Peppermint Snowball Cookies

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Peppermint Snowball Cookies are a classic holiday treat that deliver the perfect balance of buttery richness and cool peppermint flavor. With their soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and snowy powdered sugar coating, these cookies are a must-bake for Christmas gatherings, cookie exchanges, and winter parties. This recipe is incredibly simple, making it ideal for all skill levels—from beginner bakers to seasoned home chefs. Whether you’re preparing a dessert tray or looking for an easy homemade gift, this recipe is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple, beginner-friendly steps
• Festive peppermint flavor perfect for holiday celebrations
• Uses affordable, easy-to-find ingredients
• Great for cookie exchanges and gifting
• Freezer-friendly for advance baking
• Kid-friendly and perfect for making as a family activity
• No complicated techniques required

Ingredients Breakdown

• Unsalted Butter – Creates a rich, tender base. Softened butter mixes smoothly and gives the cookies their delicate, crumbly texture.

• Confectioners’ Sugar – Used in the dough and for the snowy coating. Blends easily into the butter, creating a smooth cookie without any graininess.

• Vanilla Extract – Adds warmth and depth that complements the peppermint flavor.

• Peppermint Extract – The key flavor of the recipe, giving the cookies their festive minty taste. A small amount is enough, so avoid overusing it.

• All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure and helps create the classic melt-in-your-mouth texture. Spoon and level for accuracy.

• Salt – A pinch enhances flavor and keeps the sweetness balanced.

• Crushed Candy Canes – Add crunch, color, and peppermint bursts in every bite. Finely crushed pieces blend more evenly into the dough.

Tips and Tricks

• Always chill the dough; cold dough prevents spreading and keeps the cookies round.
• Crush candy canes finely so they don’t melt and create holes in the cookies.
• Roll cookies in sugar while warm—this helps the coating stick.
• For an extra snowy look, roll them twice: once warm, once cooled.
• Use a small cookie scoop for evenly sized cookies.
• If your dough feels too dry, mix in 1–2 teaspoons of milk to help it come together.
• Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.

Variations and Customizations

• Add mini chocolate chips for a peppermint-mocha twist.
• Dip half of each cooled cookie into melted chocolate for a bakery-style finish.
• Replace peppermint extract with almond extract for a nutty alternative.
• Add finely chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts for extra texture.
• Use gluten-free 1:1 flour to make the recipe gluten-free without altering the texture.
• Swap butter for plant-based butter to create a vegan-friendly version.

Pairing Suggestions

These cookies pair beautifully with:

• Hot chocolate
• Peppermint mocha
• Warm chai tea
• Classic sugar cookies on a holiday cookie tray
• Vanilla or peppermint ice cream
• A festive dessert charcuterie board

Storage Instructions

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
• Avoid stacking them while still warm to prevent sticking.
• Freeze uncoated cookies for up to 2 months; thaw completely and roll in powdered sugar before serving.
• Keep them away from moisture to maintain the soft, crumbly texture.

Popular Questions

Can I use regular granulated sugar instead of powdered sugar?

Not for this recipe. Powdered sugar creates the melt-in-your-mouth texture that snowball cookies are known for.

Why did my cookies spread?

This usually happens when the dough isn’t chilled long enough. Always chill for at least 30 minutes.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes. Chill it for up to 48 hours or freeze the dough balls and bake directly from frozen.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely—this recipe scales very well, making it great for big holiday batches.

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