Delicate, buttery, and infused with cool peppermint, these Christmas Peppermint Snowball Cookies are a festive twist on the traditional holiday favorite. With a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a dusting of powdered sugar that resembles freshly fallen snow, these cookies are a must-have for your Christmas cookie tray. Crushed candy canes and peppermint extract add holiday cheer and flavor, making each bite feel like a cozy celebration of the season. Whether you’re baking for a cookie exchange, holiday party, or just for fun with family, these cookies are charming, flavorful, and delightfully easy to make.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus more for dusting)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup finely crushed candy canes
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans (optional)
Preparation
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes using a hand or stand mixer.
Step 3: Add Flavorings
Beat in the vanilla extract and peppermint extract until well combined.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Step 5: Fold in Add-Ins
Gently stir in the crushed candy canes and chopped pecans (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Scoop out 1-tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly golden. The tops should not brown.
Step 8: Roll in Powdered Sugar
Allow cookies to cool for 5 minutes, then gently roll them in powdered sugar while still slightly warm. Let them cool completely and roll a second time for a snowy finish.
Variations
- Swap crushed peppermint for chopped white chocolate chips
- Add mini chocolate chips for a mint-chocolate version
- Use almond extract instead of vanilla for a nutty twist
- Dip the bottoms in melted chocolate and chill before serving
- Add a touch of pink food coloring to the dough for a rosy hue
- Roll in crushed freeze-dried strawberries for a fruity version
Cooking Notes
- Avoid overbaking, cookies should stay pale and soft
- Peppermint extract is potent; measure carefully
- If your candy canes are too chunky, pulse them finer in a food processor
- Cookies harden slightly as they cool, so don’t wait for golden tops
- Powdered sugar sticks best when cookies are warm, not hot
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with mugs of hot cocoa or peppermint tea
- Package in cellophane bags for edible holiday gifts
- Add to Christmas cookie trays for visual and flavor variety
- Pair with vanilla ice cream for a sweet dessert treat
- Offer during cookie exchange parties or holiday open houses
Tips
- Crush candy canes in a zip-top bag with a rolling pin for easy cleanup
- Make ahead and freeze dough balls, bake straight from the freezer
- Double the recipe and store extras in airtight containers
- Roll in peppermint powdered sugar (sifted with crushed candy cane dust)
- Store in layers between parchment to avoid sticking
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie, based on 24 cookies)
- Calories: 140
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 45mg
FAQs
Can I make these without nuts?
- Yes! Simply omit the pecans. They’re totally optional and the cookies still taste amazing without them.
Can I use peppermint candies instead of candy canes?
- Yes. Any hard peppermint candy works. Just crush it finely before adding to the dough.
Can I freeze the cookies?
- Yes. You can freeze the baked cookies for up to 2 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving and dust with fresh powdered sugar.
Why do I roll them twice in powdered sugar?
- Rolling while warm ensures the sugar sticks well. Rolling again after cooling gives a thicker, snow-like layer.
Can I make these gluten-free?
- Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
Conclusion
Christmas Peppermint Snowball Cookies bring all the charm of the holiday season into one sweet, snowy bite. Their buttery texture, crisp peppermint flavor, and snowy powdered sugar coating make them irresistible for kids and adults alike. These cookies are not only easy to make but also hold up well in storage, making them ideal for gifting, holiday trays, or cozy nights by the fire. The recipe offers plenty of room for creativity and customization, ensuring that you can enjoy them year after year without ever getting bored. Try them once, and they’ll become a cherished part of your Christmas baking tradition.