Peppermint Crunch Snowball Cookies Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls using your hands or a cookie scooper, ensuring even-sized portions for uniform baking.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Roll Cookies in Coating: Roll each warm cookie in the confectioner’s sugar and peppermint candy mixture to thoroughly coat the surface.
- 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
