🎉 Introduction
If you love soft, buttery cookies that melt the moment you bite into them, these Peppermint Snowball Cookies are the perfect holiday treat. Light, delicate, and filled with refreshing peppermint flavor, they capture everything magical about Christmas baking. With their snowy powdered sugar coating and cool mint aroma, these cookies taste like winter in every bite.
Peppermint snowballs are an irresistible twist on classic holiday snowballs. Instead of walnuts or chocolate, these cookies use peppermint extract and crushed candy canes to add a burst of fresh, festive flavor. They’re ideal for Christmas cookie boxes, dessert tables, edible gifts, or cozy family movie nights. Simple ingredients, quick prep, and unforgettable flavor make them a holiday must-bake.
🧰 Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
- Small bowl for powdered sugar
🛒 Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup powdered sugar (plus extra for coating)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Flavor
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- ½ cup crushed candy canes or peppermint candies
Dairy
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
👩🍳 Directions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy and fluffy.
Step 3: Add powdered sugar and mix until smooth.
Step 4: Add peppermint extract and continue mixing until fully combined.
Step 5: Add flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Step 6: Fold in the crushed candy canes.
Step 7: Scoop 1 tablespoon of dough and roll into small round balls.
Step 8: Arrange dough balls on the baking sheet.
Step 9: Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden.
Step 10: Let cookies cool for 3–4 minutes, then roll warm cookies in powdered sugar.
Step 11: Once cooled fully, roll again in powdered sugar for the perfect snowy finish.
🍽️ Servings & Timing
- Servings: 24–28 cookies
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
- Total Time: 20–25 minutes
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Room Temperature
Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Freezer
These cookies freeze beautifully for up to 2 months.
Reheating
No reheating needed — simply thaw and serve.
🥄 Variations
⭐ Chocolate Peppermint Snowballs
Add ½ cup mini chocolate chips.
⭐ Pink Snowballs
Add a drop of red food coloring for a pastel pink peppermint cookie.
⭐ White Chocolate Peppermint
Dip half the cookie in melted white chocolate and sprinkle crushed candy canes.
⭐ Extra Minty Version
Increase peppermint extract to 1 ½ teaspoons.
⭐ Gluten-Free Snowballs
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use peppermint oil instead of extract?
Yes — but use a very small amount (⅛ teaspoon). It’s stronger.
2. Can I skip the candy canes?
Yes — the cookies will still be minty and delicious.
3. Do the candy canes melt inside the cookies?
They soften slightly, creating a sweet crisp texture.
4. Can I use salted butter?
Yes — reduce the added salt.
5. Why roll twice in powdered sugar?
Twice gives the thick, snowy coating snowball cookies are known for.
6. Can I make the dough ahead?
Yes — refrigerate up to 24 hours.
7. Can I freeze the dough?
Yes — freeze dough balls for up to 2 months.
8. Why are my cookies dry?
Too much flour — always spoon and level flour into the measuring cup.
9. Can I make them pink or white?
Yes — add food coloring or leave them natural.
10. Are these cookies good for gifting?
Absolutely — they stack beautifully in gift boxes.
🏁 Conclusion
These Peppermint Snowball Cookies combine buttery melt-in-your-mouth texture with cool peppermint flavor and a snowy powdered-sugar finish. They’re festive, beautiful, and incredibly easy to bake — perfect for Christmas cookie trays, holiday parties, or sharing with loved ones.
Whether you’re a peppermint lover or just want a cozy winter cookie that captures the magic of the season, this recipe is guaranteed to become a holiday favorite.
Peppermint Snowball Cookies – Cool, Minty & Perfectly Festive
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Notes
Room Temperature Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Freezer These cookies freeze beautifully for up to 2 months. Reheating No reheating needed — simply thaw and serve. 🥄 Variations
⭐ Chocolate Peppermint Snowballs Add ½ cup mini chocolate chips. ⭐ Pink Snowballs Add a drop of red food coloring for a pastel pink peppermint cookie. ⭐ White Chocolate Peppermint Dip half the cookie in melted white chocolate and sprinkle crushed candy canes. ⭐ Extra Minty Version Increase peppermint extract to 1 ½ teaspoons. ⭐ Gluten-Free Snowballs Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute. ❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use peppermint oil instead of extract? Yes — but use a very small amount (⅛ teaspoon). It’s stronger. 2. Can I skip the candy canes? Yes — the cookies will still be minty and delicious. 3. Do the candy canes melt inside the cookies? They soften slightly, creating a sweet crisp texture. 4. Can I use salted butter? Yes — reduce the added salt. 5. Why roll twice in powdered sugar? Twice gives the thick, snowy coating snowball cookies are known for. 6. Can I make the dough ahead? Yes — refrigerate up to 24 hours. 7. Can I freeze the dough? Yes — freeze dough balls for up to 2 months. 8. Why are my cookies dry? Too much flour — always spoon and level flour into the measuring cup. 9. Can I make them pink or white? Yes — add food coloring or leave them natural. 10. Are these cookies good for gifting? Absolutely — they stack beautifully in gift boxes. 🏁 Conclusion These Peppermint Snowball Cookies combine buttery melt-in-your-mouth texture with cool peppermint flavor and a snowy powdered-sugar finish. They’re festive, beautiful, and incredibly easy to bake — perfect for Christmas cookie trays, holiday parties, or sharing with loved ones. Whether you’re a peppermint lover or just want a cozy winter cookie that captures the magic of the season, this recipe is guaranteed to become a holiday favorite.
