 1 tablespoon crushed peppermint candies, mixing well to create the coating mixture.
8. Roll Cookies in Coating: Roll each warm cookie in the confectioner’s sugar and peppermint candy mixture to thoroughly coat the surface.
9. Cool Completely: Transfer the coated cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. If the confectioner’s sugar melts into some of the cookies during this time, give them another roll in the sugar mixture to maintain the coating.

Notes

• Use softened butter to achieve a smooth dough and creamy texture.
• Crushed peppermint candies add festive flavor and a delightful crunch; adjust quantity to taste.
• Be sure not to overbake; cookies should just turn golden on the bottom.
• Rolling cookies in the sugar mixture while warm helps the coating stick well.
• For stronger peppermint flavor, increase peppermint extract but be cautious as it can be overpowering.
• Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent them from becoming soggy.

Keywords: Peppermint Snowball Cookies, Holiday Cookies, Mint Cookies, Christmas Cookies, Snowball Cookies, Peppermint Treats