Description
Minty Snowball Cookies are buttery, tender cookies infused with refreshing peppermint extract and rolled in powdered sugar for a snowy, festive appearance. Perfectly crumbly with a cool mint flavor, these cookies make a delightful treat for the holidays or any special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar (plus more for rolling)
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup finely chopped nuts (optional, such as pecans or walnuts)
Instructions
- Prepare the butter mixture: In a large bowl, use a mixer to beat the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. Then add the peppermint extract and mix until fully combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Gently fold in the chopped nuts if using.
- Chill the dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow it to firm up, which makes it easier to handle and shape.
- Preheat oven and shape cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and space them about 1 inch apart on the prepared sheets.
- Bake the cookies: Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the bottoms of the cookies are lightly golden while the tops remain pale and soft.
- First sugar roll: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 3–5 minutes, then gently roll them in powdered sugar while they are still warm for the first coating.
- Final sugar coating: Once the cookies have completely cooled, roll them in powdered sugar again to create a beautiful snowy finish typical of snowball cookies.
Notes
- For best results, make sure butter is softened but not melted for easy mixing.
- Chilling the dough helps the cookies retain their shape and prevents spreading during baking.
- The chopped nuts are optional and can be omitted or substituted based on preference or allergies.
- Rolling the cookies in powdered sugar twice creates the classic snowball cookie look and adds extra sweetness.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or freeze for longer storage.
