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Peppermint Snowball Cookies – Cool, Minty & Perfectly Festive

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.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Servings: 28 cookies
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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
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Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Rubber spatula
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Cooling rack
  • Small bowl for powdered sugar

Method
 

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.

                        Notes

                        🧊 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.