Get ready to add a spark of joy to your holiday baking with my Peppermint Snowball Cookies! These delicious treats are soft, buttery, and filled with minty goodness. I’ll guide you through each step, from gathering simple ingredients to tips for perfecting your cookie texture. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just enjoy a sweet treat, these cookies are sure to delight. Let’s dive in and make some magic in the kitchen!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Festive Flavor: The combination of peppermint and vanilla creates a delightful holiday flavor that is perfect for the season.
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal ingredients and simple steps, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
- Beautiful Presentation: The snowy coating of powdered sugar makes these cookies visually stunning, ideal for holiday gatherings.
- Fun for Kids: Rolling the cookie dough into balls and coating them in sugar is a fun activity that kids can help with.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Measurement Details
When I make these cookies, I use a standard cup for measuring butter. Make sure your butter is soft to mix well. For powdered sugar, I use a dry measuring cup. The extracts should be measured with a teaspoon. I recommend using a kitchen scale for the flour, if possible, to get it just right. If you don’t have a scale, use the spoon and level method—spoon the flour into the cup and level it off with a knife.
Substitutions
You can easily change some of the ingredients. If you want a dairy-free option, use vegan butter. For a different flavor, swap the peppermint extract with almond extract. You can also use crushed chocolate candies instead of peppermint for a fun twist. If you need a gluten-free option, try a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just make sure it has a binder like xanthan gum.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking. While the oven warms, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. The paper keeps the cookies from sticking. It also makes cleanup easy.
Creaming the Butter and Sugar
Next, take a large mixing bowl. Add 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar. Beat them together for about 3-4 minutes. You want a light and fluffy mix. This step is key for soft cookies. Once mixed, add 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract and 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract. Blend until well combined.
Combining the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. This helps evenly distribute the salt. Gradually add this dry mix to the butter mix, blending until just combined.
Incorporating Peppermint Candy
Now, it’s time to fold in 1/2 cup of crushed peppermint candies or candy canes. Make sure they are evenly mixed in. This adds a delightful crunch and minty taste.
Forming the Cookie Balls
Scoop about a tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Place these balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This space allows them to spread while baking.
Baking Time and Cooling Process
Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes. You want the edges to be lightly golden. The centers should stay pale. Once done, let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. While they are still warm, roll the cookies in powdered sugar until fully coated. Dust with more sugar before serving.
Tips & Tricks
Best Practices for Cookie Texture
To get soft and tender cookies, use room temperature butter. It helps cream well with sugar. Cream the butter and sugar for about 3-4 minutes. This makes the cookies light and fluffy. Avoid overmixing the dough once you add the flour. Just mix until combined to keep the cookies soft.
How to Achieve Maximum Flavor
Use pure extracts for the best taste. Peppermint extract is key here. Make sure to add a teaspoon of vanilla extract, too. This balance gives your cookies a great flavor. Don’t forget the crushed peppermint candies. They add a nice crunch and extra flavor.
Presentation Tips
To make your cookies look festive, use a pretty platter. Dust them with powdered sugar just before serving. This makes them look snowy and delicious. Add whole peppermint candies or colorful sprinkles around them for a fun touch.
– Serving Suggestions: Enjoy these cookies with a hot cup of cocoa or tea. They make a delightful treat for holiday gatherings or cozy nights at home.
Pro Tips
- Use Room Temperature Butter: Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming with the sugar, resulting in a lighter cookie texture.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix the flour in just until combined to keep the cookies tender and prevent them from becoming tough.
- Chill the Dough: For a firmer dough that holds its shape better while baking, consider chilling the rolled balls in the fridge for 15-30 minutes before baking.
- Fresh Peppermint Flavor: Use fresh peppermint candies or high-quality peppermint extract for the best flavor in your cookies.
Variations
Chocolate Peppermint Snowball Cookies
You can add chocolate to make a new treat. Swap some flour for cocoa powder. Use 1/2 cup of cocoa powder instead of 1/2 cup of flour. This gives a rich, chocolatey flavor. The peppermint still shines through, making a perfect blend.
Gluten-Free Version
For a gluten-free option, use almond flour or a gluten-free blend. Just make sure to measure carefully. Almond flour gives a nutty taste. A gluten-free blend works well too. Your cookies will still be soft and tasty, perfect for all to enjoy.
Different Flavor Combinations
You can mix things up with fun flavors. Try adding nuts like walnuts or pecans. Chop them finely and fold them in with the peppermint candies. This adds a nice crunch.
Adding Nuts or Other Mix-ins
Other mix-ins can enhance the taste. You could add chocolate chips or butterscotch chips. These add sweetness and richness. Dried fruit like cranberries can bring a tart twist. Be creative with your mix-ins to find your favorite combo!
Storage Info
How to Store Cookies
To keep peppermint snowball cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. Line the container with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Place a layer of cookies, then add a layer of parchment. This helps them stay soft and tasty. Keep the container at room temperature away from heat or direct sunlight.
Freezing Instructions
You can freeze these cookies for later enjoyment. First, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer the cookies to an airtight freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. They can last up to three months in the freezer.
Shelf Life
When stored properly, peppermint snowball cookies can last about one week at room temperature. If you freeze them, they remain good for about three months. Always check for any signs of spoilage before enjoying them, especially if stored for longer periods.
FAQs
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can use margarine, but the taste changes. Butter gives a rich flavor, while margarine is lighter. If you choose margarine, pick one with a high fat content. This helps keep the cookies tender. Adjust the baking time if needed. Watch for the edges to turn light golden.
How can I make these cookies more festive?
To make these cookies more festive, you can add sprinkles. Use red and green ones for a holiday touch. You can also mix in chocolate chips or nuts. Another idea is to drizzle melted white chocolate on top. Use a fork to create fun designs. These small changes can brighten up the cookies.
What is the best way to crush peppermint candies?
Crushing peppermint candies is easy. First, place them in a plastic bag. Seal the bag tightly, so no pieces escape. Use a rolling pin or a heavy pan to crush them. Smash gently for larger pieces or harder for fine dust. Sifting the crushed candies can help separate larger bits, making them perfect for your cookies.
This blog post covered every detail to help you bake perfect cookies. We discussed the ingredients, steps, and helpful tips. You learned about cookie variations and storage methods. Now you’re ready to enjoy baking fun and tasty treats. Remember, practice makes perfect. Have fun experimenting with flavors and methods. It’s all about enjoying the process. Now go ahead, create something deliciou
